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Published: April 20th 2007
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White flower
Another view from the restaurant So here I am again, finding myself sitting in a comfortable seat in the lounge with air conditioning on my day off, to catch up on some emails, and read and write in my journal that I am keeping and I can't help but think of how lucky I really am. I went for a walk this morning and there wasn't even a breeze and the morning sun was already SO hot. Not a cloud in the sky today. It is beautiful, but hot, and I am thankful for the ship today, being able to get away from the hot sun. People here in Liberia do not have such luxuries.
It's been a great learning experience as many nations have come together on this one boat to do the same work. From everyone in North America, Europe and Australia, to all the day workers that come here to the ship everyday from Monrovia, Liberia to work in the galley, as translators or cleaning crews. It's a strange mix, but very interesting to be learning from.
I feel the most fortunate to be working with Elaine and Esther... our two translators in the admissions room. Kate (nurse from England), myself and
Mercy
Here are some workers cleaning the outside of the Anastasis to make her shine as she gets ready to meet the Africa Mercy who will take over in June, 2007 the two translators work every day together and it's been great getting to know them.
Elaine has 3 girls, a husband and told me yesterday that it takes here an hour each way to come to the ship to work each afternoon. She is also taking a counselling course and is certified to do HIV couselling.
Esther has 1 girl and 1 boy, and a husband who is a taxi driver... Esther also lives about an hour drive by taxi to her home, and is also certified to do HIV counselling if needed. Each day, they come to the ship with smiles on their faces, and joy in their hearts to be here and thankful to God to be in such conditions. They never complain. They are happy. They are thankful. They are beautiful.
For those two women, it is a testimony to the many Liberian's here that there is hope for this country. The 14 years of civil war has devistated this country and it can be seen all around, from the bullet holes in the bridges and sides of buildings, to the power lines that are cut and still hanging from the poles, to the 85% unemployment
The OR
Here is just a sample of what the OR looks like and a surgery underway. Not very much room, but it gets the job done well. Our surgeons are all really great! rate, which causes people to beg, steal and women to start selling their bodies. To see all the 12,000 UN soilders that patrol every street corner and how our government says not to come here because of its unstability. It is sad, but that is looking from the outside in. Being here, on the inside is different. Because I see the people. I see women beginning go to to school to learn how to farm and sew. I see the men learning how to grow crops in this fertile soil to sell. I see their faces, and their hope and I hear their prayers as they are lifting this country to God, for healing and restoration. To many, God is their only hope, and it is amazing to see. It is encouraging and a lesson to be learned in my life, that amist everything, they are thankful for what they have.
I have also been learning a bit of the Liberian English as they call it! It's rather funny because I feel like I am finding myself speaking a bit with an accent as soon as I am talking with a Liberian. And they can understand me a little
The Ocean with Flowers
The view from a hotel restaurant that we ate at one day! better as well. Basically, all you have to do is take out any of the filler words of a sentence, slur your words a bit more, and don't enunciate any words and there you have it! Liberian English!
So this weekend was filled with beaches. I got to explore a bit this weekend as I had it off, so that was nice!
I went body boarding! Which was awesome and something that I was really looking forward to do with some new friends who do not live on the ship... they are ex-mercy shiper's, so it's nice to have friends to go visit now, off the boat... gives me an excuse to get out the air conditioning and remind myself of where I am! And how beautiful it is here!
Then saterday we went to CeCe beach, which is an amazing beach about 45 minutes out of the city! It rained a bit, and the clouds were really neat over the water, but it was still beautiful. It's fun to be out in the rain but still not be cold! I had an amazing time, and it was good to relax because I have a very full week
The Admissions room
Here is a picture of the admissions room. This is the small room where Kate and I, along with 2 translators and all the patients and their visitors cram into to complete the admissions process. of admissions for surgeries.
Our general surgeon is only here for one more week so we are trying to fit in as many hernia repairs as we can! And if 52 isn't enough on top of all the plastics cases we are doing than I don't know what is!
I know it will be a lot of work, but the way I look at it.... look at how many people we get to help. Look at how many men (as the majority of men are affected by inguinal hernia's and hydroceles) can eliminate the pain and discomfort having such a large problem and also regain some of their dignity from the shame that goes along with such an issue.
So once again, I am reminded that I am not here for me, but to help others, and the chance to help so many in such a short time, is very encouraging.
I hope this entry again finds everyone doing well.
Thank you for all the support and encouragement I have received. It is overwhelming and I feel like the luckiest girl here!
Take care!
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Jean-Daniel
non-member comment
Hi
Hey! I just wanted to say hi, and thanks for sharing your adventure. It's really nice to hear about you and I'm glad to know you're enjoying it! Have a great day! JD