MERCY SHIPS

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 20^th, 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!