Cabin 3418

My cabin is located on the 3rd deck (out of 8 decks), with 6 berths/bunks and one little bathroom. As of now I have 3 roomates two - Christina, and Jen from the USA, and Gwen from New Zealand. It's so neat to meet so many people from all over the world! The cabins are quite small with personal space contained to your bunk and your cabinet. The pic below was taken when I first arrived.

Me, Gwen, & Jen

Ship life

The Africa Mercy, previously a ferry ship, was renovated into a hospital ship which began it's service in 2007. It has 6 operating theatres, 65 bed ward, and 5 ICU beds, CT/X-ray, pharmacy, and lab. The ship has accomodations for 450+ staff with volunteers from over 40 nations with all the necessities you need for life on a ship - accomodations, food, lounges, small gym, hairdresser, library, accredited school (Kindergarten -Grade 12), bank, ship shop, internet cafe/wireless, and even Starbucks (which is being donated)! The swimming pool is under construction and we're keeping our fingers crossed hoping to use it in Togo.

The who,what,where,when, & why?

Hmm, where to start? Well, here I am on the world's largest nongovernment charity hospital ship called the Africa Mercy being swayed about as we're sailing the Atlantic to Togo, West Africa. I boarded the ship in Tenerife, Grand Canary Islands Spain on January 24th, 2010 and will be working with the team till end of July/beginning of August 2010. One of the nurses on the ship asked us for the top 10 reasons why we're here...let's see if I can come up with five...my lack of articulation is being challenged here:
1. To make my dream of nursing overseas a reality.
2. To experience Africa - people, culture, health challenges, life challenges
3. Because of my previous experience of working with Mercy Ships on the Anastasis being so positive, I wanted to return.
4. Be surrounded,challenged, & influenced by inspirational & passionate Christian people who challenge the norm/status quo.
5. To be a small part of this Christian ministry to the less fortunate - addressing not only the physical need but also spiritual, emotional, mental, & social.

"Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilizing people and resources worldwide, and serving all people without regard for race, gender, or religion." (Mercy Ships website)
For more information click on Mercy Ships link on the right.