Well my friends, looks like the joke is on me. It turns out that just under three months on
this vessel wasn’t enough. I have
graciously been given the opportunity to extend my time on Mercy Ships until
April. I’m still trying to wrap my head
around the fact that I’m writing this post floating in the still waters of the
dock in Africa instead of in the comfort of my home. A couple weeks ago it hit me smack in the
face as I tried unsuccessfully to keep the salty puddles of water from flowing
as Laura and Helena climbed into the land rover on the way to the airport
without me. Please don’t misunderstand
me, I am elated to be able to stay longer, but that doesn’t lessen the twinge
of holycowwhatamidoing that comes crashing in like the waves. Some days I take those waves like a champ and
stand my ground, other days it seems as though I get knocked around and lose my
footing for a bit.
In my defense, how can I not expect to get a little banged
up when I realize that not only was I on board for my birthday but also my
favorite holiday ever – THANKSGIVING…and then why not add Christmas to the
list. It’s so easy to wallow, and
sometimes I’m pretty darn good at it.
Thankfully however, the amazing individuals that I’ve met these last few
months, the ones I am beyond proud to call my friends, are right there for me…every
time. That’s definitely one of the
things I had not expected to find when I began this life altering journey.
The overwhelming Birthday Love that was poured out for me
Africa Mercy Thanksgiving
I decided to volunteer on this ship because I wanted to use
my nursing skills to help people in a land that I knew nothing about. I wanted to share my love of nursing with
those around me; I wanted to try to make a difference in the life of
another. I knew the experiences I’d have
would be unforgettable and would have an impact on me, but I did not expect to have
my own world rocked. I didn’t know I was
going to be a stripped version of myself, comfortably vulnerable in the
presence of these amazingly supportive individuals. I didn’t expect to be inspired by the ones I
interact with every day.
When people ask me what made me want to stay I surprised
even myself when I blurted out, “Well, I just don’t feel like I’m quite
finished here yet.” As I said it, I
didn’t even completely know what I meant.
I still don’t know what I expect to happen in the future months that
will make me feel finished, or more ready, but I’m excited. I’m excited to continue to deepen my faith
and take more of an active role in my relationship with God. I’m excited to open my heart to new faces, as
they have to me. I’m excited to continue
to grow into the woman I was meant to be.
I had the sad realization when Laura left that it was just
the beginning of the dreaded goodbyes.
And as I gear myself up for future departures, I have decided to stand
firm in the belief that they are really just simple “See ya later’s.” And besides, a difficult goodbye is only
proof that an amazing friendship had developed.
