Fifteen years ago, like most girls in their preteen years, I loved to read books about changed lives and adventures and traveling – hoping that I would one day change the world like my favorite characters. I came across a fictional book about a girl who embarked on a mission trip to Africa upon a (non-fictional) ship. This ship was a hospital that treated patients for free, regardless of age or race or religion, basing their model of care on the 2000 year old example of Jesus. From that point on, I vowed to one day volunteer on the ship. The next fifteen years of my life, through high school and college, I had always remembered Mercy Ships. This summer, after evaluating my life, I applied and will be serving on the Africa Mercy until May!

After 37 hours of traveling – I have arrived in the Congo! Traveling from home where it is freezing cold, I stepped out into the 90 degree heat and just about suffocated while carrying all of my bags. The Congo reminds me much of Uganda, so I felt right at home. The people are very friendly, especially when they see the Mercy Ships logo.

The ship is a beacon of hope to the people here. Pulling up to the ship was amazing – it looms massive in the water. It is so much larger than I thought. The pictures do not do it justice. Everything is very organized here – much different than any other medical mission trip I have ever gone on. I don’t start work until Monday, so I am enjoying meeting people, finding my way around the eight levels and decks, as well as getting out to see the city.

As I sit on the deck and watch the ships come in, listening to the waves, I cannot believe God is allowing my dreams to come true. As I sit back at look at my life, I am in awe of the grace God has shown me. I have been blessed to go on many adventures, share the gospel with people all over the globe and see some of my most cherished dreams coming true.

I am looking forward to orientation in the hospital on Monday! There are not many patients right now, as the ship slowed down for the holidays, but this coming week is supposed to be buzzing with new surgeries. Bring on the patients!!!

The ship!

My very small space:)