I'm beginning to learn a little bit of the ship language but we all know how great I am at directions. You can bet that I've gotten turned around a few times while trying to navigate through this amazing vessel. The Africa Mercy was actually a train ferry, so it's not quite as large as a cruise ship that you may think of, but it is big enough for a train to fit in the lower decks. It's pretty crazy when you stop and think about how much transformation the ship has undergone. They're actually in the process of setting up funds for a new ship that I believe will be around in the next couple years. According to the plans, it looks pretty massive.
I've also met a ton of people. They said that this is probably the first time that they've been able to start a field service with an entire hospital staff. That's pretty awesome. People have come from all over to volunteer - I think I have most enjoyed eavesdropping on nearby conversations - the accents are so pleasant to listen to. I'm in an 8-berth cabin (there's only one onboard, along with one 10-berth) but right now there are only five of us, so it isn't too overwhelming. Three of my roommates are from Holland and one is from Texas. I sort of think we may have lucked out - there are two bathrooms in the cabin. Although being limited to the 2 minute showers often makes it so there's not much waiting around for an unoccupied bathroom anyway.
There are a bunch of nurses here that will be responsible for staffing the wards. Thankfully there are quite a few returning and/or long term volunteers that can show us the ropes before we really dive in. These last couple of days have been filled with ship and hospital orientation, but soon we will be able to fall into a bit of a routine.
Sunday afternoon a few girls and I decided to take a little stroll off the ship. We didn't have an experienced volunteer with us, so we kept the walk fairly simple. It was so nice to get off the ship and move around after spending so much time on airplanes, etc. We ended up walking a little bit through the nearby town and ended up finding our way over the train tracks to the beach. There were tons of people outside along the streets either cooking, socializing, or just relaxing in the nice weather. Surprisingly it wasn't dreadfully hot. When we got to the beach one of the first things I noticed was virtually nobody was sitting. If you were to go to a beach back home people would be sprawled out half naked on a towel, umbrella for some shade, coolers within reach listening to music. Here, not so much. The dress isn't AS conservative as I had anticipated, but it's still not very revealing. Knees are covered and although some woman had pants or shorts, the majority were sporting skirts or dresses. A couple of kids were playing near the water but I didn't see a single swimmer braving the waves. I suppose it's probably a good thing, I found out later that the riptide is quite strong and people were to use caution. After getting our fill of the ocean breeze, we made our way back to the ship. Taxis occasionally whizzed by making your hair raise a little bit, but overall it was a good first trip on land.
Like I mentioned before, the last couple of days have been filled with meetings and orientation type gatherings. As Wednesday approaches however, I can feel the excitement rise. Tomorrow is the big screening day. It's going to be off the ship in Pointe-Noire and from what I've heard, it is supposed to be quite an amazing day. This is the day people from all around come to seek medical care. It is the day that the potential patients will be chosen. Some will be granted the long awaited surgery and care while others will sadly be turned away. It's a day of mixed emotions. Wishes granted and dreams crushed. There is no telling how many people will show up, but the plan is to stay until the last patient has been seen.
I met up with a few friends for dinner, but because tomorrow is said to be such a big day, I was thinking of turning in a bit early so I would be able to function day walking (it's been a difficult task haha). We sort of lingered in the dining room for a little while because it was just too early to admit we were ready for bed. It's funny the way things happen though...As we were nearing the doorway, we noticed more volunteers walking in. It turned out they were getting ready to make sandwiches for the patients and staff for tomorrow. To be honest, I wanted to make a quick getaway and bolt down the stairs to my cabin. But somehow that just didn't happen. The three of us ended up strolling up to the tables to do our part - after all, we were going to be hungry tomorrow - might as well help the cause, right? Somehow this group of people banged out over 1700 peanut butter sandwiches in less than 45 minutes. I think I laughed more making those sandwiches than I have since I've been onboard. It was one of those moments where it makes you stop and think how fun it is to be part of team.
I have a few pictures to go along with this, but my patience is a little thin so I'll post them when I have a little more time. :)
Please send some prayers and positive thoughts for the Screening Day and all the patients, families, and volunteers that are involved!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
No Turning Back
Good news - I made it to the ship safe and sound. I got here Saturday evening and have slowly started to settle in. Laura and I were supposed to meet up in Toronto and then make the long flight over, changing planes in Germany and then eventually ending up in Pointe-Noire. Well, like many instances, things don't always go as planned. Unfortunately, Laura's flight got delayed which forced her to miss the remaining connecting flights. She's a trooper and somehow handled all the curve balls thrown and arrived last evening thank goodness.
Aside from that ridiculous hiccup, the flights on my end were pretty good - I don't really have any complaints. Well actually I wasn't really a fan of the first plane I took from Connecticut to Canada. I mean, I knew it was going to be a small plane because it was such a short flight - but propellers, really?? Thankfully I was able to settle down after a couple minutes of really psyching myself out. I'm sure the flight attendant thought I was a little crazy because I pretty much bolted off that little thing.
It was another long flight, but I managed to get a little shuteye so that was a relief. As we sliced through the clouds the grounds of the Congo started coming into view. I really didn't know what to expect; and at times I was quite surprised at the seemingly strong buildings that rose from the ground. As we got a bit closer I could see that yes there were buildings and houses, but not all had windows. Some areas looked like little villages with tiny shacks side by side. The paved roads were a little surprising to see, but I quickly noticed the dusty clouds that rose up as cars sped by. The grass wasn't very green on this side of the world...
As we piled out of the plane, man did it feel good to walk, I was immediately greeted with a somewhat familiar smell. It was quite similar to the one I experienced after landing in Haiti - and I realize these countries are worlds apart, but I was instantly reminded of how lucky I am to have fresh air. The things we take for granted...I'm sure that list will grow throughout these next few months.
Let me tell you, Mercy Ships has their stuff together. There were representatives right there at the baggage claim immediately after we made it through customs, directing us where to go. They navigated us to the land rovers that were waiting outside for us and shuttled us back to the ship. It was only around 7pm but man oh man was it dark. Cruising through the streets of Pointe-Noire with the windows down was nothing like cruising around in my jeep with my top down. Although, I did see an advertisement for The Kardashians on MTV - made me chuckle a little bit. People were hanging out along the streets, enjoying the somewhat comfortable temperatures. After about 20 minutes of driving - and I'm talking no lanes, anything goes kind of driving - we thankfully made it to the port. I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of security we ran into. At the gate entrance to the port there was security standing guard and checked all our passports. Then as we got closer to the ship there was another line of security we had to check through. Then we even got ID badges that we have to scan when we get on and off the ship.
We made it. We tumbled out of the land rover and emptied our bags and stood in awe of the former train carrier turned hospital. I had many times throughout this trip that I questioned if what I was doing was right. Should I really be leaving my family? Should I really take this much time off of a well paying job that I love? What am I doing in AFRICA?!?! But then I looked up and saw the Africa Mercy. At that moment I realized that I became a part of something great. I am supposed to be here after all.
Aside from that ridiculous hiccup, the flights on my end were pretty good - I don't really have any complaints. Well actually I wasn't really a fan of the first plane I took from Connecticut to Canada. I mean, I knew it was going to be a small plane because it was such a short flight - but propellers, really?? Thankfully I was able to settle down after a couple minutes of really psyching myself out. I'm sure the flight attendant thought I was a little crazy because I pretty much bolted off that little thing.
Other than that, it was actually kind of neat, I felt like I was sort of able to promote Mercy Ships during my travel. While I was waiting in line to go through security at Bradley Airport, the gentleman behind me asked if I was part of Mercy Ships. I had the privilege of telling him my little story and how I was actually on my way to my first field service in the Congo. On my next flight, I sat next to a girl from Canada who was on her way back to medical school in Germany. We had a nice little chat about working in the medical field and various mission trips. Then while I was walking to my gate at the airport in Germany I spotted a few people who I thought might be potential volunteers. Thankfully, my gut was right and they didn't think I was a complete creeper when I went up and introduced myself (well if they did, they didn't show it). Before long, there was quite a group huddled around eager to board the long awaited flight to the Congo. We piled onto a bus that took us over to the plane and loaded on up - there was no turning back now.It was another long flight, but I managed to get a little shuteye so that was a relief. As we sliced through the clouds the grounds of the Congo started coming into view. I really didn't know what to expect; and at times I was quite surprised at the seemingly strong buildings that rose from the ground. As we got a bit closer I could see that yes there were buildings and houses, but not all had windows. Some areas looked like little villages with tiny shacks side by side. The paved roads were a little surprising to see, but I quickly noticed the dusty clouds that rose up as cars sped by. The grass wasn't very green on this side of the world...
As we piled out of the plane, man did it feel good to walk, I was immediately greeted with a somewhat familiar smell. It was quite similar to the one I experienced after landing in Haiti - and I realize these countries are worlds apart, but I was instantly reminded of how lucky I am to have fresh air. The things we take for granted...I'm sure that list will grow throughout these next few months.
Let me tell you, Mercy Ships has their stuff together. There were representatives right there at the baggage claim immediately after we made it through customs, directing us where to go. They navigated us to the land rovers that were waiting outside for us and shuttled us back to the ship. It was only around 7pm but man oh man was it dark. Cruising through the streets of Pointe-Noire with the windows down was nothing like cruising around in my jeep with my top down. Although, I did see an advertisement for The Kardashians on MTV - made me chuckle a little bit. People were hanging out along the streets, enjoying the somewhat comfortable temperatures. After about 20 minutes of driving - and I'm talking no lanes, anything goes kind of driving - we thankfully made it to the port. I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of security we ran into. At the gate entrance to the port there was security standing guard and checked all our passports. Then as we got closer to the ship there was another line of security we had to check through. Then we even got ID badges that we have to scan when we get on and off the ship.
We made it. We tumbled out of the land rover and emptied our bags and stood in awe of the former train carrier turned hospital. I had many times throughout this trip that I questioned if what I was doing was right. Should I really be leaving my family? Should I really take this much time off of a well paying job that I love? What am I doing in AFRICA?!?! But then I looked up and saw the Africa Mercy. At that moment I realized that I became a part of something great. I am supposed to be here after all.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Simple Questions
There's no question that I'm an anxious person. It's one of those things that sort of crept up on me and slowly eased it's way into my comfortable life. Sometimes I can do a fairly good job and fake it till I make it as my sister once instructed me to do. Other times, like many others, I get plagued by the dreaded "what if's?" Don't lie, you know what I'm talking about. What if something bad happens? What if I get lost? What if I feel sick? What if I forget what I'm supposed to say? On and on and on...I bet you can imagine the countless what if questions that have flooded my mind these last couple of days as I prepare for my little trip to the Congo.
As I sit here, finally all packed and panicked, I can't help but reflect on the last couple of weeks. It's been quite the whirlwind of events. I finished my three month - which turned into a year long - contract in TN, moved out of my apartment (why oh why do I always acquire so much stuff), enjoyed a family vacation at the beach, caught up with friends and family. I squeezed in a couple extra immunizations, enjoyed a handful of family dinners, and had lots of conversations.
The simple conversation I had with my 4 1/2 year old nephew, Alex, is the one that just hit me. It's what I keep going back to when I have my "OH SHIT" moments and start feeling overwhelmed. It went something like this:
Alex and I were just hanging out playing around on my phone looking at and taking silly pictures. Then we came across a picture of the Africa Mercy.
Me: Hey look, this is the big boat that I'm going to go on with my friend Laura.
Alex: Why?
Me: I'm going to help people who are sick.
Alex: Why?
Me: Because I'm a nurse - you know how you go to the doctor when you don't feel good and the nurse helps take care of you.
Alex: Oh yeah.
Me: That's what I do.
Alex: Why?
Me: Because I like to try and help people feel better. Do you think I'll see Jake (the pirate)?
Alex chuckles: I don't know...
We laughed a little bit and took a few more silly pictures and then joined the rest of my family in the other room. I didn't really think much of it at the time, but the endless "why" questions that sweet little boy asked might as well have been served with a piece of humble pie. That little chat keeps getting replayed in my mind. It's the down and dirty reason why I'm going on this trip in the first place. And as long as I keep it simple, then I guess there is really no reason to feel overwhelmed. If I can turn the what if's into why's, they will become the because I can's, and then I bet things will play out just the way they are supposed to.
Here's a random side note: I'm not a die hard horoscope reader - but I do enjoy taking a peek every now and then. This was mine for today - fitting if I do say so myself...
As I sit here, finally all packed and panicked, I can't help but reflect on the last couple of weeks. It's been quite the whirlwind of events. I finished my three month - which turned into a year long - contract in TN, moved out of my apartment (why oh why do I always acquire so much stuff), enjoyed a family vacation at the beach, caught up with friends and family. I squeezed in a couple extra immunizations, enjoyed a handful of family dinners, and had lots of conversations.
The simple conversation I had with my 4 1/2 year old nephew, Alex, is the one that just hit me. It's what I keep going back to when I have my "OH SHIT" moments and start feeling overwhelmed. It went something like this:
Alex and I were just hanging out playing around on my phone looking at and taking silly pictures. Then we came across a picture of the Africa Mercy.
Me: Hey look, this is the big boat that I'm going to go on with my friend Laura.
Alex: Why?
Me: I'm going to help people who are sick.
Alex: Why?
Me: Because I'm a nurse - you know how you go to the doctor when you don't feel good and the nurse helps take care of you.
Alex: Oh yeah.
Me: That's what I do.
Alex: Why?
Me: Because I like to try and help people feel better. Do you think I'll see Jake (the pirate)?
Alex chuckles: I don't know...
We laughed a little bit and took a few more silly pictures and then joined the rest of my family in the other room. I didn't really think much of it at the time, but the endless "why" questions that sweet little boy asked might as well have been served with a piece of humble pie. That little chat keeps getting replayed in my mind. It's the down and dirty reason why I'm going on this trip in the first place. And as long as I keep it simple, then I guess there is really no reason to feel overwhelmed. If I can turn the what if's into why's, they will become the because I can's, and then I bet things will play out just the way they are supposed to.
Here's a random side note: I'm not a die hard horoscope reader - but I do enjoy taking a peek every now and then. This was mine for today - fitting if I do say so myself...
It seems as if everything at work is about to change and you aren't sure how to prioritize your goals today. It may feel as if you're on a roller coaster ride; you're exhilarated one moment and craving stability the next. But attempts to end the uncertainty will only lead to higher anxiety. Stop resisting that which you cannot control. Thankfully, your path straightens out over the next few days, bringing more structure to your life and paving the way to your future.
Congo - here I come...
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Organized Chaos
After I finished up my contract in Tennessee, I hopped in my sardine packed jeep and made a little road trip to Virginia Beach to meet the rest of my family for a little vaycay. My parents somehow figured out a way to get all of us in one place for an entire week. It was quite the project, and I'm not ashamed to say that I'm happy that I was in no way part of the planning committee. They just had to say we were going to the beach for vacation and check in day is Saturday - that was all I needed.
As I was cruising down the highway (interstate as they say in the South) and rocking out to my music - don't worry, no I didn't stop for any numbers - I couldn't help but think about what I was driving into. For those of you who don't know, I'm the youngest of four girls. I sort of feel like that's an average size family, and in a lot of ways maybe we do fall into the "average family category." However, I think we're anything but ordinary. So Andrea is my oldest sister (one of the twins) - she's married to Nick and they have Sam (3) and another on the way. Kristin is the other twin - she's married to Andy, and they have Alex (4 1/2) and Grayson (1 1/2). And Caitlin is married to Alan and they have Eloise (16mths). Then there is me - married TBD with no known children at this time. My parents are pretty cool - I've been their housemate for the last 26 years (not including my little travel days). They've been married for 41 years this September which seems like crazy talk these days. It's fun watching them now that all of us are grown and they can carry on with their lives together. It's actually really refreshing to see two people devoted to one another. My future husband has a lot to live up to, poor guy.
So now that we know all the participants of this Palomba vacation, let's do a little math. If you add em all up you get 13 people - do you know what that means?? There are 13 mouths...loud mouths...I can be quite the talker, especially if I'm familiar with you. Well, if you multiply that by 10 you get one of my sisters. There's still two more - and don't forget their husbands and children. So needless to say this beach house of ours, which was pretty good size, seemed to always be hopping. It was quite the transition - going from my own little apartment with just my thoughts, to an entire house full of laughing and crying, yelling and joking, fighting and hugging.
The neat thing about this week long experience was that I wouldn't trade it for the world. My family is pretty awesome. I may not be able to get a word in edgewise, but I know the second I need their help I have an automatic dozen on my side. This was the perfect vacation to have before I head off to Congoland. Of course, the beach was fantastic - we had amazing weather and I am proud to say that I did fairly well in the sunscreen application department For some reason it's actually fun getting pummeled by waves while trying to boogie board, and quite humorous watching the kids thoroughly enjoy digging a hole in the sand. I love watching the waves roll in and feeling the salty air on my skin. But there's nothing better than looking up from your plate at the table and seeing your entire family in one room enjoying random conversations. Or hearing the pitter-patter of little feet and looking up to see freshly bathed kids in their pj's. Throughout the week I feel like I had little moments with all of them - it was just nice. I am truly lucky.
Although I don't think I'll ever get used to referring to my parents as Grammy and Grampy, I don't think I'll ever have a problem being around my family.
As I was cruising down the highway (interstate as they say in the South) and rocking out to my music - don't worry, no I didn't stop for any numbers - I couldn't help but think about what I was driving into. For those of you who don't know, I'm the youngest of four girls. I sort of feel like that's an average size family, and in a lot of ways maybe we do fall into the "average family category." However, I think we're anything but ordinary. So Andrea is my oldest sister (one of the twins) - she's married to Nick and they have Sam (3) and another on the way. Kristin is the other twin - she's married to Andy, and they have Alex (4 1/2) and Grayson (1 1/2). And Caitlin is married to Alan and they have Eloise (16mths). Then there is me - married TBD with no known children at this time. My parents are pretty cool - I've been their housemate for the last 26 years (not including my little travel days). They've been married for 41 years this September which seems like crazy talk these days. It's fun watching them now that all of us are grown and they can carry on with their lives together. It's actually really refreshing to see two people devoted to one another. My future husband has a lot to live up to, poor guy.
So now that we know all the participants of this Palomba vacation, let's do a little math. If you add em all up you get 13 people - do you know what that means?? There are 13 mouths...loud mouths...I can be quite the talker, especially if I'm familiar with you. Well, if you multiply that by 10 you get one of my sisters. There's still two more - and don't forget their husbands and children. So needless to say this beach house of ours, which was pretty good size, seemed to always be hopping. It was quite the transition - going from my own little apartment with just my thoughts, to an entire house full of laughing and crying, yelling and joking, fighting and hugging.
The neat thing about this week long experience was that I wouldn't trade it for the world. My family is pretty awesome. I may not be able to get a word in edgewise, but I know the second I need their help I have an automatic dozen on my side. This was the perfect vacation to have before I head off to Congoland. Of course, the beach was fantastic - we had amazing weather and I am proud to say that I did fairly well in the sunscreen application department For some reason it's actually fun getting pummeled by waves while trying to boogie board, and quite humorous watching the kids thoroughly enjoy digging a hole in the sand. I love watching the waves roll in and feeling the salty air on my skin. But there's nothing better than looking up from your plate at the table and seeing your entire family in one room enjoying random conversations. Or hearing the pitter-patter of little feet and looking up to see freshly bathed kids in their pj's. Throughout the week I feel like I had little moments with all of them - it was just nice. I am truly lucky.
Although I don't think I'll ever get used to referring to my parents as Grammy and Grampy, I don't think I'll ever have a problem being around my family.
More pictures to follow :)
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