tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51328273807490491082024-03-21T04:51:12.936+00:00meg is in AfricaThe musings of a volunteer nurse on a hospital ship in Africamegan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.comBlogger555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-15255169033107659572010-02-01T15:46:00.001+00:002012-09-06T15:00:33.030+00:00The story continues....My current thoughts and adventures are at <a href="http://peacockandbadger.wordpress.com/">http://peacockandbadger.wordpress.com/</a>.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-78790113982901268942010-01-28T18:30:00.004+00:002010-01-29T04:06:04.491+00:00Turning a corner.I'm home. I write it as if it were a recent phenomenon. However, the unbelievable truth (time goes by so quickly) is I've been home for more than a month already.<br /><br />Home is home. Familiar and warm (although considerably colder in temperature then Benin). It's always a wonderful thing to rediscover old haunts and well-studied faces. Returning to Bucks County is always a good thing.<br /><br />The question I've been repeatedly asked since returning stateside is, "How long are you here for." My answer, "For now." After several years of mobile living, challenging experiences, and meeting all sorts of people, "For good," would be to anti-climatic an answer. I wish I had a more definitive response. But I don't. <br /><br />Throughout my time with Mercy Ships (which began in June 2007) I have watched God do amazing things. Every need, spiritual and financial, has been graciously provided for. Amazing people and life-long friends have accompanied each step. I've walked through doors I did not know existed. God's evidence in my life has been amazing. He is good. It sounds cliche but there is no need to reinvent truth.<br /><br />And now I sit here in my kitchen. Sensing I'm turning a corner. Realizing my heart will always be divided among different geographies, professions, and pockets of friends. I am rendered helpless when I realize there aren't enough parts for the many loves of my heart to harmonize in one melodious symphony. New scores require new instraments, leaving others to a collect dust in a corner. A sad but true reality of life.<br /><br />We must choose what we love. And where our heart is, our treasure will follow. Passion and apathy, risk and security, love and selfishness, cannot walk together. Our hearts have but one throne. Life will always fight for its possession.<br /><br />The key to unifying a great diversity of common loves is to sacrifice them all on the alter of Divine Love. To lose the world and gain your soul. To side with Jim Elliot when he said, "He is no fool to lose what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."<br /><br />The surrendered heart will never find rest or security on earth but it will always be home.<br />And one day, the soul will follow to an unshakable eternity. Until that day, we press on, trusting our Gentle Shepherd to safely guide us.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-73248779269255788442009-12-31T12:22:00.008+00:002010-01-01T17:38:59.002+00:00Happy New Year.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUn8wHda2QMykcaPlL8_2p2LO19NahuH_IhCj9G5Bz9tYFn1276-NGtKPml-XPcbGyNLOJfoglzKlsn2reXFpNoBLfN1T6CVFNgtFhmw1EV_D9zjuEU9xwZeAJQMVaIEl_jbh5JrhI6eM/s1600-h/BED0902-SCREEN-CTONOU_EB178_L.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378671864175298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUn8wHda2QMykcaPlL8_2p2LO19NahuH_IhCj9G5Bz9tYFn1276-NGtKPml-XPcbGyNLOJfoglzKlsn2reXFpNoBLfN1T6CVFNgtFhmw1EV_D9zjuEU9xwZeAJQMVaIEl_jbh5JrhI6eM/s320/BED0902-SCREEN-CTONOU_EB178_L.JPG" border="0" /></a> Oceane at screening day.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYUCc8alohk4Venf5yFkidobrudOP-9ZYATRkbCGNvOoC0uUbYOIBo8QAdu_0SlgDzSzgMGZwfw42oRDSkPUoY8sjcQzmldiuAPEukfCzUybIvv-19UtY0wlH9PkRkMepvO9gwsTs1Ogs/s1600-h/BED0910_HOSMAXFAX0067_GONCADJA_PJ5_Lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378666873466178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYUCc8alohk4Venf5yFkidobrudOP-9ZYATRkbCGNvOoC0uUbYOIBo8QAdu_0SlgDzSzgMGZwfw42oRDSkPUoY8sjcQzmldiuAPEukfCzUybIvv-19UtY0wlH9PkRkMepvO9gwsTs1Ogs/s320/BED0910_HOSMAXFAX0067_GONCADJA_PJ5_Lo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTA56ockqvnXN9taav-yIu-AzGzr3xkGKmPAYjNMYNrA4EnJme6yYoqm-366mO5Zk1oYQIdx1OYRAze_aWqLDu2ue8pI7H2JAtkKTa0J9cTg-YUuTcFmonfxWpL4fayj_0v-l5JYPdzYg/s1600-h/BED0910_HOSMAXFAX0067_GONCADJA_PJ6_Lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378664451759330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTA56ockqvnXN9taav-yIu-AzGzr3xkGKmPAYjNMYNrA4EnJme6yYoqm-366mO5Zk1oYQIdx1OYRAze_aWqLDu2ue8pI7H2JAtkKTa0J9cTg-YUuTcFmonfxWpL4fayj_0v-l5JYPdzYg/s320/BED0910_HOSMAXFAX0067_GONCADJA_PJ6_Lo.jpg" border="0" /></a> Before her surgery.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvG40_RUA4UCZdTppjj-fDi85ajMm09QAy-7dVGKFGupFmrzP9Wrive4Ry7aEtsC1cyn42BDs7eINDqPP8BqtynvOLwSIFU6qvVDNIRlKJryAZlQ2DajT1MgvoliLl3sN7eUjc2rEkYCX/s1600-h/BED0911_HOSWRD0067B_OCEANE_MP567-1_Lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378380110241714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvG40_RUA4UCZdTppjj-fDi85ajMm09QAy-7dVGKFGupFmrzP9Wrive4Ry7aEtsC1cyn42BDs7eINDqPP8BqtynvOLwSIFU6qvVDNIRlKJryAZlQ2DajT1MgvoliLl3sN7eUjc2rEkYCX/s320/BED0911_HOSWRD0067B_OCEANE_MP567-1_Lo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTCSwPi-zxxZAa2YlrQ-kkp29aVqpA39lzQgC5LMglia2i7mrZO_V4VQrwCOzGDIoYa1XCR1qZulTXyqbxEl6VOew-boaODneB3C35LiTQcR9fsch-itMa-pD6-divoyDQ9g39QFbXONy/s1600-h/BED0911_HOSWRD0067B_OCEANE_MP569-1_Lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378374260062402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTCSwPi-zxxZAa2YlrQ-kkp29aVqpA39lzQgC5LMglia2i7mrZO_V4VQrwCOzGDIoYa1XCR1qZulTXyqbxEl6VOew-boaODneB3C35LiTQcR9fsch-itMa-pD6-divoyDQ9g39QFbXONy/s320/BED0911_HOSWRD0067B_OCEANE_MP569-1_Lo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mGiGE05nqaDuwTIfqy8f5VTaX5XOeswk-4w3a0lFjN8gXMb9RTvrlDzDJrUUFNbKA4vc0Z8UwPU-VxcdJkhDTFDictKSkk4i6qOnTIsGuzdL9YMYytOD082Q45sdhtP03_Co1U3ztvKq/s1600-h/BED0911_HOSWRD0067B_OCEANE_MP570-1_Lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421378368624874258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mGiGE05nqaDuwTIfqy8f5VTaX5XOeswk-4w3a0lFjN8gXMb9RTvrlDzDJrUUFNbKA4vc0Z8UwPU-VxcdJkhDTFDictKSkk4i6qOnTIsGuzdL9YMYytOD082Q45sdhtP03_Co1U3ztvKq/s320/BED0911_HOSWRD0067B_OCEANE_MP570-1_Lo.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's gone.<br /><br /><div>Last week at 1opm, after 36 hours of delays and travel, I safely arrived home. It's great to be home. A little overwhelming, but I am re-adjusting to the excitements and perils of the first world. </div><br /><div>Here is a lingering patient story about baby Oceane to ring in the New Year. </div><br /><div></div>Oceane’s Miracle </div><div><br /></div><div>While working in the communications office one of our photographers, PJ, grabbed my attention. “You need to have a look at this pre-operative photo.” I spun my chair around and was horrified by the image on his computer screen. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>There was one-year-old Oceane. Tears were streaming down her eyes. Her mouth was grimaced in pain. A grotesque mass, larger than her head, hung from the back of her neck. The photo made me uncomfortable. Instinctively, I turned away. “Children aren’t suppose to experience that kind of pain,” I thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oceane had an encephalocele- a rare neural tube defect characterized by sac-like protrusions of neural tissue through openings in the skull. A small gap in the back of her head, only 1.4 cm wide, was the root of her problems. It allowed cerebrospinal fluid to escape from her brain and collect in the ballooning skin in back of her neck, which formed the disturbing second head. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oceane’s mother, Philomen, had brought to a Mercy Ships medical screening day in February. Upon evaluation, surgeons thought they could help her. They planned on removing the mass and placing a small tube in her brain. The tube, called a shunt, would drain excessive fluid from her head into her abdomen. However, the earliest surgical opening wasn’t until October. Philemon needed to take Oceane home and spend seven months waiting for her to receive surgery. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>During that time, Philomen faced great discouragement. As the bulge continued to swell simple things like bathing Oceane began to scare Philomen. “When I gave her a bath, I never washed her head. I was scared the tumor would explode and the baby would die.” Others began to mocked Philomen saying, “Look at the horrible baby she has,” whenever she went outside. “I never replied,” she said. “I felt very ashamed and always stayed in the house.” Friends and family said Mercy Ships was making her wait because they couldn’t perform the surgery. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Despite the discouragements around her, Philomen never lost hope that Oceane could be helped. On Sunday, October 14, she brought her to the Africa Mercy. That evening, I walked down to the hospital to meet them. Oceane was helplessly lying on the bed, unable to sit up from the weight of the mass. “There is no way they are going to be able to remove that,” I thought to myself. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Cautiously, I introduced myself. I knew it was still uncertain she’d receive her surgery. She was scheduled for a neurosurgical procedure that normally required multiple surgeons, expensive equipment, and a follow-up stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. It would be high risk even with the boundless resources of Western medicine. We were on a hospital ship with half of those resources. The surgeons weren’t certain the operation would be safe. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Already, I could see high hopes and expectations in Philomen’s eyes. Oceane was wearing a hospital ID band and sleeping on an Africa Mercy bed. This was the moment had dreamed about for seven months.But the odds were still against Oceane. I didn’t want to act to excited for Philomen, not yet. I held the Oceane’s hand, told Philomen it was nice to meet her, and walked away paying, “God, please help that baby.”</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>The next day, a CT Scan of Oceane’s head was taken. The results spawned further discussions amongst the medical staff on the risks/benefits of her surgery. Finally, the medical team decided Oceane would receive surgery. Her big day was Friday. Thursday afternoon, I walked onto D ward looking for her, but the bed was empty. “Where is Oceane?” I asked one of the nurses. “She’s in the recovery room, she had her surgery today.” Five minutes later, a recovery room nurse walked into the ward holding a small baby with a white-turban of bandages. It was Oceane. Again, I was shocked. The mass was completely gone. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>While the nurses listened to her lungs and connected to her to a heart monitor, Philomen came to the bedside. When she realized the mass was gone, she was speechless. All she could do was stand by her bed and hold Oceans tiny hand. For fifteen minutes, she stared at her daughter, oscillating between content smiles and joyful tears. I couldn’t hold back tears myself. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Throughout the next week, I continued to visit D ward. For the first time, Philomen could see the back of Oceane’s neck. Proudly, she tied Oceane to her back like other African mothers, and walked her up and down the hospital corridor. Philomen was glowing. “When I saw the baby in the surgery room, I was laughing. God has done something great in my life that has lifted me. I have to thank God and ask Him to bless Mercy Ships,” she said. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Three weeks after her surgery, Oceane came to the Africa Mercy for her final post-op appointment. I came down to the hospital to say goodbye. Smiling and laughing as she held Oceane in one arm, Philomen greeted me with an enthusiastic, “Merci, Merci, Merci Bocu,” French for, “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you very much.” She handed me Oceane, who stared into my eyes and reached out her small hand to grab my hair. All I could think was, “<em>God has done a miracle</em>.” </div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Story by Megan Petock </div><div><br /><br />Photos by Megan Petock and PJ Accetturo<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-57629351111632000812009-12-19T15:39:00.009+00:002009-12-19T16:12:02.913+00:00We Made It.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrk3hGwzQyO_PyyvNUy9HnI0wZGmpHLdewzTusvVY0PZxNBPfmuQpozKLjqYMN8Jtmv9njnvxhwz5n8mDs6qv5WG2gz9bd7zg5_O9itgbaVUwaNiXOuGRPfua56VT8KJOOIIrHpsj9VQCY/s1600-h/BED_0996.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416978384682002434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrk3hGwzQyO_PyyvNUy9HnI0wZGmpHLdewzTusvVY0PZxNBPfmuQpozKLjqYMN8Jtmv9njnvxhwz5n8mDs6qv5WG2gz9bd7zg5_O9itgbaVUwaNiXOuGRPfua56VT8KJOOIIrHpsj9VQCY/s400/BED_0996.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sunrise over a choppy sea yesterday morning.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygJsmWiq-E1Hf273rtSk_IKsKDgQOh7q2-eC9PUGFhxo5mSN2oXlPIRkdnmkozmwTMDy2760te7FqmGmJwhqIRKqNoFJfcMlR-wz0bQXRphCu8pH9D2xdAWRhRlYQXVMxrMMnzZPRtTwG/s1600-h/blBED_0029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416978378809780290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygJsmWiq-E1Hf273rtSk_IKsKDgQOh7q2-eC9PUGFhxo5mSN2oXlPIRkdnmkozmwTMDy2760te7FqmGmJwhqIRKqNoFJfcMlR-wz0bQXRphCu8pH9D2xdAWRhRlYQXVMxrMMnzZPRtTwG/s400/blBED_0029.jpg" border="0" /></a> The lights of Tenerife early this morning.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OrWzRBCEPcte5e5gLmrMwFoG0vbWxIL2UXO_FnwTOJg9rg_v2LtNDFvwcCjrKshkE-IezciF46zAgAJBfv6c6ET91NENwZob_In__oO0ldssMxQIXXZVmFJTKNMBXKRHtjBr8YCfA3tD/s1600-h/blBED_0042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416977925786108594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OrWzRBCEPcte5e5gLmrMwFoG0vbWxIL2UXO_FnwTOJg9rg_v2LtNDFvwcCjrKshkE-IezciF46zAgAJBfv6c6ET91NENwZob_In__oO0ldssMxQIXXZVmFJTKNMBXKRHtjBr8YCfA3tD/s400/blBED_0042.jpg" border="0" /></a> A group shot as we headed for the port. I have been blessed with really outstanding friends during my time here. Can you tell we are all really excited? : )<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6JK0i6qqhCBZhbL6QdU6Wd4lgdlTrt0ovDq1xwDnOsHMBTb1tRJzHU3TpSJCzK1wJRbY0u88vw0idvEKJLOyYjanoPl5og5sZ0odjwnH1A_fpMCWnzup_6nE2xPdO6TVSWsoQ5qohDpu/s1600-h/BLBED_0047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416977921707607106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6JK0i6qqhCBZhbL6QdU6Wd4lgdlTrt0ovDq1xwDnOsHMBTb1tRJzHU3TpSJCzK1wJRbY0u88vw0idvEKJLOyYjanoPl5og5sZ0odjwnH1A_fpMCWnzup_6nE2xPdO6TVSWsoQ5qohDpu/s400/BLBED_0047.jpg" border="0" /></a> My first glance of Tenerife.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LLKpjBUui-ZPw9-JaUuNTlBHoPUT68zZaFOJrRIPdxbAvCdG_F_6_7oWCgSaYbG5Qfw8SUwLZVb3xmL8mRGz_0u0mhK3ODGm4SftEEHE1AL3sO7VpKehq_-iQD16wt-i9M_evLc3CwT3/s1600-h/blBED_0050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416977618027546610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LLKpjBUui-ZPw9-JaUuNTlBHoPUT68zZaFOJrRIPdxbAvCdG_F_6_7oWCgSaYbG5Qfw8SUwLZVb3xmL8mRGz_0u0mhK3ODGm4SftEEHE1AL3sO7VpKehq_-iQD16wt-i9M_evLc3CwT3/s400/blBED_0050.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sunrise.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwS3fls6hUkJ_NNMpGpIVQTqTBjoeiRNZxLYWPMma-zjpf_8fb9Z5bBqdmPQ1Cc2irHl26jIOn50HEB7HBJs5UzmGMsQn1FNTGw2IZ29S-JCcPUKka2Jk2Zjxw2LqOBvwoAGHyKvyW4-O/s1600-h/blBED_0059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416977615379467906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwS3fls6hUkJ_NNMpGpIVQTqTBjoeiRNZxLYWPMma-zjpf_8fb9Z5bBqdmPQ1Cc2irHl26jIOn50HEB7HBJs5UzmGMsQn1FNTGw2IZ29S-JCcPUKka2Jk2Zjxw2LqOBvwoAGHyKvyW4-O/s400/blBED_0059.jpg" border="0" /></a> Liz and Jess were excited to see land.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8yZ3ffu71sTNJlGBhSzySHk6CP3UXdyMtEcMMxAh3tvUIFvD5DuRN72AE-1ZdvptTkLPjlTeU_qvoUu8iAww59n9lXVu6LvlUUZ_w4lThJPBgR7J6PKBjAlm9PXJe4CtnUkv7S5Y0ze_/s1600-h/BLBED_0088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416976456265767442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8yZ3ffu71sTNJlGBhSzySHk6CP3UXdyMtEcMMxAh3tvUIFvD5DuRN72AE-1ZdvptTkLPjlTeU_qvoUu8iAww59n9lXVu6LvlUUZ_w4lThJPBgR7J6PKBjAlm9PXJe4CtnUkv7S5Y0ze_/s400/BLBED_0088.jpg" border="0" /></a> THE Trumpet Player. Every time the ship comes or leaves Tenerife this man is faithfully on the dock with his trumpet. He was the ONLY person waiting for us when we arrived this morning. It's a small act, but one I know touches the hearts of the entire crew.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqXKe93taGBlHrioI8DpNJGO3PX9ENbLQwDuGKJkHHQPZJfBgOHLNn2enFTbsnS4we1BUdi4IJ03jjgU0CM494wGQAWPrjDCF-HI15cfFBCHkqyC11WTtj7I7qh3LUpsFHCoKsb3AX0Fw/s1600-h/PC190087.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416976128191208642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqXKe93taGBlHrioI8DpNJGO3PX9ENbLQwDuGKJkHHQPZJfBgOHLNn2enFTbsnS4we1BUdi4IJ03jjgU0CM494wGQAWPrjDCF-HI15cfFBCHkqyC11WTtj7I7qh3LUpsFHCoKsb3AX0Fw/s400/PC190087.JPG" border="0" /></a> This dog is ready for Christmas.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqskXThAn697xESnJbWk30AnxT2jlh99_nEh_1AgOxg0rkUhoLn-mFN0dUUAneE6YAREz_ZQyXT3K_T3H88-CTNS14UbQg0yeQgRPOG405X57tuz0vWwpqxDTds4P_wBUTT3lW0YuT0vf/s1600-h/PC190090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416976124344239458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqskXThAn697xESnJbWk30AnxT2jlh99_nEh_1AgOxg0rkUhoLn-mFN0dUUAneE6YAREz_ZQyXT3K_T3H88-CTNS14UbQg0yeQgRPOG405X57tuz0vWwpqxDTds4P_wBUTT3lW0YuT0vf/s400/PC190090.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another "band" photo.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-fjzLMeXYCVVtlxsummHtTQbWMTnp3kn2EbriqGN6-yX4HycNfvRJ92PjAgtPh1180mrSt7HHmnIGcTdIrcb5MpfoECEh4eUYQNORAft4T3tUmVB6l7IRGMovclOmgUv9YvFooTRwZoy/s1600-h/PC190092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416976118462164402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-fjzLMeXYCVVtlxsummHtTQbWMTnp3kn2EbriqGN6-yX4HycNfvRJ92PjAgtPh1180mrSt7HHmnIGcTdIrcb5MpfoECEh4eUYQNORAft4T3tUmVB6l7IRGMovclOmgUv9YvFooTRwZoy/s400/PC190092.JPG" border="0" /></a>Cafe Con Leche from a sidewalk cafe. Wonderful. </div><div><br /><div><div>After ten months of active field service and 12 days of sailing, the <em>Africa Mercy </em>has safely landed in Tenerife at 8:30 AM. The final three days proved to be stormy and left our stomachs a bit unsettled. We are all very excited to be on dry land. Most of the crew has promptly left the ship by 10:30 AM. It's the little things, like clothing stores and blending in that have everyone really excited. It's always a bit strange to be in the western world after being in Benin but it's a nice change. And soon I will be home. </div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy58n6gF_Y44CJf_uH3r_OhzNg88YIRXMTNgX4pyZ4UW3THfAy-gFWadQ0t-mvWOFZ6m6a3BgFpR-dTA1CegA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3TZKyIup7FngWE4i8yD0GBt1jBnGeWnux7TPF18dCpl9_MHbgccq2bQs64oTq-7pwSN-nZjCwNqHbRvORWA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />You too can experience the rolling <em>Africa Mercy. </em>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-56898794327690209692009-12-18T10:47:00.002+00:002009-12-18T10:53:39.520+00:00Joy Comes to Suzanna<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvTUwmR-JuK2Tq46qGZsIfduLcDKsNUGxZq9TOmKKAV06cJoLZXDRg64FZo9Xfs4TJrufQWgHMG_B-ld4vZPh74YoXCE5e2xm85mxELIP3EnyRyFJM2f1kt0_KT6K43dhWpO5BaZF3tcV/s1600-h/BED0909_HOSVVF_DRSCER_MP373lo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416526729067900386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvTUwmR-JuK2Tq46qGZsIfduLcDKsNUGxZq9TOmKKAV06cJoLZXDRg64FZo9Xfs4TJrufQWgHMG_B-ld4vZPh74YoXCE5e2xm85mxELIP3EnyRyFJM2f1kt0_KT6K43dhWpO5BaZF3tcV/s400/BED0909_HOSVVF_DRSCER_MP373lo.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS8T8gHzObzwms9eZVJ72TtM74_vZ2UPZiHk7HFRHIcXH77hiscqoNIzNmSJTSC2dqW8hcO4EabQHNrhgnHNFpK-E_0fqSy_rVDKahdKYPxS8vTaYUk1qxx0gT5CAQVo3gTRghjA-PQhc/s1600-h/BED0909_HOSVVF_PRECER_MP419lo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416526719152644338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS8T8gHzObzwms9eZVJ72TtM74_vZ2UPZiHk7HFRHIcXH77hiscqoNIzNmSJTSC2dqW8hcO4EabQHNrhgnHNFpK-E_0fqSy_rVDKahdKYPxS8vTaYUk1qxx0gT5CAQVo3gTRghjA-PQhc/s400/BED0909_HOSVVF_PRECER_MP419lo.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxsKGx4mV1Bf1WYOxnMBZz8jp9C6K-P3iKyBipqmjeGSAopVjwXHbKHNrK0JPVwHs87Su4KPjuD_Nv8pVFcHa6C9G0HzNEje8fuJRpzvgnNMk583-X_lbn_zYNGJJHz1TVLcO19naOcbV/s1600-h/BED0909_HOSVVF_PRECER_MP409lo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416526717303386066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxsKGx4mV1Bf1WYOxnMBZz8jp9C6K-P3iKyBipqmjeGSAopVjwXHbKHNrK0JPVwHs87Su4KPjuD_Nv8pVFcHa6C9G0HzNEje8fuJRpzvgnNMk583-X_lbn_zYNGJJHz1TVLcO19naOcbV/s400/BED0909_HOSVVF_PRECER_MP409lo.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2ZU1a7rp1iV1P7BMZ6ERM8-2xma7k9agAFa_404Wq4vJJb_zlOEQEBgYGQK47K75p4xDgQuTACO5qIrp4SMo7VCq_jcRA-CIhJXwWj5ompBAVTAEWDtFBpBXYMoefytCqLHKRtrYZ3-1/s1600-h/BED0909_HOSVVF_PRECER_MP406lo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416526711981209570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2ZU1a7rp1iV1P7BMZ6ERM8-2xma7k9agAFa_404Wq4vJJb_zlOEQEBgYGQK47K75p4xDgQuTACO5qIrp4SMo7VCq_jcRA-CIhJXwWj5ompBAVTAEWDtFBpBXYMoefytCqLHKRtrYZ3-1/s400/BED0909_HOSVVF_PRECER_MP406lo.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416526705214845730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTFCbv0GXz-lNHAYJKP6sAGze2XV7-LQpJTj2Wc9U2Eu6UE4ZvHEEqLqF1IHW7DWEYceZqqkfhevEKeRVOFlBWXzmg8C1ux42ktBiSzSlpk9rDG8_4Oin2aPt6h1sgA8bsUW8zRGxUrKA/s400/BED0909_HOSVVF_PRECER_MP403lo.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br />A small team of women are painting Suzanna's face with make-up and crowning her head with brightly colored African fabric. Her two-month-old son, Nicolos, is fast asleep an arm's length away on the bed beside her. Today is Suzanna's day to celebrate. "The sickness" was gone. As the preparations continue, the joy in her smile becomes palpable.<br /></div><br /><div>Other women on the Africa Mercy had already celebrated. They danced and sang, wearing beautiful new dresses that symbolized their restored bodies. Suzanna had watched them from her hospital bed, held captive by a catheter.<br /></div><br /><div>Six years ago, Suzanna became pregnant with her first child. For nine months, she and her husband had lived in a state of joy as they anticipated the child's arrival. But the joy of a new life was replaced by the sorrow of death's sting. After painfully laboring for days, Suzanna delivered a dead baby.<br /></div><br /><div>There was another serious problem. The prolonged pressure from the baby's head during the abnormally long labor left Suzanna with "the sickness" - a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). VVF leaves women completely incontinent. Approximately 2 million women are living with untreated fistulas. Suzanna had become one of them.<br /></div><br /><div>For six years, urine continually poured from her body. Her clothes were always wet, and the foul stench alerted others to her presence. Disgusted and ashamed, her husband left her. Others rejected her as well. Suzanna was alone. She thought her life would always be that way - until she met Nicolos, a man from her village. He knew of her painful story and decided to love her, even with her fistula. They were married, and to Suzanna's delight, she again became pregnant. Two months into the pregnancy, Suzanna went to the hospital for a check up. Upon seeing her fistula, the doctor contacted Mercy Ships. Arrangements were made for her to come to the Africa Mercy after the birth of the baby.<br /></div><br /><div>Baby Nicolos was born on July 31 st . In early October, Suzanna, with her husband and son, travelled to the Africa Mercy , where she received a free surgery. Two weeks later, her catheter was removed. She was dry, and it was time to celebrate.</div><br /><div><br />A crowd of onlookers had gathered to rejoice as the women sang and danced. Wearing her beautiful new dress, Suzanna looked like a queen as she testified of God's faithfulness to her. "I am happy, very happy. I never thought the sickness would ever end. But now it is finished."<br /></div><br /><div>She closely held baby Nicolos. His little blue hat unintentionally matched the fabric of her new dress. Finally, her sorrow had ended. Her body and spirit were restored. Joy had found her.<br /></div><br /><div>Story and Photos by Megan Petock</div></div></div></div></div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-84122990523854127232009-12-17T14:38:00.002+00:002009-12-17T16:06:03.781+00:00We are rocking and rolling (literally).Last night was a sleepless nice for the majority of the <em>Africa Mercy </em>crew. Not because we are anticipating our arrival in Tenerife. Not because we are excited for Christmas. Not because we are stressed out about our work. <br /><br />The ship has encountered swells which have caused a fast and consistent rolling of the ship from side to side. At times, we've puckered up and down. <br /><br />When you are being tossed from side to side in your bed, your drawers keep flying open, and your roof and walls sound like they are going to bust open, it is cause for a sleepless night. The general consensus is most were up every hour. This morning, the deck crew visited each department, re-securing everything. <br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwoNj08vCUhR_NBFc7AJQ0LqOXetGo3HmBj67HFO-eIzNdMgLIvlqKWfWNr9iVgIlnvhP5nEDK0UYxkYm8t4g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>A swell takes out my friends and moves my chair. This is why I've had to hold onto my desk for most of the day. </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw28gpYsgogjEv9QkFETMHMJvD25fDzFq2aGTiPbZf225rjMNsEu2YwCSUDDf-sDJPxSUp2e7ow4pBQrNY2XQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>If you look carefully, you can see the water moving in my water bottle. </p><p> </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwyKzObWtmFKQ622WvzYRB8EPjGMnjBfJjw58E096Myz-l5nKh8408bxn7uM-qDX7ScjaVyzrBUWwgrEF3LCA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>The rocking boat glides me across the office. </p>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-74095504712416659972009-12-16T21:02:00.003+00:002009-12-16T21:05:35.676+00:00Pascal Gbaglo - Agriculture Knowledge Is a Transforming Power<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7F-ApNJd266mJe6_1qmeCAnY6h7hyntofoM_GoijD0wU2kV15ikO3wqHaO0VxQmhLJ6uf1rWJDTYC_l5_0bxdv-deuDCHntZrtS9S79pc0CHjJKtSGp7tpLLI1qheDk8HbVk0hnnEAJm/s1600-h/BED0911_HCDAGR_PASC_KW771lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415942948888765042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7F-ApNJd266mJe6_1qmeCAnY6h7hyntofoM_GoijD0wU2kV15ikO3wqHaO0VxQmhLJ6uf1rWJDTYC_l5_0bxdv-deuDCHntZrtS9S79pc0CHjJKtSGp7tpLLI1qheDk8HbVk0hnnEAJm/s400/BED0911_HCDAGR_PASC_KW771lo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NhLiQlG0MMcwQBJvo9tO_E8l0YaB4PrdINA5zgYJESDo8WgT1UmnTEj6BRbh744hZeH6uS5L8ElKDaDFt1fB3QXNoiabNJl_s8HuHGSvHBa6kgN9BhJSBoqdPCnRBkt9kGBJskjiHE5v/s1600-h/BED0911_HCDAGR_PASC_KW774lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415942947181100594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NhLiQlG0MMcwQBJvo9tO_E8l0YaB4PrdINA5zgYJESDo8WgT1UmnTEj6BRbh744hZeH6uS5L8ElKDaDFt1fB3QXNoiabNJl_s8HuHGSvHBa6kgN9BhJSBoqdPCnRBkt9kGBJskjiHE5v/s400/BED0911_HCDAGR_PASC_KW774lo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJapIlUagrByou5LaVEuCQWkNuVeVCTImNUmUe5tLz0ycyeqJ7ik4u1FplqzH9f4d0Uobkd59UPGjlnTLpCpRIHinXs5Dk7uRyCY9fxNXc1zwir6PGSjHJWlyoQAALZ5WzpZwFBTS_tek/s1600-h/BED0911_HCDAGR_PASC_KW773lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415942943773439842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJapIlUagrByou5LaVEuCQWkNuVeVCTImNUmUe5tLz0ycyeqJ7ik4u1FplqzH9f4d0Uobkd59UPGjlnTLpCpRIHinXs5Dk7uRyCY9fxNXc1zwir6PGSjHJWlyoQAALZ5WzpZwFBTS_tek/s400/BED0911_HCDAGR_PASC_KW773lo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WfYdVyb6apgruuxvlP03iNP_gh5y84oxB232UtgKzEV2ShDRkTNsUMC0-Ug5koWOEJf-UFyIfPOvfvDczbyv0luSob8_GSGlpB3T4scQqh0t9iD79Xw5jTnRGSAuKcaoOAx_A7qYDYOk/s1600-h/BED0911_HCDAGR_PASC_KW769lo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415942935975234786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WfYdVyb6apgruuxvlP03iNP_gh5y84oxB232UtgKzEV2ShDRkTNsUMC0-Ug5koWOEJf-UFyIfPOvfvDczbyv0luSob8_GSGlpB3T4scQqh0t9iD79Xw5jTnRGSAuKcaoOAx_A7qYDYOk/s400/BED0911_HCDAGR_PASC_KW769lo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Pascal Gbaglo is a farmer in Hévié, Benin. Life has always been a struggle for him and his family.<br />For years, Pascal has farmed using traditional West African methods of planting, slashing, and burning the land. His crops have always been minimal, barely enough to feed his family of seven. Sometimes they failed completely. His family did not want to work the land with him because it often produced nothing.<br /></div><br /><div>In May, he was standing outside of his home when he saw a line of Mercy Ships vehicles driving through Hévié. He discovered that Mercy Ships and Bethesda, a local NGO (non-governmental organization), were starting an agriculture training program in Hévié. Wanting to learn more about farming, he asked to join the program. Although it was already filled to capacity, Pascal was allowed to stay.<br /></div><br /><div>Excited, he began attending every class. The agriculture training program, "Food For Life," teaches biblical organic farming principles, which focus on being a good steward of the land. Pascal began incorporating these principles into his farming practices at home. In a very short time, he noticed something - his crops were growing! And they were growing faster, fuller, and in a much larger quantity. Before long, not only was he producing enough food to feed his family, but he had a surplus of crops to sell at the local market.<br /></div><br /><div>"I used to do agriculture the traditional method, but nothing grew," said Pascal. "Now that I have been taught to farm the way God wants me to, my crops are growing well on the same land. Every time we plant, we pray, asking God to bless the work of our hands - and He is."<br />For the first time, using the money from the surplus crops, Pascal is able to send his eldest four children to school. Already, he is passing down his farming knowledge to the next generation. His entire family is working the land with him - including his 2-year-old son, Gédeon.<br /></div><br /><div>Neighboring farmers are coming to Pascal's farm asking, "What are you doing to make your crops grow so fast? What kind of fertilizer are you using? What kind of pesticides?" When he tells them, "nothing," they say, "You have to have a secret; you're not telling us your secret."<br />Fortunately, Pascal and the "Food For Life" staff are happy to share their "secret" with others.<br />Ken Winebark, the Agriculture Program Administrator, said, "The principles we are sharing with them are very basic, and they're (the local farmers) grasping it. It's neat because we are having the opportunity to see things start to take shape. Many times, you don't know if you're accomplishing anything. You think and hope things are going well, but you don't really know. To be able to come back four months later and see the difference it's made already is really encouraging. It's great to lead the students through the process of realizing their vision." </div></div></div></div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-81615961395750071382009-12-15T20:42:00.003+00:002009-12-15T20:49:23.949+00:00The Light of the Setting Sun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA-aAdGg_rD9AfksyFyA3QtLsSNcCcqH1xhrxmh2CmgMDl54w2fshioO6FmlQtYa9VptjPuyJS3sd9pcabMUNkpjAmOclGqWKvKvwNwqe6kV0IlkkIfbT35ZNX_AcIV6SxQm-9Dm06Cw0/s1600-h/BED_0394l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415567530069540978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNA-aAdGg_rD9AfksyFyA3QtLsSNcCcqH1xhrxmh2CmgMDl54w2fshioO6FmlQtYa9VptjPuyJS3sd9pcabMUNkpjAmOclGqWKvKvwNwqe6kV0IlkkIfbT35ZNX_AcIV6SxQm-9Dm06Cw0/s400/BED_0394l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDBaiUz4YANV485Rrm0Xfw6XbYLwhaY1IegIFpnfc-uw0_4t6m08tzRlOqwhCdVqUb7qTg34wWLWN5nUA0P6jgbZgPd_-zaXixHNhfjX-ia3UG3uQtfUdqP9_-DO5T7pW6oWOKUgsE7uu/s1600-h/BED_0387l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415567518662538578" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdsDxCPpaY_7OyxCs9RAc1en_pidVmqKvGhpY4gGx423yDS_I5EzFxu-_5VYGa4cdPKieQr_yXf5BYkwDiDJYIm8byN60FjD54KdPb-Y2K4tBSOk_LVmXSXxKvRdUPGo14K3pGwYTMAJ2/s400/BED_0300l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSXL9n4pEZmHMi6-0mBdPcjMVSn4qo1IvW3Am_uUTHL7xudj08knQIUs6OeUBeRdZ6rA0riBHxF4UPkAxJlGhil195-BOWWeZO3k9Ou_nLUUoUWH88PMv22iiC3OXxVK1CcH9k2sD9mxB/s1600-h/BED_0260l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415566889985682898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSXL9n4pEZmHMi6-0mBdPcjMVSn4qo1IvW3Am_uUTHL7xudj08knQIUs6OeUBeRdZ6rA0riBHxF4UPkAxJlGhil195-BOWWeZO3k9Ou_nLUUoUWH88PMv22iiC3OXxVK1CcH9k2sD9mxB/s400/BED_0260l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBQ8qsrjKB_lVAkQa7UafXTp6P2idFsEsE_r51rqjpWWrX-lSV_voENhsBIs8qKAY4k3KN1K5RzpwPGM6tvsA0OyvwaFH1XMw-zQztapLBow4qmKYBcqb3JQLcQgri9Co-kSGm9AEz_gM/s1600-h/BED_0211l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415566885870085010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBQ8qsrjKB_lVAkQa7UafXTp6P2idFsEsE_r51rqjpWWrX-lSV_voENhsBIs8qKAY4k3KN1K5RzpwPGM6tvsA0OyvwaFH1XMw-zQztapLBow4qmKYBcqb3JQLcQgri9Co-kSGm9AEz_gM/s400/BED_0211l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-18635709059853712202009-12-14T11:37:00.005+00:002009-12-14T11:53:27.207+00:00Other Sailing Activities....This weekend the Africa Mercy hosted a special Texas Hold 'em Tournament. Everyone came dressed for the occasion.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415057725159315522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dYCukGG-9XGZmRSqXmPTxGUpHERmyOHVWUoMAoyNiHVVzNWGZvWNyFCnNiEaP-JrRVSKq5Gldi38XpJNWNcHWhEZsvHFatIdEaaEfpwzA8N0aoQhYIIfRpGMakkyZIW6UQBpA0c1R2ny/s400/bwBED_0883l.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_gjN9fYv64YUNGBB-iQPftY8lPtNYsYwa2s8fgEGpfvnK5SP_v96-uIN84ez2VHmVXaVVjoAaZ0xu2XdRloqNVRrkHuWMH6-Q9YBTd-diVpcjty2jH5LmHAc9L7RGDGd1z-dSeXsMsSV/s1600-h/BED_0926l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415057719870819890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_gjN9fYv64YUNGBB-iQPftY8lPtNYsYwa2s8fgEGpfvnK5SP_v96-uIN84ez2VHmVXaVVjoAaZ0xu2XdRloqNVRrkHuWMH6-Q9YBTd-diVpcjty2jH5LmHAc9L7RGDGd1z-dSeXsMsSV/s400/BED_0926l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsGmGnQv3KYGOrZeTs5A5z9aGLdAUFEeh5TWPpDQtVV5RnQK48ADpKTg0NiwOCFe-DW-54XPCPTCxgB-zlOS1KgVguUzcN97zGkbClFzLvcezmiL0jf0iHUWh5n4UIeWKZxpEpmgKEvOw/s1600-h/BED_0904l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415057715781871922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsGmGnQv3KYGOrZeTs5A5z9aGLdAUFEeh5TWPpDQtVV5RnQK48ADpKTg0NiwOCFe-DW-54XPCPTCxgB-zlOS1KgVguUzcN97zGkbClFzLvcezmiL0jf0iHUWh5n4UIeWKZxpEpmgKEvOw/s400/BED_0904l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtri-4SrJi68I5NaokQpKstGjSlA_37V88R_kTQvCv3aw9cXqX2EbAuyzWDAKX4WfTMw0Ty5T6rjt1zyx9uMoJ4oXzXKqmiRa7iBrymzYhK4Hs9lBRkXalt5P8sqZ4PGzmVlq1px-grCl/s1600-h/bwBED_0870l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415057482442515314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtri-4SrJi68I5NaokQpKstGjSlA_37V88R_kTQvCv3aw9cXqX2EbAuyzWDAKX4WfTMw0Ty5T6rjt1zyx9uMoJ4oXzXKqmiRa7iBrymzYhK4Hs9lBRkXalt5P8sqZ4PGzmVlq1px-grCl/s400/bwBED_0870l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ-4sAHZkTvL9wRNqtLwb7bLL-sl_5YWWdloe32jPZvciYlkZQtda2RAYGOVm6kcKKWRuvYAQO83kLM99l_dwS8L_ALwmaLxg6YaDIYEuob06FECVNaJTE5orNLPKaIKnQ3UfgfDpcs2f/s1600-h/BED_0900l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415057479519170226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ-4sAHZkTvL9wRNqtLwb7bLL-sl_5YWWdloe32jPZvciYlkZQtda2RAYGOVm6kcKKWRuvYAQO83kLM99l_dwS8L_ALwmaLxg6YaDIYEuob06FECVNaJTE5orNLPKaIKnQ3UfgfDpcs2f/s400/BED_0900l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBaGGkjwj990vNabbTBO7ceNALzF3pc6nOU2JZPZgpxyDGrOjrkXDAZbiXwxSJlSPSxravjPZ3aA0n1gYExY3xdAQcpBfPPea-hvzxmu9hiQQnAArnHncNrjymPpTzZiOGlQi5na3ZXhl/s1600-h/bwBED_0867l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415057474486661778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBaGGkjwj990vNabbTBO7ceNALzF3pc6nOU2JZPZgpxyDGrOjrkXDAZbiXwxSJlSPSxravjPZ3aA0n1gYExY3xdAQcpBfPPea-hvzxmu9hiQQnAArnHncNrjymPpTzZiOGlQi5na3ZXhl/s400/bwBED_0867l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jgRJa4bB4DgxYL_oCxpHI6PmX3MAsCH-6epiHYFTcSsaoXSJxefDolT318MXFczY49V-8GdXWRpZtP68j8EfbJ3lxEN234xHjSS1XW6TvOiwHL_eoem1UWfaMBsbZ5vzaSIake5DR2wh/s1600-h/BED_0887l.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415057469715890850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jgRJa4bB4DgxYL_oCxpHI6PmX3MAsCH-6epiHYFTcSsaoXSJxefDolT318MXFczY49V-8GdXWRpZtP68j8EfbJ3lxEN234xHjSS1XW6TvOiwHL_eoem1UWfaMBsbZ5vzaSIake5DR2wh/s400/BED_0887l.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilaLoTqndeiPcoQtXnyIpmGSZAO27XOiT-le-BmSWhqQKstZ-OEtkaJNd0b6jLBLoF2BJY6aoiRqoNSsaF3E9QPPxhZeZouIRDsH3UZI0sixGU0BTtkocccQnlRRY26hB3xJjBJZVwO_0/s1600-h/BED_0877l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415057465180447778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilaLoTqndeiPcoQtXnyIpmGSZAO27XOiT-le-BmSWhqQKstZ-OEtkaJNd0b6jLBLoF2BJY6aoiRqoNSsaF3E9QPPxhZeZouIRDsH3UZI0sixGU0BTtkocccQnlRRY26hB3xJjBJZVwO_0/s400/BED_0877l.JPG" border="0" /></a> The ships hospitality team has organized a myriad of Christmas activities this month, including a door decorating contest, kids crafts, and a cookie exchange. Saturday night was the Winter Wonderland festival. The midships lounge was decorated and crew members sold crafts and food at various booths. I ran a Christmas photo booth. Below are a few if my favorite photos. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415055652175003314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBltZoYH6ItZ8oAGcNWVklUkIOfrxj-PFcj1x7ZFe3IOULhpGosWyFo84JZKZ2PWOdooCMTb4Ca4HtzOnBHeaV6AHu69hLq7eqxHUpiJdLQDquYYmYcdWislIRyOSNVVgk0qLPH0D-gJms/s400/ww4.jpg" border="0" />Ali and Phil get their photo taken with managing director, Ken Berry.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuAvXpv2hkPbBMcc2GsrlA0BgssHrR1h264qO9uquxVsRzUYxWC-1nz-6Ea7JkFTciLz6tevPT2RA-gFlxVZS2EDAgcJ-jdHXQdCo-qJCSiQrPvW8d1j_RghABQZiNRcTh8tpKhS86x_c/s1600-h/ww3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415055642517886274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuAvXpv2hkPbBMcc2GsrlA0BgssHrR1h264qO9uquxVsRzUYxWC-1nz-6Ea7JkFTciLz6tevPT2RA-gFlxVZS2EDAgcJ-jdHXQdCo-qJCSiQrPvW8d1j_RghABQZiNRcTh8tpKhS86x_c/s400/ww3.jpg" border="0" /></a> Lorah and Justin are returnees. They were a part of my first photo booth in Liberia. Before, they were dating. Now, they are married and expecting a baby :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDc0EVTgCohB8enHwjHd6r4SCTWDZuf8P31T0I1EP4NpWoRYQRA4xPOPn7hviHQ1vequwI7t69mAaYVefjrmhD7iq8dpDgnwCA7-bjfpir81Xhy1lw5lDOWoPeirnblbJkWm_ZHDAyKZW/s1600-h/ww2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415055642228822722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDc0EVTgCohB8enHwjHd6r4SCTWDZuf8P31T0I1EP4NpWoRYQRA4xPOPn7hviHQ1vequwI7t69mAaYVefjrmhD7iq8dpDgnwCA7-bjfpir81Xhy1lw5lDOWoPeirnblbJkWm_ZHDAyKZW/s400/ww2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Christmas hats + great friends + branding = perfect holiday photo.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYjFeJ2qUW73KC7LhiiQpyxY5bYr6DQReydclLfw_yzhB8h4RDPN0CLjNtuOTap9mcq3543wdpOW-NhIuSuhpmwjN12bWX7CWeoGt1ZVk8BRHTZJyBYyrvUqVkR7FK3UTGkgNL76irsEq/s1600-h/ww1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415055635453738354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYjFeJ2qUW73KC7LhiiQpyxY5bYr6DQReydclLfw_yzhB8h4RDPN0CLjNtuOTap9mcq3543wdpOW-NhIuSuhpmwjN12bWX7CWeoGt1ZVk8BRHTZJyBYyrvUqVkR7FK3UTGkgNL76irsEq/s400/ww1.jpg" border="0" /></a> The "Winter Wonderland Dancers." Aren't they just precious? </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-6202730882072785432009-12-13T21:19:00.003+00:002009-12-14T11:36:53.955+00:00Day 7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgYnEUmapHMTWftnq5bG73Sqq_36_nhQelKvEVEyNng2SQ8e8xNci311sc0QE-XQkKYgaoSpARYKHJjK-ZFw7ddQOQnpLAgwa2aHe6LuGWUEH1Yi0MLr0-BgJJY9SmdfLkVlQhUb-uu0q/s1600-h/ssail7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415054207356116690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgYnEUmapHMTWftnq5bG73Sqq_36_nhQelKvEVEyNng2SQ8e8xNci311sc0QE-XQkKYgaoSpARYKHJjK-ZFw7ddQOQnpLAgwa2aHe6LuGWUEH1Yi0MLr0-BgJJY9SmdfLkVlQhUb-uu0q/s400/ssail7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpLniMKCSvjHGmgID2YnPu1r9_4bSo7AhgEW_CgS9hHij0W55RnLK9SAz5f0snVuhiWdK_G3BtwYf83u4v8A_kA3LjPrqF1DlhbACqkOd9yenxGVvG5RW7BlMmaQGR_mubur9CpnKKeH-/s1600-h/ssail6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415054201151746754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpLniMKCSvjHGmgID2YnPu1r9_4bSo7AhgEW_CgS9hHij0W55RnLK9SAz5f0snVuhiWdK_G3BtwYf83u4v8A_kA3LjPrqF1DlhbACqkOd9yenxGVvG5RW7BlMmaQGR_mubur9CpnKKeH-/s400/ssail6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxymRT8aybLyk4NXWOElRGYef6v7mdUNHzPKhQ1cAnBKUFVGs4vVBtCsRrDE2vnBoA3OcVFT0RWWLAsLhiyPuD-DWOAh6P8dhBbMmtHygRS-SSrgp3-ue8l0t0ono0AdsmHSR1Ou-qoUoK/s1600-h/ssail5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415054037360996290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxymRT8aybLyk4NXWOElRGYef6v7mdUNHzPKhQ1cAnBKUFVGs4vVBtCsRrDE2vnBoA3OcVFT0RWWLAsLhiyPuD-DWOAh6P8dhBbMmtHygRS-SSrgp3-ue8l0t0ono0AdsmHSR1Ou-qoUoK/s400/ssail5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5_-MsM5CauzWq0N5L6cgXeBgJwBs25xlwlU_dL_Qn52iBWMS_B_gkoOgZFR0T2rkO9D1QtfrPZVpPb-4gydC-BEvZ6d8TwOBGOkHULSYqac2YDi0zOE72rqlSzaiX9RlCuQnPmmhYkIF/s1600-h/ssail4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415054032278658450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5_-MsM5CauzWq0N5L6cgXeBgJwBs25xlwlU_dL_Qn52iBWMS_B_gkoOgZFR0T2rkO9D1QtfrPZVpPb-4gydC-BEvZ6d8TwOBGOkHULSYqac2YDi0zOE72rqlSzaiX9RlCuQnPmmhYkIF/s400/ssail4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0UKsQ2-pQ_JXx1bhujiOOTxcWaJoW3K6innkBeFOzH2DgdvyVpIN0hTKHt7_NTBztK08Fnz8TxNhvskGkN_Uqm9m3PjXIPv4z2_UQC-pLO2i6f0Lkqitjq73fAbGv-IrPtC5VFL77dD-/s1600-h/ssail3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415054025860065810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0UKsQ2-pQ_JXx1bhujiOOTxcWaJoW3K6innkBeFOzH2DgdvyVpIN0hTKHt7_NTBztK08Fnz8TxNhvskGkN_Uqm9m3PjXIPv4z2_UQC-pLO2i6f0Lkqitjq73fAbGv-IrPtC5VFL77dD-/s400/ssail3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhKijx5-uN_C79PHYlTG_vxBgl2Yg19nSg0c3FzZAtOD2nyBHwAlL8iQcqkUo2LkW178l6eFnSiaoNPNo-ov77rpejb06QWuardnW3miaQ4ADpq1i8AMrbue7SLRmsfjyvceZlfHwAt3Y/s1600-h/ssail2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415054023012723522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhKijx5-uN_C79PHYlTG_vxBgl2Yg19nSg0c3FzZAtOD2nyBHwAlL8iQcqkUo2LkW178l6eFnSiaoNPNo-ov77rpejb06QWuardnW3miaQ4ADpq1i8AMrbue7SLRmsfjyvceZlfHwAt3Y/s400/ssail2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwCkeZk2cfbfVZgFxZ1q87Bf8xtl3wwtWG-nLzUaft_-JiUqPr0Cjjh1fwGyh7Q7ZTNie2JmtVqby8_kiO2FXm0ZKPDpq-DO0tOcTnciHArGFkNWKf1ZLX82uvqD7vDi_m6mEMA2sO9RC/s1600-h/ssail1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415054019857328562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwCkeZk2cfbfVZgFxZ1q87Bf8xtl3wwtWG-nLzUaft_-JiUqPr0Cjjh1fwGyh7Q7ZTNie2JmtVqby8_kiO2FXm0ZKPDpq-DO0tOcTnciHArGFkNWKf1ZLX82uvqD7vDi_m6mEMA2sO9RC/s400/ssail1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Today is day 7 of a possible 12 days of sailing. We have so far been blessed with a very smooth sail and no unwanted guests. With the exception of tiredness and a craving to eat at all times, most of the crew have not been sick. We are blessed.<br /><br />After six busy months, I've been enjoying the relaxed ship atmosphere, sunsets on the bow, and Christmas movies at night. Last night, I sat with friends on deck 8 and watched a meteor shower in a clear, moonless sky. Really, it was amazing. I find it hard to believe that in a little more than a week, I'll be home.<br /><br />Above are a few photos of life at sea :) </div></div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-47340154832093632962009-12-11T06:33:00.003+00:002009-12-11T06:48:13.488+00:00The Galley<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL0sR0CvY2AziF5KaTXLImJ20PbfNqZizVUZiMRUN1CLto5gX13TsdI1-Ie33C6_zJYW769O3jB-lbQV40gQspOCFOybKMCtBxxMgRftW9pB4lkbw0YcEy9-nvAK3qg6dpTdCbecwGx4A/s1600-h/BED_0039l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413866220086892066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL0sR0CvY2AziF5KaTXLImJ20PbfNqZizVUZiMRUN1CLto5gX13TsdI1-Ie33C6_zJYW769O3jB-lbQV40gQspOCFOybKMCtBxxMgRftW9pB4lkbw0YcEy9-nvAK3qg6dpTdCbecwGx4A/s400/BED_0039l.JPG" border="0" /></a>Our Galley Manager, Jesse. <br /><br /><div>During the sail Jesse, Galley Manager, is cooking his favorite dishes. For example, yesterday we had macaroni and cheese for lunch, and chicken cordon blue for dinner. I'm really liking the "favorites" menu. As you can imagine, cooking for over 400 people everyday is a very challenging task (it's even more challenging now that the ship is moving back and forth). This is a brief look at our wonderful galley. </div><br /><br /><div>The Galley On board the Africa Mercy</div><br /><br /><div>The Africa Mercy has almost 400 hundred crew members serving on board. The crew is extremely diverse, coming from over 30 countries and ranging in age, profession, and length of service. But they share a commonality - everyone needs to eat. In West Africa, access to food supplies is limited, and most crew members don't have personal space for food storage on board. Various jobs on the ship have immediate and time-consuming needs, which don't allow time for food preparation. Fortunately, the Galley has taken on the challenge of meeting the nutritional needs of the crew. Every day, a staff of 20 prepares 900 hot meals, which are served on board the Africa Mercy. They begin preparing food at 8 AM every morning, including weekends, and continue until 7 PM.<br /><br /></div><div>"We feed all crew members living on the ship, the Beninese day workers, and the patients in the hospital," said Galley manager Jesse Mitchell. "It's such a big responsibility because food is such an important part of people's lives. Eating a good meal can really make your day." Professionally trained as a chef, Mitchell is utilizing his culinary skills as Galley Manager on the Africa Mercy. Mitchell is responsible for planning the weekly menu, ordering supplies, and managing the galley staff. As galley manager, he has faced several challenges unique to the Africa Mercy environment. One example is planning menus to accommodate the international crew and their varied taste preferences.<br /><br /></div><div>"It is very hard because there is absolutely no way you can please everyone. We have over 30 nationalities living on board, and everyone likes and wants something different. I try to give people options with salads, fruit, and sandwiches. There is enough that I think people can find something," said Mitchell.<br /><br /></div><div>Also, while the Africa Mercy is docked in West Africa, access to food supplies is limited. Utilizing available supplies and incorporating local resources to generate appetizing, nutritionally balanced meals requires both careful planning and creativity.<br /><br />"In West Africa, you can't just say, 'I would like to have this spice or food product' and have it. You can order it, but it may not arrive for three months," said Mitchell. "I have to carefully plan the menus, keeping in mind the quantities of the items available in our storeroom."<br /><br /></div><div>Although it can be challenging and sometimes stressful, Mitchell has really enjoyed serving on the Africa Mercy.<br /><br /></div><div>"I never thought I could use my culinary skills for missions. I always wanted to serve in Africa, but I didn't see myself in a traditional missionary type of role. When I heard about Mercy Ships, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to go, do my job, and serve God overseas. I'm making a difference in the world, and working here has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life."<br /><br /></div><div>The work of the Galley staff often goes unseen. However, without their consistent dedication, the Africa Mercy would be unable to bring hope and healing to the lives of thousands.<br /><br /></div><div>"When someone has had a long day, a good meal can mean a lot to them. Sometimes crew come to dinner exhausted and tired from the day. Several times, the OR staff has expressed how grateful they were for a good meal after a long day of surgery. It's an amazing privilege to have such influence on people's lives," said Mitchell. <br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>Written by Megan Petock</div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-43233044053723319242009-12-09T10:41:00.005+00:002009-12-09T10:52:52.632+00:00Leaving Benin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIk-Gm8QywJU2RkyFSsAoSZw_9cYd44EBm6vH6SI3szYiXaXQgvjTMAkrhIycLMXfWOe9RddJ6V5VA8xWsuGhpb0bChxlEoraQgpUfWmUlSqedugA3EoD6BiCCld1XEK7BDICs_BBiBcQ/s1600-h/BED_0710l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413186624083858722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIk-Gm8QywJU2RkyFSsAoSZw_9cYd44EBm6vH6SI3szYiXaXQgvjTMAkrhIycLMXfWOe9RddJ6V5VA8xWsuGhpb0bChxlEoraQgpUfWmUlSqedugA3EoD6BiCCld1XEK7BDICs_BBiBcQ/s400/BED_0710l.JPG" border="0" /></a> One final view of Benin as we sail away.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI79TbwHrA7MnM15vUP9cqc4DjS4J6RdiI1VROumtbpAIhkfbqaxV_W1_4okPe79QylMuyOSOQPpGAinxjrtw0B9MuS5koXxhSAAMGyapyddg9IGXmBADE1jz55j46YCNA5wgqraZQ-WFI/s1600-h/super+Alil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413186299643029106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI79TbwHrA7MnM15vUP9cqc4DjS4J6RdiI1VROumtbpAIhkfbqaxV_W1_4okPe79QylMuyOSOQPpGAinxjrtw0B9MuS5koXxhSAAMGyapyddg9IGXmBADE1jz55j46YCNA5wgqraZQ-WFI/s400/super+Alil.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ali shows off her anti-seasick wrist bands.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJIPAqixMgCyRLpY1jW4sd9JKsZncytcgkygmbBD5h5ruqg1hnwfOViym4VflJp2OOtp2zQeW_iE1e6BSwD9-9VVnuZ_-gBtU4JMSZpoOvyWtifq45xuvNQa-Upiitg71KqyzYWI8CCw0/s1600-h/BED_0700l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413186117788569538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJIPAqixMgCyRLpY1jW4sd9JKsZncytcgkygmbBD5h5ruqg1hnwfOViym4VflJp2OOtp2zQeW_iE1e6BSwD9-9VVnuZ_-gBtU4JMSZpoOvyWtifq45xuvNQa-Upiitg71KqyzYWI8CCw0/s400/BED_0700l.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rich films our departure.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9eZctTqwDLcr7Nf0F2AiwzEuMO3O5mbDSLWeUw4uBfXA5wmImfYHP5TYAvrLILqRAI66SVINAWCYL1Tq38D2RTtLFNpAbEYzf1Ey9sxHSo8ym-mFQSHIiHOCCtVEyWsJQwgVnn8pzpHn/s1600-h/BED_0680l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413186115833525042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9eZctTqwDLcr7Nf0F2AiwzEuMO3O5mbDSLWeUw4uBfXA5wmImfYHP5TYAvrLILqRAI66SVINAWCYL1Tq38D2RTtLFNpAbEYzf1Ey9sxHSo8ym-mFQSHIiHOCCtVEyWsJQwgVnn8pzpHn/s400/BED_0680l.JPG" border="0" /></a> The final view of the dock and a few people who were sending us off. There is a rumor that 70 people showed up at the gate to say goodbye, but the port authorities did not grant them passage. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFCfUR_WFCRZZLc6_Wn01WM2cmGfKuqVO3D-DjxXobxuwVgydhW691Ci9GhcUT1_AmIDvm1xuVHYEyxmWPbEWJUNJqSkDU8RBr6HUcEDl2a-hRywwb8V8GBy3js-Up1dGa9Euu1sqxU8y/s1600-h/BED_0667l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413186111570372418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFCfUR_WFCRZZLc6_Wn01WM2cmGfKuqVO3D-DjxXobxuwVgydhW691Ci9GhcUT1_AmIDvm1xuVHYEyxmWPbEWJUNJqSkDU8RBr6HUcEDl2a-hRywwb8V8GBy3js-Up1dGa9Euu1sqxU8y/s400/BED_0667l.JPG" border="0" /></a> The empty berth which housed the <em>Africa Mercy</em> for the past ten months.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tht_9kRI6kCtL37Gdok554tFxJWKVG97q9K4cxTkzXMpNPWLlUH2rfqSZL8GNM-emzcM9wjBY1ZoynroanwkOpLLxh7x4KLGPsDiME3418puH58tBi80gWt3jXl7R3Ar2F9xqO_AgBVY/s1600-h/BED_0608l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413186107594791266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tht_9kRI6kCtL37Gdok554tFxJWKVG97q9K4cxTkzXMpNPWLlUH2rfqSZL8GNM-emzcM9wjBY1ZoynroanwkOpLLxh7x4KLGPsDiME3418puH58tBi80gWt3jXl7R3Ar2F9xqO_AgBVY/s400/BED_0608l.JPG" border="0" /></a> Liz, myself, and Jess watching the ship leave from the eighth deck.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUagLAzGDlyt5PXTvfU0RtDZohYACNpeNTpi6FyFGEP-TCnxNm1bhDPk0HdBXUCSXZej9qFLPMd9GrV8GX76VwJx6MdyWg4LBHbWmlaOFmGduXmuyQvy8xOQ8YnxSZz1dplSQVc3KOFIN_/s1600-h/BED_0602l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413186102051580498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUagLAzGDlyt5PXTvfU0RtDZohYACNpeNTpi6FyFGEP-TCnxNm1bhDPk0HdBXUCSXZej9qFLPMd9GrV8GX76VwJx6MdyWg4LBHbWmlaOFmGduXmuyQvy8xOQ8YnxSZz1dplSQVc3KOFIN_/s400/BED_0602l.JPG" border="0" /></a>The gangway is lifted.</div><div><br /><div>Yesterday at 11 PM (remarkably on schedule), the <em>Africa Mercy </em>departed Benin. We are currently sailing through the Atlantic towards the Canary Islands. Finishing the outreach and preparing to sail have been a lot of work. I'm excited and hopeful we will have a calm transition back into the Western world. I'm feeling a little seasick and am hoping my body adjust quickly so I can enjoy being on the water. Please pray we have a safe and uneventful sail. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-65013787661483833672009-12-07T22:58:00.005+00:002009-12-07T23:42:43.397+00:00Swimmer Watch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBlGPiLjmCDspSNmT_dJo-JU5KohN3TNwn6f6wtgJVVMM_v4ihBAo04fYWaaaqmg_vQIR9uhN3BnijfqH8Yys3dLJ2SCtJd4Ev5mPxqIfCGR1KNF3O5qzj0qS1LNC-pTiTr0VXUAW0kex/s1600-h/BED_0505.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412637174200819714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBlGPiLjmCDspSNmT_dJo-JU5KohN3TNwn6f6wtgJVVMM_v4ihBAo04fYWaaaqmg_vQIR9uhN3BnijfqH8Yys3dLJ2SCtJd4Ev5mPxqIfCGR1KNF3O5qzj0qS1LNC-pTiTr0VXUAW0kex/s400/BED_0505.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkAuwuC9Q7dKJlNnntSalpAC7JEUziX9UTeQGgDT-nFuSg54HSTonVsl98ivlGuxk8xQGV8kFXadcqk8sk9YAshqz4FaBocwyE1Ytm0xkFuDRxVG3XqZhkyxmwm05x9Vb30gF7k7ZzVqB/s1600-h/BED_0494.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412637170401656786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkAuwuC9Q7dKJlNnntSalpAC7JEUziX9UTeQGgDT-nFuSg54HSTonVsl98ivlGuxk8xQGV8kFXadcqk8sk9YAshqz4FaBocwyE1Ytm0xkFuDRxVG3XqZhkyxmwm05x9Vb30gF7k7ZzVqB/s400/BED_0494.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg-2XK1mFmfdwyCR240I7KYYeOBqo_DDiATpe34ixPTqAgt0i1qH9_Kz2DsoRahPEq9gVj9MFXGHZPOk_ufaIY6hMzFnxVjKYXiguAHU4v2H_ZaJa_r4UT4NrLJ8U77FWQ05WxRu5AYTv/s1600-h/BED_0445l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412637167982701682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg-2XK1mFmfdwyCR240I7KYYeOBqo_DDiATpe34ixPTqAgt0i1qH9_Kz2DsoRahPEq9gVj9MFXGHZPOk_ufaIY6hMzFnxVjKYXiguAHU4v2H_ZaJa_r4UT4NrLJ8U77FWQ05WxRu5AYTv/s400/BED_0445l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ynm0U66VtdV484dujXOgkwSo_xHZQP7GlVJt9MaOYkcemLVfRAU95FPxeSxtjVR7qmuKOal324Sx-ou1oD_b49gpczosKcY4uoV5WlknkJey2qrw9wN4HrmvwWItZTS9fLflFk7t5L07/s1600-h/BED_0537l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412636362693871346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ynm0U66VtdV484dujXOgkwSo_xHZQP7GlVJt9MaOYkcemLVfRAU95FPxeSxtjVR7qmuKOal324Sx-ou1oD_b49gpczosKcY4uoV5WlknkJey2qrw9wN4HrmvwWItZTS9fLflFk7t5L07/s400/BED_0537l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKm6rxNAKq-Ahz7vakMq68FcPKYLiYASwCjOx7pnBewLjZwhm6doA-k8cQgkfA_JLyCG08uniWfg4AsrBFj5LzP807RvYkN3sCrDhZA0CNLEKN4VRNC6VFf_R-pMeNUs7puSoxTVdF0gR/s1600-h/BED_0431l.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412636363849646754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKm6rxNAKq-Ahz7vakMq68FcPKYLiYASwCjOx7pnBewLjZwhm6doA-k8cQgkfA_JLyCG08uniWfg4AsrBFj5LzP807RvYkN3sCrDhZA0CNLEKN4VRNC6VFf_R-pMeNUs7puSoxTVdF0gR/s400/BED_0431l.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs0EzUcMJbVKv7ragNldqcbBgdGoalqryF9dYE9K0NZl0Wo0qDDKEgInfskEB3kcsT55gjdWiBgKi20UwoV30M8m0JsgeA378VtLpCsp8WcZiYwVJIBvTPaBleMCfyO4i3ToqYuwyYPAQ/s1600-h/sDSC_0484.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412636359474866018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs0EzUcMJbVKv7ragNldqcbBgdGoalqryF9dYE9K0NZl0Wo0qDDKEgInfskEB3kcsT55gjdWiBgKi20UwoV30M8m0JsgeA378VtLpCsp8WcZiYwVJIBvTPaBleMCfyO4i3ToqYuwyYPAQ/s400/sDSC_0484.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB5gb2RbOa8fONaRNm77OfQ2jGs7QZGYg_7Wf4ITOt31z4akBSSFpQRPHehVjHFp-_IlYAqWf7RY-i9gpjJd4rRnNA_2yWvWOeQeonJSgETwW-1nvUiyIm8m0Qa2n-4wsl1zxV7I5jbke/s1600-h/sBED_0584.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412636352793691266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcB5gb2RbOa8fONaRNm77OfQ2jGs7QZGYg_7Wf4ITOt31z4akBSSFpQRPHehVjHFp-_IlYAqWf7RY-i9gpjJd4rRnNA_2yWvWOeQeonJSgETwW-1nvUiyIm8m0Qa2n-4wsl1zxV7I5jbke/s400/sBED_0584.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-rdlBMO1DGTFv2OxNU1AH7VfEo6bKO4_CTzdaMURnkaLA9PNhXY3uVAywYi-ErCMq-U8EOS6-hfEpQOivqk5x0CxFtiyzROAmY7F2fePdvO0NI_3fMjngbQJEGaNG5-aMkncbUxtFGWt/s1600-h/sBED_0569.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412636348508441778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-rdlBMO1DGTFv2OxNU1AH7VfEo6bKO4_CTzdaMURnkaLA9PNhXY3uVAywYi-ErCMq-U8EOS6-hfEpQOivqk5x0CxFtiyzROAmY7F2fePdvO0NI_3fMjngbQJEGaNG5-aMkncbUxtFGWt/s400/sBED_0569.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>My bunk mate was confused when she heard my alarm go off at 3:45 AM.<br />I apologized for waking her up, and explained myself in four words,<br /></div><br /><br /><div>"<em>I have Swimmer Watch</em>." </div><br /><br /><div>As we approach our sail the likelihood of "swimmers," wanna-be stow-aways who enter the ship by swimming onto the side and climbing up, greatly increases. To prevent any unauthorized personal from boarding the vessel crew members voluntarily stay up throughout the night watching for "swimmers". </div><br /><br /><div>This morning was my turn. </div><br /><br /><div>Rich and I took the aft 4 to 6:30 AM shift. I wasn't excited about getting up (and have been pretty tired all day), but to my surprise, swimmer watch was very enjoyable. We watched the schools of fishing boats cut through the port in the morning darkness towards a long day of work. Every half-hour we shined a flashlight along the back of the ship to "scare" off any possible swimmers. We even watched the sunrise. </div><br /><br /><div>All while keeping the crew safe :) </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-683644010511904692009-12-03T21:27:00.002+00:002009-12-03T22:16:13.761+00:00The Pediatric Hospital<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3k_FAnZ_lnEddop167tw3VnSPS_ZaCAWel5mWOe_uk8fqhcbGCZ9efzowZ2yXilih8H1bPxHxMaHKkkLK8nya172Ejo3azU8Ryz1DfBYdOJBVy2c0XsBb9DDUpyyv4qdZqMoYifWOvqd/s1600-h/BED_0372bwl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3k_FAnZ_lnEddop167tw3VnSPS_ZaCAWel5mWOe_uk8fqhcbGCZ9efzowZ2yXilih8H1bPxHxMaHKkkLK8nya172Ejo3azU8Ryz1DfBYdOJBVy2c0XsBb9DDUpyyv4qdZqMoYifWOvqd/s400/BED_0372bwl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411136672301033090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmP1-_8N5O6rz5H-gPdqi6iTN-LpjntWf7zRbvItEmGGac6oKl3IRxGakui6_U0HK1hwRB0NVdFyRgc_OMg9byKepX4Xu9n8dctqLlvHe1oiA9pghegIbUGs9e6UnQHFU0bWhuWj54iDK/s1600-h/BED_0364l.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUavlvlKUB2cAokQ91UOTvESxjLIPvRX0-Op3KdiHhdKWzGa8uWDQEaF6A856PhmdWZ3tMWGu_BErtS5tcYXRASvZSCGjVwQO9mLC5myc8o5Ooj7NSBv8QRl8ykcQ6kB1r8rXdTGzSJ1np/s400/BED_0222l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411135914342232690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU192hWHpjN-W53oaO41giyIfqXASFtiNFDBu5Q6U4E54XjfsXwiZiQy0ci5-ugr2cRD8BQWoC8LSj-RtXvIvRStdsb4W_glM3q8GJNo9kdBuytYOzrYH3x-BaXHFvoForLF6R2s_1u2ku/s1600-h/BED_0210l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU192hWHpjN-W53oaO41giyIfqXASFtiNFDBu5Q6U4E54XjfsXwiZiQy0ci5-ugr2cRD8BQWoC8LSj-RtXvIvRStdsb4W_glM3q8GJNo9kdBuytYOzrYH3x-BaXHFvoForLF6R2s_1u2ku/s400/BED_0210l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411135501769166610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko3gHUIVwf7GRTz42ER5_4xJUqUs47a0VAjjvNENjteHQLCXMCupHxD15UGx_1czMy1wiSperN7V1_1hBw33_L66AVuBLxJDVx6JN4kE6MoItiiF9dpVz2q8oozdA1weCRsh5Oz6XBRWl/s1600-h/BED_0163l.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oyuv8PuNG4ZZYunQZPhBdVQ4ZRpKVDJ9CzF2Zi5z8leFlM_DqRO1ghlFvUHZegwokReyQW-Ow3bTdRQJ_2na-HJjJ_BCbtptiVdGjEgIJbWxD4Epq-Qhqg3LmlrHahiN0R5dalgZTL8q/s400/BED_0128l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411135482686148418" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgF_xKMhu0zrVehDuIc48LV72TUu8SQt7oEl-pVujkWBVOkd8bFB7zKt2W1ufCrStE-uMw81k7K_U2ZkPiO8Sb7Ck6Ko78QYoaHEAbbDfTnHF3wkW686VSysoGj_5GgFhw4bDBf_q7tE_/s1600-h/BED_0122l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgF_xKMhu0zrVehDuIc48LV72TUu8SQt7oEl-pVujkWBVOkd8bFB7zKt2W1ufCrStE-uMw81k7K_U2ZkPiO8Sb7Ck6Ko78QYoaHEAbbDfTnHF3wkW686VSysoGj_5GgFhw4bDBf_q7tE_/s400/BED_0122l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411135479780300674" /></a><br />The framework and inter workings at hospital's in West Africa are incredibly different then at home. You pay for every aspect of your treatment up front, which is why Mercy Ships has provided the Burkitt's kids with the needles, tubing, ect. they will need for their treatments over the next few months. Corruption and politics play a huge role in how services are (or are not) provided.<br /><br />Although clean and decent by West African standards, I think (I'm pretty certain)most people at home would refuse to stay in one of the rooms. Sometimes the hospital has no water. Sometimes it has no power. <br /><br />Life is a little different here.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-76033002174939237922009-12-01T22:07:00.004+00:002009-12-01T22:32:29.287+00:00saying goodbye.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEMMWeI4bWSPwOpht6SjWy9e2Hhw3jubGgNSHCU2y4J6xC59bn_NJMyB8xuKc_yPilSKan-JyI_lRWYpjnHUKuOtyU4xBGY7DD0yfvSsTd6j-AQpC0CCP5HaNOTrOLtsNnV6Z4-c1cGTM/s1600/sBED_0370l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEMMWeI4bWSPwOpht6SjWy9e2Hhw3jubGgNSHCU2y4J6xC59bn_NJMyB8xuKc_yPilSKan-JyI_lRWYpjnHUKuOtyU4xBGY7DD0yfvSsTd6j-AQpC0CCP5HaNOTrOLtsNnV6Z4-c1cGTM/s400/sBED_0370l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410399183053059378" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18EpbxzDJ5hPkWqv4pGYPnhUcLAoHBqQAfdEMoB8-QXzHg48UTzGeH7zI1nSZEY4WQTcfj-seekZbaGw4rLt9Hf9v9Akv8tXn2H0fgmQHT3Dd_GUAVthw9nbOH6R8MlTiMWU10-nBJUGm/s1600/sBED_0292l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18EpbxzDJ5hPkWqv4pGYPnhUcLAoHBqQAfdEMoB8-QXzHg48UTzGeH7zI1nSZEY4WQTcfj-seekZbaGw4rLt9Hf9v9Akv8tXn2H0fgmQHT3Dd_GUAVthw9nbOH6R8MlTiMWU10-nBJUGm/s400/sBED_0292l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410399023623404258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDg7sN2WA-BMVu68iH9AV7HCkQ3-meZtEHeU4V0lalqKMoBUxLZ8y1EQUOjOy9LdITnhxdxdDp9F6sJOsNRfAIVJnyWwCdMnbvGJrdd7LZpx_tr9F9azIap0SJqU8p3xa2-yU1KIS4AD-/s1600/sBED_0288l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDg7sN2WA-BMVu68iH9AV7HCkQ3-meZtEHeU4V0lalqKMoBUxLZ8y1EQUOjOy9LdITnhxdxdDp9F6sJOsNRfAIVJnyWwCdMnbvGJrdd7LZpx_tr9F9azIap0SJqU8p3xa2-yU1KIS4AD-/s400/sBED_0288l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410399019712938802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeL8iijmRokFlxskJRLCLr3RSiQP7QjGIEwKmY4ESUy1BknzEVHVL90DDWbn2CRCsk4L_xl54cr0WoKUVK79hL8yHbS0W8f6H57_qifWCQv7IaJ1wZkTjIiG-zDQ-3x_sR2JyUTznRhv0/s1600/sBED_0284l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeL8iijmRokFlxskJRLCLr3RSiQP7QjGIEwKmY4ESUy1BknzEVHVL90DDWbn2CRCsk4L_xl54cr0WoKUVK79hL8yHbS0W8f6H57_qifWCQv7IaJ1wZkTjIiG-zDQ-3x_sR2JyUTznRhv0/s400/sBED_0284l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410399014893895394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIkrbFT4cDjoqA7mDU2CUasYBFVqfi9VgkzsJDJMPxoDlgZL3o2QGSz5R0r_4FPcxa0IwVaL0TAuk7DR-19U9BbwuX9n0f8zoxju9ygLIyhtxMKQkQ9Nwzurv4sMIuPjoAfN993yRGiqh/s1600/sBED_0270l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIkrbFT4cDjoqA7mDU2CUasYBFVqfi9VgkzsJDJMPxoDlgZL3o2QGSz5R0r_4FPcxa0IwVaL0TAuk7DR-19U9BbwuX9n0f8zoxju9ygLIyhtxMKQkQ9Nwzurv4sMIuPjoAfN993yRGiqh/s400/sBED_0270l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410399011813210898" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTe4ZJ_aky2m97o7hlQKnx1celKcTKr1hXRCMzJ9tNbaBP1TbgglPAMKxVYOaD4KK-8OQA-zJAUl1d3hZimOWdW6Et-SbXT34887QXL6_6Iq0JpGItWTtwLhyphenhyphenDVs9ENM528CuZx1-4RBH/s1600/sBED_0262l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTe4ZJ_aky2m97o7hlQKnx1celKcTKr1hXRCMzJ9tNbaBP1TbgglPAMKxVYOaD4KK-8OQA-zJAUl1d3hZimOWdW6Et-SbXT34887QXL6_6Iq0JpGItWTtwLhyphenhyphenDVs9ENM528CuZx1-4RBH/s400/sBED_0262l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410399007460577810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwb6iCsY5EqXfC7rapAU6N0jytmHlNfWO339G8RtF5dD5mxu1JyOMm2lcKWQP02OTRmikVueEHWZrSV8B2amIHWJn5YiLzqG9FQ7vEne4kCdoh6xkOkJncKFyu-IHpWaXy4f7EqzdYSs5/s1600/sBED_0255l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwb6iCsY5EqXfC7rapAU6N0jytmHlNfWO339G8RtF5dD5mxu1JyOMm2lcKWQP02OTRmikVueEHWZrSV8B2amIHWJn5YiLzqG9FQ7vEne4kCdoh6xkOkJncKFyu-IHpWaXy4f7EqzdYSs5/s400/sBED_0255l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410398683587730290" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCl0CdsfE6oGTbPQVrMXz4XhK1DmqQfWvir5x_u473-eihrc51eatU7bi1DPTk7dGrAup_gyOAVH84xJpL_h5githX9z2XzXVvCdcsL552Ok9mBZ0wYgjW1WC7nKo4M1FvgmudYQf20_z/s1600/sBED_0248l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCl0CdsfE6oGTbPQVrMXz4XhK1DmqQfWvir5x_u473-eihrc51eatU7bi1DPTk7dGrAup_gyOAVH84xJpL_h5githX9z2XzXVvCdcsL552Ok9mBZ0wYgjW1WC7nKo4M1FvgmudYQf20_z/s400/sBED_0248l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410398671799703890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72b0bLPhfWK650Ejd6blpLNk-B860p6xDuV4fz2QQWh6mHx4xK4U7O4cYcWeUVlnA747QbSSCu8OEXZcDAYXPVIH7iew2kKh300gxrF4HtdoYymfvxCYe6NPEuNVJzxTAvCw71ok4hqxo/s1600/sBED_0208l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72b0bLPhfWK650Ejd6blpLNk-B860p6xDuV4fz2QQWh6mHx4xK4U7O4cYcWeUVlnA747QbSSCu8OEXZcDAYXPVIH7iew2kKh300gxrF4HtdoYymfvxCYe6NPEuNVJzxTAvCw71ok4hqxo/s400/sBED_0208l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410398664586310194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFtC2wOYa79XE4E9cqRGcPdNIKhSzyfds7VjcGF_AD8ha9sVR_UvukSJoECxtKjVy0qhFlkeH2HgUeRqBigBfKxmjLHSU0PmUoqYV4h71eu-uIjseE7QqtqPX0zyghPxhIX9mWkC39hrV/s1600/sBED_0187l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFtC2wOYa79XE4E9cqRGcPdNIKhSzyfds7VjcGF_AD8ha9sVR_UvukSJoECxtKjVy0qhFlkeH2HgUeRqBigBfKxmjLHSU0PmUoqYV4h71eu-uIjseE7QqtqPX0zyghPxhIX9mWkC39hrV/s400/sBED_0187l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410398663885874258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HX8Q5xduySw15lehFXa7YKmKr7S8Dr3UIANNhS4c8UDF6AKYVRTWsRG1Uqeaohf6pSKIz8dvo3ALVM7AQopXk3HS31-b96qFdZEqGIbu_mQn96zHe4skoKvBp9e3qNFcs2HZ7ylS-sAi/s1600/sBED_0147l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HX8Q5xduySw15lehFXa7YKmKr7S8Dr3UIANNhS4c8UDF6AKYVRTWsRG1Uqeaohf6pSKIz8dvo3ALVM7AQopXk3HS31-b96qFdZEqGIbu_mQn96zHe4skoKvBp9e3qNFcs2HZ7ylS-sAi/s400/sBED_0147l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410398662290982690" /></a><br />Today I said goodbye to Luc and Rachelle, who are both fighting Burkitts Lymphoma. Yesterday they both received a chemotherapy treatment at Hormel, the local pediatric hospital. We visited them at the hospital and brought the supplies (IV's, fluids, medications- in West Africa you buy supplies individually, bring your own, or simply receive no care) they will need for their treatments after we leave. <br /><br />I have been following the Burkitts since July, when it was a group of four children. Now there are two. <br /><br />At first, Luc responded well to the chemo, with the swelling above his eye almost completely subsiding. But the swelling is back. The cyclophosphamide isn't working. Suey, who manages there care, has been able to secure a second line of chemo that prayerfully will beat the cancer. Please pray that it does. His mother, Agilse, has watched Maddie die and is scared for Luc. Pray for her too. <br /><br />Rachelle is do remarkably well. She travels a far distance (I believe it's four hours) for every treatment. Her family is simple, caring, and supportive. Pray there are no hindrances as she travels to Cotonou to receive her life-sustaining treatments. <br /><br />Visiting these children and their families has been a highlight of my time here. I will never forget Maddie's sassy personality, Luc's zeal for life, and Rachelle's sweet spirit. It was sad to say goodbye today. <br /><br />Please continue to pray for Luc and Rachelle. In a country plagued by medical mis-education, politics, and poverty, it's a miracle every time they come to the hospital and receive a chemo treatment.<br /><br />I'm going to be praying too.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-80202079561236499482009-11-30T10:26:00.003+00:002009-11-30T10:42:18.564+00:00Remember Maomai?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j35ROqv9kmkWhkm2Q048-wKdhETdW5UZUGb2zuQRiPa6-z2tv9FAyF_9h2q5sqmRIp9gicRv-0wbWr2OksYXs-pLP0kxWZedFCVQo3PorDVjERDvFDOsW3fu6NcCA2wD1NqkhaIJaW0D/s1600/sBED_0016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j35ROqv9kmkWhkm2Q048-wKdhETdW5UZUGb2zuQRiPa6-z2tv9FAyF_9h2q5sqmRIp9gicRv-0wbWr2OksYXs-pLP0kxWZedFCVQo3PorDVjERDvFDOsW3fu6NcCA2wD1NqkhaIJaW0D/s400/sBED_0016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409845107940763170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsHhwzCblNXb7qnwNSb1vb1MYoD3x9DzLvMA6DLh9H8D1bWQUz5T01-tQ_zP5Z2SuBiPQRKcM2xKr9Ou8uwuL_J9NfWdgU97qYQ2F6Bik-HPquz6SnZL6bjGVPffhrLLDDhU1jMiaRfF2/s1600/sBED_0009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsHhwzCblNXb7qnwNSb1vb1MYoD3x9DzLvMA6DLh9H8D1bWQUz5T01-tQ_zP5Z2SuBiPQRKcM2xKr9Ou8uwuL_J9NfWdgU97qYQ2F6Bik-HPquz6SnZL6bjGVPffhrLLDDhU1jMiaRfF2/s400/sBED_0009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409845105499564498" /></a><br />I first met <a href="http://megisinafrica.blogspot.com/2009/08/maomai-dangbenon-salvation-has-come.html">Maomai </a> and her mother in July. They were the stars of my first patient story (her before and after photos were incredible). However, the histology reports made it uncertain the tumor was completely eradicated. There was a possibility it was derived from a fast-growing cell that could replicate very quickly. When she left, we all prayed the tumor would not redefine itself. <br /><br />Six months after surgery, it hasn't.<br /><br />On Wednesday night I was working in my office after business hours. I was really tired, so when I heard a knock on the door, I wasn't particularly excited. <br /><br />"There is someone you have to see in the cafe." <br /><br />I got up, locked the door behind me, and was delighted to find Maomai and her mother, Perlagie, sitting at a table. Dressed in matching outfits, they both looked beautiful. Perlagie is still glowing and Maomai is getting big and fat (like babies should). <br /><br />As my time here winds down and we prepare to leave Benin, it was wonderful to see the full circle of a patient transformation. I'm really happy they are both doing so well. <br /><br />And may Maomai continue to grow fatter :)megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-12076139652415912002009-11-29T22:01:00.003+00:002009-11-29T22:10:37.464+00:00Saltwater pool.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTX00smIUQIh7Il_4Dbgisrwpo80jtecr37rm4J0Hagn9AH4l2P-RNHGcbqV3bSVY42B2zoZaEKKYR5QafgrLkdC68g3NLh2VEHeh1-rYUoyhN2EXxuMT5E6wbqGC5m4es-l6wP2YoY7dv/s1600/BED_0115l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTX00smIUQIh7Il_4Dbgisrwpo80jtecr37rm4J0Hagn9AH4l2P-RNHGcbqV3bSVY42B2zoZaEKKYR5QafgrLkdC68g3NLh2VEHeh1-rYUoyhN2EXxuMT5E6wbqGC5m4es-l6wP2YoY7dv/s400/BED_0115l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409651238513735490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_59SPKEm75VhodZQW6jVj9KQPvRCwkBRg-LMAVKlJ2MjTBYmo618tKakqcOoXalZ2a-cZVaJVoVcL05DeHVLfQwcJh4P5ZBj1ZHCF14c5uUmKmf0hgc1i-8zM_D5uyyRyTH0y4oikf4E/s1600/BED_0097l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_59SPKEm75VhodZQW6jVj9KQPvRCwkBRg-LMAVKlJ2MjTBYmo618tKakqcOoXalZ2a-cZVaJVoVcL05DeHVLfQwcJh4P5ZBj1ZHCF14c5uUmKmf0hgc1i-8zM_D5uyyRyTH0y4oikf4E/s400/BED_0097l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409651232273503090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcz-jWV8aEjkUPwmybq0D2st-VdQYHSY_ls_gyguNdGucxPxwa2aXQ0Bx-wJLLGX8HPv3leiqMPTVzK9foB0e3YOZwDzRQo-N4hK6niwLqi7hkuO4zkqZeC7Qd8nrOi5tvW_TllAtKOkR/s1600/BED_0095l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcz-jWV8aEjkUPwmybq0D2st-VdQYHSY_ls_gyguNdGucxPxwa2aXQ0Bx-wJLLGX8HPv3leiqMPTVzK9foB0e3YOZwDzRQo-N4hK6niwLqi7hkuO4zkqZeC7Qd8nrOi5tvW_TllAtKOkR/s400/BED_0095l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409651229703817730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxOXJR1Tbt9fsr8wR2SqMblk-P2auUSmAkz6XREp3SjU_g9wmWawr4tR9EYkUV34EvY0yCXl0pzFVLXxu3o3vJ9hzVEpWqP7klmxXbAWFxXkQZR-e9Ov4JGyjrMAYwaTRratDLAWtZuFb/s1600/BED_0085l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxOXJR1Tbt9fsr8wR2SqMblk-P2auUSmAkz6XREp3SjU_g9wmWawr4tR9EYkUV34EvY0yCXl0pzFVLXxu3o3vJ9hzVEpWqP7klmxXbAWFxXkQZR-e9Ov4JGyjrMAYwaTRratDLAWtZuFb/s400/BED_0085l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409651218574094962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-G2cOjUluc1xrqALCbKEnNXiT_MvPCX5RlgTS-_cW_XC95k7j_53PFWxb-ynSo7_J8lJRKIgieFJ-QD0sfM3E4Nx6W_-cyOOIYVkWELq-TSfVGVx1mHitBq0SF66AsU6sjblKlHRuyiLo/s1600/BED_0080l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-G2cOjUluc1xrqALCbKEnNXiT_MvPCX5RlgTS-_cW_XC95k7j_53PFWxb-ynSo7_J8lJRKIgieFJ-QD0sfM3E4Nx6W_-cyOOIYVkWELq-TSfVGVx1mHitBq0SF66AsU6sjblKlHRuyiLo/s400/BED_0080l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409651211410314418" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeCmu79Qgap5IxqNC39_VVwlY96bXaOrbJtEjW2wZ0X8euQi6RRiDH3dwqyoscIKmJuU98WsuUzbwEQV0c3RHqlzLoHcUhxhLW4pi_whCfLr6bQdYYuEBY3NEmbBGohQykc3hGRrB2jhE/s1600/BED_0045l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeCmu79Qgap5IxqNC39_VVwlY96bXaOrbJtEjW2wZ0X8euQi6RRiDH3dwqyoscIKmJuU98WsuUzbwEQV0c3RHqlzLoHcUhxhLW4pi_whCfLr6bQdYYuEBY3NEmbBGohQykc3hGRrB2jhE/s400/BED_0045l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409650633395576754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0qgyMVh-tAlmbAEm4hvpp9oGxPw5BEWq5KPxA9gVhvKyvE6Y3qCHNsnjBzYyKaXOG4Dkw-pK4GUX_v7fASkz4eOSbDJyDzxJmz3ZmEbG9BDDg3Vk0wqjH01IR0MQ8xyR1n0mB0qnRQZN/s1600/BED_0039l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0qgyMVh-tAlmbAEm4hvpp9oGxPw5BEWq5KPxA9gVhvKyvE6Y3qCHNsnjBzYyKaXOG4Dkw-pK4GUX_v7fASkz4eOSbDJyDzxJmz3ZmEbG9BDDg3Vk0wqjH01IR0MQ8xyR1n0mB0qnRQZN/s400/BED_0039l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409650626208191954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljrWpHfFGFxB-ADryQ1ga1xz3Q0DP8vxXzBxSfQoha00B-U79SqZmvtbFYeCMksUmLhyEQBtWpCIhiDlHIYIE8b_6fprN_3BgWl5kio013EtjwZvXhegYolancyobYB6WgU5Ecjgit1I6/s1600/BED_0034l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljrWpHfFGFxB-ADryQ1ga1xz3Q0DP8vxXzBxSfQoha00B-U79SqZmvtbFYeCMksUmLhyEQBtWpCIhiDlHIYIE8b_6fprN_3BgWl5kio013EtjwZvXhegYolancyobYB6WgU5Ecjgit1I6/s400/BED_0034l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409650624735243394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusJ4bvf5HriWpcTY45k_6YRuULzHtWZr0ChX88ZrmvLl8-nRnXTOzK3ljjuLj0ip6K8dTqflKCxKU847aVKsC37dadC3-GlhiFtrjTcg_LWzfeWsbvQBvO-ooC2Z0c-ksOlHl1CCY7bUA/s1600/BED_0024l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusJ4bvf5HriWpcTY45k_6YRuULzHtWZr0ChX88ZrmvLl8-nRnXTOzK3ljjuLj0ip6K8dTqflKCxKU847aVKsC37dadC3-GlhiFtrjTcg_LWzfeWsbvQBvO-ooC2Z0c-ksOlHl1CCY7bUA/s400/BED_0024l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409650617488480770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FkfpubvsDWVFXdv_Qd0h_trIF7jf4VF9KknrJ0fu93RxHc7JPL93bvPOcPiB1A-iSPMtIzJglwzsMx0Z1tspDmKYAnNTjiQmZYas7VGCUEJT0wQKwdYOkaCQj4w5I28_zVZXoGlf9hXo/s1600/BED_0019l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FkfpubvsDWVFXdv_Qd0h_trIF7jf4VF9KknrJ0fu93RxHc7JPL93bvPOcPiB1A-iSPMtIzJglwzsMx0Z1tspDmKYAnNTjiQmZYas7VGCUEJT0wQKwdYOkaCQj4w5I28_zVZXoGlf9hXo/s400/BED_0019l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409650613407752930" /></a><br />On Saturday, there was a blackout on the ship, which meant no lights or toilets. All crew members were encouraged to leave. I spent the day at the near-by saltwater pool, conveniently located next to the beach. The weather was perfect and the company lovely. It was a really good day.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-21532468330628306632009-11-29T16:35:00.004+00:002009-11-29T17:38:18.325+00:00a very happy Thanksgiving<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLDkprSphw-tj8jOhzyVNILRowO-mfA1knQvayDge89K82N94RiNNyE75g1QnCyPWvfWAFwQvzrRRGxHkMSFzBQOKL2Lb7a15mS7Zl8DRC7sD-hbVpCaWC3OxWNB66-Sv3AMNKxtuCGYx/s1600/Thanksgiving_010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLDkprSphw-tj8jOhzyVNILRowO-mfA1knQvayDge89K82N94RiNNyE75g1QnCyPWvfWAFwQvzrRRGxHkMSFzBQOKL2Lb7a15mS7Zl8DRC7sD-hbVpCaWC3OxWNB66-Sv3AMNKxtuCGYx/s400/Thanksgiving_010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409579542461046162" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PXbmF6ObBKF430ijj9swxX7-9XpqynGOhb7ymooc7n1G0vOLmcRhYz_2MfmZ824sv_e68E2QTpg2FYWJufb06l4-2S1KvF9aEme5EthKTxBdFcZVTlVB1FOJjVQRIQeNIZT3KRROLr6C/s1600/Thanksgiving_008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PXbmF6ObBKF430ijj9swxX7-9XpqynGOhb7ymooc7n1G0vOLmcRhYz_2MfmZ824sv_e68E2QTpg2FYWJufb06l4-2S1KvF9aEme5EthKTxBdFcZVTlVB1FOJjVQRIQeNIZT3KRROLr6C/s400/Thanksgiving_008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409579535874682738" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgo2cAfSVJr_el31SPFzTMZREU8UD7inqxJXHt8ahiFnnlqiLY-ot1dNAK5ndteCFHZ1TcV9qCYVogYWwCYxy-f_c4tHtxf6_g1I4CP28QefQ07l0e2qy5pzTG8A4G8opW41alHVxLUHQ/s1600/Thanksgiving_009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgo2cAfSVJr_el31SPFzTMZREU8UD7inqxJXHt8ahiFnnlqiLY-ot1dNAK5ndteCFHZ1TcV9qCYVogYWwCYxy-f_c4tHtxf6_g1I4CP28QefQ07l0e2qy5pzTG8A4G8opW41alHVxLUHQ/s400/Thanksgiving_009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409579526662982018" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlHCW_k23hL_GsOOQzODPeXEj6atoj1UV_MpTYwCCcifs9jjXzW6iwtuz4-LuwQ-A7doZ_6yrK5fzWoBPKihS2fkEVXILDvmh1CFj8tMUeGn_tTk2paKS44LZKdOzATFOcmzp-IE9fAvL/s1600/Thanksgiving_007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlHCW_k23hL_GsOOQzODPeXEj6atoj1UV_MpTYwCCcifs9jjXzW6iwtuz4-LuwQ-A7doZ_6yrK5fzWoBPKihS2fkEVXILDvmh1CFj8tMUeGn_tTk2paKS44LZKdOzATFOcmzp-IE9fAvL/s400/Thanksgiving_007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409579525779822514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAeeCvBrkaWRVvlbhz_4aMIq2VijNfYRXPwoAJSQAXjZqpTmm8WsL-2XMyHBW1gRkZ6LOySJ6JbYhDgPNr1h_bqZ1EDOQL03HOznKzpZT5JaM4978LJaWJHm2jsMEnpH7ScstWGL2K0QK/s1600/Thanksgiving_006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAeeCvBrkaWRVvlbhz_4aMIq2VijNfYRXPwoAJSQAXjZqpTmm8WsL-2XMyHBW1gRkZ6LOySJ6JbYhDgPNr1h_bqZ1EDOQL03HOznKzpZT5JaM4978LJaWJHm2jsMEnpH7ScstWGL2K0QK/s400/Thanksgiving_006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409579516790749890" /></a><br />(Thanks to <a href="http://mercyshipadventure.blogspot.com/">Murray</a> for the photos, and <a href="http://lizespeland.blogspot.com/">Liz</a> and <a href="http://jessisinafrica.blogspot.com/">Jess</a> for the great invitations/pie/punch/decorations)<br /><br />On Wednesday an outlined hand decorated as a turkey, was stuck to my door. It read "5:30, be at 'our table', and wear your best." I had almost forgotten it was Thanksgiving (the West African heat isn't the best reminder). <br /><br />Thursday morning, I woke up exhausted, which is never a good start to the day. <br />As the field service comes to an end and we prepare to sail, I can speak on behalf of the entire crew in saying we are all very tired. <br /><br />Remembering that my family and friends had the day off as I dragged myself out of bed didn't exactly help my mood. I was jealous of the day they were having. Everyone would sleep in, watch a Christmas movie or football game, and then eat an unhealthy amount of delicious food.<br /><br />The thought made me a bit cranky all day. <br /><br />When 5:30 came around, I headed to the dining room like every other night. I was delighted to see two of the cooks standing at each serving line, carving pieces of fresh Turkey. After preparing food for a reception for 200 people, the galley staff had somehow managed to cook us an amazing Thanksgiving turkey dinner. <br /><br />When I reached "our table" I found fresh pecan pie and punch amidst some lovely decorations. It was surrounded by some really lovely friends. For a few of them (who were non-Americans), it was there very first Thanksgiving.<br /><br />I looked around the table and realized how much I had to be thankful for. God is always faithful. When I returned to the ship in July, my biggest concern was finding friends and fellowship. And there I sat, celebrating Thanksgiving with some rather remarkable, talented, and diverse friends that uniquely express His love. God is so good. <br /><br />Regardless of what part of the world He has lead me too or the season of life I have found myself in, He has never failed me. I can always be thankful because I know He never will.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-57418730652265084932009-11-25T22:04:00.005+00:002009-11-25T22:22:47.896+00:00Frisbee Fridays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDRvjJhD331lkXUOVfPsMZyY9hU7ewPrJZfDFSViiniOTjQhtUsWCc6LPl7opP2EsqexCywT518djoDRr33l5qPuIjPUmCXa9lFAKHgzuhxqoOeklZbkFKUPjhnwokAz3gWr1uWkyg0oR/s1600/BED_0448l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDRvjJhD331lkXUOVfPsMZyY9hU7ewPrJZfDFSViiniOTjQhtUsWCc6LPl7opP2EsqexCywT518djoDRr33l5qPuIjPUmCXa9lFAKHgzuhxqoOeklZbkFKUPjhnwokAz3gWr1uWkyg0oR/s400/BED_0448l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408170227304011522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCPbXDk6fHFnpGrheO2T_sxpBk2hvI1udxb8d33XpFQWFjbEv1xyZrGCu_SRysbFB_rLea9hvKp5ZuD7HAzeeo6ZlLxtvwthrzYRl29b1RnTKCYsPQtkr7G0JQ9E0afMV1kKCiIQV5K_4/s1600/BED_0470l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCPbXDk6fHFnpGrheO2T_sxpBk2hvI1udxb8d33XpFQWFjbEv1xyZrGCu_SRysbFB_rLea9hvKp5ZuD7HAzeeo6ZlLxtvwthrzYRl29b1RnTKCYsPQtkr7G0JQ9E0afMV1kKCiIQV5K_4/s400/BED_0470l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408170009256469810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9r-gEJx_L_-ymb_zF6yTev4_0Mp1CZZkZtE9dbUdBtEGFl1wN8yecSbDEkKtzE-Iv372ihqho5qDbSvm8740xGkwGMlDX6hiZweSPxgm5tohSwiupmcYFCdE_RHLHMeU2ccAtO0nOw8VO/s1600/BED_0591l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9r-gEJx_L_-ymb_zF6yTev4_0Mp1CZZkZtE9dbUdBtEGFl1wN8yecSbDEkKtzE-Iv372ihqho5qDbSvm8740xGkwGMlDX6hiZweSPxgm5tohSwiupmcYFCdE_RHLHMeU2ccAtO0nOw8VO/s400/BED_0591l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408170007591342242" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgtNrZK_T7DzlNhlbEsLtdqNdlzHPET5D0wENSl4MLMBgG8uES6DE3YJKZYYlqxNVOu9a9m31TUiPveK-3vzBDyEKwim1RDFidUkVg0EyJEXKtgJhQX8JtgzX_BH5zwmYYwwg8yb5UKi-/s1600/BED_0596l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgtNrZK_T7DzlNhlbEsLtdqNdlzHPET5D0wENSl4MLMBgG8uES6DE3YJKZYYlqxNVOu9a9m31TUiPveK-3vzBDyEKwim1RDFidUkVg0EyJEXKtgJhQX8JtgzX_BH5zwmYYwwg8yb5UKi-/s400/BED_0596l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408170002801100194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDimC9cfKRvCs4NK0pEN1cav-43PsLplo7G0i5PU8A2yVzy2Oe1A4l_TdtsiIqmIArtSkcNnUyQruuo2T6yY1Y6GfN3x-jwhCtE4b3iUt3yr3x-x0gAQCOHdKXWV7UukWH1gkUgcli8D-U/s1600/BED_0498l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDimC9cfKRvCs4NK0pEN1cav-43PsLplo7G0i5PU8A2yVzy2Oe1A4l_TdtsiIqmIArtSkcNnUyQruuo2T6yY1Y6GfN3x-jwhCtE4b3iUt3yr3x-x0gAQCOHdKXWV7UukWH1gkUgcli8D-U/s400/BED_0498l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167181725930178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdCb6UfdSDRO3aTCe5rE-_bT2czw-tSIA225w6Am_NZPJX4BP5PgK53iwla3GE2hEjmT-GjjsKd2f3S8pm0Wwybpbm6zLPEvpKmnYOlOx5qgwN2DinfT3D-SvD15_PHRc2ldXS3rTQ8T4/s1600/BED_0579l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdCb6UfdSDRO3aTCe5rE-_bT2czw-tSIA225w6Am_NZPJX4BP5PgK53iwla3GE2hEjmT-GjjsKd2f3S8pm0Wwybpbm6zLPEvpKmnYOlOx5qgwN2DinfT3D-SvD15_PHRc2ldXS3rTQ8T4/s400/BED_0579l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167177564382850" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBokmTqYAO1IkgD95J4okyQTakf7uAxMTfzc1bJuP_qbhbe_ghgYJOs0KUfebHaAeeVfex7EyeehNys8vmBn6SLvm_orlm2sA0Zxd_DRqptpSNW4YW1IGDVGjDsq3Ojes29OmGLKp2zdL/s1600/BED_0522l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBokmTqYAO1IkgD95J4okyQTakf7uAxMTfzc1bJuP_qbhbe_ghgYJOs0KUfebHaAeeVfex7EyeehNys8vmBn6SLvm_orlm2sA0Zxd_DRqptpSNW4YW1IGDVGjDsq3Ojes29OmGLKp2zdL/s400/BED_0522l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167165174396210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ3Eg7vzand-2ePKhkCPA2VGAhvy0eQSct1G3dJy2mN0yMNYB998O0bjcLiv2AGQ75pjiJrScmdOe6Yb7CLChEO-_BxRWLq3Hf1OaIqKomGQCGhE60SbBdWD13QXnx1GQfZBGWN7v7Y9h/s1600/BED_0438l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ3Eg7vzand-2ePKhkCPA2VGAhvy0eQSct1G3dJy2mN0yMNYB998O0bjcLiv2AGQ75pjiJrScmdOe6Yb7CLChEO-_BxRWLq3Hf1OaIqKomGQCGhE60SbBdWD13QXnx1GQfZBGWN7v7Y9h/s400/BED_0438l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167163663587170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhA00E-Us_IbC9f1_bL2Opjys8A7hQ0FUJo3ugt_k0I69C8-lAqzzkPhWSp96C6j1c9goaYKnJyGhETEUJOC0AtmH9P39s791eCEZ-Jb-XPfksObSXH7svG0e6z4n_0PlPu9zopKOMXUPP/s1600/BED_0430l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhA00E-Us_IbC9f1_bL2Opjys8A7hQ0FUJo3ugt_k0I69C8-lAqzzkPhWSp96C6j1c9goaYKnJyGhETEUJOC0AtmH9P39s791eCEZ-Jb-XPfksObSXH7svG0e6z4n_0PlPu9zopKOMXUPP/s400/BED_0430l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167163784872466" /></a>We always have a crowd of kids watching.<br />Every Friday evening we fill several vehicles and drive to a near-by field for a game on ultimate Frisbee. After sitting in an office all week, it's really nice to be outside and get some exercise. It's sad to think we only have one or two Fridays left.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-38802782056220049952009-11-24T18:36:00.004+00:002009-11-24T19:09:41.135+00:00Dinner with the President.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jufUcg9h_tDbw39m5_7lPb5Vekg-B4x7pbiW5Cb_nkWG-22BQSiKLa30_ZipQ2PQrDyc_qNCUIs4EvhLxss7y-T-P1uBWMJnzKjiKHiKK8Fp1aKGN8VmunAb884idPlQgHlS1c4uHmFE/s1600/BED0911_VIPPRESDINNER_DB290_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jufUcg9h_tDbw39m5_7lPb5Vekg-B4x7pbiW5Cb_nkWG-22BQSiKLa30_ZipQ2PQrDyc_qNCUIs4EvhLxss7y-T-P1uBWMJnzKjiKHiKK8Fp1aKGN8VmunAb884idPlQgHlS1c4uHmFE/s400/BED0911_VIPPRESDINNER_DB290_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407748820766922626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tsm2ZnE7qdHYcKQg_PwSbaRBxHJn6QbtL8Sa9pbaZTE4SfNEiqAIYfisYUfp7z0Y5WCLQWcNuZ01uLHY5l7SroPAPpA67hf8CA-PiYtKOl9xiRRFEBSJuyHIB9T4VF3tdOHBxNyhNP8W/s1600/BED0911_VIPPRESDINNER_DB065A_LO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tsm2ZnE7qdHYcKQg_PwSbaRBxHJn6QbtL8Sa9pbaZTE4SfNEiqAIYfisYUfp7z0Y5WCLQWcNuZ01uLHY5l7SroPAPpA67hf8CA-PiYtKOl9xiRRFEBSJuyHIB9T4VF3tdOHBxNyhNP8W/s400/BED0911_VIPPRESDINNER_DB065A_LO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407748816807470466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_ARPY4xTWGrtUi-vKqAxpKrgzaBgaSk7BCIufAfA3wnTxIqQy6yc1bVTDKSC7I_p3J8F2d25Au8S6BXKuVhE-VoaBYh62-Ca9Kt9ZLMcElqvDwV61Hgj_Ymj8uJEtl9vogE0hj85Aqdj/s1600/BED0911_VIPPRESDINNER_DB016_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_ARPY4xTWGrtUi-vKqAxpKrgzaBgaSk7BCIufAfA3wnTxIqQy6yc1bVTDKSC7I_p3J8F2d25Au8S6BXKuVhE-VoaBYh62-Ca9Kt9ZLMcElqvDwV61Hgj_Ymj8uJEtl9vogE0hj85Aqdj/s400/BED0911_VIPPRESDINNER_DB016_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407748809221134658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPkWJIgU_yoRHQi77Zo_vIf5tRCWwcyFq0f53MIm0VKR3ECUA9vFAfZk-4u-bQQ9jnAk3io-A2FA1C4zKPqCGtctyLNlxMUWHhEJ3e_uCVK2yJgXS1zNZ1_LQdnDLWtxNsDMpgHYkf-ff/s1600/BED0911_VIPPRESDINNER_DB010_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPkWJIgU_yoRHQi77Zo_vIf5tRCWwcyFq0f53MIm0VKR3ECUA9vFAfZk-4u-bQQ9jnAk3io-A2FA1C4zKPqCGtctyLNlxMUWHhEJ3e_uCVK2yJgXS1zNZ1_LQdnDLWtxNsDMpgHYkf-ff/s400/BED0911_VIPPRESDINNER_DB010_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407748804358854674" /></a>photos by Debra Bell<br />Last Tuesday, the entire crew was invited to the President of Benin's palace for dinner. Around 5:30 pm, buses were sent to begin transporting the 400 person crew to the palace. I was very uncertain of what to expect. <br /><br />I drove to the event in the communications vehicle. We planned on following one of the buses, but somehow it speedily left our sight before we drove off the dock. Richard (who was driving) headed towards what he thought was the palace. When we arrived, the Mercy Ships logo allowed us passage through the gate and after a few minutes of driving in the compound, we found the rest of our group (it was the palace after all). <br /><br />The Palace was beautiful, the food was great, and the dance troupe who provided the entertainment was amazing. It's not everyday you dine with the president of a country.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-21404298312579292622009-11-22T22:11:00.002+00:002009-11-22T22:20:13.596+00:00The OR on the Africa Mercy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI1JbjVBKQzt6qIeZjDVb9vhJBUPuJXKtbzAydmtLMq1I7BDAVBqbOB8WLTIaLSqIRk5HXcbyvbbgg1KP9Br3FtPte55MKKSsx6DFJZa9EF0J0TVdJcGEer20jvz_H9fgm-FoFZJD9w2s/s1600/BED0909_PATCLEFTSURG2129_DB68_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI1JbjVBKQzt6qIeZjDVb9vhJBUPuJXKtbzAydmtLMq1I7BDAVBqbOB8WLTIaLSqIRk5HXcbyvbbgg1KP9Br3FtPte55MKKSsx6DFJZa9EF0J0TVdJcGEer20jvz_H9fgm-FoFZJD9w2s/s400/BED0909_PATCLEFTSURG2129_DB68_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407054860594671394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PkmXJU2wAKA5GAMrkpqtgkh_wHrJI7bDQhMe87MVO1vN8-pTxbkjHSA99nhr9pbELqLzZscE5zBkoX2g5AxKLbGkZEztApjCeHzicvdBk2BJMWb2NKWB4Jx_-wfE9jr9q1YF19JQ2H2P/s1600/BED0908_HOSPSRG_BERNADETTE_TELLA-PJ-55.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PkmXJU2wAKA5GAMrkpqtgkh_wHrJI7bDQhMe87MVO1vN8-pTxbkjHSA99nhr9pbELqLzZscE5zBkoX2g5AxKLbGkZEztApjCeHzicvdBk2BJMWb2NKWB4Jx_-wfE9jr9q1YF19JQ2H2P/s400/BED0908_HOSPSRG_BERNADETTE_TELLA-PJ-55.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407054862278213074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJlkMyEl2ytYubCXCQGZLNc8QLdwIOsxjZucx3Bb7G2PAGURrqbXlbc58AHTEpGXugc9pkPTUchr3T206L2rfF30CbGCwWvX5-izOfM_yoJvNQJmGBbYx0CYHVNQyeqTopD2lR-loyWza/s1600/BED0902_HOSGENSURG_THYR_STEFFES_JR02_LO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJlkMyEl2ytYubCXCQGZLNc8QLdwIOsxjZucx3Bb7G2PAGURrqbXlbc58AHTEpGXugc9pkPTUchr3T206L2rfF30CbGCwWvX5-izOfM_yoJvNQJmGBbYx0CYHVNQyeqTopD2lR-loyWza/s400/BED0902_HOSGENSURG_THYR_STEFFES_JR02_LO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407054850437842978" /></a><br /><br />The last surgeries of the field service we performed on Friday. This is an article on the OR.<br /><br />For thousands, the 60-second walk down the long hallway which runs through the Africa Mercy has been the final leg in a long quest for physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration. At the hallway's end is a pair of sealed doors which lead to a state-of-the-art operating suite, filled with teams of nurses and surgeons. Every day patients walk through the sealed doors, crossing a threshold of transformation, to receive life-changing free surgery.Over five thousand surgical procedures have already been performed on the Africa Mercy during the 2009 Field Service in Benin.Surgeries performed onboard include orthopaedics, maxillofacial, plastics, general, vesicovaginal fistula repair (VVF), and cataract removal.<br /><br />The Africa Mercy has six operating theaters, predominately staffed by short-term crew who come from around the world to share their expertise with the forgotten poor. "Everyone stays for a very short period of time. Our entire operating room team consists of 50 people, and only five of us are long-term staff," said Operating Room Supervisor Alison Brieseman. "We bring in people who know what they are doing, so we can have a higher turnover. Short-term people come in, they scrub up, we point them towards a table, and they are fine. If you can work in the OR in one country, you can work in the OR anywhere else. " The Africa Mercy operating suite is a diverse and dynamic environment which Alison Brieseman thoroughly understands. She has served with Mercy Ships for five years. She first worked as an operating room nurse and has held the position of Operating Room Supervisor since the inauguration of the Africa Mercy in June 2007."Somehow it (the OR) work when it really shouldn't. People come from everywhere, and they all know different things. They speak different languages and do things different ways. The staff is constantly changing; everyone is new all the time. You would think there would be a really high stress level and that people disagree about everything. But it's just not like that. It's a fun place to be. It's a real testimony to the grace of God," said Brieseman.<br /><br />For most of the 2009 Field Service in Benin, the OR has run at full capacity, utilizing all six operating rooms and maximizing the number of patients served."Recently, I was going over the statistics from this field service.Compared to last year, by week 21, we had doubled the amount of procedures performed. So, many more people have received surgery. It's been a really exciting outreach," said Brieseman. She attributes this increase to better staffing and a more efficient use of resources. A major accomplishment of the OR during this field service has been the successful training of three Benin nurses in operating room procedures. "At the beginning of the year, they were registered nurses but had never worked in the operating room. One of our long-term OR nurses, Glenys Gillingham, has been working with them throughout the field service," said Brieseman."Now, they all scrub, circulate, and inject anesthetic into the eye. They are now teaching the short-term staff what to do. When new staff comes, the Benin nurses are saying, 'This is what you do,' and 'Come here; I'll show you.It's really great to see. We've never trained local nurses, and it's been one of our coolest achievements."<br /><br />For many years to come, the OR suite on the Africa Mercy will continue to be a place of healing and transformation for thousands of individuals. As the OR staff continues to grow in statistics and achievements, the focus of their work is still to impact the lives of individuals. Brieseman saw a poignant example of this principle earlier this year."During our last round of VVF surgeries there was a debate about whether we should perform surgery on the last patient of the day. It was already 4 p.m. and if we did the case, we knew we wouldn't finish until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.Everyone had just worked the past three days and three nights and was exhausted. As we stood around discussing it, someone just went, 'All right, that's it; we are doing it. I remember standing at the door, watching this patient waddle down through the hallway holding her gown. I saw her back, and it was all wet. We could have ended on time and had our dinner, but she would have stayed wet in her bed. Instead, her life was going to be transformed. There were three or four of us standing there saying, 'I'm really glad we made that decision.<br /><br />Written by Megan Petockmegan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-66562527835955152442009-11-20T13:31:00.002+00:002009-11-20T13:37:30.242+00:00To the crew of the Africa Mercy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5LFlCqdjaqd0JZk5Ah8SL4SHnVBo5VqGrJu8pdjrjv5a0qI5huoP6AXzIjjYPXYoovnLINcMfhzJ-X-TUgokrVZhgEUSkv44BO97VAebrcfAsK-aj62Js-PCfyNuMJ5isOLLTLBeykrP/s1600/BED0908_HOSPDANIELS2118_MP303lo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5LFlCqdjaqd0JZk5Ah8SL4SHnVBo5VqGrJu8pdjrjv5a0qI5huoP6AXzIjjYPXYoovnLINcMfhzJ-X-TUgokrVZhgEUSkv44BO97VAebrcfAsK-aj62Js-PCfyNuMJ5isOLLTLBeykrP/s400/BED0908_HOSPDANIELS2118_MP303lo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406179434305873570" /></a><br />Prince Eddie, one of our patients this outreached, emailed me this poem he wrote for the crew as we prepar to leave Benin. It's really lovely. <br /><br /> FARE WELL MY GREAT WHITE WHALE.<br /><br /> Alas the center’s candle is blown out<br /><br /> Soon the signs that points to the Port are broken<br /><br /> The paths that leads to the shore is blocked<br /><br /> They that make their wage in convoy to Novou are stilled and stopped<br /><br /> The days of the white whale’s rest are o’er<br /><br /> The time of your docking is spent<br /><br /> The season of your breeding is halted<br /><br /> Your coming, to some was heaven sent<br /><br /> To others it was a wish granted<br /><br /> But too soon it is to those who knows your worth and work<br /><br /> So sudden it is to those who wish in you to be healed<br /><br /> Soon the mouth that feeds from you will sing your fare well song<br /><br /> The hand that lend you help will wave you on<br /><br /> The soul that depended on you will wish you back<br /><br /> And the heart that stayed with you, only on your memories will stay and feed<br /><br /> But you, like any farer of the deep, your voyage must continue<br /><br /> Your search for souls to cut and heal lingers on<br /><br /> For many more awaits your coming<br /><br /> Many shores awaits the day of your rest<br /><br /> But now it’s time bid you fare well<br /><br /> It’s time to sing your departing song<br /><br /> It’s yet another time for your sons and daughters to go home<br /><br /> Some, never to be seen again<br /><br /> Some, never to walk the shores of the black pearls<br /><br />Yet to others, a time to rest and regroup<br /><br />All the souls you touched and healed<br /><br />All the souls you cut and mend<br /><br />Stands along the Novou shores<br /><br />Visible and invisible<br /><br />To wave and wish you well<br /><br />In the still small voice of the shore wave<br /><br />Hear their voices rise saying THANK YOU<br /><br />For your time and toil<br /><br />For your care and cause<br /><br />For your mind and money<br /><br />But most of all, for being a tool in the father’s hands<br /><br />Through which He showed His love and care<br /><br />To a world so lost and dark<br /><br />Without love or hope<br /><br />We those you touched and healed are eternally grateful<br /><br />Thank you and fare thee well my great white whale.<br /><br />From: Prince Eddie Daniels<br /><br />To : The Mercy Shipsmegan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-13850886029381448012009-11-19T20:28:00.004+00:002009-11-19T20:34:23.014+00:00Photos from village<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dp0rnYY4HECs4bE3HPtVm5HhjS8TuJPhRhyTmyhpDQ3GwKKhLCWhS2QJ5KBR_6bCRlwKi_G-LozI0AjpdhemzjCEfdyxdUEyfjeoGMNQzMmSMs7k5PD1VZRJuJRBC8tFldTsDIDvTvvI/s1600/bwBED_0262l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dp0rnYY4HECs4bE3HPtVm5HhjS8TuJPhRhyTmyhpDQ3GwKKhLCWhS2QJ5KBR_6bCRlwKi_G-LozI0AjpdhemzjCEfdyxdUEyfjeoGMNQzMmSMs7k5PD1VZRJuJRBC8tFldTsDIDvTvvI/s400/bwBED_0262l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405915732719328114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WkbisjTikyNe8yVUVopRiDFC_SBoV1PAlyJsTjl7IHY1_NnDmVFvjZ0Q_7nDr6_je9RkSwSdnNYto5CY6B46MjqhzyRVs7-UWYRyQJ88S_R6iVw7GsrfDaTn6r74QuFiZur5S1U6saLS/s1600/BED_0311l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WkbisjTikyNe8yVUVopRiDFC_SBoV1PAlyJsTjl7IHY1_NnDmVFvjZ0Q_7nDr6_je9RkSwSdnNYto5CY6B46MjqhzyRVs7-UWYRyQJ88S_R6iVw7GsrfDaTn6r74QuFiZur5S1U6saLS/s400/BED_0311l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405915729448864338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi886eNTutFo5qzMQ1RtzoPvrWZKLtxLn1xVtcw_HJMXJVynGxZwNoXRzsySxYioyu-STIxQVHK3CPSOQUy3h61v1fuvZvzxpOpiib6QynvrHBLmeM-8FzHNaA8dkWEerSorYbbrV9Lv3Pz/s1600/BED_0296l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi886eNTutFo5qzMQ1RtzoPvrWZKLtxLn1xVtcw_HJMXJVynGxZwNoXRzsySxYioyu-STIxQVHK3CPSOQUy3h61v1fuvZvzxpOpiib6QynvrHBLmeM-8FzHNaA8dkWEerSorYbbrV9Lv3Pz/s400/BED_0296l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405915720507659874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTG7c6t-6aGlpGP7AZ_TfaQPQhBqTL32skyEswXAAA_uB462LszvjApXOy7zIHLdtV8rIB1bSs0k1EAyXBHNjLGeW5gVoa9Y5NsIKgRxYK4x-MJed3kbjDk644zvWOVKya70ESqWmYf9u/s1600/BED_0277l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTG7c6t-6aGlpGP7AZ_TfaQPQhBqTL32skyEswXAAA_uB462LszvjApXOy7zIHLdtV8rIB1bSs0k1EAyXBHNjLGeW5gVoa9Y5NsIKgRxYK4x-MJed3kbjDk644zvWOVKya70ESqWmYf9u/s400/BED_0277l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405915438757771090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4y8ctC6iTfg_G3_fZQnWrZaE5YIL5DKWZZ-YEA8WQoTPoBbIQFwBy2vt3dNV5exp_ZfhgD3JZBY-gUO0FmNy9Jjm_q_-MlBX2Fme2dvweFxvlOa2DYgBgymAb4vsIXEK5dPMLi7SLx1MX/s1600/BED_0249l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4y8ctC6iTfg_G3_fZQnWrZaE5YIL5DKWZZ-YEA8WQoTPoBbIQFwBy2vt3dNV5exp_ZfhgD3JZBY-gUO0FmNy9Jjm_q_-MlBX2Fme2dvweFxvlOa2DYgBgymAb4vsIXEK5dPMLi7SLx1MX/s400/BED_0249l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405915434928006274" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbAfZCTYyPhr9D8_4N3djZzQhAP4eZg7Xi5E9muJL1uuCR6b9zp8mNIKeRXZYVa3qvdlaZ7qXx2txvyeHHOkF_hLj_3QCbsUPry0FABIW5b-l2OxO2RdkCy467Rfa6uqsOYqzTXX__VLH/s1600/BED_0225l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbAfZCTYyPhr9D8_4N3djZzQhAP4eZg7Xi5E9muJL1uuCR6b9zp8mNIKeRXZYVa3qvdlaZ7qXx2txvyeHHOkF_hLj_3QCbsUPry0FABIW5b-l2OxO2RdkCy467Rfa6uqsOYqzTXX__VLH/s400/BED_0225l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405915432932674130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4f4-FheULalBE6fwPLXIFSME9lzuGEeW3gBnVxoeW3RQXyH0ggtYfxZW8xWZWaASGKHQs_Omid1sLHl3nxdt8DvxeL5jjJ0lMlHrdsjYxlWmqqV61Fti8WwMIjfp80hufGne_VF3fbzi8/s1600/BED_0176l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4f4-FheULalBE6fwPLXIFSME9lzuGEeW3gBnVxoeW3RQXyH0ggtYfxZW8xWZWaASGKHQs_Omid1sLHl3nxdt8DvxeL5jjJ0lMlHrdsjYxlWmqqV61Fti8WwMIjfp80hufGne_VF3fbzi8/s400/BED_0176l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405915428417714994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RtdL6l4G07686Fnd0E3McNrvFWCxSkCXT_c05gRPEvBCBs2oNjpiukC0jfyczmmcZ2icGAlkz-Mj4WBMUH_MVB1oyUqYG5e03DnzQZ39OCTTDcS8t0kHQ7h8Kn89T6lVctnwWdkAb5gC/s1600/BED_0174l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RtdL6l4G07686Fnd0E3McNrvFWCxSkCXT_c05gRPEvBCBs2oNjpiukC0jfyczmmcZ2icGAlkz-Mj4WBMUH_MVB1oyUqYG5e03DnzQZ39OCTTDcS8t0kHQ7h8Kn89T6lVctnwWdkAb5gC/s400/BED_0174l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405915424164052546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVIq7nikrb6hLr_ULq3A7NBo6TYpHfVfuGC4gCpd3SaxUTEAiZgLk3Zye-VznhJ21WLnSLtsfvCBVN_3hW8_RIkhyphenhyphencqTrOMNujvZ_KThJxyNqL_gTm2klP5A6T7eQ5-cpmp5KXWWo0HYg/s1600/BED_0160l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVIq7nikrb6hLr_ULq3A7NBo6TYpHfVfuGC4gCpd3SaxUTEAiZgLk3Zye-VznhJ21WLnSLtsfvCBVN_3hW8_RIkhyphenhyphencqTrOMNujvZ_KThJxyNqL_gTm2klP5A6T7eQ5-cpmp5KXWWo0HYg/s400/BED_0160l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405914857579228562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wW7zsrfKCQ13Pw3RCqf5W7KrDJtgRvXzaa06ojhqaw8jZEiR7gHbbYZcEi04qvtW6llwIhBtHBg_a_O36hWRw5O-aXrAnkuVlNEpwn3joWbI3eDuLrMg8KtSLN6KVnqsfyzOpsj5tLhu/s1600/BED_0137l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wW7zsrfKCQ13Pw3RCqf5W7KrDJtgRvXzaa06ojhqaw8jZEiR7gHbbYZcEi04qvtW6llwIhBtHBg_a_O36hWRw5O-aXrAnkuVlNEpwn3joWbI3eDuLrMg8KtSLN6KVnqsfyzOpsj5tLhu/s400/BED_0137l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405914849915126578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlkmQB6WD3ER-QlbHFZWcm4A7n8JPRZuVfZrkh-VdS6gs-CJtaUWbLqEEwKhExUj4W6nD70QpIJTyG5xKPhe-Fp1o89kpta8nqemuniPaR4XWCLA7KCpwkrvg6jCADQ4C0l0fTJrE0GYs/s1600/BED_0129l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlkmQB6WD3ER-QlbHFZWcm4A7n8JPRZuVfZrkh-VdS6gs-CJtaUWbLqEEwKhExUj4W6nD70QpIJTyG5xKPhe-Fp1o89kpta8nqemuniPaR4XWCLA7KCpwkrvg6jCADQ4C0l0fTJrE0GYs/s400/BED_0129l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405914847300989602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74bpnoRupun99N2ZznZAsT5CnJAi2exNWom0WkLuwmVSilGSBWRavb0iC4V6pAwMI9IhKuytg9l0qsObdtTM-2RjvQG1AS7mQH3XUeWz6apLHSakoyQ_DokYZEowqtkQ0Yb93Pr4VsLai/s1600/BED_0112l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74bpnoRupun99N2ZznZAsT5CnJAi2exNWom0WkLuwmVSilGSBWRavb0iC4V6pAwMI9IhKuytg9l0qsObdtTM-2RjvQG1AS7mQH3XUeWz6apLHSakoyQ_DokYZEowqtkQ0Yb93Pr4VsLai/s400/BED_0112l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405914846676736450" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhOs_RHvGKbUSxl_7JW45KLkIQWzCvcSXwfPU2i76C5syBMa776ldViI3c9_Ts7GFId8OJM5lWXMZyDeXcLqjSm9KxNV69Bs7PGLjS2usOEmPy0dah1eA2boQmJ5b7wBIuieUeI3PTgjh/s1600/BED_0107l.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhOs_RHvGKbUSxl_7JW45KLkIQWzCvcSXwfPU2i76C5syBMa776ldViI3c9_Ts7GFId8OJM5lWXMZyDeXcLqjSm9KxNV69Bs7PGLjS2usOEmPy0dah1eA2boQmJ5b7wBIuieUeI3PTgjh/s400/BED_0107l.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405914837655276594" /></a><br />Photos from the village in Abomey I went to today.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-67046390901669550732009-11-18T16:05:00.001+00:002009-11-18T16:18:38.615+00:00God defends the fatherless and the widow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6iKLP9m7JClBW9wxv5w3E3R2yJoTCHLIJ1xfj2k8MNMPcEs9ZrYzEfdjJdE9Zbos4kFIT0fqJS4ai1_xF1wYq3K_m2GdK5g5Evev_KoKb-WVZUDeNQEuRM8A_sODJHWnLN9b87z-30_x/s1600/BED0909_HOS2089B_DONALD_MP509_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6iKLP9m7JClBW9wxv5w3E3R2yJoTCHLIJ1xfj2k8MNMPcEs9ZrYzEfdjJdE9Zbos4kFIT0fqJS4ai1_xF1wYq3K_m2GdK5g5Evev_KoKb-WVZUDeNQEuRM8A_sODJHWnLN9b87z-30_x/s400/BED0909_HOS2089B_DONALD_MP509_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405478126221615346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8X0qs7fPZKdZA1ByNjXYidnr6tFmSdCGCq8Ck1EU91kt95M3WJcksvX2T_-YhQsr9Eq2zTa2PzuTRfzjfWzBF1UEbJMr7csfbPLYWoSgt22hn0gSOFU9bhugPdLtJpvxzccI-TZOcr8-/s1600/BED0909_HOS2088_ABISOYE_MP520_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8X0qs7fPZKdZA1ByNjXYidnr6tFmSdCGCq8Ck1EU91kt95M3WJcksvX2T_-YhQsr9Eq2zTa2PzuTRfzjfWzBF1UEbJMr7csfbPLYWoSgt22hn0gSOFU9bhugPdLtJpvxzccI-TZOcr8-/s400/BED0909_HOS2088_ABISOYE_MP520_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405478121891788482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33xu_PJU94_1_-AzPDLAClsCDIHQHFSrSiBrLPwYwT-v0zD30zvGv8QCpN721BPyUwnxdAtdKIMXo-x3Wx1h9Vn0pv384ruTOCUFl4XWhSPgvc-3rSYwEIEivE90KNpbJOcOukK5Vv0xm/s1600/BED0909_HOS2088_ABISOYE_MP525_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33xu_PJU94_1_-AzPDLAClsCDIHQHFSrSiBrLPwYwT-v0zD30zvGv8QCpN721BPyUwnxdAtdKIMXo-x3Wx1h9Vn0pv384ruTOCUFl4XWhSPgvc-3rSYwEIEivE90KNpbJOcOukK5Vv0xm/s400/BED0909_HOS2088_ABISOYE_MP525_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405478120248137954" /></a><br />"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow..." (Deuteronomy 10:18) <br /><br /><br />In the wake of heartache and tragedy, Abisoye has always remained optimistic and joyful. When I asked Abisoye - who likes to be called "Biso" for short - if she'd ever doubted God's love, she paused. Then she casually replied, "No, not really." Thirteen years ago, shortly after the birth of her first daughter, Biso's difficulties began. She noticed a small swelling on her tooth which slowly grew into a facial tumor. As it became noticeable, she was made an object of ridicule and scorn. "Some people thought I had HIV and that the tumor was contagious. It was hard for me to find employment, and people wouldn't invite me to parties," said Biso. "Even my sisters would not be part of me anymore. Sometimes they could be kind, but they were not proud that I was their sister. They didn't like introducing me to others as their sister." <br /><br />Five years ago, her husband was shot in the chest while serving in the Nigerian Navy. Surgery to remove the bullet was expensive - more than they could afford. He recovered from his injury, but the bullet was never removed. <br /><br />A year ago, Biso's husband died suddenly. The bullet had affected his heart, causing him to experience sudden "heart failure." It was a devastating loss - she still cannot talk about him without crying. "I saw him dying, and I couldn't help him. I didn't know he was going to die. I wish I had known," she said. <br /> <br />Today, Biso is the single mother of four children - two boys and two girls, ranging in age from three to thirteen. When her husband died, she and her children were promptly evicted from Navy housing. Surviving in her homeland, Nigeria, has become a daily struggle. Biso and her children are self-described squatters, having no home or property. The oldest daughter lives with an aunt, while Biso and the other children stay with her mother. "We used to live in a nice house, but now we don't have a home. We squat and are living with my mom. The apartment is very small, and it is not very comfortable," said Biso. A college-educated woman, Biso previously held a job as an accountant. However, because of her tumor, no one will hire her. She has started baking and selling bread to support her family. <br /><br />As she grieved the loss of her husband, Biso became increasingly frightened and worried about the tumor. "When I would feel the tumor in my body, sometimes it was really painful. I read a book that said it could go to your brain, damage it, and kill you. I was so scared when I read that. Who would take care of my children if I died?" At that time, her six-year-old son, Donald, developed a bony lesion on his head. The lesion needed to be surgically removed. They both needed surgeries she could not afford. Biso began to fervently pray, asking God to provide for them. One day, her pastor received news that the Africa Mercy was coming to the neighboring country of Benin. A church member sent photos of Biso and Donald to the ship. After being reviewed by the medical staff, both were scheduled for surgery. "When they said they could help, I was so excited. I thought, 'At last the Lord is doing it!'" said Biso. Soon after, Biso and Donald traveled to the Africa Mercy. They were placed in neighboring beds onboard the hospital ship. The next day, within hours of each other, they received free surgeries. It took Biso more than a week to recover. During that time, she was a great encouragement to those around her. <br /><br />"Abisoye was a light when you came to the ward," said ward nurse Katelyn Billings. "She always had a positive attitude and was very encouraging. Her faith really impressed me. After all she'd been through in her life, the many struggles and challenges, still the first thing she would say to you was, 'God is so good.' Considering everything she has been through, it is pretty amazing that she can still say that." Wanting to share her experiences on the Africa Mercy with her community in Nigeria, Biso kept pen and paper at her bedside. Whenever she had a "memorable" experience, she wrote it down. Before leaving, she compiled a list more than three pages long. Hoping to gain supporters for Mercy Ships, Biso will use this list to write a story about the Africa Mercy. Biso doesn't have the words to express how grateful she is. "What can I say that will express what I feel? I feel like I have had spiritual heart surgery - everyone has been so kind and loving. This is a special group of people. I have been so inspired by everyone. Keep up the good work." As Biso returns to Nigeria, there are many unknowns. But one thing she is certain of is God's faithfulness to provide for the needs of her family. God has used Mercy Ships to demonstrate this to her. She says with great sincerity, "I am so happy. He has a special place in His heart for the widows and fatherless. He has been taking care of us, and I can see it. God is wonderful."<br /><br />Story and Photos by Megan Petockmegan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132827380749049108.post-73129688519831809412009-11-17T13:16:00.003+00:002009-11-17T13:23:37.533+00:00Vision For The Masses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuMCK8ITvzk32okCvcqSsy3xWq1TrY-2flJQBdTHKLG_keGykXRKv6DnFsSOG76xyVA6NYWVVArJ7uVltPNmYLYDelMuuZZz98f1okvLnNiJ1Q6LTC7bE2vyEpEJ4IXSMnQ2cf1nioCAK/s1600/BED0909_HOSEYESHIP_STRAUSS_PJ-24_Lo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuMCK8ITvzk32okCvcqSsy3xWq1TrY-2flJQBdTHKLG_keGykXRKv6DnFsSOG76xyVA6NYWVVArJ7uVltPNmYLYDelMuuZZz98f1okvLnNiJ1Q6LTC7bE2vyEpEJ4IXSMnQ2cf1nioCAK/s400/BED0909_HOSEYESHIP_STRAUSS_PJ-24_Lo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405062199302230818" /></a>In addition to his reputation as an excellent ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Strauss is known for being a kind and humble person. Friend and colleague Alison Brieseman, Operating Room Supervisor onboard the Africa Mercy, has worked with Dr. Strauss for several years. She describes him as a "team player," who even helps mop the floors after a long day of surgeries in the OR. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3t1Uzj7uyBG4i8RdmGUMiUY6au7iSm-zRvQgYSPGc1OzJ_-4Bt4CnonkDTl7i3JvDq-FAoIzYO5omL_K5oCBis9tTRMmtBcmQplMUurS2A8rRB9lJeCDNOmxi85mvNemH0wCqH1zjn90/s1600/BED0909_HOSEYESHIP_STRAUSS_PJ-17_Lo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3t1Uzj7uyBG4i8RdmGUMiUY6au7iSm-zRvQgYSPGc1OzJ_-4Bt4CnonkDTl7i3JvDq-FAoIzYO5omL_K5oCBis9tTRMmtBcmQplMUurS2A8rRB9lJeCDNOmxi85mvNemH0wCqH1zjn90/s400/BED0909_HOSEYESHIP_STRAUSS_PJ-17_Lo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405062195115191714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHMGoav50L4YFYIDlAh1PmdcTLiLU8nhDgeXawJQJ_klyZPhLiCxcZmybcENeg9Ygq9radIhdgQ0OIC1F6APRLs6f3p14CwumbDF6tt4CZH8PSedoRWdU1OCJrC_L59S7WtmZ1mCA0bDv/s1600/BED0909_EYE_PTNOVO_DB058_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHMGoav50L4YFYIDlAh1PmdcTLiLU8nhDgeXawJQJ_klyZPhLiCxcZmybcENeg9Ygq9radIhdgQ0OIC1F6APRLs6f3p14CwumbDF6tt4CZH8PSedoRWdU1OCJrC_L59S7WtmZ1mCA0bDv/s400/BED0909_EYE_PTNOVO_DB058_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405062189831813234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH147KcqFC6bdElyu0wS2ludrbtTxN-fyY1JkLEMjOlmqN5SUN7eCiRgcGIDaeuBJxNnfHo3cBTOqKbpx_odLN6LUmu03p8fsa4xnHK5tmfkoHhBYu1tDLXZM2__91l5ByKmdNhZKDXosb/s1600/BED0906_HOSEYECLIN_SCOTT_NZ_DB030_LO.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH147KcqFC6bdElyu0wS2ludrbtTxN-fyY1JkLEMjOlmqN5SUN7eCiRgcGIDaeuBJxNnfHo3cBTOqKbpx_odLN6LUmu03p8fsa4xnHK5tmfkoHhBYu1tDLXZM2__91l5ByKmdNhZKDXosb/s400/BED0906_HOSEYECLIN_SCOTT_NZ_DB030_LO.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405062190381047490" /></a>Hundreds of people wait outside of a Mercy Ships eye clinic in Benin, West Africa, hoping to be scheduled for cataract surgery. According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are responsible for 48% of world blindness, affecting 18 million people.<br /><br />This is a story I wrote about Dr. Glenn Strauss and the amazing things he has doen this year in Benin. And at the end of the day, he and his wife, Kim, are two of the kindest, humble people you will ever meet. <br /><br />Vision for the Masses <br />By Megan Petock <br />Photos by Bebra Bell and PJ Accetturo<br /><br />According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are responsible for 48% of world blindness - affecting 18 million people. Although surgically curable, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the developing world, where nine out of ten of the world's blind live. Barriers to surgical care include high cost, inaccessibility due to lack of trained surgeons, and poor visual outcomes. If no action is taken, it's estimated that the number of people blind from cataracts will swell to 40 million by the year 2020.<br /><br />Having a diameter of only 2.5 cm (1 inch), the human eye is slightly smaller than a ping pong ball. Most of the eye remains hidden and protected within the bony orbits of the skull. Only the cornea - the eye's clear, outer wall - is exposed to the environment. <br /><br />The optics of the eye are comparable to a camera. The cornea allows light into the eye, which continues through the pupil until reaching the transparent, flexible lens. The lens focuses a precise amount of light onto the retina - a light-sensitive tissue on the eye's inner surface, filled with visual receptor cells. These cells, called rods and cones, generate an electronic impulse which transmits images to the brain. The images are transcribed by the brain, and the result is sight.<br /><br />A cataract is the clouding or loss of transparency of the lens. The lens cannot focus light onto the retina, which means that a clear image cannot be transmitted to the brain. The affected individual's vision becomes blurred and unfocused. If the cataract is not removed, the clarity of vision continues to deteriorate, eventually causing blindness. <br /><br />In the Western world, cataracts are removed long before vision is threatened. They are most commonly removed using a technique called phacoemulsification. A small ultra-sound probe breaks the cloudy lens into pieces and suctions them out through a tiny incision. Then a new lens is inserted. However, in the developing world, where resources and personnel are scarce, this technique is not feasible. <br /><br />Traditionally, the alternative method used in developing countries has been the extra-capsular technique, in which the surgeon makes an incision in the eye and removes the entire cataract in one piece. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes and requires stitching the eye, which results in a prolonged recovery. <br /><br />Dr. Glenn Strauss, an American ophthalmic surgeon, has spent more than a decade performing free eye surgery in developing countries. Serving with the global charity Mercy Ships, he and his wife, Kim, live onboard the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship, the Africa Mercy.<br /><br />Dr. Strauss received his medical training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston,Texas. It wasn't until his last year of medical school that he became interested in ophthalmology. "It was the fourth year of medical school when we had a very short rotation through the eye department - only two days," said Dr. Strauss. "It caught my attention, and I really hoped it was something I could do. However, obtaining an ophthalmic residency was very competitive. There were 500 people that applied for four positions. I was given one of the positions. I thank the Lord for opening the door and allowing me to do it."<br /><br />His first experience performing ophthalmic surgery in the Third World was with Mercy Ships in 1997, when Dr. Charles de Haven, a local ophthalmologist, invited him to work onboard the Caribbean Mercy. "After that experience, I continued coming back, and it became an annual routine," said Dr. Strauss. In January 2005, he left his successful ophthalmic practice in Tyler,Texas, to serve with Mercy Ships full-time. <br /><br />It was during this time that Dr. Strauss recognized the need for an alternative cataract removal technique.<br /><br />"The ultrasonic device needed for the phacoemulsification technique is expensive, the cost per use is very high, and maintenance of the machine is very difficult," explained Dr. Strauss. "In underdeveloped countries, the environment can be very harsh. I've seen machines that have been donated just sit there after being used just once or twice. And that's it. We needed to find a solution for people that did not require a lot of technology but produced the same quality. That was the objective," he said. <br /><br />Over four years, Dr. Strauss developed a high-quality, sutureless cataract-removal technique, that can be performed in only five minutes and requires basic surgical instruments. <br /><br />"It's been developed out of a concept that was already being used in all areas of ophthalmology for cataract surgery," he explained. "I applied the same principles in making a tunnel in the eye-wall through which you can do all your work. The cataract can be slipped out, and the new lens can be slipped in. When that tunnel is properly constructed, it is self-sealing and doesn't require any sutures." <br /><br />Dr. Strauss has seen positive results while using the sutureless technique in West Africa. The absence of sutures results in decreased trauma to the eye and an overall increase in recovery rate. "Patients are healing faster. The post-operative reports on our patients show that the day after surgery, the vision is extremely good. Some are even 20/20 or 6/6, which is considered perfect vision," he said. "They are seeing that well the first day, which says a lot about the quality of the procedure." <br /><br />Because the procedure is inexpensive, faster, and more accessible, Dr. Strauss believes it has the potential to revolutionize ophthalmic care in developing nations and possibly decrease the escalating numbers of cataract blindness. <br /><br />"Currently, the number [of those blind from cataracts] is not going down. It's my hope that because this technique can be done using local resources, it will start to turn the trend and chip away at that number," he explained. "We've needed the right tool to have that impact. At this point, this procedure looks like a very good option to do just that." <br /><br />Although he has developed his own methodology, Dr. Strauss is quick to point out that he is not the only surgeon utilizing these principles. <br /><br />"It was certainly something I developed as an application of these principles to this specific condition that we have here, but developing this technique is not really the same as inventing something. There are several other ways that the same thing is done, and there has been interest in doing this since about 2003. There have been similar techniques developed in Indiaand Nepal, and they have had a parallel development." <br /><br />This year, Dr. Strauss has taught the technique to five ophthalmic surgeons from Benin. Currently, they are using the technique at their local hospitals and teaching it to other surgeons. "This new method is very quick and less expensive, which has been very helpful," said Dr. Doutetien, a Beninese ophthalmic surgeon who is now performing the technique at her hospital. <br /><br />In addition to his reputation as an excellent ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Strauss is known for being a kind and humble person. Friend and colleague Alison Brieseman, Operating Room Supervisor onboard the Africa Mercy, has worked with Dr. Strauss for several years. She describes him as a "team player," who even helps mop the floors after a long day of surgeries in the OR.<br /><br />Brieseman believes that the work Dr. Strauss is doing and the knowledge he is sharing is revolutionizing ophthalmic care in developing nations around the world. Indeed, the technique Dr. Strauss has developed has the potential to impact millions of lives. "It doesn't replace what is being done in the developed world, but the quality of it is quite comparable," Dr. Strauss said. "Just because someone lives in a poor country doesn't mean they ought to be getting second-best. It's not offering a second-best, and that's what I really like about it. I think it's a terrific step forward," he concluded.megan petockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941009805751236429noreply@blogger.com0