And Now It's Time to Say Goodbye...
The Africa Mercy is a revolving door for volunteers who come on board to serve for weeks, months or years. I've witnessed many people walk down the gangway for their final time, luggage in-hand, ready (or not so ready) to go back to their lives and careers at home or to embark on new adventures.
On the dock, departing crew are received by a huddle of friends, all wanting to give one last hug and to say their goodbyes. Often, a group photo is snapped to capture the moment. Eyes get teary. And as the airport vehicle is loaded with luggage and people, friends line up near the dock entrance to wave farewell.
September 13th was my departure date. It was my turn to walk down the gangway, to disembark like so many who have gone before and so many who will do so after. For me, the gangway will always feel significant. When I walked up the gangway the night of 15 October 2017, I felt as though I had achieved a dream. A dream that persisted for a decade. That night I had no idea what was in store for me. I could not have imagined that I would have the opportunity to help provide hope and healing in three countries while working in three distinctly different but fulfilling positions. I'm still surprised it has all happened if I am honest, and I am so grateful for everyone on and off the ship who supported me along the way.
When it comes time for a trip departure or a home relocation, I always think to myself, if only I had just one more day to prepare. I surmise that the extra day will enable me to depart feeling satisfied and ready for what's to come rather than feeling stressed that I might have forgotten something, missed saying farewell to someone, or left a mess behind.
My departure day on the Africa Mercy was no different. I wanted that extra day so badly. I was rushing around until the final minute. Working into the early morning on my handover report. Stuffing final items into my suitcase. Visiting the Screening office one last time. Returning electronics to our IS department. Spot cleaning the cabin...
I had some sweet moments with friends leading up to my departure, all of which I am now realizing involve food. Sharing a meal together at my favorite restaurant in Dakar - Jardin Thailandais (if you ever go, I recommend the pad thai and green curry). Strolling into town with the mission of eating sorbet and finding a jar of my favorite local peanut butter to take "on the road". Eating dinners on Deck 8 with the sun setting behind us. Gathering spontaneously for breakfast in the cafe the morning of my departure.
Yet still, I wish I'd had just one more day dedicated to my friends. To have one-on-one tea times, to write cards, to gather in the Academy for a movie night. Those sort of things.
Despite the fact that I was rushed at the end and feeling a bit sad that I had to leave my Mercy Ships community quickly, everyone treated me with so much care and kindness. My new roommate gathered all the items that did not fit into my suitcase and took them to the boutique. Friends helped to carry my luggage and trash down to the dock. Another friend shredded all personal and work documents that had accumulated over the year. I received notes and big hugs from so many.
Seriously, this ship is filled with lovely humans :)
I decided to stop over in Europe on the way home - to put a buffer of sorts between my Mercy Ships life and my life in the USA. Both are good in many ways; it's just that they differ extensively. From past experience, I have to say that I am more prone to culture shock in reverse.
Mostly I am visiting friends - friends who have moved to Europe from the USA, friends from the few years I spent in Brussels, and friends from Mercy Ships. But Switzerland is my personal debrief session - time to be solo, to reflect on the past and ponder the future, to explore, and to soak up the crisp clean air.
As for "what's next"... surprise, surprise, I don't have anything set up yet. I am quite content with figuring out the job situation after I get back to the USA. Home for the time being will be in Virginia with my wonderful parents and Mr. Charlie - my dog who may or may not be thrilled to see me. His best friend these days is my dad so my expectations for an overjoyed welcome are low. That all being said, I will post at least once more when I have news to share. I imagine those of you who have followed me on this journey are curious to know.
The Senegalese people often asked me for my opinion of their country. Every time I replied positively, not because I thought that was the proper response but because I really felt that way. Senegal is known as the land of teranga, the Wolof word signifying hospitality. And honestly, the community feel is one reason I appreciated Senegal. From an invitation to partake in the Tabaski meal (the biggest holiday in Senegal), to an unexpected offer for a ride home from one of our partners, to sharing a few bites of the local lunch dish - thiébou guinar - with police officers, to Wolof greetings (and mini lessons) from our Senegalese security guards, to the hard work that was put into renovating the home where our dental team is living off ship. It is not just my community on board the Africa Mercy that I miss, it is also those moments of hospitality I experienced in Senegal.
And so, to close out this post and my time in Dakar, let me leave you with a few final pictures.
On the dock, departing crew are received by a huddle of friends, all wanting to give one last hug and to say their goodbyes. Often, a group photo is snapped to capture the moment. Eyes get teary. And as the airport vehicle is loaded with luggage and people, friends line up near the dock entrance to wave farewell.
________________________
September 13th was my departure date. It was my turn to walk down the gangway, to disembark like so many who have gone before and so many who will do so after. For me, the gangway will always feel significant. When I walked up the gangway the night of 15 October 2017, I felt as though I had achieved a dream. A dream that persisted for a decade. That night I had no idea what was in store for me. I could not have imagined that I would have the opportunity to help provide hope and healing in three countries while working in three distinctly different but fulfilling positions. I'm still surprised it has all happened if I am honest, and I am so grateful for everyone on and off the ship who supported me along the way.
________________________
When it comes time for a trip departure or a home relocation, I always think to myself, if only I had just one more day to prepare. I surmise that the extra day will enable me to depart feeling satisfied and ready for what's to come rather than feeling stressed that I might have forgotten something, missed saying farewell to someone, or left a mess behind.
My departure day on the Africa Mercy was no different. I wanted that extra day so badly. I was rushing around until the final minute. Working into the early morning on my handover report. Stuffing final items into my suitcase. Visiting the Screening office one last time. Returning electronics to our IS department. Spot cleaning the cabin...
___________________________
I had some sweet moments with friends leading up to my departure, all of which I am now realizing involve food. Sharing a meal together at my favorite restaurant in Dakar - Jardin Thailandais (if you ever go, I recommend the pad thai and green curry). Strolling into town with the mission of eating sorbet and finding a jar of my favorite local peanut butter to take "on the road". Eating dinners on Deck 8 with the sun setting behind us. Gathering spontaneously for breakfast in the cafe the morning of my departure.
Yet still, I wish I'd had just one more day dedicated to my friends. To have one-on-one tea times, to write cards, to gather in the Academy for a movie night. Those sort of things.
Despite the fact that I was rushed at the end and feeling a bit sad that I had to leave my Mercy Ships community quickly, everyone treated me with so much care and kindness. My new roommate gathered all the items that did not fit into my suitcase and took them to the boutique. Friends helped to carry my luggage and trash down to the dock. Another friend shredded all personal and work documents that had accumulated over the year. I received notes and big hugs from so many.
Seriously, this ship is filled with lovely humans :)
 |
| It's time to go! Trying to keep our eyes open in the glaring sun |
__________________________________
As I write this, I am sitting in a hostel in Switzerland after a long day of hiking in the mountains. Think green valley, wooden farm houses, cows with bells fastened around their neck, bright sun, the thunderous sound of avalanches falling in the distance, waterfalls...such a beautiful day. |
| Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau Mountain Peaks |
I decided to stop over in Europe on the way home - to put a buffer of sorts between my Mercy Ships life and my life in the USA. Both are good in many ways; it's just that they differ extensively. From past experience, I have to say that I am more prone to culture shock in reverse.
Mostly I am visiting friends - friends who have moved to Europe from the USA, friends from the few years I spent in Brussels, and friends from Mercy Ships. But Switzerland is my personal debrief session - time to be solo, to reflect on the past and ponder the future, to explore, and to soak up the crisp clean air.
As for "what's next"... surprise, surprise, I don't have anything set up yet. I am quite content with figuring out the job situation after I get back to the USA. Home for the time being will be in Virginia with my wonderful parents and Mr. Charlie - my dog who may or may not be thrilled to see me. His best friend these days is my dad so my expectations for an overjoyed welcome are low. That all being said, I will post at least once more when I have news to share. I imagine those of you who have followed me on this journey are curious to know.
___________________________
The Senegalese people often asked me for my opinion of their country. Every time I replied positively, not because I thought that was the proper response but because I really felt that way. Senegal is known as the land of teranga, the Wolof word signifying hospitality. And honestly, the community feel is one reason I appreciated Senegal. From an invitation to partake in the Tabaski meal (the biggest holiday in Senegal), to an unexpected offer for a ride home from one of our partners, to sharing a few bites of the local lunch dish - thiébou guinar - with police officers, to Wolof greetings (and mini lessons) from our Senegalese security guards, to the hard work that was put into renovating the home where our dental team is living off ship. It is not just my community on board the Africa Mercy that I miss, it is also those moments of hospitality I experienced in Senegal.
And so, to close out this post and my time in Dakar, let me leave you with a few final pictures.
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| Old Hospital, Goree Island |
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| The Beloved Boababs |
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| Anyone up for a Workout on the Beach? |
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| House of the Fisherman |
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| The Ship is Coming and We're Thrilled! Photo credit: Saul Loubassa Bighonda |
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| 1st Morning of Patient Selection Thies Regional Hospital |
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| And It's a Great Day to be Alive... |
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| Sunrise after the Storm |
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