Sierra Leone: Round Two.

home sweet home : ]

Currently sailing to Ghana for Christmas after the Ship's 10 month field service in Sierra Leone. Off to Togo for 6 months thereafter.



I must say that it was more bitter than sweet to leave that wondrous place. Sierra Leone is so very special to me. The memories that I have from 10 years ago of going with my Mother. And now the new memories I have made.sorry for the lack of personal photos, but, my camera was ruined in a torrential downpour whilst on a hike my 2nd week of living on the ship. BUT I just received a brand new camera so next field  service ( Which will be in Togo come January) there should be more photos coming your way.

hike to sugarloaf mountain. highest peak in freetown, where i learned what rainy season really is. r.i.p. camera & i-pod.

highlights from this field service...


working security at a dental screening

 it was cool to see firsthand how the whole process works and how many people they help each week as they screened on Monday's and Thursday's.

my first African Wedding.

visits to the hope center to visit with some of the patients.

observing surgery. those of you who know me well, you know that blood and guts isn't particulary my thing. I can hardly watch House or Greys Anatomy type shows due to the fact of me getting extremely grossed out. BUT i decided to be brave and face my fear.

surgery number 1 was a hernia ( which i almost passed out due to the patient's bowels being out when i walked into the OR ). The 2nd one was not as gruesome & was a bi-lateral cleft/palate surgery.  Which I actually quite enjoyed.

* princess anne aka queen elizabeth's daughter stopped by for a visit.

(sorry folks..the princess asked us not to post photos)BUT i hope this photo of me working at reception will suffice 

: )

the dayworkers...they were hired at the beginning of the field service to assist us in many different ways.
these tremendous people are a HUGE part of what makes Mercy Ships work whether it be by translating, teaching us about the culture etc.

-ward instructions on how to use the toilet

This is Pastor Moses. & he has been working closely with Mercy Ships for many years now. He actually remembered me from my trip to Freetown 10 years ago when my Mom & I went to go visit his church.

*WARNING- may be a bit graphic for your liking, but, this is their reality. a few patients from our outreach .Many of them are ostracized & outcast from their villages because of their various conditions.

Shaka before

Shaka After!!!

this is Fanie.

Fanie After!!!

just a small taste of what has been accomplished this field service.

I will miss the magnificent Sierra Leone sunsets on the dock.

Went on an engine room tour of our ship. Was cool to see what happens "behind the scenes."

The Farewell & Thank You Reception for the DayVolunteers

saying goodbye to my buds Paul & Simeon

worst part of living on the ship is the goodbyes. these people become your family. whether it comes to crew members or day-volunteers, them leaving is not a fun process.

will have some statistics from this field service soon....

but until then, I wish the Happiest of Holidays to you all!!!