Week 2 in Doula

August 25th.
It has been a busy week and I am quite tired. It is lunch time on Friday right now. I have decided to skip the lunch line today and just have a quick snack in  my cabin. roughly 500 people trying to each lunch at the same time can be just a bit overwhelming sometimes. So today it is an apple and pnut butter, some beef jerky and a few pringles. That should hold me over til dinner. Don't worry I am in no danger of starving. :)

This week I spent most of my days working in the operating rooms, or the theatre as most say around here. Much construction work had been done in and around them during ship yard and they need to be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized prior to use. and I mean thoroughly!! Every inch of the hospital gets cleaned from the ceiling to the floor including every little crack and crevasse along the way. Every machine cleaned inside and out. Every cabinet and every drawer. It is pretty impressive. So for 3 days this  week that is what I did.It was a lot of work but oh so worth it. Yesterday the first patient began arriving for screening and xrays. The first look at these people made it all worth it.

Yesterday and today I finally made it to my new home in Medical supply. We have spent our time moving boxes from one container to another, getting organized for the onslaught that is about to come. In between I am learning a new computer system that makes my head hurt. I have discovered this is where my suffering for Jesus  will be for the foreseeable future. It is a bit overwhelming. But with Gods help I know I can learn it. I work with 2 men who are very nice and helpful. If they notice me over doing things they are quick to come to my aid. I am trying to be better about accepting help. Their names are Franko and Eric. Franko is my immediate supervisor and Eric and I are the newest to join the medical supply team. Today we have been building shelves inside the containers. Then we will need to empty all  the pallets we have stacked  around the cargo hold and put them in  the containers in an organized fashion so it can be found easily when called upon.

I am  feeling thankful for so much this week. News from home sounds as if things are going well in  my absence. I still have concerns but I am  being frequently reminded that God is faithful  and loves those I had to leave even more than I do. I still struggle but am daily surrendering my worries to God.

As for me, So much to be thankful for. My reading and quiet times are good and speaking to my heart. I sat  in on a ladies bible study this week and will visit it again next week. I am  beginning to see some deeper friendships develop with some of my fellow crew beyond my cabin mates. God has met my financial needs for my expenses and it appears with promises made I will be fully funded for my entire year here. As of today he has also provided for me to have a small  amount of play money for personal expense. So there has even been some yummy coffee, some sweets and am  hoping for a trip to town this weekend. That money is kept separate from  what is sent to Mercy ships in my name to be sure there is absolute integrity with what is given. I was even able to help a fellow crew member. For this I am thankful.

A fellow crew member recently lost 5 members of his family in the mud slides that hit Freetown in Sierra Leone. He found out the day before we arrived in Cameroon. It was devastating and difficult to be so far from home when something so tragic occurred. Several  crew members were from there and had to wait for days to get word from  home. Fortunately most were spared the agony of losing loved ones. As for my friend, he has been flown home so he can be there to help his remaining family. PLEASE pray for him, his family and for Sierra Leone. There have also been mudslides in Congo. It  is  raining season in this area of the world and with much rain comes flooding and slides.

August 27

The rain here is fairly constant. light on most days with periods of very heavy rain. But it does rain every day. It is a good place to come and test yourself to see if you have what it takes to live in Seattle or the rain forest. At times the rain is so heavy you can not see more than a few feet from the ship,  at others it is just a light drizzle. We have in fact had a few days of sunshine or at least part of the day. The other day the clouds in the distance parted for the first time since my arrival ( that I know of) and Mt Cameroon emerged in the distance. It is an active volcano that last erupted in 2012. That one it  seems was very short. Before that in 2000 an eruption lasted 5 months. Worry not, it is far enough away to not be an immediate threat is it decides to go again. It is pretty to look at from here. Some of the crew are hoping to climb it in the spring when dry season comes. For now it seems things are far to wet.

Yesterday, Saturday, three of my friends and I ventured to town. Once again we have a shuttle that takes us through the port and drops us in town. Then we can catch a ride later back to the port. When we arrived in town the shuttle driver, along with another crew member who was just returning helped us to secure a taxi. Then we were off to find the ice cream shop everyone had been talking about all week. We found it with little difficulty and were soon indulging in the most decadent gelato I have ever had. It was really lovely. I had some kind of raspberry I think and a scoop of Hibiscus. They were both wonderful  and the flavor just exploded in your mouth. The shop was very nice and clearly caterers to a wealthier residents in the area. Labor here is very cheap and so it looks a bit different than a baskin robbins or cold stone creamery.Many employees on hand to give wonderful service.  The shop was decorated very modern with black and white and gold decor. It was very clean and had a guard checking bags at the door. It gave you a feeling of safety which may or may not have been real. On one side of the shop was a wide selection of decadent pastries. Croissants, fresh baked bread, cream puffs and fancy meringues. Every thing looked lovely.

The other side of the shop had 2 counters of ice creams and gelatos. A wide variety of flavors but many of them new. Hibiscus was one as well as several others I had never heard of. One was ginger flavored and mandarin was another . Behind the counter and walking about the room were about 8 or 10 workers all dressed in black and white and looking very professional. Some of them spoke a little English and helped us figure out what we wanted. We all got a double scoop and sat inside enjoying a moment of bliss.

After that we took another taxi, which we hailed ourselves to the Marche de Fluer. (forgive my attempt at french spelling). Which means Flower Market. We arrived with no problems and spent time walking around the booths of fresh flowers for sale. It is here you come to buy floral arrangements for special occasions or funerals. We had a few on the ship last week when some of the local dignitaries came to visit. It was fun to see where they came from and how they were made. Next door was the craft market. It is not for the faint of heart or those with issue of their personal space. We were  there for all of ten seconds before many different vendors began calling to us and trying to get us to visit their booth. Many of the booths held a lot of the same things. Mostly statues and idols of various kinds. Necklaces, carvings and paintings. It was fun to wander about and look around. There were some unique items including a twin size bed carved out of one large piece of wood.

After that we went to a local hotel and had dinner. Local pizza cooked in a wood fired oven. It was delicious. Well some of it was. One of the girls wanted anchovies on hers . We ordered one with anchovies on half but something was lost in the translation and so my first bite of pizza was full of them. Ick! We all know how much I love fishy fish. It was all I could do to swallow my bite. The other pizza was lovely with avocados on it. I had never thought of that as a pizza topping but it  was quite nice. A light rain began to fall just as we caught the shuttle home. We arrived safe and sound and happy for our days adventure.

The night ended with a bitter sweet farewell to my friend Hannah Ward. She had been here since Benin and we had become friends. Last night she departed the ship amid the tradition line of crew standing on the dock to bid her farewell. She is off to the states the attend nursing school. I pray one day she will return here with a new set of skills to be used for God. She will be truly missed. A very kind young lady full of kindness and sass at  the same time. She even managed to sneak a farewell letter into my room which I found after she was gone. This is one of the hard parts of serving here. You make good friends who come to mean a great deal  to you, only to have to say goodbye. It can be hard. However, the cool thing is you get to begin to weave a blanket of love and friendship with people all around the world. Even in the short time I have been here I have friends in many places. Switzerland, UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Belgium and Germany are just a few that come quickly to mind. I hope someday I can travel to visit these places and continue the friendships that the Lord has begun.Once again, my cup runneth over.

Here is the latest

August 19

We have arrived safely in Cameroon! We were without Internet for most of the sail so it has been quite some time since I last posted.
First off let me say Happy Belated Birthday to my Aunt Liz. Her birthday came and went while I was at sea. I hope it was a happy one. Thank you for your love and support.

Our last week at sea was just as good as the first. We had calm seas all the way and it was a wonderful sail. Most of the way the skies were clear and sunny. Whales were spotted almost daily along with frequent visits from dolphins. I only managed to see each one time but it was exciting and wonderful to spend time just staring at the sea watching for them. One of my friends actually caught a bit of the dolphins on video. I will try to post it to my facebook today.

I  was asked yesterday what my favorite part has been so far. I would have to say just seeing the favor of God at work. So many little things that could go unnoticed but would not be possible without God's favor. Like absolutely perfect weather which was not just lovely, but spared many people from being sea sick. Or slipping quietly down the coast of Africa through waters that are plagued with pirates, but rarely seeing even another ship. Or being escorted by a Navy Destroyer through the most dangerous waters where our risk was high. I could not help but reflect on how many ships pass through these waters. But God's hand was over our ship. I am thankful and in awe.

My other favorite moment was sitting in my hammock on the back of the ship. Swinging gently as the ship rolled from side to side.The sun was shinning and I was in my swim suit. The sea was calm and the wake behind the ship was being churned into a beautiful Caribbean blue color. I was more relaxed than I have been in a very long time.

The food has been amazing and I feel very spoiled. Just this week we have had steak, ribs, spaghetti, and much more. Pancakes and yogurt, and just this morning fresh cinnamon rolls. Fortunately I have been very busy at work and so gaining weight has not been a problem. I will have to be careful however. Yesterday we received our first shipment of fresh produce since arriving. ( We arrived Wednesday) So today we had the most wonderful pineapple for lunch. It is nice to be back in Africa for that alone.

Today our daycrew came for orientation. They will begin work on Monday I believe. there are about 250 of them . As they walked through the ship this morning on their tour, they looked excited. I am looking forward to meeting them next week and getting to know new friends and new members of my family in Christ. This place would not function without them. They are important to the day to day functions of the ship. Not to mention communicating with our patients and learning more about the Country itself.

Since arriving I have been working in general supply. That means I help fill orders for all departments of the ship. That means I get to work in different parts of the ship. We bring food from down in the belly of the ship up to the kitchens. Supplies also must be moved from the cargo hold and other places to the cafe, the ship shop and the hospital. Next week I will move over to mostly hospital supply. That will mean less time in the freezers for me and more time in medical containers finding all that is needed to get the hospital up and running. I would be lying if I said I would miss working in the freezers!

Cameroon is currently in its rainy season. We are expecting 2 feet of rain this month (august). Yes I said 2 FEET! rainy season is twice a year. August to November and then again for 2 months in the spring. It is wet. But yesterday and today we have had a few peaks of sun. Thankful for that.  We are docked on the river just upstream from the ocean and can see the effect of the rain daily. The water level is high today with lots of debris coming from upstream.

Today is Saturday. I am off and am looking forward to a game of settlers of Catan with some of the crew. It should be fun. Playing with a large expansion set for the first time. One of the engineers Tom is going to teach me. Then there is laundry to do, phone calls and emails to catch up on. Tomorrow I am looking forward to a sermon from home. Have not been able to listen since I left due to Internet being unavailable.

Here are some things you can be praying for:
For ease of transition and unity with all crew, and day crew.
For cultural understanding and grace for all crew members for one another. 
For set up to go smoothly over the next week to ten days.
For every supply that is needed to be found where it should be and nothing to be missing.
For safety of crew and patients alike. Many are already traveling to arrive here in the near future.
For God to get the glory for all of it! That his name will be lifted high, among the crew, among the patients, among the officials in charge of our stay here, and among the country of Cameroon.
For hope and healing to occur for our patients, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
For me to lean on God daily.


Internet seems to be up and running so you can now send me email, facebook or pics. It would be good to hear from you all. I love and miss you more than you know.

Day 4 at sea

Today is day 4 at sea. So far it has been nothing less than amazing. The seas have been unbelievably calm with only a gently roll that urges you to take a nap when you can. I have been sleeping like a child being rocked in her daddy's arms. It is such a gift to be back out on the ocean. It has been far too long.

Depart Las Palmas Spain 11:00am

Our first day out was filled with bright sunshine and blue seas. We were sent off to the sound of trumpets playing hymns from shore as a friend of the crew played from the break water as were left port. Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross and It is well with my soul could be heard echoing out across the port even over the sound of our engines and that of the tugs. It was the first of many pinch me moments. I had tears in my eyes as we sailed out and I reflected on the fact of where I was. This is my life now. How far God has brought me and how unfathomable it truly is.

It was not long before dolphins were spotted on the bow. I actually missed those , but one of my friends got them on video. I will post that when we get to Cameroon. not enough Internet at the moment. I  did manage to make it out on to the bow of the ship in time to see several whales spouting and the dorsal fins breaking the surface. A nice moment indeed.

Day 2- 100 miles West of Morocco 

My second night on the water was spent with friends old and new on deck 7 of the ship. We gathered at sunset and spent the next 2 hours singing praises to God. Fred brought his guitar and a drum and several others arrived before to long. By the end there were about 20 of us joining our voices together in worship. It was deeply moving and blessed my soul. I pray it blessed the Father as well.

Day 3- 120 miles West of Mauritania

Yesterday we worked and got our first chance to work in the store room below decks since leaving. I am happy to report that all of our hard work has paid off so far. Everything has stayed on the shelves and nothing was lying on the floor. That may also have to do with the fact that the seas are nearly flat. We have not been pitching at all and we are continuing to only roll very gently. the most has been 5 degrees with most being 2-3 degrees. 
Last night the majority of the crew-somewhere around 200 right now, met on the bow for evening worship. It was lively and loud. It was standing room only so I made my way to the flying bridge. I could see much better and the wind carried the music right up to where I was. There were several of us up there and we had a lot more room. We were free to sing along with the others as well as having room to dance and move about. The sound of 200 people worshiping God rang out across the waves as the sun quietly slipped behind the gray clouds on the horizon.

Day 4- not sure of location. should be announced sometime today.. we are headed south.

This morning began to the sound of my upper bunk mates alarm ringing somewhere around 5am. Her name is Damaris and she is from Romania. She has also lived in Spain and the UK and has the most beautiful accent. She is very good to try and slip out quietly in the early mornings. She is currently working in the dining room and has to be there very early for breakfast set up. I drift back asleep until the sound of my alarm begins ringing at 6:20. Today is a work day. My schedule at sea is very light but this morning there are things to be done. I head upstairs 2 decks to the dining room and the smell of fresh coffee greets me as I walk in the room. I grab a cup and head up and out 2 flights. It is still dark outside. The moon is just beginning to set and head for the sea. There are a few scattered clouds and the air feels warm and tropical. The moon is full or nearly so. To bright to see many stars, but the light is soft and dancing on the waves and the foam kicked up from the ship cutting through them.
It is quiet and peaceful. The sea is inky black. I am amazed at how the color of the sea can change. At times it is the deepest blue I have ever seen and others the blue is light the color of someones eyes. Sometimes it appears green and at others various shades of gray. It is always mysterious, and somehow powerful and peaceful and the same time. This morning dark and not revealing what lies beneath. I am at peace and my heart is thankful. Another pinch me moment. How is it I get to be the one to stand at this railing this morning. Sipping my coffee and hearing the silence. How is it that He chose me? His grace is so amazing. I wish everyone could experience these moments, this joy, His Love.

Work was easy today. we started at 8 and ended by noon. We gathered supplies needed for the galley, dining room and a few things needed for the store . We then spent some time washing our vegetable crates. We have many but most of them are full right now. We had a huge produce order arrive the day before we left. It took many of us most of the afternoon to process it and find space for it below decks. Some one brilliantly decided that we should wash the crates as we empty them along the way to Cameroon. Then by the time we arrive nearly all of them will be empty and clean and ready to use again. So that was my work day today.
That was followed by lunch, a nap and now some computer work.
Tomorrow I do not have to work. I think a date with my hammock and book may be in order.
The light work load at sea is a very nice and welcome break following the 7 weeks of crazy I had at home before leaving. I am feeling rested for the first time in a long while. I am sure that may change once we arrived in Cameroon but for now it is lovely!
Thanks for your prayers. Keep in touch. Love to you all.