The timing of my arrival in Sierra Leone was towards the end of the first full field service for Global Mercy.  I have been able to join many great events taking place onboard the ship, which I have thoroughly enjoyed:

 * Field Service Report by Hospital and Education and Training – successes and challenges

 * Celebration including the blowing of the ship horn when the last patient was discharged from outpatient care
 * Celebration of our amazing Day Crew (local workers) – big lunch, gathering in the international lounge, a big dinner, and then a party on the dock; many of the day crew have applied to serve again when the ship returns,

Photo:  Day Crew Celebration in the International Lounge of the Global Mercy 
Curious about the Day Crew – click here for a YouTube video  5:37 in length
Mercy Ships Daycrew Sierra Leone 2023 – 2024 (youtube.com) 
 *  Farewell to many long-term crew who are departing – including the managing director and his family 

 *  First 12th Grade Academy Graduation Ceremony on the Global Mercy – one student
 *  Final visits to one of the Mercy Ministries partners – Divine Heritage House, a children’s home outside of Waterloo, and others.

Photo:  Walking with the children to the area where we sang, heard a Bible story and played some games.  Including the song:  Bambelela – ‘Hold on to Jesus’ a chorus from South Africa with all the movements.  

I started driving Mercy Ships vehicles the day after I arrived (a vehicle we had in Liberia that we sent over when we closed down last year).  There are challenges with keke (tuk tuk), motorbike taxis (okada), large trucks and buses, pedestrians & only one functioning signal light – but we safely move about as needed.

Onboard, I am thankful to be able to use a visiting staff office for meetings with those on the Global Mercy, and reviewing previous reports and setting up meetings and making arrangements with our shipping agent and others for the vessel to depart. 

I am so grateful for the time reconnecting with friends who I have served with in the past on the Africa Mercy who are faithfully serving here.  I am meeting others face-to-face for the first time.  I enjoy sitting in the dining room on the ship and hearing people share their stories.  One day crew shared that he had been a maxillofacial surgical patient and now serves as a translator in Ward D where our maxillofacial patients stay.  He said he has been able to share his story and encourage the patients and their caregivers.  He is applying to return when the ship arrives back in Freetown.

Our surgical patient selection is in process here in Sierra Leone at 12 locations: eight locations in the interior and four locations around the capital city of Freetown. The dates are  18 – 28 June for registration, then field consultation, and then a schedule to visit the vessel in Freetown for nurse diagnostics, any lab work, or radiology, and finally, the surgeon selection for the hopeful ‘Yes’ for their surgery.

All the arrangements for departures took place, and the Global Mercy successfully left Freetown safely this morning. The Country Engagement Team and others were on the dock to wave good–bye, though we know the vessel will be returning in August.  

Sahr Keith