I am safely back onboard the Africa Mercy!
It's hard to put into words what it is like to be back on the ship. It's a familiar place with some familiar faces but so much has changed. A community where I once felt involved and connected is now a place where I have to reconnect and fine my place once again.
I feel humbled to be able to serve the people of Guinea. There is so much need here. There is not only physical poverty but spiritual poverty as well. Approximately 85% of the population in Guinea is Muslim. I pray that the people of Guinea will be able to see Jesus in how we care for them in our hospital and how we live our lives when we are out in the community.
In the two weeks that I have been back on board the Africa Mercy, I have seen the ship transform into a hospital again. It's so exciting to know that on September 3rd patients will begin to be admitted in the empty and quiet wards. I'm excited to hear the voices of patients and caregivers.
The day after I arrived, crew from all departments were involved in a mass screening to find potential patients. On Monday, August 20th, 6000 people passed through the screening location in hopes of seeking relief from medical conditions that they have not been able to get treatment for; this could be because they cannot afford treatment or because there are no doctors or surgeons available. By the end of the day, 1135 people were offered follow-up appointments to return for a more in-depth health assessment. In the next several months, screening will continue in places all over the country of Guinea in hopes of finding the poorest of the poor who need surgical help.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Without your prayers and support this would not be possible.
Praise:
- Safety during my travels
- That the hospital is set up and ready for patients
- Successful screening day that found some of our potential patients
Prayer:
- That the patients who come through our hospital will experience a life transformation
- That I will settle back into life on board (coming short term is very different than being here long term)
- That I would be open to what God wants to teach me during this season
Floating in His Mercy,
Krystal
Below are some photos capturing screening day.
