Why?

For those of you who aren't sure exactly what I am doing-  I am volunteering on a hospital ship that is docked in Ghana that provides hope and healing for the needy and poor.  The group is called Mercy Ships.  One customer at Taco Mac gave me a puzzled look and asked me before I left "Why would you take time off of work, to pay to volunteer in another country?"  He was completely bewildered; which makes me sad.  There are countless reasons that I could have given but when it comes down to it, I am doing this to serve God.  I am doing this to serve people.  I am doing this to grow in my relatioship with Christ and to help me see more of His face in everyone that I come in contact with.  For in Christ, we learn to love everyone, even when it is hard.  We learn that life isn't all about us- though in America it is hard to be selfless. 

Packing for the Trip

  I leave Atlanta tomorrow at 10:30 pm and after two stops I arrive in Accra, Ghana at 8:15 am on the 21st.  It is 5 hours ahead of eastern time there, in case you were wondering.   Luckily, I have had a few days off to run last minute errands, see family and friends, and get everything in order before heading out.  I have enjoyed my last few meals of American food and took my first malaria pill.  With few expectations, I am unsure about what specifically to bring.  I am just trying to bring as little as possible.   

Left to Tell

Mom gave me a book to read before leaving for the trip,  Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza.  It didn't take long to read and it was an amazing account of a Rwandan refuge that survived the holocaust there.  She hid in a tiny bathroom with 7 other women for months in hiding, only suriving through God.  She was in prayer almost all of her waking hours and she knows she was left to tell the world her story.  There is a link above if you are interested in finding out more. 

Change of Plans

 Well, my travel itinerary didn't go as planned, but I am here and happy to be off of airplanes and out of airports!  I flew to Ft. Lauderdale as planned and stayed the evening in the Bondy's vacation home.  It was very close to the airport and such a delightful house.  It was nice to sleep in a bed that night instead of at the airport.  The following morning, Rodika (their kind, Romanian neighbor) brought me back to the airport for my next leg.  My flight was delayed but I still had time to catch my connection in NY to Ghana, so I wasn't worried.  We arrived in NY and I was anxious to get to my connecting flight; but there were no free gates for the aircraft to deplane...so we sat on the runway....and sat....for an hour.  The stewardess pointed out the plane that I was supposed to be on through the window.  I wanted to jump out and run over to it, but alas, I missed the flight.  At first, Delta said that their next flight to Accra wasn't until Monday.  I was frustrated and disappointed.  As I went to find my luggage I was told that Delta had rebooked my itinerary and that I would be flying to Germany that evening and then to Accra from there.  Happy that I was on my way again, I rushed through security and made it to the gate.  Then my flight to Frankfurt was delayed for an hour, and then for two hours which left no time to catch my connecting flight to Accra.  Again I approached the ticket counter to see what to do.  After about an hour of waiting to hear from a supervisor, I was booked on the same flights for the next day.  I took the shuttle to the hotel and crashed.  The next day I returned to the JFK airport refreshed.  One exciting thing about my new travel plans was that I was able to see the Saints playoff game!  I watched the game at a Chili's  in the airport and met a few nice people.  After the game, I went to my gate and boarded the plane. 

Germany...and Africa at Last!

After a long flight and not much sleep I arrived in Frankfurt.  To me, there weren't many signs of where to go but that didn't seem to matter because there were security guards everywhere directing the masses where to go.  I ended up at customs where I asked how to find my connecting flight.  I was told to go up the stairs to terminal 1.  I went up the stairs and was told by a security guard to go down stairs to get to terminal 1.  I went back down stairs and finally found someone that was able to direct me to the shuttle to the terminal.  The airport there was different and I noticed right away that people were smoking.  I am so spoiled in America and specifically Georgia that there isn't smoking in airports or restaurants.  After taking the wrong stop, I finally found my gate and was given a boarding pass- Hooray!  I got on the flight and quickly slept through most of it.  We arrived in Lagos, Africa for a brief deplane of some of the passengers.  Then... on to Accra.  I was so excited when I finally arrived.  And after all of that...my luggage arrived!  Halelujah :)  Beaming, I left the airport and was greeted by a man holding a Mercy Ships sign.  Outside the airport there were many Muslims on blankets, praying.  We got in the truck and headed for the ship. 

My First Taste of Africa

On the drive to the ship I was wide eyed and glued to the window of the Land Rover.  Quinten, the man that picked me up was white and from South Africa.  He was very nice and answered my many questions.  There was "traffic" as we left the airport and as we sat there many street vendors were walking up and down the street selling things.... all sorts of things.  You could skip going to the grocery and just take a drive through town if need be-- they were selling fruits, nuts, toilet paper, ice cream etc.  As I had seen in pictures, they all carried things on their heads.  It was so amazing to see.  Talk about good posture. 

There is Always Enough

Because I did so much travelling, I was able to finish a book before arriving.  There is Always Enough, by Rolland and Heidi Baker  was given to me by Mrs. Schuler and is about the Baker's ministry in Mozambique, Southern Africa and how they have helped countless orphaned children and pastors.  I wanted to read it before/while I was in Africa and it was truly an amazing and humbling account.  These believers went where no one else had gone and where no one else would go.  Nothing would keep them away from the needy and poor that had never seen love-- not filth, stench, disease, or the enemy.  As the title reads...throughout all circumstances including the floods, regardless of how many mouths needed food, heads needed shelter, bodies that needed clothing, and hearts that needed love, through God there was always enough.  The Baker's work with Iris Ministries and the link is above if you are interested in finding out more.

Anastasis

We arrived at the ship, the Anastasis.  I was greeted by hospitality with cookies and juice and after filling out paperwork I was taken to my cabin...or should I say closet.  It was tiny and I immediately worried that I brought too many things.  Two other women lived there but they weren't there at the moment.  I was shown the bathrooms and a general way around.  I unpacked and decided to wander around the ship to check it out.  I found the library so I emailed everyone to let them know I was safe and sound.  Returning to the cabin was a bit of a task and I got very lost.  After wandering for a bit, I found it, climbed into bed and thanked God. 

  My home for 5 weeks!

Jenny and Audrey

My roomies are fabulous.  They are both older women and work in the galley (dining room... cooking for the crew).  I met Jenny first and she took me with her to meetings and such- she is from Switzerland and Australia.  She has two kids and is here for another 4 months I believe.  She is kind and soft spoken.  Audrey is from Canada and has no children.  She is jolly and funny.  They have helped me adapt to the ship and answered many questions as well. 

 Audrey and Jenny :)

Housekeeping?

Well, I originally was assigned to be an OR sterilizer, but that was when I was to come in August.  I was reassigned when I changed my dates to January and there was a need in housekeeping.  Though a bit disappointed at first, I knew that I was here to serve and that is what I would do.  I met with my housekeeping group Wednesday morning and enjoyed a devotional with them.  It is the only department that has 2 devotionals a day!  I am blessed!  We closed with prayer and I was happy to be serving with this group.  I still had numerous orientation meetings to attend (general/departmental/safety/IT etc) but I began working that day.   

A Georgia Peach

I was looking forward to the tour of the ship so that I could better get my bearings.  I walked up to the group and the tour guide introduced herself with a smile...Mary Lou.  I immediately knew she was from the south and I asked where she was from.  Columbus, Georgia!  She was thrilled to hear that I was from there as well and that I have family that used to live there, Emi!   It was probably the longest tour because Mary Lou was not only thorough, but introduced us to everyone that walked by....a true southerner.  I continue to see her every day and she has been such a blessing. 

Longing to Run

On the ship, we are required to obey the captain's orders, because he is responsible for our lives.  One of the safety precautions is that we don't go off the ship by ourselves.  Though we are active in work and walk around the decks a lot, I am so badly wanting to go for a walk or a run, but I haven't had a chance to go when the other groups go.  Hopefully in the upcoming week I will get an opportunity. 

Accents

It is so cool to walk around and hear tons of different accents.  It is also very awesome to hear people pray and sing in their own languages.  I feel like such a stupid American that I only speak English!  I am impressed and patient with the others because English is a second language to most here.  The people of Ghana speak English, but in a very thick accent and it is hard to understand sometimes.  They also have local dialect that only they understand. 

No Electronic Leash

Though it was sad when I turned my cell phone off in the JFK airport, knowing I wouldn't turn it back on for weeks, I am enjoying this freedom of not lugging it around.  At the first few functions, out of habit I reached to turn my phone on silent and then remembered that it is packed.  It is kind of nice.

Banku and Fufu

I haven't had many truly authentic African foods.  The ship serves a lot of meats with rice, pasta, chicken, salads etc, but doesn't make African food really.  There isn't much variety when it comes to African dishes- mostly starches...rice, beans, sometimes meat.  Banku and fufu are the most common dishes, and I don't know of anyone that I have met that has liked them.  They are described as doughy in some kind of soup.  There is a lot of fruit which is wonderful- bananas, papayas, mangos, pineapple, and apples are most common.  A common favorite on the ship is Nutella- the chocolate spread. 

Perfect Society

Though I know that nothing in the world is perfect other than God, I think that the society in which I am currently living is the closest I will get.  Everyone here is joyous in their work, although I am sure people complain- I haven't heard one.  There is respect of others and each other's property.  There was money left in the laundry room, and it stayed there all day until the owner remembered it.  Everyone is loving- I enjoy walking anywhere and being greeted by those that I know and don't know with a genuine smile.  Most of the people aboard this ship are here being servants- to God and others.  This is a place of acts of kindness.  Everyone accepts everyone- there are 35 countries represented here and that is a lot of cultural difference....impossible to imagine living in such close quarters.  We all love to learn about our differences, and we embrace and respect them.  The common denominator in all of this is Jesus- He is who makes this possible.  I know that this ship isn't perfect, but I am going to try to fully appreciate the time that I am here- living with over 300 other believers.  Praise God! 

Yay for Surgery!

I found out when I arrived that I am not the only one who enjoys watching the amazing things doctors can do during surgery.  There is a long list of people that want to observe and there is only one more week of surgeries because the ship will be sailing to Liberia and the patients need time to heal before they leave.  All of the slots were taken and a long wait list discouraged me....but fortunately- Jenny was assigned to go on February 1 and offered her slot to me! Thank you Jenny!  I don't know which surgery I will see but I am looking forward to it. 

Here were some patients at pre-screening.  This was a condition that we could help with.

Harmattan

Jenny mentioned one of the first days that I was here that I should drink more water here than at home- and she is right!  It is very hot and humid here, although right now is a season called "Harmattan".  It is very windy and all of the wind sends dust into the air to linger.  Each day is very hazy and there isn't direct sunlight.  Because of this, it is about 15 degrees cooler than it will be when it is over soon.  Then the sun will be bright and hot as ever! 

Hillsdale, It's the People

So I was wearing my Sigma Zeta tshirt the other day, and a woman stopped me because it says Hillsdale College.  She grew up in Hillsdale!  Small world!  She was a delight to talk to, but unfortunately she left today to head back to the states. 

Fan Ice/Fan Yogo

Though I am miles from home... does that stop me from having my favorite food?  Of course not!  I have had traditional African ice cream- twice!  My first time off the ship was last Friday night after dinner.  I went with a couple of people to a local ice cream shop.  I had pineapple- yum!  We took a taxi, everything around here you barter for.  The taxi drivers don't have meters, so you ask before getting in how much it will cost to go to your destination and make sure it is reasonable.  I also had a fan yogo on the way back from the village Saturday.  From what I can gather- fan ice and fan yogo are different but I think it is just a flavor difference, I will keep you posted.  The fan yogo was strawberry and came frozen in a plastic bag.  You bite a corner off to create a hole and then enjoy! 

Here is a Fanice vendor! 

Tro-tros

Most people here walk to get where the want to go, carrying various items on their heads.  Though you can take a bus, tro-tro, or taxi.  A tro-tro is a minivan with no a/c that is packed with twice the normal capacity of the vehicle.  They are cheaper than buses I believe, but more uncomfortable.  I have seen one expensive car (BMW) since being here, mostly older cars.  It is hard to have a car here because the roads are awful- especially when you navigate away from the cities.  I will never again complain about Michigan roads!!

On the Way to Kewam

Early on Saturday morning we packed our supplies, water and lunch before heading to the village.  We prayed before we left that we would pour into these children and that they would see Jesus' love in us.  I think the name of the village is Kewam, but I am not positive.  I was so excited about my first day trip off of the ship.  We piled into the Land Rovers and headed out.  I watched everything as we drove.  I saw many street vendors of course and we passed a lot of markets.    There are many goats and baby goats that wander the streets, as well as stray dogs and cow herds.  The cows are so thin- you can see their ribs and hip bones.  As we got farther into the country we saw a few babboons that crossed the street here and there, as well as pigs and snakes.  Everyone looks as we drive by because there aren't many white people here.  I watched as we passed villages- it is one thing to read about how people live here and something else to see it.  No running water, no electricity.  The homes are very small, one or two rooms maximum.  Made with wood and mud mostly.  No plumbing... people just go whenever/wherever. 

 On the way before the dirt roads- so beautiful

Kewam

After a bumpy drive, we finally arrived.  The children came running from all directions as we pulled up.  There were so many children.  This village was the first village that Mercy Ships drilled a well for, so a relationship had been established with them.  We spent time playing with the children, singing with them, and hugging them.  I spent the day helping in the schoolhouse---which consisted of 2 rooms.  There was nothing inside other than some wooden desks donated by World Vision and a chalk board.  They needed the alphabet painted on the walls with pictures.... so that is what we did.  I sat on the ground with the kids for a while to earn their trust, and then they followed me into the classroom.    A few of the little girls were able to say my name, but the rest called me "Madame".  All of the children were in clothes that were very dirty, and most of them torn with broken zippers on the backs of dresses.  A few of them had flip flops, but most weren't wearing shoes.  They were energetic and craved any attention you would give.  We sang songs while I painted and we tried to communicate with different accents.  Our commonality again was Jesus as we sang worship songs.  I couldn't bear to eat my lunch in front of them so I just split it up and gave them all some.  They constantly clung to my legs and tugged on my capris.  I thought of everything I had at home that would be a treasure to them- plastic beads, markers, paper, new clothes, ice....   These kids were happy playing with sticks, rocks, or a ball.  I felt sorry for American society and children who don't use their creativity and simply play video games all day.  As we got into the Land Rovers to leave I wanted to cry.  I wanted to take them all with me.  They smiled and waved as we drove off and I thought and prayed on the long drive back. 

 Outside the school... all of the painting we did

Luxury 

It's funny how when I arrived on the ship I wasn't thrilled about returning to the life of community showers and shower shoes.  I thought of how wonderful it would be to have a bubble bath when I got home.  After I left the village, I realized that how I am living on this ship is pure luxury.  I have tiolets, running water, cold drinking water, and hot showers.  I enjoyed every moment of my "ship shower" after sweating all day and getting dirty with the kids.  A ship shower is a 2 minute shower consisting of:  turning the water on, getting wet, turning the water off, soaping up, turning the water on again to rinse, then getting out.  And as I climbed into bed last night, I thanked God for such luxuries. 

Obruni! Obruni!

As a white person- when going out into the country you often hear this term: Obruni!  It means white man, but it is not derogatory.  The people of Ghana are very friendly and I am looking forward to my first trip to the market to interact with more.  I was also told that many men will want to get to know me simply because most of the Ghaniains are looking for a ticket out.  It is humurous...the pick up lines here aren't nearly as creative as at home.  Usually it is just "I want to be your friend" or " I like you".  No worries, I am very in love with Jon:) 

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