I am excited to share with you that on Wednesday 14 August, the Global Mercy has made her return to Freetown, Sierra Leone!  

I was at the port when the Global Mercy departed from Sierra Leone in mid-June for a brief annual maintenance period in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain to fulfill maritime law.  I continued to live in Freetown and as Port Liaison to make preparations for their return, primarily with the port arrangements, customs, and immigration.  

We are thankful to President Julius Maada Bio, who has invited Mercy Ships back to continue our work in the country. The next phase of free surgeries will include maxillofacial/head and neck, general, pediatric orthopedic, pediatric general, reconstructive plastic, and ophthalmic.   We’re also continuing ongoing training for staff at Connaught Hospital and students at the University of Sierra Leone.  

The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby welcomed the ship back with excitement, saying, “I’m extremely happy that Mercy Ships honored the President’s call to stay longer to provide life-changing surgeries and train our healthcare professionals… I am excited about this possibility and very proud of the partnership with Mercy Ships,” he said.  He came for the departure and also back for our return.  We are grateful for the support of the Ministry of Health.   

Photo:  Taken from the bridge on the ship showing the starboard side as they approached Berth #3.  I’m on the dock, but too small in this photo : ) 

Photo:  View of all of us at the berth as we welcome the vessel.

Photo:  On the dock in my ‘uniform’ to ensure all is working well for the ship’s arrival.

During this ten-month field service, the plan is to provide over 1,400 life-transforming surgeries and continue training Sierra Leonean healthcare workers.

Please pray as we prepare to open the hospital and start bringing healing.

I moved into a cabin on board yesterday and am thankful for a hot shower, clean, comfy, adjustable a/c cooling, fast internet, BBC/CNN on the television, and just lovely space.  In my next update, I will include photos of my cabin and guest office, so stand by.