Erica got married, Lauren lost her shirt, I drowned & Carmen uh, well...

On Thursday May 26th, three of my roommates and myself went out on an adventure to Banana Island. Wow, it wasn't until after we had arrived at Kent Beach and I got on a motorized over sized canoe to the island that I realized I hadn't had a day off in three weeks. Most of you know me and how I cannot sit still. Its even an issue here, unfortunately. I have kept myself very busy while sacrificing my days off in reception to work down in hospital supply. I know, I'm insane but I want to live all this up and go home fully exhausted and knowing that His work in Me here is complete.

(Left to right: Carmen, Lauren, Me, & Erica)

Anyways, the "little boat" ride over to the island was so enjoyable and relaxing. I wish I would've captured the looks on the locals faces when they saw 4 little white girls spending the day on their island. After walking along a nice little trail we arrived to the beach and swimming area. Also, we got to enjoy an adorable little hut and tables, hammocks and nice washrooms, and my favorite the outdoor loft. 

Oh my word I was in awe as I looked out and saw the beautiful blue water crashing up against the rocks along the shore and the gorgeous mountains in the distance. The panoramic view was breathtaking. The four of us enjoyed swimming far out into the sea, rock hopping, reading, searching for sea glass and of course soaking up some sunshine :)

For lunch Dalton, the guy who transported us back and forth from the island to Kent beach, made couscous with a delicious tomato and smoked fish sauce and freshly cut papaya for lunch. Ha soo good!! As the day progressed it got very interesting. I about drowned trying to swim to the next island over (it would've taken me days), Lauren's shirt got taken in with a huge wave, and all the Africans just seem to love Erica! Carmen, that's a story for another time. Haha but my friends are so great! After getting back to Kent beach, we sat there for two hours waiting for our taxi driver. I'm telling you Mom and Dad, my patience has drastically improved :) TIA, folks. (This Is Africa)

p.s.- I know, I know...I've been slacking. I'll pick it back up! Miss you all!

Living In The Fast Lane

Wow! Where the heck did this week go? I’d say that its very possible that after a week full of night shifts, fire drills and hospital supply craziness, that it would make sense to say that I feel like I’m living in the fast lane.

Night shifts are probably my most favorite in reception. Yes, they’re a bit quieter but greater is the authority and responsibility you have over anything that happens during the night. I love the dark and stillness at night but, not on a huge ship like this. The thought of me being the only one up creeps me out. 

The main thing on night shift is making sure that everyone is back on board by 23:30 (curfew) and those who were staying out over night somewhere remembered to sign the over night book. Also, most every evening we have people both arriving or departing which keeps the paper work busy. Lastly, during the night it is our job to watch the fire panel and the cameras located around the ship.

I would just love to share my most eventful night shift yet. Well, it began with the arrivals not arriving till 2:15am. HA those poor old ladies. You see, since this is Africa we have to have water taxis bring you to this side of Freetown and their water taxi had broken down. 

Next, around 23:45 when I was accounting for each crew member I realized that a couple was missing. They were scanned out (ashore) and not listed in the over night book. My next action was to call their cabin. No answer. Awesome. So then, after breaking into their cabin, no where to be found. Next, I have to wake up the SSO (Ships Security Officer). He gets suited up and is off. I decide to call one of the missing couple’s friends and ask her if she had any idea of where they might be and sure enough, they left for the weekend but forgot to sign the over night book. I have to say though it was pretty cool to be part of that scene, even though it was a let down..glad they were safe. 

Just to top it off, around 5:15am the emergency 911 phone rings. Scared me half to death as I was just sitting there reading. I answer,”911 what is your emergency?” One of the nurses answers frantically, “Claire, I need you to make a call for the emergency medical team.” Click. After she hangs up I remember just standing there thinking to myself, “What the heck do I do? Oh my word, I have to do something quick.” So, I do what I knew was right. I make an overhead page saying “The Emergency Medical Team needs to report to ICU at this time.” As I said this over the intercom I could not help but think of the poor people sleeping who I had just woken up. I got some dirty looks later that day. Ha.

Obviously, not every night shift is like that. I was just lucky. Usually, I have people from home call me because the time back in Charlotte is perfect. I also read and on occasion will watch a movie with a friend. Although I can not leave the desk, I can have a couple friends back behind the desk with me after 23:30.

Every other Thursday we have fire drills. I dread these days. It’s very stressful as a receptionist because we are in charge of making sure that every day volunteer and crew member are accounted for. So in total that's about 500+ people. Yes, chaos. But this past Thursday I am proud to say that everyone was accounted for in 18 minutes. We are required by maritime law to complete fire drills within 30 minutes. Yea, killed it :)

This post is long enough so as far as hospital supply goes, I’m loving it! Today was great and I was offered to take the position full time but that would require me to extend my time here with Mercy Ships and we all know that I cannot survive any longer without some of my Mom’s delicious food, Chickfila, or Flying Biscuit :)

Ward Service

Today I went down to A Ward where every Sunday morning at 10:30 they hold a church service for anyone who wants to join. It had to have been the most powerful service I've been to in a while.

Not sure if it was the patients who were right there in their hospital gowns and bandages sitting in chairs or on their beds worshipping the Lord in song or dance or if it was hearing the translator speak Krio that made it so meaningful and powerful.

I've learned in Africa that it doesn't matter where you worship but rather, whom and how you worship. No one better models that than the Africans here on the ship. Why can we not clap and rejoice with the hands that God gave us? Who needs a guitar or piano? Yes, my hands about fell off after clapping for a straight 30 minutes but I've never felt so happy and such joy in my heart than this morning.

I wish you could see how much energy and light shines through our patients and patient care givers here on board. It's unreal.

As I sat there smiling, I knew right then that this is what I am here for. Today was a day when I knew that when the time comes, it will be hard to leave such a place as this. I mean will I really ever sit on a hospital bed during a church service and visibly see the Lord performing miracles right before my eyes at a normal church?

I wish you all could experience this with me but I cannot wait to see you back in good'ol Carolina :)

Day 1: A Whole New World

Change is always good and I believe that we should continually be analyzing our lives to see how we have changed. Yesterday was not only a change of pace but, a great learning experience as well.

You know I have to admit though, it really baffles me that Mercy Ships trusts ME, an 18 year old high school graduate, and thinks I'm responsible enough to work at reception and go throughout the whole hospital and stock all the supplies that they use. I mean really? Haha Do they hear my laugh? Do they really know what they're getting themselves into?

Anyways, I cannot tell you how great working down in hospital supply was. It's weird to think that from 8am-5pm my day was spent restocking ALL the supplies in the entire hospital...pretty sure that cannot be done at home. Only on a ship :)

After a morning spent of visiting the OR, ICU, and all the Wards, we walked down the road to the Dental Clinic and delivered supplies there. Later in the afternoon I went running in and out, up and down many containers retrieving supplies to restock our own supply room. The day was filled with lots of movement(which I love, compared to sitting behind a desk), a scan gun (my favorite), many medical names I've never heard of(I have a lot to learn!), sorting and counting. I just enjoyed being in that environment and seeing the patients!

So as for the rest of the week, today, Wednesday and Thursday I'm working at reception from 7-14:00 and on Friday back to supply!!

In Honor of Mother Bear

This was taken right before I got on the plane for Africa!

Today is a special day and one where I have the urge to just run up to you Mom, and give you a BIG hug. I have to say you truly are someone who will give up EVERYTHING to do something for anyone.

To me though Mom, you have taught me wisdom and spoken such faithful instruction so that I one day will be as good as a wife and mother as you are. You have taught me to love even when it hurts to just breathe. You have taught me to think to myself before I speak, "Is it kind? It it true? Is it necessary?" I don't know if I would've learned any of this after the countless times you took my phone away, told me to take a walk to the mailbox, sent me to sit in the garage..the list goes on and you got more and more creative :)

Thank you for your patience in our relationship. Our past had it's weaknesses but, He forgives and made our relationship anew. Thank God. I feel almost as if you loved me more knowing that one day I would come to look at you as not only my Mom but a friend as well :) Honestly, I would say..we achieved that goal together now that I'm not my high school immature self haha!

Mom, I wouldn't be on the Mercy Ship without your persistent help, guidance, and encouragement. Thank you for YOUR continual support and love. You have shown me how to be a woman of faith. I love you dearly Mom.

So, Happy Mother's Day :) Your flowers should arrive shortly!


Love,
Your Claire Bear

Time For A Change

As many of you may know, I love to keep myself busy and well, reception surprisingly just doesn't quite bring me that satisfaction. So I'm excited to announce that I now have a minor job as a hospital supply assistant! Woohoo :) I will start next week so I'll be able to give you more details about what it actually entails.

I will be working with Cyle, the Hospital Supply Coordinator, Ezra and Julie. We will begin the days by providing the OR with the correct supplies and tools and then make our way to the ICU, Out Patient, all of the Wards and who knows where else. I think the best part though, is that I get to wear scrubs all day!

I cannot tell you how great this change of pace will be for me. I'm so excited to be down in the hospital seeing all the patients and being able to just see this ministry on a whole new level.