Greetings from the beautiful nation of Sierra Leone, West Africa

The m/v Global Mercy is finishing her first ever full 10-month field service.
This is the sixth visit of a Mercy Ship to Sierra Leone – the m/v Anastasis, m/v Africa Mercy (I was on board for this visit in 2011) and now with the m/v Global Mercy.  For time in Africa, when you add up all the days a Mercy Ship has been in a country, Sierra Leone now has the most days. 
I first visited the m/v Global Mercy when she was in Dakar, Senegal next to the m/v Africa Mercy.  Some current impressions: large, new, modern, shiny, clean, at times cold floating hospital.  The total crew capacity with our children is 641 – when in full operation they serve over 3,000 meals a day, dining room can seat 660 people, hospital on two decks with six operating rooms, 109 ward beds, 90 low care beds, simulator lab for effective training, 682 seat auditorium, 125 student Academy, gym, small pool, library, and so much more.
Check out my web site at www.keithbrinkman.com for the fact sheet with much details including technical details and about the Azipod propoulsion units on the m/v Global Mercy – available in English, Español and français.
Exciting News!!!  The m/v Global Mercy will return to Freetown, Sierra Leone in mid August after their annual maintenance in Tenerife, Canary Islands for another ten- month period.  

Photo:  With guests from the Aberdeen Women’s Clinic hosted by our Country Director, Dr. Sanda Lako

As I shared in my last update, I am in Sierra Leone on the Country Engagement Team serving as the Port Liaison.  So I am learning about the m/v Global Mercy and my responsibilities and duties as in some aspect it is different than for the m/v Africa Mercy and thus different needs and assistance.

As my role is off ship, I am living in a short-term apartment in a compound where Mercy Ships has two apartments.  I am with those from Global Patient Selection Team and the Education and Training team.  Others from Country Engagement are at the Team House about 10 minutes drive away.  Always hopeful at the apartment that we will have electricity and water and only a few mosquitos.  

Praise and Prayer:  ETA = Education, Training and Advocacy

Another update will come soon

Sahr Keith