My Medical Mission: A Grey Matter
This blog was written to share the experience of working as an OR nurse aboard the Mercy Ships. The author was sponsored by TotalMed for this medical mission. This past Friday was a ship holiday, so the operating room was closed (except for emergencies), and most people found excursions off our floating home for a […]
“Untitled”
This week I’ve had writer’s block. I’ve stared at a blank screen more hours than I care to admit, ashamed that it reflects what’s on my mind when I finally have a minute to think. Sometimes everything is a lot to write, and anything is too much to tell, so nothing can be said. I […]
A Dress Love
In Douala, at times the grayness of the sky and water is only separated by a small sliver of horizon you can see in the distance. Even the sun seems to have trouble piercing through the thick humidity and haze, and the breeze carries a salty heaviness as the wind comes up off the water. […]
Mercy Ships: When Good Is a Four-Letter Word
There’s So Much More The DREAD, the ANTICIPATION, of hearing those four little words from everyone you see back home… “How was your trip?” I always give this question a lot of thought. I dig deep, look through pictures, meditate, practice my answer, and walk into the world with confidence. And the second someone asks […]
Mercy Ships: The Journey
Journey to Transcends Cultural and Language Barriers We play music in the operating room, but it’s difficult to get playlists everyone can agree on, especially in multi-cultural rooms. Through some trial and error, I’ve discovered certain artists have made the cut. Mumford and Sons. The Lumineers. Queen. Bastille. Imagine Dragons. Florence and the Machine. Fun. […]
Mercy Ships: The Bigger Picture
The People are Vibrant and Beautiful This past Saturday I went to the fabric market with three friends from the ship. The streets are lined with a dizzying array of colors, textures, and designs. It’s a little overwhelming. There are literally thousands of patterns to choose from, and very few are exactly the same. While […]
Mercy Ships: Life Is Like a Bowl of Oatmeal
Peppered Oatmeal I eat oatmeal for breakfast almost every single morning. For the past six weeks, oatmeal is what has enticed me out of bed. You may think it’s crazy. “Oatmeal is so bland!” “It’s so lumpy.” “Oatmeal is weird.” But no. Not this oatmeal. It’s been my one constant, and with a little bit […]
Mercy Ships: Silver Linings
Signs of Promise and Renewed Hope It’s the rainy season here in Benin. The skies can be clear and bright blue, and suddenly, dark grey clouds roll in, bringing with them a torrential downpour. There’s usually no warning, and they’re over almost as soon as they start. But they can leave behind an absolute mess. […]
Mercy Ships: Holding On
My Soul is Bare and Raw Every Friday we have to terminally clean our operating rooms. That means we have to take a special cleaning solution and wipe down everything in the room, including the ceilings, cabinets, walls, and floors. We pull all of the equipment out as it is cleaned, placing it in the […]
Mercy Ships: The Honest Truth
Navigating the Local Market On Sunday I went to a local artisan market here in Cotonou. There’s a smoky trash smell that permeates the city, mixing with the sounds of people speaking French and Fon. Vendors drape brightly colored cloths over you as you peruse the fabrics, paintings, jewelry, and woodworks, saying, “Sista, come see, […]