As we slowly descend from the sky the island starts to come into view with its bright lights carving their way through the coastline. The streets that wind their way up the mountain sides look like lava flowing from the volcanic center and I think to myself how crazy it is for me to be here. The small volcanic island with its dramatic coastline is where the ship is currently docked receiving maintenance (Tenerife, Canary Islands – Spain). The view outside my window is breathtaking and I praise God for giving me this last little reprieve before heading back to West Africa.
In less than 2 weeks we will be setting sail for the coast of West Africa – onwards to Conakry, Guinea! From the moment our lines secure us on the docks – we will all be running into action. In fact – we aren’t waiting for that point. Next week (after a mandatory day at the zoo due to a technical test on the ship) starts a string of meetings and planning sessions. Our screening day is not far away and the month of September is jam packed with patients arriving, events, and media team visits.
My time home was relaxing, healing, and busy all at the same time. I am so thankful I was able to come home and get my health back in order and start organizing the food shipping schedule for my parents. Talk about a blessing – my parents are gathering food for me and will have to ship it to me every month. Due to gluten allergy, I found it very difficult to stay healthy on the ship over the past 10 months. Now, I am blessed to have parents who are stepping in the gap to help me out. It’s a fine line between having enough food to last me a month and having space to store it (please pray I am allowed a 3-berth that has an amazing amount of storage). This is why my parents are dehydrating my meals. It is a tedious task that requires a lot of work on their part and in turn, it makes life a lot easier and healthier for me. The fact is, it is what keeps me here in West Africa serving our Lord and the people who desperately need our help.
If you would like to help my parents there are several ways you can do this.
1. There is an amazon wish list that is filled with items they need on a regular basis to provide me with full meals. As things come available, you can purchase online and have it shipped to my parent’s house or you can purchase it in the store (especially if it is cheaper) and give it to my parents. (MORE INFORMATION CAN BE SENT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS)
2. As things start to get organized a little better, my mom can set up “food assembly days” that could allow people to help her package 30 breakfasts, 30 lunches, 30 dinners, and 60 snacks.
3. Support my Mom as she works tirelessly on trying to make yummy meals out of very little. She is a genius in the kitchen and I appreciate her. She can always use meal suggestion ideas for dehydrated meals! Feel free to contact her with ideas, praise, and encouragement in this regard!
I do apologize for not updating my blog in so long! Now that I am back in the field, I will get back on a regular schedule of stories from West Africa. I appreciate all of the encouraging words you have shared with me – it is so nice to hear that people are reading and enjoy this blog!!
Do you have questions? Would you like me to write about specific things Mercy Ships is doing in West Africa? Do you want more pictures? Please feel free to contact me!! I am open to suggestions and really want this blog to be used as an informative tool connecting you with this mission in West Africa!
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