Starfish

I heard this little story last night from a crew member onboard the Africa Mercy and it goes like this:

Early one morning a young girl was walking along an African beach where thousands of starfish had been stranded on the shore by the receding tide. She started throwing some back into the sea. A man walking along the beach said to her – “what a waste of time, you will make no difference; they are all going to die”. The little girl replied “but it will make a difference to this one, and this one, and that one” as she continued to throw starfish back into the welcoming waves.

- Dr. Keith Thomson- Consultant Anaesthetist (from the UK)

Josh Callow- Videographer

I feel like this story reflects the work of Mercy Ships in a number of ways. Although we can’t possibly help everyone in need, we are making a difference in the lives of many. My intention for this next blog entry is to share and highlight what Mercy Ships has done the last several months for

the people of Guinea (and surrounding countries)

and how they continue to impact this Nation.

Conakry, Guinea

On September 3^rd, 2012, Mercy Ships held a mass screening day at the Guinea Palais du Peuple (the People’s Palace). This building/arena is a venue where important events are held in Conakry (capital city of Guinea). Unfortunately I wasn’t here for screening day this field service so I’m unable to comment on it directly. With that said, I have heard from various people who were involved what a success that day was! After spending time working on the wards the last couple weeks, I can personally say that I’ve seen the results of September 3^rd and the various other smaller scale screening days that have been held. Check out this link and watch a short video taken that day….a day that changed so much for so many!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBf_T7KvHZo

I would also like to share some pictures taken by a couple designated photographers on board. I think everyone would agree that pictures speak louder than words so I post these in hopes that they will paint a story for you. Perhaps is creates a story of strength, pain, perseverance, faith, suffering, determination, sorrow, hiding, neglect, isolation, shame, fear, family, relationships, sadness, grief, beauty, or hope.

Yellow Card = Access to Ship!

A bit about what Mercy Ships has done so far.....

This info comes from the Africa Mercy Programs Project Progress Report and reflects the various surgeries, services, and procedures that have occurred in Guinea over the last several months (from August 22^nd, 2012 to March 2^nd, 2013).

Mercy Vision

Cataract Surgeries = 1, 175

Pterygium Surgeries (benign growth of the conjunctiva) = 59

Strabismus (crossed-eyes) Surgeries = 4

Other Eye Surgeries = 21

Eye Evaluations & Treatments = 12,801

Distribution- UV Blocking Sunglasses = 463

Distribution of Reading Glasses = 1,147

Distribution of Prescription Glasses = 106

Refraction- Routine Eye Exams = 565

Cataract

Strabismus

Outlook of Hope

Maxillofacial Surgeries = 322

Cleft Repair Surgeries = 121

Physical & Occupational Therapy Services = 28

Cleft Lip

Facial Tumor

Reconstructing Hope

Plastic Reconstructive Surgeries = 18

Physical & Occupational Therapy Services = 271

Burn Injury

Specialized Surgical Solutions

General Surgeries (including Hernia repairs) = 202

Hope Reborn

Fistula- VVF/RVF Surgeries = 63

VVF (Vesicovaginal Fistula)

RVF (Rectovaginal Fistula)

Orthopedics (only pediatric patients)

Orthopedic Surgeries = 116

Ponseti Clubfoot Corrections = 51

Physical Therapy Services = 1,556

Palliative Care

Home Care for terminally ill patients/people = 26

Mercy Ministries

Partner Ministry Site Visits = 204

Guinea Smiles

Dental Care- tooth decay, infections = 30,029 procedures

Clinical Dental Hygiene Services = 613

Dentures/Replacements = 547

Hospital Chaplaincy

One-on-one Counseling Sessions- 2,765

Bibles Distributed = 124

One-on-one HIV Counseling Sessions = 385

I believe Mercy Ships is doing an amazing job of not only delivering transformational surgeries and care onboard the ship but also extending knowledge and resources into the community. Dr. Keith spoke of the importance of instilling skills and understanding into others rather than just “doing for”. His analogy referred to teaching a group of people to fish rather than just supplying the food to consume. Likewise, Mercy Ships continues to make efforts for development and change within Guinea at present and more importantly implimenting things that will continue to impact the people of West Africa into the future as the ship comes and goes.

The work that has been done with respect to Training & Capacity Building is an excellent example of this. Various local African surgeons and medical personnel have been welcomed to work alongside Mercy Ship crew for mentorship and training. These include surgeons (ophthalmic, maxilla-facial, plastic, orthopedic, VVF), anesthetists, nurses, nurse anesthetists, dental students, sterile processing technicians, and dental assistants (to name some).

This truly starts the cycle for positive change! Please pray for strength, commitment, team building, and collaboration for those who choose to pursue this mission and continue to educate others.