Things I miss about Ship Life....
1-Every outing is an adventure!
The constant guessing game as to what way to look while crossing the road, the argument that you have to work your way through when "discussing" taxi fare prices. Being greeted via megaphone upon entry into the local market, and witnessing a man carry an
Oven on his head while walking down the road. Oh yes and finding porcupines in the courtyard of a random shop that does wood carvings.... I never knew porcupines grew to be so big! As soon as you step off the gangway you know the outing will be an adventure, with the right attitude, and a smile you are guaranteed to return to the Ship with a story!
2-Have a deck to sit out on.
I deeply enjoy the evenings spent out on the deck watching the sun go down and ships returning and leaveing the port. Most recently we had the french Navy as our neigbor here on the dock, a few of us had a great tour of the ship and visited with their nurse and electrician on board. It was great seeing inside the ship and check out their engine room, sick bay, radar room, the bridge and sit in the chair that controls the Giant Gun! This morning I watched as they headed out to sea from my spot on Deck 8. Last week the rain arrived in full force, Sitting out under cover on the deck listening and smelling the rain felt like home, it was so lovely. Every night lightning can be seen over the ocean arching in dramacic bolts in the distance. It is here on the deck where we can gather to sing worship, find a spot to be silent and alone, or chat with friends in the late night hours.
3-Living with so many great friends.
I feel like this is the living in residence at university experience I missed out on. It is so great having a ship full of friends. There is never a shortage of friends to hang out with. Charades, movie nights, or nights out on the beach are just a nightly given when living with great friends. The friends that I have made here are from all over the world, we have all been called to come and serve here on Mercy Ships. the sense of community and having Christ woven into all of our lives has been a privilege. It is easy to have community here while we are experiencing life together, watching patients life being transformed and ours being moved and changed as we serve.
4-Pediatric Patients I will miss greatly.
Having a baby nestle into your arms, or a young boy ran at you to start a tickle fight is not a part of my day to day job back home. knowing that the surgeries are going to make a world of difference for these children is so moving. A baby who arrives severely malnourished and has their Cleft lip repaired they are given a new future, one their mothers never dreamed possible. I will miss Jaka, dancing and giggling, i will miss Lamine, his monkey skills, running around Deck 7, climbing up our legs to get onto our backs, i will miss them all!
The constant guessing game as to what way to look while crossing the road, the argument that you have to work your way through when "discussing" taxi fare prices. Being greeted via megaphone upon entry into the local market, and witnessing a man carry an Oven on his head while walking down the road. Oh yes and finding porcupines in the courtyard of a random shop that does wood carvings.... I never knew porcupines grew to be so big! As soon as you step off the gangway you know the outing will be an adventure, with the right attitude, and a smile you are guaranteed to return to the Ship with a story! 
I feel like this is the living in residence at university experience I missed out on. It is so great having a ship full of friends. There is never a shortage of friends to hang out with. Charades, movie nights, or nights out on the beach are just a nightly given when living with great friends. The friends that I have made here are from all over the world, we have all been called to come and serve here on Mercy Ships. the sense of community and having Christ woven into all of our lives has been a privilege. It is easy to have community here while we are experiencing life together, watching patients life being transformed and ours being moved and changed as we serve. 
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