Mercy Ships is an international
Christian charity using hospital ships partnered with land-based programmes to
deliver transformational health care at no charge to the world’s forgotten
poor. Mercy Ships has provided
services in developing nations since 1978, and the Africa Mercy remains the world’s largest non-governmental, non
profitable hospital ship dedicated to the continent of Africa. While providing
surgical and primary health care, relief aid, and community support, the Mercy
Ships team is dedicated to bringing physical and spiritual hope and healing to
the people of West Africa.
For as long as I can remember I have dreamt of travelling to Africa to help the people
and experience the diverse and vibrant culture. That dream came true in
January 2012 when I embarked on a two-month volunteer term with Mercy Ships in Lome, Togo. I am so proud and blessed to have been a
part of such a fundamental project. It was an absolute surreal
experience... truly beyond words. The word TRANSFORMATION took on a whole
new meaning as I saw this in action... physical change and transformation... and
spirits lifted and set free.
Starting February 20th,
I will be volunteering for the second time onboard the Africa Mercy Ship as a pediatric ward nurse. Mercy Ships is currently working in
Conakry, Guinea, West Africa for a ten month field service. In collaboration with volunteers from
around the world, I will be working with children of all ages and their
families in the pre-op and recovery phase of surgery. Mercy Ships programmes
promote health and well-being by serving the urgent surgical need of those most
in need and empowering developing communities. Children, among others of all ages, onboard the ship will be
recovering from various surgeries such as eye surgery (i.e. cataracts),
orthopaedic surgery (i.e. club feet repairs, tendon releases), reconstructive
surgery (i.e. cleft lip/palate repair, burn/skin grafts), obstetric fistula
repair, and an array of general surgeries (tumor removal, hernia repairs). As one can only imagine, many of
these surgeries are not only physically altering but also life changing!
I am so excited and feel very
fortunate for this opportunity to return to the ship and be a part of their
mission in Guinea. I can say with
great confidence that this unique organization has a lot to offer and provides
a very humbling experience to all those involved- patients, families, and
people from around the world that come together with a mutual goal and
something to give.
For more information feel free to
ask me or visit www.mercyships.ca
Also feel free to visit my Togo
2012 Blog @ jillnevenson.blogspot.ca
Stay tuned! And let the JOURNEY begin!
