Happy Goodbyes

Life on the ship is full of goodbyes. But those goodbyes are not always sad and sorrowful events.

Plastic surgery finished a few weeks ago. The surgeon who had been operating on our patients with burn contractures, extra fingers or toes, gigantism of various limbs, etc., returned home. But many of his patients remained in the hospital, their surgeries were complete but their wounds still requiring daily dressing changes and special care.

The Plastics Team

For some, struggling with infection, or slow wound healing, it seems as if they would never go home. This week we celebrated with two patients who had been in the hospital for over two months. Finally their wounds were healed and they were ready to leave the ship. They will still return to us several times a week,for physical therapy so this is not yet a final goodbye, but we will no longer see their faces on the ward.

Saying Goodbye

One of the patients that left this week was young Benjamine. Benjamine came to us with severe burn contractures to her neck and both arms. She had been burned when her clothing caught fire. But she still had a beautiful smile.

Benjamine at screening

Benjamine was with us for so long that she knew almost everyone in the hospital and believe me when I say she was loved by all. On the day she was discharged, we had a surprise goodbye party for her on Deck 7. Many of the nurses who had cared for Benjamine came to wish her goodbye. It was a time of smiles, hugs, and laughter. And perhaps also a few tears.


Goodbye Hugs and Smiles

She still returns to the ship for physical therapy, and always stops by the wards to say "Hello" to the nurses, with bright smiles and hugs for all.

A Trip to Dolisie

This weekend I had the opportunity to take a train ride up to Dolisie with a few friends. It was a wonderful day. The four hour ride was delightful, and I took photo after photo out the window. I even had an omelette in the dining car.
Once in Dolisie we spent a short time walking about the market and stopped at the local bakery for some delicious pastries.
Then came the best part of the trip (for me at least).
We rode back to Pointe-Noire in one of the local buses, packed to the brim with people. I learned a lot about long-distance travel in Congo.
For instance, when in Congo and those riding a bus need to use the toilet, the driver pulls to the side of the road and all passengers who need to relieve themselves (men and women alike) go in the long grass on the side of the road.
When water bottles are empty and need refilling, the driver once again pulls to the side of the road, and those who have need of water refill their bottles from any small spring that comes down the mountain.
And when the people are hungry and need a snack for the road, or fixings to make dinner later, the driver will pull to the side at the nearest roadside market.
By the time we made it to our first "scheduled" stop, we had made at least four other stops for the above mentioned reasons. Though a bit cramped, it was a wonderful educational experience to see how the local people live and travel on a day to day basis. My only regret is that I did not have a window seat on the bus, and thus did not get many pictures on our return journey. Oh well, there is always next time.......

Worship on the Beach

Some of my favorite evenings since I joined Mercy Ships have been spent in praise and worship. And one evening this week we had just such a night. A group of us went down to the beach after dinner and together we watched a beautiful sunset. Then we built a bonfire out of driftwood and some old pallets that we had hauled down from dock, and gathered around to worship and praise our Lord together. It was truly a beautiful night, and as our songs rose toward heaven with the smoke of the bonfire I am sure that our Lord listened with delight.