27 days!!!

until we fly out to meet the ship!!
but who's counting, anyway?!!! :)

Training Days

We have been home for two weeks now after six and a half weeks of training and a total of 6,500 miles behind the wheel! Our adventure began with a road trip across the mid-west to our destination of Lindale, Texas--home of Mercy Ships international headquarters. We took the opportunity to see some family and friends along the way, highlighted by celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary at the majestic Grand Canyon! The first three weeks were spent in classes, followed by a week of basic safety training. We then spent our final two and a half weeks in outreach in the Dominican Republic.

Classroom training
The first week covered faith foundations, focusing on the character of God, prayer, and spiritual warfare. The second week focused on us, highlighting interpersonal development and communication, and living in community. The last week emphasized the world around us. We discussed worldview, cultural transformation, and working with the poor and needy.
This portion of our training was unique and invaluable. We come back with new friendships made, personal and spiritual growth, and many fun memories! We gained a greater and more intimate understanding of who our God is, and a deeper understanding of who we are and our potential. We learned Biblical & Kingdom principles to live by and how they look and apply in all facets of life, and our cultural worldview was challenged and expanded. It truly was a time of evaluation of the heart and rest of the spirit. We come back refreshed and encouraged!
We will soon arrive in Africa with a greater understanding of the God we serve, the organization we serve under, and of her people to whom we look forward to serving.

Safety training

We spent the majority of this week in the classroom learning fire safety, water/sea survival, and first aid/CPR. The last part of the week was spent in practical training and testing. This was necessary in order to meet the maritime requirements of the ship. A few highlights include wearing fire suits/gear, fighting real fires, swimming in immersion suits, and jumping out of a raft. At the end of the week we received certificates of completion.

The Dominican Republic (D.R.)

Our team ministered to a very impoverished community of Haitian refugees near Puerto Plata. They are a people who fled to the D.R for work in the sugar cane fields. About five years ago the sugar cane industry collapsed, leaving the people of this community without work. No work results in little money for food. We helped the people build cages to breed rabbits for food. We also spent time with the people and children, developing relationship and giving love. There was also a great need for basic medical attention and first aid. Most of the children were barefoot, so there were many walking/running around with open wounds.

As the only nurse on the team, Hannah administered nursing care as needed. It was like an instant clinic many times to clean and dress common wounds.

The story of Rosa: I was eagerly informed upon my arrival of a lady needing medical attention. I was told she had an infected wound that had not been treated because of lack of money. She expressed giving up hope and the desire to die. Three years ago she got a mosquito bite on her leg that had become infected and eaten its way to the bone. She was unable to walk on that leg and had become homebound for the last three years. She could not afford to see the doctor for treatment. Rosa is only 28 years old. When I saw her, the musculature had returned but had risk of decaying without treatment. I had the unique opportunity to go to her house every day to give wound care and pray with her. She saw improvement and soon smiled more and more over our time together. I count it such a privilege to have had the opportunity to impact her life and give her love with my nursing skills. Before we left, Mercy Ships gave her some money for follow-up treatment. She was so pleased with the gift and the progress in her wound, that she expressed wanting to see the doctor every day now! The best part was seeing hope restored in her life!
We come back from the Dominican Republic with a greater understanding of life beyond our personal experiences and the borders of our country. We have experienced another culture with a deeper appreciation. We will soon arrive to Africa more sensitive to its culture, and with a passion to share with them the One who can ultimately heal, provide, and restore!