Here's to a New Chapter!
I bet you all have been sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for news about my next plans...Or maybe not. That's okay, I understand. Five and a half months is a long time to wait in anticipation. But, seriously, I do have some job news to share. And if I do say so myself, it was worth the wait. You can jump to the middle of the post if you don't have time or don't care to read the whole update, but first I'll share a bit about my time back in the USA.
When I arrived home following 13 months of volunteering with Mercy Ships and a couple weeks of traveling Europe, at first I was so happy - to spend time with family and a dear friend from high school, to walk in a nearby state park, to go grocery shopping and get back into the kitchen, and to sleep until the lovely hour of 8 AM every morning.
I didn't experience culture shock in a significant way having traveled a fair amount in my adult life. My biggest struggle was actually transitioning from such a big community to living at home with my parents and my dog. And as much as those three add joy and fun to my life, being at home is, nonetheless, very different from "ship life". Suddenly I had a lot of free time but few people to share it with me. I ran errands happily just because in doing so I was around a lot of people. I joined our local recreational center for the same reason. I went to Starbucks when searching for jobs and writing emails because being among other working people made me feel productive. And I scrolled Facebook - probably too much. Thankfully, the ho-hum of relative solitude coupled with the feeling of purposelessness only lasted a couple of weeks. I don't think my situation adjusted significantly but my mentality did. And gradually, as the months passed, I learned to appreciate my little routines, the slower life, and the treasured moments of connecting with friends and family in person. Being at home for Christmas for the first time in two years was also really special.
For many reasons, I am grateful that I was gifted these months of low-stress living replete with the freedom to fill my days in whatever way I desired. However, as 2020 approached, I started to feel ready for new challenges and opportunities that would enable me to continue learning and to grow in character. If you have followed this blog for any amount of time you are well aware that traveling and helping others bring me a lot of happiness. You also know that I had great experiences serving with the Africa Mercy community in the dining room, on the patient selection team, and finally as part of the Advance team preparing for the ship's arrival in Senegal. So, it probably comes as little surprise to you that even though my previous commitment with Mercy Ships ended in September 2019, in my mind, the doors back to that community remained open.
Long story short, in January I accepted a new position within the Country Engagement Team of Mercy Ships. Broadly speaking, I will help pave the way for Mercy Ships to provide direct surgical care and health systems strengthening initiatives in future field service countries. Much of my time will be spent liaising with partners, especially those dedicated to healthcare, and overseeing logistical tasks to facilitate field services that run smoothly and create a positive long-term impact. I will also act as a conduit of information between relevant crew on the ship, staff working around the world, and our in-country partners. While most of my working days will be spent in Africa (traveling periodically between countries), I will occasionally work remotely in the USA as well.
And so, it's nearly time for another transition. Soon I will be standing in my room looking out over a mass of clothes, shoes, toiletries, favorite foods, and other assorted items deliberating which things must come with me and which things cannot in actual fact be squeezed into my luggage. Then there will be the inevitable farewells (for now), hugs, and the long journey halfway around the world. But, on the other side of the world, I know there are some fabulous experiences waiting for me. For one, I am absolutely looking forward to climbing the gangway of that spectacular ship once again and embracing friends who have become like extended family.
Even though I have been involved with Mercy Ships for a little while now, I'd be remiss to think that this new position will be easy. I know there will be a significant learning curve despite the familiarity of some tasks. Also, there will be rainy seasons to endure. Malaria prophylaxis to take. So many names and faces to remember. Plans that will change with little warning. Experiences that will be outside my comfort zone and those that will cause frustration or self-doubt.
That being said, I am also really excited - and grateful - to have this opportunity to continue serving in Africa. To expand my knowledge of the field of medicine. To practice French and learn greetings in languages that are completely new to me. To gain a better understanding of history and culture. To work with top-notch colleagues who support, care, and challenge in a really beautiful way. And yes, even to stretch that comfort zone.
When I think back to my early days with Mercy Ships in the dining room, which really wasn't so long ago, I was fulfilling a decade-long dream. I was so happy about that! However, I can honestly say that I didn't have any real intention to stick with the organization after 2017. But, over a short time, amazing things happened. New positions opened that aligned with my interests and skill set and people were placed in my life who encouraged me, believed in my capabilities, and saw my love of this work.
And so, as I prepare to begin this new chapter I do so knowing that I did not get here alone. THANK YOU to all those on and off the ship who gave generously, who prayed regularly (and continue to do so), who have cheered me on and provided a shoulder to lean on, who have put in a good word for me, who have supplied me with gluten free goodies (seriously important!), and who stay in touch despite the distance and periodic internet challenges. You know who you are!
Whether near or far...We are together! Or, as they say in Senegal, On est ensemble!
When I arrived home following 13 months of volunteering with Mercy Ships and a couple weeks of traveling Europe, at first I was so happy - to spend time with family and a dear friend from high school, to walk in a nearby state park, to go grocery shopping and get back into the kitchen, and to sleep until the lovely hour of 8 AM every morning.
 |
| First Landing State Park |
I didn't experience culture shock in a significant way having traveled a fair amount in my adult life. My biggest struggle was actually transitioning from such a big community to living at home with my parents and my dog. And as much as those three add joy and fun to my life, being at home is, nonetheless, very different from "ship life". Suddenly I had a lot of free time but few people to share it with me. I ran errands happily just because in doing so I was around a lot of people. I joined our local recreational center for the same reason. I went to Starbucks when searching for jobs and writing emails because being among other working people made me feel productive. And I scrolled Facebook - probably too much. Thankfully, the ho-hum of relative solitude coupled with the feeling of purposelessness only lasted a couple of weeks. I don't think my situation adjusted significantly but my mentality did. And gradually, as the months passed, I learned to appreciate my little routines, the slower life, and the treasured moments of connecting with friends and family in person. Being at home for Christmas for the first time in two years was also really special.
 |
| Christmas Cheer Together |
For many reasons, I am grateful that I was gifted these months of low-stress living replete with the freedom to fill my days in whatever way I desired. However, as 2020 approached, I started to feel ready for new challenges and opportunities that would enable me to continue learning and to grow in character. If you have followed this blog for any amount of time you are well aware that traveling and helping others bring me a lot of happiness. You also know that I had great experiences serving with the Africa Mercy community in the dining room, on the patient selection team, and finally as part of the Advance team preparing for the ship's arrival in Senegal. So, it probably comes as little surprise to you that even though my previous commitment with Mercy Ships ended in September 2019, in my mind, the doors back to that community remained open.
 |
| We Finished! Patient Selection in Labé, Guinea Photo credit: Elizabeth Harter |
Long story short, in January I accepted a new position within the Country Engagement Team of Mercy Ships. Broadly speaking, I will help pave the way for Mercy Ships to provide direct surgical care and health systems strengthening initiatives in future field service countries. Much of my time will be spent liaising with partners, especially those dedicated to healthcare, and overseeing logistical tasks to facilitate field services that run smoothly and create a positive long-term impact. I will also act as a conduit of information between relevant crew on the ship, staff working around the world, and our in-country partners. While most of my working days will be spent in Africa (traveling periodically between countries), I will occasionally work remotely in the USA as well.
And so, it's nearly time for another transition. Soon I will be standing in my room looking out over a mass of clothes, shoes, toiletries, favorite foods, and other assorted items deliberating which things must come with me and which things cannot in actual fact be squeezed into my luggage. Then there will be the inevitable farewells (for now), hugs, and the long journey halfway around the world. But, on the other side of the world, I know there are some fabulous experiences waiting for me. For one, I am absolutely looking forward to climbing the gangway of that spectacular ship once again and embracing friends who have become like extended family.
 |
| Africa Mercy Arrival in Dakar, Senegal Photo credit: Saul Loubassa Bighonda |
Even though I have been involved with Mercy Ships for a little while now, I'd be remiss to think that this new position will be easy. I know there will be a significant learning curve despite the familiarity of some tasks. Also, there will be rainy seasons to endure. Malaria prophylaxis to take. So many names and faces to remember. Plans that will change with little warning. Experiences that will be outside my comfort zone and those that will cause frustration or self-doubt.
That being said, I am also really excited - and grateful - to have this opportunity to continue serving in Africa. To expand my knowledge of the field of medicine. To practice French and learn greetings in languages that are completely new to me. To gain a better understanding of history and culture. To work with top-notch colleagues who support, care, and challenge in a really beautiful way. And yes, even to stretch that comfort zone.
 |
| A Few of the Great Ones Doorn, Netherlands Photo Credit: Arian Timoti |
When I think back to my early days with Mercy Ships in the dining room, which really wasn't so long ago, I was fulfilling a decade-long dream. I was so happy about that! However, I can honestly say that I didn't have any real intention to stick with the organization after 2017. But, over a short time, amazing things happened. New positions opened that aligned with my interests and skill set and people were placed in my life who encouraged me, believed in my capabilities, and saw my love of this work.
 |
| Dining Room Douala, Cameroon Photo credit: Saul Loubassa Bighonda |
Whether near or far...We are together! Or, as they say in Senegal, On est ensemble!
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