Photo day!

I spent some time yesterday exploring the photos our fantastic ships photographers have taken and shared with the entire crew. Here are some of my favorites:



We go through a lot of produce feeding our hungry crew!





Kids playing around at the Hope Center





Baby Diallo's life has completely changed though she doesn't realize it yet...




This was a photo snapped at a recent outreach by our dental team at a local prison.  Great job, team!



Someone donated a whole bunch of new clogs for our hard working nursing staff - happy feet!

Until next time - krissy

Winter Wonderland

One of the annual Christmas events on board the Africa Mercy is a craft fair/bake sale called Winter Wonderland - I bought some cards and some wonderful baked goods. :) The entire crew shows up to the 25-ish tables that are full of incredible jewelry, cards, cookies, cakes, toys, and other fun things made by the crew. It was fun!

A thankful Sunday...

Today I'm thankful for....

...Freakish ability to make beautiful paper snowflakes while most other forms of craft or art make me break out in a rash.

...All of the technology involved in being able to make a phone call to the US and have it sound like they are sitting in the next room.

...Two different colored eyes.  I used to hate it, but now I think it’s cool. And when people realize it, they usually think it’s cool, too.

...Anonymous donors.  All donors, really. But today, especially the anonymous kind, whose generous and totally unexpected gift has allowed me to buy a new pair of earrings as a special something for myself.   

...The friends who have encouraged me to NOT rush off after a meal but rather to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee afterwards. Some really lovely conversations have come out of this time, and it’s left me feeling much more rested and less restless. 

...Meetings with my boss that I leave feeling even more excited and energized about my job, and my future here. 

...Friends who will run with me even if I do run slow!

...Recreational coffee drinks – otherwise known as ‘fluffy coffee’ – or coffee with milk and/or sugar and/or flavorings and/or other additions.  I only drink them on occasion and usually with friends, so they are a special treat.  The coffee I drink in the morning is not recreational, but therapeutic, necessary to sustain life, strong and black.  I’m thankful for that stuff, too.

...The library back room – it’s cold and quiet.  You don’t find either one very often here in Africa.

...The love I have for speaking French – Little did I know back in 9^th grade when I was trying to choose between French and Russian that I would come to love it and live in it every single day.

...A a great morning run, even though it included an injury time-out.  Afterwards, headed just downstairs to the hospital to get the rocks removed from my hand by my new friend Laura. Thanks, lovely!

Laura cleaning the rocks and e.coli out of my scraped up hand.  So very thankful for her, and the hospital ship I live in! 

Until next time - Krissy

Quirks of ship life: The Laundry Dance

Our laundry room has 10 washer/dryer sets, and everyone is allowed only one load per person per week.  You have to sign up on a time sheet and signing up for 10am will give you the washer at 10am and the dryer at 11am.  If you’re the type that runs life a bit behind, there’s a 10-minute grace period for washers; after that, you lose your machine.

What this schedule means is that all day, on each hour, the laundry room has about thirty people in it.  The ten people taking their clothes out of the dryers, the ten people transferring their clothes from the washers to the dryers, and the ten people waiting to put their clothes in the washers… with very little space, I call this “the Laundry dance”.  The room is not huge, and with the big table in the center, everyone carrying baskets or bags of laundry, and a couple ironing boards out… it gets crazy. And don’t even think about being late if someone is waiting behind you, or you might you’re your wet clothes in a basket somewhere, your name being cursed under the breath of the person who got to (awkwardly) remove your underwear from the machine so they could get their own started.  Friendships can be made or destroyed in the laundry room!

The Laundry room at a non-busy time!
 

Loving life on a ship!  Krissy

St. Lucia

Last week Sinterklaas came to the Africa Mercy - this week we enjoyed the St. Lucia celebration! A tradition that hails from "the lands of long nights" (Northern Scandinavia), the ceremony was so beautiful I got a bit teary!  Sorry this was the only semi-decent photo I took, my camera isn't great in low light.... I'll try to find some better ones! In the meantime, read about St. Lucia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Lucy%27s_Day

I love being part of such an incredible, multicultural community! Much love to all - krissy

Sinterklaas!

Sinterklaas came to the Africa Mercy! 

One of the awesome blessings that comes with living on board a multicultural community is all of the different traditions and celebrations that are shared. On December 5th, in honor of our Dutch crewmembers, Sinterklaas made a visit!  This is the celebration of St. Nicholas's birthday.  They tell me he comes from Spain, and the little children that are bad don't get any gifts and might even get taken off to Spain themselves! His little companion is Black Pete, who is said to be the one who actually goes down the chimneys so he gets really dirty, and throws candy and jumps around.  Children place a shoe by the fireplace in the evening, and in the morning, it's full of presents.  I was asking a Dutch friend about it and she was saying this is a much bigger holiday in Holland than even Christmas!

Find our more about the Sinterklaas tradition here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas 

Happy Birthday, Sinterklaas!  krissy

Incarnational vs. Proclamational

This post is intended to answer some questions I’ve received about the faith-based organization I am a part of (Mercy Ships) and what that faith looks like in the practical, every day work here in Guinea and elsewhere, in my own life and the lives of my fellow crew here on board.  Reminder: no one is forcing you to read or agree with me or Mercy Ships.  However, I’m super happy to dialogue with ANYONE about ANY of the issues I put out on this blog.  But you do have to be nice. And respectful. And I offer you the same. J

If you read the title of this post you may be saying, huh?  Those are two really big words that describe a pretty simple concept – how we share what we believe.  Incarnational is a form of the word incarnate which means living.  Proclamational is a form of the word proclaim which means to speak or share. 

Let me put these into context.  We all believe something about God (or whatever you might choose to call a higher power, or creator, or deity) whether you are atheist or Muslim or Buddhist or Jewish or Christian.  We all also choose how we live or share what we believe.  

Mercy Ships is a Christian organization, with the mission statement of “Following in the footsteps of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor.”  It was created by people who wanted to do just that – follow the example of Jesus and how he helped the lame to walk and the blind to see.  (Which we actually GET to do here - it’s incredible). 

Mercy Ships is an incarnational ministry.  We chose to live the way that Jesus lived – bringing hope and healing, loving the unloved and the forgotten, and serving others with respect and dignity.  We are not a proclamational ministry – one that goes out and speaks the words and seeks to bring people to knowledge of God through words.  Many Christian organizations out there are proclamational in mission – they seek to get people saved, for lack of better terminology. I’m not here to debate the merits of that, or to say its right or wrong. I’m simply here to say that’s not how I’m wired or my desire in serving the God I believe in. 

I love the incarnational model of Mercy Ships.  I believe that God has created me with special gifts and given me specific experiences so that I can be here now to serve the crew and patients on board the ship in a way that brings glory to His name.  I have no interest in going out and preaching on a street corner or converting lost tribes to Christianity.  Again, not arguing for or against either of those things.  I’m just not called to that type of ministry.  And Mercy Ships is not that type of ministry, either.   Which is a part of why I can get 100% behind this ministry model and be willing to commit my future to it’s work.

You do not have to be Christian to be a patient with Mercy Ships – we help anyone and everyone who we can, regardless of religion or ethnicity or financial provision.   We won’t force anything on our patients, we respect their beliefs, seek to accommodate their needs in any way we can. We do have a hospital chaplaincy which will answer questions that patients have and make sure they are cared for emotionally as well as physically.  We love it if the way we serve people bring them to a place where they can receive the knowledge that God loves them, too. We’re just loving them because He does!

You do not have to be Christian to work for Mercy Ships as a day worker – you have to be of good character and follow the rules of the organization, but anyone is welcome to apply.

You do not have to be Christian to serve on Mercy Ships as a crew member!  Our crew is made up of people from over forty nations and every background imaginable – every denomination of the Christian faith is represented, from Catholic, to Mennonite, to Baptist, to Pentecostal, and everything in between. We also have a fair number of crew members who are atheist or from other religions who just want to come be a part of bringing healing to the forgotten poor in Africa.  This is awesome and they are very welcomed – You do have to realize much of the crew is Christian and you have to live under our code of conduct (rules) which align with biblical principles.  If you can’t get along with Christians or the thought of having to go to community meetings where we pray together disgusts you, you probably aren’t a great fit for Mercy Ships.  But, if you can respect our beliefs, we can respect yours!  Long term crew members must go through Gateway (the training program in Texas that I went through in September/October!) which is very Christ-centered.  

I love this organization.  I love the mission and vision, to help the forgotten poor.  I love the people, from all walks of life and faith.  I love that because we are such an open community, debates and disagreements are commonplace and appreciated, not dreaded. I love that somehow this mishmash of people from all over the world can worship together, the things that divide us in the outside world somehow just don’t matter that much here on the ship.  We’re all just here on the same mission, to serve.   From the outside so many people wonder, “How on earth does that all work? So many cultures, beliefs, languages, customs, preferences…” Yep. Testament to the existence of God that this organization has not only survived, but thrived and grown and keeps drawing more and more incredibly gifted and talented people into it’s ranks.  For that, I’m grateful.

One more thing!  Mercy Ships has redesigned it's website - it looks amazing! Please check it out - www.mercyships.org

 

Until next time - Krissy

Thankful

A few months ago I heard a speaker say something that has stuck with me, and I think of often – he said, “What if God gave you today only what you thanked Him for yesterday?” – Wow. What WAS I thankful for yesterday? Or did I just cruise through my day, only really noticing the things that were irritating or not working as opposed to the abundance of good things, words spoken, hugs shared, or moments longing to be cherished?  What if I woke up tomorrow only with the things I was truly thankful for today? I might wake up to an empty parking spot or a pretty sunset or something equally as inconsequential to the larger story… but not much else.

A friend of mine (someone I’m very thankful for) writes a lovely blog that is mostly lists of things she’s thankful for at any given time.  She says some days it’s easier to come up with a thankful list than others, but ultimately, it’s a beautiful reflection of her heart of thankfulness and has got me thinking about how blessed I really am.  And I encourage you to consider the question of what are you truly thankful for today? Big or small, I challenge you to appreciate what you’ve been blessed with.  

I’m thankful for… (This is by no means an exhaustive list, that would take me… forever.  This is just what I can think of right now… expect more of these types of posts in the future!)

… My lovely friend Dianna who writes the above-mentioned blog, and also runs with me in the mornings, is such an encourager, with a sweet heart for others.

 …A body that can run, that is strong and healthy, and that I can continue to strengthen and pursue excellence in running, even in Africa.

 …The incredible women and men who have invested their time and energy and love and wisdom into my life. You know who you are. Thank you. I am eternally grateful.

 … The fact that in the last two months I’ve been hospitalized, treated for heat exhaustion/dehydration and a severe ear infection, had a dental checkup and cleaning, and xrays all for free.  Awesome. 

… Washing machines.  No matter how finicky they can be, or even if they don’t get your clothes super clean, I promise they are better than hauling your (dirty, muddy, amoeba and parasite infested) water from a well to scrub your clothes by hand.  

… Coffee. Dark and strong. And chocolate. Ditto. 

… The ability to print, in color, most of the time.  I am currently frustrated at the printer that won’t print and want to remember that they do usually print and I should be thankful for that. 

… My donors – it’s because of you I can follow my dreams and heart to Africa and serve on this crazy big white ship that’s a hospital and a small international city all in one. Thank you, from my whole heart! (not just the bottom J)

…Blog readers who stick with me through long and boring posts, or long breaks between posts. Especially those who comment on my blog or send me an email afterwards with encouragement or comments or even disagreements.  I love that stuff, so keep it coming.  

…The journey. 

… Salmon for dinner tonight.  Yum-o! 

… Friends who I can sit with for hours without saying a word but enjoying their company.

… Christmas decorations around the ship that make it feel a bit more festive, even if it is 90 degrees and sweaty outside. 

… Josh Groban singing “Little Drummer Boy” – it’s straight from heaven, y’all.  

... Stunning photos like this one from Suzanne - so grateful for this place and these people. Also grateful for the lifeboats we've never had to use!!

Lifeboat 2 was my lifeboat on the sail from Sierra Leone to Ghana. Not sure where I'll be assigned for the next sail!

 

Until next time - Krissy

One month in... (a wordy post)

I haven't written much in the last few months... er, that is, I haven't written much of substance... On this blog, on other blogs I guest-write for, or even in my journal for that matter.  Why?  There are a lot of reasons..., which I could or may go into some other time, but ultimately, I've succumbed to caring more about what people think of my writing than the actual need that I have to write.  And really... this isn't okay.  I've realized over the last several years that I am a writer. There are words in me that must be written, and many shared, for my own journey and to strengthen the journey of others.  Someone said to me the other day, if I'm not writing what is in me to write, I'm not only depriving myself of the freedom it brings, but depriving others of experiencing the same.  Wow. Words have power, my friends, in so many ways. 

SO, all of that to say, as a preamble... I'm sorry if anyone is offended by anything I write, it's not my intention.  I love to dialogue and discuss the big issues of life and joy and struggle and love and God and relationships and this big crazy mission I have been given to walk in light and love others well. Just because I don't agree with you doesn't in any way mean I don't value you as a voice, person, identity, friend, or family. No one is forcing you to read my blog, agree with me, or judging you for believing something different.  I hope and pray my freedom in words allows others freedom in theirs.

Soapbox finished (for now).

SO... I've been a crew member on the Africa Mercy for exactly a month.  Wow. It's been a roller coaster, for sure!  In the weeks leading up to my return to the ship, I was really excited about the community... and really not excited about my job. 

My memories from the three months I spent here in Sierra Leone last year were rich with conversations and encounters with others that filled the desperation in my heart for community and relationship, after coming out of 27 months of solitude in the Beninese bush.  I loved everyone, loved the environment, was blessed with incredible roommates and relationships and friendships that I knew would last a lifetime. 

This time it's different.  This time, I didn't come from two years of solitude.  I came from an incredibly close, deep, rich, challenging, loving community to which I poured myself out to and loved and was loved deeply.  These are people I can jump right to the deep heart issues I am wrestling with, seeking healing and freedom and to be challenged in my journey, and they know me and my heart so well I don't have to explain myself, or fear being rejected or judged.  It's a special community, one I'm so grateful for and am really missing now.  Here on the ship, it seems every conversation begins with "So, where are you from, how long have you been here, how do you like it so far?" - these conversations are great and important, and I do want to invest in the lives of my fellow crew members no matter how long they are here... but a big part of me misses and longs for depth in community, conversation, and friendship, that I just don't have here.  I know, I know, you're probably saying, along with others who I've expressed this to, "Krissy, it takes time. Give it time." - I know. But I don't like that.  Things just move quickly in my life. I learn quickly and work quickly and find myself getting irritated at people or processes that don't; applies to friendships as well. I want things to move much more quickly than most, and find myself frustrated so much of the time at the fact that I need to just calm down, relax, trust and let things happen in their own time and speed.  Ugh. I'm learning. 

Many words ago I said I was excited about community and not really excited about my job.  Now that I'm here, I'm finding that I am struggling more with community than I imagined I would... and, surprise, I really love my job! 

As far as work goes, I am the Technical HR Facilitator, which basically means I support the HR function of all our technical crew (Deck, Engineering and the Purser's office), and I also handle all the HR functions of our day workers (210 at last count).  Traditionally the HR Facilitator role on the ship was pushing paper.  They've had a whole string of short-term HR people, have been mostly understaffed, and haven't had a long-term HR Manager at the helm for almost two years.  They've had to focus entirely on getting paperwork done to bring people on and off (a tremendous amount required by maritime law), and putting out fires.  Three months ago they finally brought on a long-term HR Manager (my boss, Nick) and now we are fully staffed with long-term facilitators.  It's exciting for everyone, because Nick and the rest of the management chain is really focusing now on a vision for growth and becoming what a real HR team is elsewhere - focusing on not just getting people on and off, but developing our crew, retention, simplifying processes and eventually doubling our crew as we move towards the building and staffing of a new ship.  We're really moving from a reactive to a proactive mindset and I love it.  Nick is really a great manager and I've enjoyed getting to know his style and figuring out how we can best work together.  I love working with people, developing better processes and learning more and more about the ship and how thousands of people across the world come together to make this amazing thing happen.  It's exciting and I am really loving it. 

So anyway, I feel like there are so many more words I want to get out right now, but this post is pretty wordy as it is.  I'll continue to write more in the coming days and weeks and months.  Until next time, here's a photo courtesy of Suzanne, of the sunset from deck 7.  Stunning.

Love to all. K

Deck the halls....

Yesterday we decked the halls! I can't seem to get my photos to load so all of these are courtesy of the always lovely and faithful picture-taker Suzanne.... Enjoy.  Now it does feel a wee bit more like Christmas, even if it is hot and sunny outside.  Well, not today, it's overcast... but anyway, it looks great and I love the Christmas traditions that have been built here on the ship... I'll write more on those later...

 

 

This is Midships (The Town Square), by the cafe and the ship shop...

The dining room - this is where the crew takes the majority of their meals, except families often get food but eat in their cabins.

The gangway even got lights!

 

This is the Starbucks cafe, from the stairway in a previous photo - with Christmas trees above on deck six in midships.

Love to all, Krissy