It's a Pleasure

One of my favorite things about living with people from all over the world is the different sayings and phrases that are tossed around. Most of them make for a great cultural lesson; the first time I heard a Brit say he was “absolutely knackered” I nearly choked on the water I was sipping. Today a South African came to my office looking for a coworker; when I said she wasn’t there he said, “Oh she was here now-now.” Huh? “Oh I’m sorry; I mean she was here just now.” (Once I heard him properly I decided I really like that phrase.)

But I think one of my absolute favorites has to be every time I get off the phone or leave the office of Mr. Henry Gwani, our HR Director on board. He’s from Nigeria. As I was leaving his office after a meeting today I thanked him for his time and he responded with his usual: “Pleasure.” Whereas I was would say, "You're welcome" he says "Pleasure" and it's downright melodious. 

It’s also how I’ve felt for the last month or so. I’ve walked away from so many moments and conversations and thought, “That was a pleasure!” We recently shared on Facebook that we are extending for two more years; through November 2017. That decision was not an easy one to make, because we felt very strongly both ways (staying or leaving) and it seemed like God just would not make it clear what we should do! But he took us on an awesome journey that perfectly wound our personal lives and our marriage tightly together and made HIS plan clear. That's a story for another day but as we've made this decision and gotten used to the idea of being here longer, I have been overawed by the people we serve with--beautiful, called, talented people. No one's perfect which means that Mercy Ships is by no means perfect but it really is a pleasure to serve here alongside these hearts. 

On this floating white box are every kind of social circle: work, friends, church, school, small group, etc. I love the random interaction with people with vastly different jobs and backgrounds than mine. The people on this ship are really something special and I thought I would share some of them with you. I’ve put a picture up with a short caption and that person’s name linked with their blog. There are few stories I wanted to share that are just stories. There are not even 10 links here, which is literally about 2% of this crew. There are so many amazing testimonies out there; these are just the ones that have been swirling around my head the last few days.

Marie from Norway (my former Head Hostess; she has gone home now) plays with Marie from Madagascar down in the ward. Marie (Madagascar) fell into a pot of boiling water when she was 2 years old. Medical care was not available so her arm healed incorrectly, making her lose much of its use. Read her story here. 

Tom plays with Prisca, a little girl he met in the market one day who needed surgery. In case you can’t tell, she has him wrapped around her little finger. :) Tom does the maintenance for all the off-ships sites and his wife Ann-Marie is the crew nurse. We have been attending a couple’s Bible study with them for the past 3 months and have so appreciated their wisdom!

I don’t know what I would do without this team. They are some of the most joyful people I know—even without the cut-out smiles. This week I’ve been meeting with them all individually to discuss our plans for next year and I’ve come out of every single conversation blessed. They sing and pray every morning and evening—the best bookends to a work day that I’ve ever heard. 

Last week I had one of the funnest interactions I've had; I played the mimicking game with a patient in the hospital hallway. She was adorable and so full of spunk but I knew what a long way she had come because of Heather's blog post (you might want to grab a kleenex) describing this little girl's journey. 

Our Sales Manager (KJ). I count myself incredibly blessed to call KJ friend; she will rise to any occasion to encourage anyone. We share a love for monster cookies, Jack Bauer, cute dresses, and we recently trained for a 5k together! I stop by her office at least once a day to get some unofficial therapy from her and her bouncy exercise ball and a laugh. She inspires me by keeping a list of gifts and blogging about it. It's so encouraging to see someone purposefully looking for the good in each day. 

This woman with a dry skirt and new life who shines joy. Even with just a snapshot you can tell this woman's got the moves. This was at the Dress Ceremony that Jordan, Tyrel, and I attended just a few weeks ago. 

I have all respect for the moms on board the Africa Mercy; raising children on this floating white box would certainly be unique! Tracey and Dianna both have blogs that I shamelessly stalked before we arrived! Your blogs were so full of HELPFUL information! :) I love how they share life--this IS their life! It's not a short trip; two minute showers and cafeteria dining 24/7 are how their kids will remember growing up and I love watching them raise their families! It is really special to see kids running around :) 

Marris and Yfke, who visit chronically or terminally ill patients every day and offer friendship and hope. Read Marris's farewell blog here; it has some really amazing patient stories. 

Amy and Krissy, along with their teams, and the surgeons who provide education for local health professionals, leaving behind a lasting footprint. 

Jenny who made my first blood-donating experience as pleasant as possible. :) 

Jordan loves diving with these guys (and a few others) for ship maintenance every other Friday. From left to right: Derek (electrician), Justin (electrician), Jordan, and Dave (Academy Principal). 

There are lots of hellos ... 

... and way too many goodbyes (although I guess technically that number should all be even) ... 

... But it's a pleasure to serve alongside this crew.