Greetings from Monrovia, Liberia – for the month of May, I am sharing photos and captions with you – give you an idea of what it is like here in Liberia for me.

Surgical Care Systems Needs in Liberia Workshop – planned for over three months – three days with Ministry of Health representatives, eight government hospitals’ directors, two non-government hospital leaders, national and international organizations involved with surgery.  I was thankful for six Mercy Ships staff who came to Liberia to facilitate.  We wish to collaborate together with our host nation and to do that we need to hear what are their needs related to surgery and surgical-related training.  So we are now working on what is possible (next steps) – includes biomedical technician training which starts next week.

  
Presenting certificates – part of the responsibilities of a country director – the doctor in the photo is from Nigeria but living and working here in Liberia at Redemption Hospital – Head of the Operating Rooms.

The privilege of worshipping God in the local churches of Monrovia.  This photo taken from a Pentecostal church recommended to me by a Liberian I met in Indianapolis (my hometown) – his son is the pastor.  

Always ready to share at events we are invited to.  This was with Lifebox, one of our partners, who is working to make surgery and anesthesia safer on a global scale.

Enjoyed hosting the Mental Health team who came to continue their training for people in Liberia using the manual ‘Understanding People, Mental Health, and Trauma’ by Dr. Lyn Westman.  We look forward to their return next year as they go to two interior counties to train.

Taking a tour of CB Dunbar Maternity Hospital in Bong County with their Medical Director.  Learning what they have available and listening to needs to see if there are gaps Mercy Ships can assist with.  

I do spend many hours on Teams in video calls with Mercy Ships, partners, and others.  Thankful for the technology that makes this possible.  I am showing my age but at times the screen looks like the opening credits of the Brady Bunch television show.

COVID-19  For the continent of Africa, 3,495,726 confirmed cases – 222,190 active cases – most all recovered – deaths under 88,000.  In Liberia, we have 2,250 confirmed cases, 86 deaths, and only 115 current cases.  

Prayer Requests:  *Health and Safety for me, my team, and the people of Liberia 
*For our leadership in Mercy Ships as there are some changes and transitions.  
*God’s wisdom, insight, discernment, and guidance