Saturday, May 3, 2008
God's plans are bigger than ours
So this past week I had a crazy schedule and I had switched with someone to go camping so I ended up working nights last weekend and then had to work eve. shift Mon. I still got 5 hrs. of sleep in between which has become more normal for me than is probably healthy. I was ready for work and feeling fine and awake and actually excited to come to work again...which is also pretty normal for here...God is awesome:) Anyhoo...I showed up and Red was like...I can't believe you are working eve shift after you just got off nights...you must be so tired. I explained how it was kind of flukey and I felt fine and was ready to take the full patient load. She said they were going to be getting an infection patient into C ward later and a nurse would have to be in there so I would just get one patient. Usually I would get patients in D ward as well as that new admit...who was not even here yet. She said I could take it easy and play/ do activities with the kids on the wards and help out where needed. I kind of argued with her cause I really wanted to work and was fine. We had enough nurses though and she insisted. Then we were talking and discussing one of the guys who had been here for quite a while and was supposed to go home a while ago but his wound keeps oozing so he is still here. We were discussing how that was kind of odd and wondering why God still had him here. He is french speaking and often translators come here to lead worship songs and share scripture/testimonies on the ward, but since he is french speaking he probably does not take too much of that in. He can speak small small english but not much. Anyhoo...to make a long story short I used that eve. to grab one of the french speaking translators and talk to him a little bit. He is muslim and I didn't convert him to Christianity but hopefully planted a seed. I also ran into Andrew outside when I was looking for the translator and we had a really good talk for about 30 -45 minutes. He is back home now but now his house got washed away since it is right by the ocean and the water came up and I guess washed out several houses. Andrew has awesome faith, but was cool to be able to encourage him through that situation and talk to him about some other things as well. I believe God used that converstion to speak to both of us. I was able to help another nurse out later that evening who was super super busy, start an IV, and play some games with some of the patients as well. It ended up being a great evening. I was just really frustrated at the beginning and prayed that God would give me peace about the situation and it's so cool looking back and seeing how God had different plans for the evening and it ended up being great.:)
Patrick
So I was going to do a blog about Patrick...the "patient" who was here a while ago I had written about. He was from Sierra Leone and here for plastics screening. He did not end up getting surgery while here but hopefully will if Mercy Ships goes to Sierra Leone next year which is the tentative plan depending on if the government there will allow us to come. 
Patrick is 14 or 15 and lost both of his parents in the war. After the rebels killed his parents they threw him into the fire. He lost his siblings as well. He is blessed to have an uncle who he now lives with. He has an amzing story. With all the scars he has he looks like he is 15 going on 60. Despite all that he is the most joyful guy. I took him up to deck 7 after work one day and for whatever reason none of the patients on any of the other wards came up that day. I ran into Ali on the way up who was not working but came up just to hang out for a little while. That was the most wonderful hour or we had. The 3 of us had so much fun that day and the next few days he was there. That day on deck 7 Patrick was telling us all about Sierra Leone...teaching us the language Creo and teaching us the dances they do there. We were laughing so hard and having such a good time. What an amazing kid. He is another one we would visit everyday. The day he left Ali and I walked him to the end of the gate. That was another hard one to say bye too. We got the address to the tailor shop his uncle owns so if Ali and/or I are here next outreach and go to Sierra Leone we can find him. Not sure exactly why he came all the way to Liberia only to get told he will prob. get surgery in Sierra Leone..but I know God had a plan in the time he spent here. There is another patient here now who has been here forever and has continuos oozing from his wound and not sure why God has him still here except that God probably has a plan behind that too. Anyhoo...sorry to get off subject. But here are some pictures we took that day on deck 7. Cool to see the contrast of how much joy he has, but at the same time, you can see the pain and hurt behind his eyes. I wish I could get the videos of him teaching us how to dance on he
re. I do believe Ali tagged me in one on facebook that you can get to from my page.
Alfred "the scientist" Renner
Where do I begin about Alfred. One of my favorite patients....although Auntie Ali was the one he was acually in love with;) Ali and I (auntie Liz) had a great time with him. He is a 14 year old boy who was here for quite awhile after he had surgery on his leg. He was very mature for his age for the most part. Ali and I would visit him pretty much every day even when we were not working..although sometimes he would not talk to us. We decided this happened when his dad would take off and leave him for the weekend and that really hurt him. I think there is some pretty deep emotional hurt in that boy. He has no mother, only his dad. We would hang out with him in the hallway during the day and at night when he wasn't sleeping. He is the one that told both Ali and I serperately that we would not get married because we are too crazy...lol. He told me I needed to be more serious. I said, "well, what if I find a crazy husband" to which he replied.."he stupid"...lol. He told me about growing up and explained the games to me that they would play in the river. He had the biggest smile and always made us laugh...unless he was in one of his non-speaking moods. He was an expert at the whole eye brow raising thing. I think I wrote about that in a previous blog...often Africans when they say "yes" to something just raise their eyebrows...and often very subtly so it takes a while to pick up on. But Alfred would always do that when I would ask him something.
One day I was visiting Alfred and he asked me why we allow muslims on the ship. That was a cool opportunity to talk with him. After explaining that to him I realized his bed neighbor was muslim and that is why he asked. I was probably talking really loud when I answered him too..but maybe that was a good thing. Ali said that one of the days she was working that muslim patient was doing their prayer and Alfred starting singing "we worship you papa"...(one of the worship songs sung here) at the top of his lungs until she stopped praying. That was a little immature of him but slightly amusing too. He is a boy trying to figure things out...at least he recognized the difference there. It was a sad day when he went home.
One day I was visiting Alfred and he asked me why we allow muslims on the ship. That was a cool opportunity to talk with him. After explaining that to him I realized his bed neighbor was muslim and that is why he asked. I was probably talking really loud when I answered him too..but maybe that was a good thing. Ali said that one of the days she was working that muslim patient was doing their prayer and Alfred starting singing "we worship you papa"...(one of the worship songs sung here) at the top of his lungs until she stopped praying. That was a little immature of him but slightly amusing too. He is a boy trying to figure things out...at least he recognized the difference there. It was a sad day when he went home.
Mother Fatu
So I am going to try to get caught up on some blogging finally. It's been way too long. Im workin night shift tonight, and even though a nurse called in and I have all 15 patients to myself it should be a pretty quiet night:) Yeah for flexability.:) Ali and Phil just stopped in to say hi and hang out for the last hour...that made my night.So I have been going to Mother Fatu's orphanage a few times on off days with one of my good friends who has been going there since they have been back in Liberia for this outreach. It is about a 30 minute taxi ride away. They have been working on painting the classrooms. I love it there. It is run by a mother Fatu. She has an awesome testimony and felt God called her to start this orphanage. She lives with her husband there, although he has had a stroke and pretty much stays upstairs. He was very highly educated in the states but missed Africa too much to stay there. He helped write speaches for the president here before he had a stroke. The kids are so fun to just hang out and play with. They love singing, dancing, braiding our hair, running around and climbing all over you:) It's so fun to see all of their different personalities. They never cease to entertain:) The kids have school every day until about 12:30. One of the older girls was teaching me how to dance. And before we left that day most of the kids ended up in the room that was being painted and singing worship songs for us and other songs they had learned in school. Some of the little boys use the wooden chairs as bongo drums. The kids have so much energy...sometimes too much ...in which case a game of follow the leader may be necessary to get some of the kids out of the room so that at least some work can get done in between playing.:) I hope to get back there again before I leave in a week. And hope to get mother Fatu here to the ship for dinner one night. She is such a blessing to those kids and an amazing woman to get to talk to. Im gonna miss the sound of little kids constantly calling my name..."lizbet, come here.....lizbet"...both at the orphanage and on the ward. The last time I was there it was raining so we went into the church building and were listening worhsip practice and dancing all around. I love watching the kids interact with each other and run off to play games with each other. Oh, to be a child again. Earlier I had tried having them build a pyramid...bad mistake...lol. It ended up with a huge "lets all pile on liz" game. I was pretty much covered in sand by the end of that one. And if you ever sit down on the steps be prepaired to be swormed and tackled:) It's neat to think about how each one of those is God's precious child and how God has a plan for each one of their lives.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Roberts Port Camping Adventure
So first of all...I cannot believe I only have 3 weeks left. I have made some of the most amazing friends and had some of the most amazing experiences here and will be very sad to say good bye. But who knows...maybe I will be back before I know it.
God has used some of the ppl I have met here to teach me some amazing things through their lives, testimonies, and encouragement. Some of these are personal so I will not share here, but if you ask I'll probably share. It is just so cool how God works in such strange yet cool ways and through people you'd never expect.
I walked Andrew (the albino I have been referring to) to the gate to say goodbye today. We will miss him. He has been such a blessing to me and to the ward. I am going to try to visit him at his home. And he has gotten special permission to come back each Sunday to do drums at ward church...so that's awesome...but will still miss poppin my head in to say hi every time Im down on the ward.
Ok...sorry for getting side tracked...back to camping...
So Sat. 4 of us left to go to Roberts Port (closer to Sierra Leone border). The youth group also took some vehicles, but 4 of us went seperate with a taxi and camped further down the beach. We actually made it there in an uneventful trip only about 2.5 hrs...unlike the last group that took a taxi there and got a flat tire then ran off the road into the woods and had to be taken the rest of the way in UN vehicles). The most eventful thing that happened was when we picked up extra ppl on the way (we already had 4 of us in the back seat and 2 other passangers up front). The drivers son actually road on the front of the hood the last couple miles...good times! We got to town and bought some water and kerosine before heading to the beach. We hung out with the other mercy shippers for a while in the afternoon. Ali, Red, and Paul who I think I have referenced before were all along on the youth trip. Then we went down the beach and I watched the guys body board and surf for a while. I have to say this is one of the prettiest beaches I have seen...just cause it was so lush and green and had dark black rocks scattered along the shore here and there. I did a little body boarding myself...the waves were ok, but I guess usually better for surfing than this time. The guys knew some of the local surfers from before so they joined them. We set up camp before it got dark. We planned to sleep outside but brought a tent in case of the usual late night rain shower or in case the crabs were biting too much. I made sure to wear plenty of insect repellent as well. We made a big camp fire and cooked noodles, sauce, and some meat and beans we had brought along. It was quite yummy...a little salty being cooked in salt water but quite delicious. We were relaxing on the beach watching the waves roll in when I was like.."so is anyone else feeling a little ill?" Well, I guess I was the only one...at around 830pm I started throwing up every 30 minutes till probably around midnight. Good times. I have no idea how I got sick...it could have been anything. I have to say I have never thrown up with such a nice view before though! And I was well taken care of. It was SO nice out..we slept out all night and it didnt rain...and we were close enough to the fire that the crabs didnt bother us either. At about 1030 one of the guys took the long trek back to the youth site to get some meds from Ali from the med kit for me. She came back and stayed with us. She is my kindred spirit here....so was nice to have her by my side through the night and help me out (I'll spare the details:)). I took some benadryl and was able to finally get maybe an hour or 2 of sleep off and on. I dont think any of us really got much of any sleep. I felt better in the morning just 100% wiped out since I had nothing left in me. At 730am it did start to rain so 5 of us piled into a 2 person tent for an hour. I had already been thinking how long of a walk I had ahead of me expecially with how exhausted I wass. Two of the youth came to get me to see if I wanted to walk back with them and go in the mercy ships vehicles since they knew I was sick and probably didnt want to be crammed into a taxi. So they carried my stuff and we started walking..I warned them I was going to be REALLY slow and would probably need to take some breaks. Then David volunteered to save my life and he piggy backed me half way back. We left around noon to head back home. The others took the taxi back and came back a couple hours later. I still had a great time...but was sad I didnt get to climb the rocks and see what was around the bend which had been my plan for the next day. But, such is life. Good memories, good friends, and yeah for God's gorgeous creation. I am feeling much better today. God was gracious in that I had today off anyway so I got to relax and recoup.
God has used some of the ppl I have met here to teach me some amazing things through their lives, testimonies, and encouragement. Some of these are personal so I will not share here, but if you ask I'll probably share. It is just so cool how God works in such strange yet cool ways and through people you'd never expect.
I walked Andrew (the albino I have been referring to) to the gate to say goodbye today. We will miss him. He has been such a blessing to me and to the ward. I am going to try to visit him at his home. And he has gotten special permission to come back each Sunday to do drums at ward church...so that's awesome...but will still miss poppin my head in to say hi every time Im down on the ward.
Ok...sorry for getting side tracked...back to camping...
So Sat. 4 of us left to go to Roberts Port (closer to Sierra Leone border). The youth group also took some vehicles, but 4 of us went seperate with a taxi and camped further down the beach. We actually made it there in an uneventful trip only about 2.5 hrs...unlike the last group that took a taxi there and got a flat tire then ran off the road into the woods and had to be taken the rest of the way in UN vehicles). The most eventful thing that happened was when we picked up extra ppl on the way (we already had 4 of us in the back seat and 2 other passangers up front). The drivers son actually road on the front of the hood the last couple miles...good times! We got to town and bought some water and kerosine before heading to the beach. We hung out with the other mercy shippers for a while in the afternoon. Ali, Red, and Paul who I think I have referenced before were all along on the youth trip. Then we went down the beach and I watched the guys body board and surf for a while. I have to say this is one of the prettiest beaches I have seen...just cause it was so lush and green and had dark black rocks scattered along the shore here and there. I did a little body boarding myself...the waves were ok, but I guess usually better for surfing than this time. The guys knew some of the local surfers from before so they joined them. We set up camp before it got dark. We planned to sleep outside but brought a tent in case of the usual late night rain shower or in case the crabs were biting too much. I made sure to wear plenty of insect repellent as well. We made a big camp fire and cooked noodles, sauce, and some meat and beans we had brought along. It was quite yummy...a little salty being cooked in salt water but quite delicious. We were relaxing on the beach watching the waves roll in when I was like.."so is anyone else feeling a little ill?" Well, I guess I was the only one...at around 830pm I started throwing up every 30 minutes till probably around midnight. Good times. I have no idea how I got sick...it could have been anything. I have to say I have never thrown up with such a nice view before though! And I was well taken care of. It was SO nice out..we slept out all night and it didnt rain...and we were close enough to the fire that the crabs didnt bother us either. At about 1030 one of the guys took the long trek back to the youth site to get some meds from Ali from the med kit for me. She came back and stayed with us. She is my kindred spirit here....so was nice to have her by my side through the night and help me out (I'll spare the details:)). I took some benadryl and was able to finally get maybe an hour or 2 of sleep off and on. I dont think any of us really got much of any sleep. I felt better in the morning just 100% wiped out since I had nothing left in me. At 730am it did start to rain so 5 of us piled into a 2 person tent for an hour. I had already been thinking how long of a walk I had ahead of me expecially with how exhausted I wass. Two of the youth came to get me to see if I wanted to walk back with them and go in the mercy ships vehicles since they knew I was sick and probably didnt want to be crammed into a taxi. So they carried my stuff and we started walking..I warned them I was going to be REALLY slow and would probably need to take some breaks. Then David volunteered to save my life and he piggy backed me half way back. We left around noon to head back home. The others took the taxi back and came back a couple hours later. I still had a great time...but was sad I didnt get to climb the rocks and see what was around the bend which had been my plan for the next day. But, such is life. Good memories, good friends, and yeah for God's gorgeous creation. I am feeling much better today. God was gracious in that I had today off anyway so I got to relax and recoup.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A day out in rural Africa
So sat. I pulled myself out of bed to head out early for an orphanage. There is a group of older guys and Scotland Peter who go out every weekend to help build a new orphanage. I had asked to go awhile ago to help out cause I like playing with kids and I love working and getting my hands dirty. We drove 2 hrs out and through the firestone plant to get to this place. It was so peaceful and pretty out there. As soon as we pulled up of course the kids came running. One of the guys from mercy ships has actually been staying out there for the last 2 weeks, so I got to see the hut he was staying in. Crazy! He had lost quite a bit of weight and complaining that he washes his clothes daily and still smells. We played with the kids a little while. The two women we came with read to the kids. I was ready to get my hands dirty so I helped plant some bananna trees around one of the huts with a chisel type thing. Now too long into the day Peter comes over with a little boy holding the strangest looking bug. It looked like a little alien with a bunch of twitching feet. I have a good video. But ooooh...scary looking. I guess they did eventually rip the head off and eat it. MMMM. I also got to see HUGE magots and watch the boys eat them. I almost put one in my mouth but really didnt want to catch some wierd disease.
During lunch Peter and I went to the field down the road to play soccer with the boys. good times...but quite hot in the afternoon...and they sure are a ton better than me...they got several good laughs watching me play:) Although I did somehow manage to score a goal somehow. One of the little boys was carrying around a large machette with him everywhere he went...I still get a kick out of that common site here. 
After lunch I helped the guys dig trenches for the foundation. Quite hard work. Actually I had blisters within minutes. We would hoe the rocks and dirt loose then use a shovel to clean it out. Two of the older girls jumped in and helped when they saw me and it was mentioned that women are the hardest workers in Africa. We all laughed and had a good time. Even enjoyed an afternoon rain shower. The kids gave me what looked like way under ripe green orange...but they said it was ready..so we peeled it and man, that was the yummiest, juciest thing ever. It was a great day filled with fun and hard work. I love the country anywhere so it's always enjoyable to get out. It is crazy how desolate it is out there and think they survive ok. Wow, does it make me count my blessings. And it was so cute having a little train of kids following you everywhere you went. The kids are so precious and beautiful here...breaks my heart to think how many are orphaned, yet fun to hold them each and silently pray in my head for them...knowing God loves them so much and has special plans for everyone of their lives even though it looks so bleak at times.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Night Shift
So this is what happens when you go up for a break at 1am on night shift.
Tom (aspiring hair dresser from England): "Liz..your hair looks kind of poofy."
Me: "I know, that is why I hardly ever wear it down."
Tom: "It doesn't look bad, but I have just the thing to fix it."
(Tom proceeds to go to his cabin to get his styling gel, puts some in his hands and rubbing it all over in my hair)
Afterwards:
Tom: "Wow Liz...you look amazing..you would totally be a hit in England with that hair."
Me: "Yikes....uhhh...I had better go do something with my hair before I scare all of my patients."
Good times!
Patients
So, can I just say I love my patients. I worked this past weekend so I went to the church service we have on the ward. I think Im going to do that again next Sunday, just because it is SO lively and celebrational and I actually know people in the congragation. All the patients that are able to from all 3 wards cram into one and there is drums, worship, and time for patients to give their testimony. Then there is a small sermon. This past week Andrew (the albino who I have written about previously) gave the sermon based off of the Luke passage where the sick woman just touches Jesus's cloak and is healed and Jesus feels the power leave him. He did a great job. It was fun taking care of him this week cause he gets dressing changes three times a day and you have to put vinegar/saline water soaked gauze on the wound and let it sit for 10 minutes. We would go to a different room to do this so we just hung out while we waited for the 10 minutes to pass. The whole week he was so excited about talking in ward church. He would go over the passages with me and what he was going to talk about. He also shared with me much of the hard times he had been through personally and how he didn't give up and how God provides. I also started praying for him while we waited for time to pass. I have really enjoyed those times with him. He is still here and is going for his second surgery tomorrow actually to get a skin graft from his leg to cover the open muscle on his shoulder. After he preached Sunday I told him he did a great job and he said, no...God did...how cool is that. 
I also enjoy walking back to the ship from being to the market and often seeing some of my patients being discharged and walking out..or leaving after a follow up apt. It is so fun to see them, and run up and give em a hug and say hi. I was running with Red (one of the charge nurses here who is amazing) and we saw one of the patients we had really gotten to know. We both ran up and gave her a hug. Then we started talking about how cool that is and how most of these patients are probably not used to being loved like that and having people be excited to see them after they have lived with illness and deformaties.
It is always interesting nursing here and exchanging information with patients...as I have mentioned before regarding translating. Well, another thing that Africans do is raise their eye brows...for everything it seems. I had a girl last week who was queen of this. Usually when they raise their eye brows (ever so subtly) it means yes. Again, it took me a long time to even notice them doing it cause it is so subtle which ads to the entertainment. But I had a girl and granted she did have jaw surgery and couldnt really talk she still had the eye thing mastered. But I would ask her if she wanted to take the medicine liquid or in pill form and she would raise her eye brows. Well, thtat didnt help me so then I would ask her if she wanted it liquid...raised eyebrows. Then I did the same with pills...same response. I was crackin up inside cause Im like...really...I think Im missing some hidden signal..she would raise her eye brows for everything. Anyhoo...guess you have to see it..but good times.
Here are a few of the patients I have gotten to be close with. One is a girl who had no nose/lips because of the flesh eating noma bacteria. Thanks to the surgeons here and many surgeries later she has a nose and lips and was just back for a revision of that. One of these pictures was taken after she finished braiding my hair. Then her mom taught me how to wrap and hold a baby on my back like the women here do...the woman in the next bed over had a little baby that we all enjoyed helping babysit while mom was getting surgery.
I also enjoy walking back to the ship from being to the market and often seeing some of my patients being discharged and walking out..or leaving after a follow up apt. It is so fun to see them, and run up and give em a hug and say hi. I was running with Red (one of the charge nurses here who is amazing) and we saw one of the patients we had really gotten to know. We both ran up and gave her a hug. Then we started talking about how cool that is and how most of these patients are probably not used to being loved like that and having people be excited to see them after they have lived with illness and deformaties.
It is always interesting nursing here and exchanging information with patients...as I have mentioned before regarding translating. Well, another thing that Africans do is raise their eye brows...for everything it seems. I had a girl last week who was queen of this. Usually when they raise their eye brows (ever so subtly) it means yes. Again, it took me a long time to even notice them doing it cause it is so subtle which ads to the entertainment. But I had a girl and granted she did have jaw surgery and couldnt really talk she still had the eye thing mastered. But I would ask her if she wanted to take the medicine liquid or in pill form and she would raise her eye brows. Well, thtat didnt help me so then I would ask her if she wanted it liquid...raised eyebrows. Then I did the same with pills...same response. I was crackin up inside cause Im like...really...I think Im missing some hidden signal..she would raise her eye brows for everything. Anyhoo...guess you have to see it..but good times.
Here are a few of the patients I have gotten to be close with. One is a girl who had no nose/lips because of the flesh eating noma bacteria. Thanks to the surgeons here and many surgeries later she has a nose and lips and was just back for a revision of that. One of these pictures was taken after she finished braiding my hair. Then her mom taught me how to wrap and hold a baby on my back like the women here do...the woman in the next bed over had a little baby that we all enjoyed helping babysit while mom was getting surgery.
Another man..Popey..had had a part of his jaw (mandible) removed and was here to get a bone from his hip placed in his mouth to be his jaw bone. He had to have his mouth bandaged shut for a few days and was having a hard time after the surgery...we were both getting frustrated and I was able to pray with him and I visit every day to see how he is doing. That is another fun thing about working and living in the same place...even when Im not working I'll often pop my head in to say hi to the patients...they love it.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Testimonies
Every time some of the VVF ladies go home we had a dress ceremony to celebrate. Sometimes it is not the most exciting as many women do not get healed of their problem (leaking urine) during their first surgeries..and sometimes never. This can be very discouraging. However, most of the ladies here this time around for the surgery are on their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, surgeries and they have been healed and are now dry. This is SO exciting. There are only a few VVF ladies still here from when Dr. Steve was here to do surgeries. I think I talked about dress ceremonies in a different blog...but pretty much there is lots of music, drums, dancing, and celebration. All the ladies get new dresses to represent new life as they are now dry now. The ladies also share their testimonies....very tragic to say the least when they describe all they have been through. Well, one of the nurses typed up some of the testemonies from one of the last ceremonies and I thought I would share the email she sent to all of us nurses. Many of the ladeis who are still here have all gotten the same infection and that has been discouraging...that is what is being referred to in this email. It is so cool to see God working here....
Hi dear all,
Some of you have maybe heard allready the wonderfull testemonies of 3 beautiful ladies on the ward and the work Jesus did in their lives, but I really like to share it with you all.
I also like to encourage you, remember God is so faithfull and so personal!
Last weekend, if I may be honest, was a bit hard for me and I really asked God about the infections on the ward (especially the ladies). I asked the Father about it and realized one thing. God said;
'Bad things can happen.The devil wants to steal your joy, but don't allow him to do that! Turn this situation 180 degrees. Not 160 or 170, but 180 degrees. Turn it into the opposite, take a difficult situation and turn it into a good situation, turn it into a blessing for them! You have so much to give; give your love, minister to them, listen to their stories etc. Finally show them My love!'
So, I really like to encourage you, now and even in later situations. You have so much to give! This is a great opportunity to share the love of Jesus!
Well okay, enough for now. Hereby you'll find the testamonies. Enjoy them!
Esther (2nd VVF repair):
Esther came on March 14 to the ship. A girl of 24 years old. When I talked with her she told me she had a difficult past behind her.
She was living in a village and during the war, she and her family, had to flight in to the bush. The rebels came into the village.
At that time (18 years) she became pregnant. All the time during her pregnancy she lives in the bush. Finally the time came that she had to give birth. Esther was more than a week in labour. Than the time cam that she couldn’t walk anymore. Her brothers carried her to the hospital.
After that she gave birth, the baby died in one week and Esther started leaking.
She was leaking for years. She was crying and crying to the Lord.
One night that Esther went to bed, she had a dream…
Esther told:
‘I was crying to God and than I felt asleep. Than I got a dream. A man in white clothes came to me and talked with me. He said; ‘Come, the time was long enough, lets go for your operation.’ The man in white took me to the operation table and than I was healed. I was so glad! I was healed!!!
But than I woke up… Still I was leaking. I didn’t understand the dream. But than I heard from the white ship that came to Monrovia.
My grandmother and I were talking about this ship, but I had no money to go to Monrovia. But after a few day’s my grandmother came and gave me the money and send me to the ship.
So I got operated and… here I am and… I am dry!
God has healed me!!!
Elizabeth (Urethroplasty):
Elizabeth came on March 19 to the ship. Elizabeth is 49 years old and got 9 times pregnant. Only 5 children are still living. Elizabeth started leaking when she gave birth to her first child. She don’t remember at what age she gave birth. She knows that she was very young. In her testimony she told:
‘ I was leaking for a long long time. It was hard for me! I suffered a lot, but God also blessed me and I have still 5 childeren. Even though it was very hard. On night I was crying and shouting to God; ‘Help me!’ And than I got a dream…
A man in white came to me and stood beside me. He carried a white towel. He laid his hand on me and with this white towel he wiped my tears.
Later on I woke up and was so encouraged!
Than I heard from Mercy Ships and I went to the ship. I got this operation and… Praise God, I am dry!’
Jawara Jenreba (PV Sling):
Jawara, 29 years came for the 2nd time to the ship. After the first surgery she was still leaking. She is a pretty girl, and was teaching the nurses Pele. She was always optimistic and said; ‘ Balika Melika’ (Thanks God).
This time was a hard time for her. She had pain in her stomach and the wounds were hurting. She felt weak and had to go to isolation by typhoid.
Later on she went home. Last week she came back and told us;
‘I felt so down and depressed. After my first surgery I was leaking. It was no life for me. I didn’t want to life anymore and I thought about suicide.
But than I heard Mercy Ships came back again. I thought; ‘this is the last thing I want to try’. And now I had surgery and I am dry! And even I am menstruating again.
I found new life!’ Balika Melika!
Hi dear all,
Some of you have maybe heard allready the wonderfull testemonies of 3 beautiful ladies on the ward and the work Jesus did in their lives, but I really like to share it with you all.
I also like to encourage you, remember God is so faithfull and so personal!
Last weekend, if I may be honest, was a bit hard for me and I really asked God about the infections on the ward (especially the ladies). I asked the Father about it and realized one thing. God said;
'Bad things can happen.The devil wants to steal your joy, but don't allow him to do that! Turn this situation 180 degrees. Not 160 or 170, but 180 degrees. Turn it into the opposite, take a difficult situation and turn it into a good situation, turn it into a blessing for them! You have so much to give; give your love, minister to them, listen to their stories etc. Finally show them My love!'
So, I really like to encourage you, now and even in later situations. You have so much to give! This is a great opportunity to share the love of Jesus!
Well okay, enough for now. Hereby you'll find the testamonies. Enjoy them!
Esther (2nd VVF repair):
Esther came on March 14 to the ship. A girl of 24 years old. When I talked with her she told me she had a difficult past behind her.
She was living in a village and during the war, she and her family, had to flight in to the bush. The rebels came into the village.
At that time (18 years) she became pregnant. All the time during her pregnancy she lives in the bush. Finally the time came that she had to give birth. Esther was more than a week in labour. Than the time cam that she couldn’t walk anymore. Her brothers carried her to the hospital.
After that she gave birth, the baby died in one week and Esther started leaking.
She was leaking for years. She was crying and crying to the Lord.
One night that Esther went to bed, she had a dream…
Esther told:
‘I was crying to God and than I felt asleep. Than I got a dream. A man in white clothes came to me and talked with me. He said; ‘Come, the time was long enough, lets go for your operation.’ The man in white took me to the operation table and than I was healed. I was so glad! I was healed!!!
But than I woke up… Still I was leaking. I didn’t understand the dream. But than I heard from the white ship that came to Monrovia.
My grandmother and I were talking about this ship, but I had no money to go to Monrovia. But after a few day’s my grandmother came and gave me the money and send me to the ship.
So I got operated and… here I am and… I am dry!
God has healed me!!!
Elizabeth (Urethroplasty):
Elizabeth came on March 19 to the ship. Elizabeth is 49 years old and got 9 times pregnant. Only 5 children are still living. Elizabeth started leaking when she gave birth to her first child. She don’t remember at what age she gave birth. She knows that she was very young. In her testimony she told:
‘ I was leaking for a long long time. It was hard for me! I suffered a lot, but God also blessed me and I have still 5 childeren. Even though it was very hard. On night I was crying and shouting to God; ‘Help me!’ And than I got a dream…
A man in white came to me and stood beside me. He carried a white towel. He laid his hand on me and with this white towel he wiped my tears.
Later on I woke up and was so encouraged!
Than I heard from Mercy Ships and I went to the ship. I got this operation and… Praise God, I am dry!’
Jawara Jenreba (PV Sling):
Jawara, 29 years came for the 2nd time to the ship. After the first surgery she was still leaking. She is a pretty girl, and was teaching the nurses Pele. She was always optimistic and said; ‘ Balika Melika’ (Thanks God).
This time was a hard time for her. She had pain in her stomach and the wounds were hurting. She felt weak and had to go to isolation by typhoid.
Later on she went home. Last week she came back and told us;
‘I felt so down and depressed. After my first surgery I was leaking. It was no life for me. I didn’t want to life anymore and I thought about suicide.
But than I heard Mercy Ships came back again. I thought; ‘this is the last thing I want to try’. And now I had surgery and I am dry! And even I am menstruating again.
I found new life!’ Balika Melika!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday in Pictures
This past week was wonderful...work went well...still love being able to be a nurse and have time to play with the kiddos...and adults:) This past week they have been doing a lot of ortho surgeries...so lots of unhappy little kids with casts on:) One of my patients..a 14 yr old girl had surgery on her toes on both feet and came back with casts up to her calfs on both legs...we put little booties on her so she could walk, but def. needed someone to help her..she was a trooper. Those same days I took care of a little boy..his name was Sunday Boy. So cute. He was there with his dad and didnt smile much so such a cuddly boy to hold..he loved it. I would be on the other side of the ward taking care of patients and I would feel something on my leg and it was him following me around...so cute. And we did get him to smile:) Not sure where his mom was, but seemed like he missed the cuddling:) Anyhoo...onto Sat.:Walked to an orphanage in the morning with some ppl from the ship. After a long, hot, fun morning playing with kids we stopped for some fresh cocunut juice on the way back..then they cut it open so you can spoon out the coconut to eat:)
Later, we were going to go to the market, but some guys were here from the USS Fort McHenry Naval ship that is stationed off the coast and were offering to take ppl out to it to tour it. So a bunch of us did that instead. It is a flat bottom transport boat so QUITE rocky...I took a video..but after being on that thing an hour a few of us were ready to get off...oosta. They say you get used to it though. I coulnt even walk straight it was tipping so much. They can flood the bottom of the ship to let their smaller boats on for when they go out to sea...or flood it to make a swimming pool...fascinating. Sure made our ship look like a cruise ship though after seeing where those guys live. Sure is fun meeting and thanking our troops though for all their hard work and time away from family for our freedom!
Sat. night 4 of us went out downtown Monrovia to a rest. with live music...had some food and drinks and danced...SOOOO fun!
Last night about 20-30 of us practiced to be examples for the Scottish Ceilah dance we are having on Sat. night. I cannot wait...it was SOOOOOO fun practicing. Peter and a few ladies are from there and teaching us all the dances they do at Ceilahs back home. Sure was a lot of laughing and quite the workout:) Cant wait for Sat....although I think I broke my toe on the wooden elephant that was in the room when I was swinging around at one point..good times. I went running this morning and found myself limping a bit...haha.
This morning on my run I was listening to Caedmon's Call..."Thankful". One of the lines says, " Im so thankful, that Im incapable, of doing any good on my own." Cool thing to think about, and humbling. Reminding me I need so spend time with God every day and asking for His help, because there is no way I can do this on my own...only through His power and strength. SO cool though...that He can do things in and through us that we couldnt never even comprehend doing on our own! What an awesome God we serve!
Last night about 20-30 of us practiced to be examples for the Scottish Ceilah dance we are having on Sat. night. I cannot wait...it was SOOOOOO fun practicing. Peter and a few ladies are from there and teaching us all the dances they do at Ceilahs back home. Sure was a lot of laughing and quite the workout:) Cant wait for Sat....although I think I broke my toe on the wooden elephant that was in the room when I was swinging around at one point..good times. I went running this morning and found myself limping a bit...haha.
This morning on my run I was listening to Caedmon's Call..."Thankful". One of the lines says, " Im so thankful, that Im incapable, of doing any good on my own." Cool thing to think about, and humbling. Reminding me I need so spend time with God every day and asking for His help, because there is no way I can do this on my own...only through His power and strength. SO cool though...that He can do things in and through us that we couldnt never even comprehend doing on our own! What an awesome God we serve!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Snippits
So I just thought I would write a random blog tonight with a few random pictures.
First of all...I took care of a baby who recieved surgery for his club foot today. His mom had on a Valparaiso University T-Shirt...how RANDOM!...in Liberia. I tried to explain to her that that is the town I gerw up in....but dont think it translated well:)
Here are a couple pictures of one of the empty wards so you can kind of get an idea of where I work...and also a picture of inside the bathrooms on the ward...because most of them really have not seen a flushing toilet before...and they were really having these problems:)
First of all...I took care of a baby who recieved surgery for his club foot today. His mom had on a Valparaiso University T-Shirt...how RANDOM!...in Liberia. I tried to explain to her that that is the town I gerw up in....but dont think it translated well:)
Here are a couple pictures of one of the empty wards so you can kind of get an idea of where I work...and also a picture of inside the bathrooms on the ward...because most of them really have not seen a flushing toilet before...and they were really having these problems:)
Yesterday I had the day off...quite relaxing...pretty wiped still from getting off night shift...But I have made good friends with the three amigos I now call them...they have beds next to each other and have a good time together. Henry(with bandages around his head) has been here forever..and he is so happy to have friends to hang with now. Earlier he was kept in one of the corners away from everyone because of infection. Andrew (the albino) is the one who's surgery I watched with the cancer. And Even is the 3rd. I went down and hung out with them for a few hours yesterday and Evan and Henry taught me how to make friendship bracelets...it's been way too long since I had made one...so I hung out with them while I made it...then went up with them when they went to deck 7. It was so fun...I always pop my head in and say hi when Im around down there. They all have such amazing stories and faith! Henry wants to stay and be a day worker when he is eventually better...which will still be a long time as he still needs skin grafts. 
Red and I went running again yesterday too...had a little African boy and girl run along with us for a little while:):)
Today I worked...then I took my 1 patient who could go up to deck 7. Ali...one of my good friends here had the day off but came up with us. Usually patients from all 3 wards come up..but today it was just me and one of my patients. His name is Patrick....he is from Sierra Leone...he is here early waiting for plastic surgery screening on the 30th. Ali and I had SO much fun with him. He was teaching us Creo(sp?)...the language they speak there...as well as some African dances. We have some great video tape of both...but it's on Ali's camera so I will have to get it from her. I was asking him about his family...he said he has no brothers or sisters. His parents and siblings were all killed in the war...and the rebels put gasoline on him and threw him in the fire...still dont know how he survived...has burns ALL over. I cant even imagine...yet he has such a bubbly personality and biggest smile. But there are times when he has a serious face that is just makes you want to cry...he looks like he has literally been through hell and back. I have to put the pics up for u guys...and the videos are quite enetertaining. Anyhoo...I still cannot fathom stories like that. He is only 15 now. I think he thoroughly enjoyed our time on the dock today...we all laughed so much and had so much fun:)
Tonight went out for Emma and Peter's birthday's.....3 landrovers full of us...so fun...even when
Carlos got one of the landrovers stuck on the way back.:)...Never a dull moment around here:)
Today I worked...then I took my 1 patient who could go up to deck 7. Ali...one of my good friends here had the day off but came up with us. Usually patients from all 3 wards come up..but today it was just me and one of my patients. His name is Patrick....he is from Sierra Leone...he is here early waiting for plastic surgery screening on the 30th. Ali and I had SO much fun with him. He was teaching us Creo(sp?)...the language they speak there...as well as some African dances. We have some great video tape of both...but it's on Ali's camera so I will have to get it from her. I was asking him about his family...he said he has no brothers or sisters. His parents and siblings were all killed in the war...and the rebels put gasoline on him and threw him in the fire...still dont know how he survived...has burns ALL over. I cant even imagine...yet he has such a bubbly personality and biggest smile. But there are times when he has a serious face that is just makes you want to cry...he looks like he has literally been through hell and back. I have to put the pics up for u guys...and the videos are quite enetertaining. Anyhoo...I still cannot fathom stories like that. He is only 15 now. I think he thoroughly enjoyed our time on the dock today...we all laughed so much and had so much fun:)
Tonight went out for Emma and Peter's birthday's.....3 landrovers full of us...so fun...even when
Carlos got one of the landrovers stuck on the way back.:)...Never a dull moment around here:)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter
So I survived my night shifts! I stayed awake for the Easter service on the dock at 8am Sunday...then brunch at 10...finally went to bed at 11am til 5. Then had another night shift Sunday.
Easter was such a cool experience. The service was on the dock overlooking the ocean. Such a cool way to celebrate Christ's ressurection...lots of praise songs...even the kids on the ship did a dance..thanks to Elizabeth...as she teaches dance back home. The sermon was based off of Matt. 25...serving others..it was really good. It gave everyone the rare opportunity to dress up..many wore their African dresses that they have had made here. By the end of the service we were all sweating pretty badly.:) Then we all went inside for the yummy special Easter brunch...of which we are still eating today..and prob. tomorrow too:)...it's all about leftovers here...or shall I say variances on a theme.:) Good thing Im not a picky eater...actually they really do a great job and make some yummy meals. At 7pm there was an open house where families opened their cabins if they wanted to you and could go to different cabins to get some snacks and coffee and say hi...woulda been fun, but had to be at work at 7.
Work went well Sun. night...was kinda overwhelmed when I heard I had the whole B ward to myself...at least only 14 patients instead of 20 since some had been sent home. The nurse who was supposed to work with me was sick. But...it's all about flexibility:) It actually ended up being a great and quiet night...and I had a little help until 9:30. I had half the patients Sat. night so knew most of them. I got to do the dressing change on the guy who's surgery I had watched the other day...I think I had written about that...he is an albino who had a huge, smelly, cancerous mass removed from his neck and the Dr.s did a crazy skin flap and he will later go back for a skin graft. Anyhoo..so really cool to see that. And is was just a blessing being in that ward. There were 8 VVF ladies on one side and 6 guys on the other who had had different surgeries. I had a lot of fun with them. Andrew...the one who had the tumor removed is sooo joyful. He is in his 30s...and when I was starting vital signs early at 5 to get them all done he was up walkin around praying and singing worship songs. I just couldn't help but smile. And the patients are so appreciative for everything you do...for the most part. All in all I survived the night...just a little busier at the beg. and end of shift...but made time go by fast...and I had a few friends stop by to see me during the night. Six people were starting a puzzle when I came up to get coffee at 11. I went up at 2:30 and helped for a while on my 30 min break...then when I went to get croissants at 430am they were still there...and still there when I finished at 730!! Glad others arent getting sleep around here too:) Good times. I hope everyone had a joyful Easter!
Well, Im off to bed since I only took a 2.5 hr. nap this morning when I got off work. A bunch of us went to the beach since it's still holiday here on the ship. Maria and I swam way out to a rock...quite fun and good exercise. We were out ther for a while cause one of the Africans on his little wooden fishing bote went by and asked if we wanted to go for a ride...so of course we said yes...he said he had tdo drop some stuff off and he'd be back. We were thinking maybe he'd be like 10 min...then we thought about it and figured African "right back" is prob. dif. than our def. of "right back". So, ya we ended up having to go in before he came back...sad. A few of the guys got stung by jelly fish on there way out to the rock we were on....nothing serious though.
Easter was such a cool experience. The service was on the dock overlooking the ocean. Such a cool way to celebrate Christ's ressurection...lots of praise songs...even the kids on the ship did a dance..thanks to Elizabeth...as she teaches dance back home. The sermon was based off of Matt. 25...serving others..it was really good. It gave everyone the rare opportunity to dress up..many wore their African dresses that they have had made here. By the end of the service we were all sweating pretty badly.:) Then we all went inside for the yummy special Easter brunch...of which we are still eating today..and prob. tomorrow too:)...it's all about leftovers here...or shall I say variances on a theme.:) Good thing Im not a picky eater...actually they really do a great job and make some yummy meals. At 7pm there was an open house where families opened their cabins if they wanted to you and could go to different cabins to get some snacks and coffee and say hi...woulda been fun, but had to be at work at 7.
Work went well Sun. night...was kinda overwhelmed when I heard I had the whole B ward to myself...at least only 14 patients instead of 20 since some had been sent home. The nurse who was supposed to work with me was sick. But...it's all about flexibility:) It actually ended up being a great and quiet night...and I had a little help until 9:30. I had half the patients Sat. night so knew most of them. I got to do the dressing change on the guy who's surgery I had watched the other day...I think I had written about that...he is an albino who had a huge, smelly, cancerous mass removed from his neck and the Dr.s did a crazy skin flap and he will later go back for a skin graft. Anyhoo..so really cool to see that. And is was just a blessing being in that ward. There were 8 VVF ladies on one side and 6 guys on the other who had had different surgeries. I had a lot of fun with them. Andrew...the one who had the tumor removed is sooo joyful. He is in his 30s...and when I was starting vital signs early at 5 to get them all done he was up walkin around praying and singing worship songs. I just couldn't help but smile. And the patients are so appreciative for everything you do...for the most part. All in all I survived the night...just a little busier at the beg. and end of shift...but made time go by fast...and I had a few friends stop by to see me during the night. Six people were starting a puzzle when I came up to get coffee at 11. I went up at 2:30 and helped for a while on my 30 min break...then when I went to get croissants at 430am they were still there...and still there when I finished at 730!! Glad others arent getting sleep around here too:) Good times. I hope everyone had a joyful Easter!
Well, Im off to bed since I only took a 2.5 hr. nap this morning when I got off work. A bunch of us went to the beach since it's still holiday here on the ship. Maria and I swam way out to a rock...quite fun and good exercise. We were out ther for a while cause one of the Africans on his little wooden fishing bote went by and asked if we wanted to go for a ride...so of course we said yes...he said he had tdo drop some stuff off and he'd be back. We were thinking maybe he'd be like 10 min...then we thought about it and figured African "right back" is prob. dif. than our def. of "right back". So, ya we ended up having to go in before he came back...sad. A few of the guys got stung by jelly fish on there way out to the rock we were on....nothing serious though.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Nights
So I survived my first night shift last night...went really well actually...and I stayed awake the whole time, no prob...even with me running 3 miles and playing flag football before...(prob. not the smartest idea). But maybe that helped me stay awake. I worked in A ward with the VVF ladies. So cool to be in there with all of them. There were 2 of us in there with 20 patients, but once it got past 11pm it was really quiet for the most part all night. The best part of night shift is looking forward to 4am when Albert, the baker from Germany, has his fresh croissants ready. We go up and get them hot off the press. We are spoiled to have him..he starts at 1am every morning making fresh rolls and croissants. SOOO yummy..but I hear he is leaving in a few weeks. I went to bed at 730 and got up at 1215 to go downtown for Pricilla's birthday and go to the craft market. I went down to ask about scheduling quick and got a pleasant suprise...I get tonight off:) So just work Sat. and Sun. night now. There were 8 girls that took 2 cabs downtown to eat and hang out..was a wonderful fun and relaxing afternoon.
Tonight a different group of us went to eat at Sajj...lebanese food..but also pizza's etc. Was super fun. On the way back we did not have enough room in the one vehicle so a few of us volunteered to walk back and catch a cab. Two guys and two girls...prob. not the brightest thing we have ever done..but we were planning on catching a cab. We were enjoying walking though so we ended up walking the whole way...2 hrs. and made it back just in time for curfew @11...good times. As we were walking I realized there were 4 of us from 4 different countries walking together...Canada, Scottland, America, and South Africa...how cool. We had some interesting experiences on the way back home, including seeing a girl get slapped upside the head quite harshly by some guy...we just hurried by. Plus we were always kept on our toes by watching for the random uncovered manholes in the sidewalks...not so pleasant to fall into I dont think. At dinner I had pita bread and hummus and a shwarma...mmmm. As we were waiting for our food the generator/electricity went out...I was wondering if we were gonna get our food...but it did come back on. Anyhoo...I am planning on sleeping in tomorrow then working at 7pm. As far as Easter...I should be able to stay awake Sunday for the Easter service on the dock here at 8am after I get off.
Tonight a different group of us went to eat at Sajj...lebanese food..but also pizza's etc. Was super fun. On the way back we did not have enough room in the one vehicle so a few of us volunteered to walk back and catch a cab. Two guys and two girls...prob. not the brightest thing we have ever done..but we were planning on catching a cab. We were enjoying walking though so we ended up walking the whole way...2 hrs. and made it back just in time for curfew @11...good times. As we were walking I realized there were 4 of us from 4 different countries walking together...Canada, Scottland, America, and South Africa...how cool. We had some interesting experiences on the way back home, including seeing a girl get slapped upside the head quite harshly by some guy...we just hurried by. Plus we were always kept on our toes by watching for the random uncovered manholes in the sidewalks...not so pleasant to fall into I dont think. At dinner I had pita bread and hummus and a shwarma...mmmm. As we were waiting for our food the generator/electricity went out...I was wondering if we were gonna get our food...but it did come back on. Anyhoo...I am planning on sleeping in tomorrow then working at 7pm. As far as Easter...I should be able to stay awake Sunday for the Easter service on the dock here at 8am after I get off.
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