My apologies for taking so long to post! I have been busy, and although busyness is good, I have far too much to catch up on. I have been working in the galley, took an overnight trip to Kindia (in the country of Guinea), volunteered at a Mercy Ships eye screening, and have continued to get to know people from all over the world here. I am constantly being reminded of how impressive Mercy Ship is. It is incredible how quickly one can adjust to about anything. I have been here a little over three weeks, and my cabin mates and I were discussing how much longer it feels. But I already feel at home here and in a good, comfortable pace.

On Sunday and Thursday nights there are community meetings on the ship. The meetings are worship services and also a time for announcements and updates of the ship. After returning from Kindia, I dragged myself to the 7:30 meeting on Sunday night. Halfway through the service, the wife of Dr. Parker, whose family's been here for twenty years, spoke of a patient she had gotten to know. The patient's name was Blessing, an eleven-year old girl from one of the hospitals in Togo. She had fallen into a ditch and noma, a flesh-eating disease, had taken her over. Mrs. Parker showed devastating pictures of Blessing's face and knee where she had fallen. There was absolutely no more room in the Mercy Ships ward, but by God's grace, Dr. Parker was able to fit her in for surgery on her knee and mouth. After Mrs. Parker told this incredible story, she introduced Blessing's mother, which surprised everyone.

A larger lady came up to the podium, and in a thick West African accent sang this song:

You are my strength when I am weak

You are the treasure that I seek 

You are my all in all. 

When I fall down you pick me up 

When I am dry you fill my cup 

You are my all in all. 

After every line she would pause and catch her tears. Tears of overwhelming joy and mercy and thankfulness. I began to weep because of the power of that familiar song. She didn't know what to say or how express her gratitude to her faithful Savior and the team of Mercy Ships. So she decided to sing. It was a reminder of how vast and unfathomable the Lord's compassion is.

I experienced just a small taste of this joy that comes from recieving such world-class, personal care from Mercy Ships today. This morning, after an hour of working in the galley, I somehow managed to re-chip a tooth I chipped back in 2010. I burst into tears in front of my co-workers, but my manager took me down to the dentist and a spot was available just one hour later. Feeling relieved, I went back to the galley to find everyone comforting me and being extremely supportive. (Such comfort sounds kind of ridiculous considering how minor the accident was.) At half past ten, I headed down to the dentist, where a Lithuanian lady sat me in the chair, looked me in the face, and said, "What happened, dear?" Within half an hour, my tooth was filled and I was looking completely normal. Although my case was far less severe than the rest of the patients onboard, I was able to see the kind of work that happens in the hospital ward. Some of the patients here are looked in the eyes or told they are beautiful for the first time, despite their massive face tumor or leaking bladder. Most of the patients have been excluded or alienated because of their inability to perform basic tasks or live a typical lifestyle. Today I got a taste, just a small taste, of the indescribable joy Blessing's mom felt as she got up to sing. God is at work here in such evident ways and it is inspiring and motivating to live with Jesus as the center of everything. What a great God we serve.

two different worlds

We decided to wander Saturday afternoon. Our spontaneous outing was led by a South African from the ship who knew how to bargain and maneuver the crowded streets. We walked along the port right next to the water of the Atlantic. Instead of pulling onto sand into the port, the boats pull into an area of garbage, old food, and even a few live pigs. I couldn't even see the water until fifty feet out. We then went to several markets, where vendors were selling everything from rice, to flip flops, to perfume. The markets were crowded and people were loudly bargaining and selling. People would see us and immediately make insistent efforts to sell us something; anything. Every once in a while a more practiced person in our group would bargain for cloth or a new belt.

Miles later, we finally made it to the Rivera, a five-star hotel in downtown Conakry. After walking miles along clay, trash-filled roads, we came to the gated hotel. Mercy Ships crew members can use the pool for free, so we quickly jumped in. Suddenly no one was dirty and everyone was comfortable. Sadly, I was one of the people that felt refuge and comfort in such a safe enviroment. Music was playing, wi-fi was available, and the water was cool and refreshing. I could hardly wrap my head around the fact that we were in the same city we just wandered through; a city of unfinished buildings, people on the streets, and garbage everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. It almost looks like it is a component of the soil here.

I think I'm starting to feel the pace of the ship and life in Africa. I've been off the ship three times into Conakry, and each time it feels more natural. A few friends and I are learning a bit of French from a man from Togo that I work with in the galley. There are also endless opportunities here like going on a weekend trip to surrounding islands, visiting an orphange, or befriending a patient just two decks beneath us. I have about three days off every week and every evening off, so I'm looking forward to getting more involved. Hopefully these new things like going out into town will become second nature and I will be comfortable with the culture here. Pray for that, if you will. That the Spirit will work in me no matter where I am.. on the ship or out in Conakry. I have been here one week today and although it has felt much longer, I look back on the week and see how many people I have met and how much I look forward to the coming weeks. Here are a few pictures from our outing and a typical sunset from the ship.

safe and sound

After about 27 hours of traveling and a little too much airplane food, Glenn and I safely arrived in Conakry! The hot, sticky air confirmed where we had landed. After going through customs and getting our passports stamped, we picked up our luggage and left the airport (which looked more like a old, retired mall than a running airport). Thankfully, we had met two other women working on Mercy Ships on the flight who showed us around. Outside the airport, people were waiting for our flight to arrive and a group of natives were playing drums. The security director of Mercy Ships picked us and about ten others up in a jeep and drove us to the dock. As we drove along the road, little to no electrical lights showed and I wondered how the people along the road could see what they were doing or who they there talking to. We drove to the dock, and there was the ship. That moment....indescribable.

I am sharing a room with eight other girls, and another on the way. On the bunk where I sleep were cookies, a water bottle, towel, and note when I arrived. We accidentally slept in till early afternoon today, thinking it was morning. But we definitely needed the sleep. I spent the rest of the day getting a tour, meeting new faces, taking part in an unexpected fire drill, and unpacking. Tomorrow I have my galley orientation and I start work Saturday morning. Everyone tells me that the galley isn't the most fun place to work, but I'm ready for it.

Several times today I've just stopped and realized where indeed I am. I look out the window and see the water of the Atlantic ocean. On the other side of the ship is the bustling city of Conakry. I am so impressed and amazed with this place and I think I'll really love it here. I realize what a unique, rare kind of place this is. There are people from all over the world who are just so happy to be here. The ship is well equipped with places to relax, do laundry, read, and I will be just fine. I am so excited for the opportunities and things to come.

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement, emails, and support. Pictures and more posts are soon to come.