Hello from the Africa Mercy!!

I've arrived! Last night we flew out of Banjul at about 12:50am. It was a very tense flight, most likely because it was the same group of us who had been on the aborted takeoff flight and who had been stuck in the hotel for the last three days. We boarded the plane after hours in line at the airport, and as we taxied down the runway, I was praying fervently for safety and a safe flight. Others were saying their hail marys and praying with their rosary beads. Everyone was really quiet. We taxied to the runway and when we reached it, the polot stopped the plane for what felt like 10 minutes. My imagination went wild- he's unsure whether to fly, he's saying his prayers, etc...We took off and the flight from Banjul to Lungi lasted about 50 minutes. The flight was the quietest flight I remember ever being on and it wasn't until we landed in Lungi, that everyone sighed with relief and clapped.

After landing, we went to the airport and went throught immigration which went quickly once the officers knew we (the 6 others and me) were with Mercy Ships. The health officers checked my WHO card and then the we went through customs. A pastor who lives in Lungi and works with Mercy Ships picked us up and helped us through customs and provided transporation to the water taxi that Brussels had paid for to transport us to Freetown that late at night. The water taxi was sketchy. Very dirty with alot of local people trying to get a hold of our bags. The taxi ride was about 35 minutes to Freetown. On the other side we were greeted by two Mercy Ship members and two guards that drove us to the ship.

the water taxi

We arrived to the ship about about 4:30am. The ship is beautiful! It was so surreal arriving. It was like a dream coming true- a dream of over 2 years- finally becoming a reality. We boarded the ship and filled out lots of forms and received my room key. I felt bad coming in that late but my bunk mate (I'm in a 6-berth cabin) had left the light on for me. I climbed into bed and tried to sleep at about 6am, only to have her alarm go off at 6:30. She also is a nurse and had to work on the ward at 7. I slept a little bit, maybe 2 hours and then got up to unpack. The cabin is way to small to have my stuff everywhere. Everything is unpacked and at 2:30pm, I met with the nursing instructor who began orientation for myself and Claire. I was supposed to work this weekend but because I didn't arrive until today, the schedule will be changed. We shall see. Its a long weekend on the boat this weekend so many people are arranging day or weekend trips to go off the ship. I'm going to stay to catch up on sleep and learn this massive ship. I've gotten lost so many times already. More orientation tomorrow.. I'm so tired.

my cubicle. while unpacking

the cabin- 6 berth

the bathroom

Starboard side



port side


Until next time...

I haven't set up my computer with the IS department yet so I can't upload pics. Will do after Monday when they can set it up. (sorry)