our lifesong: the last 18 days

Life has been a little of a whirlwind since arriving in Togo just shy of three weeks ago. In some ways it seems like its been three months, and in other ways I can't believe tomorrow brings the month of March! So much has happened in such a short time, I'm struggling with where to begin. And since I'm on-call this weekend and can't leave the ship further than the dock, I thought I'd sit down and attempt to put it all into words...

Since our arrival both our departments, hospital and purser's office, has hit the ground running! Tim has been busy establishing relations with customs, immigration, port authorities, and our shipping agent; not to mention embarking over almost hundred crew since we've arrived. Tim also had the privilege of preaching one Sunday at a local church! Hannah has been busy getting the hospital up and ready for patients. This has included overseeing the unpacking, cleaning, and set-up of the wards; facilitating hospital open-house for non-medical crew (fun activities to expose the crew to the hospital); interviewing applicants for day volunteers; and reviewing infection control policies and procedures.

This last week was particularly busy as the wards officially opened and surgery started. On Wednesday the hospital made history and performed the first hospital evacuation drill. This was pretty exciting as we had academy students act as patients and caregivers. An assimilated explosion erupted in the ICU and we practiced evacuating the hospital, mustering to the dock, and providing "care." Surgeries began Thursday and our first discharge left yesterday. For the next six weeks we are performing pediatric orthopedic surgeries (reversal of club feet and correction of bowed legs) and max-fax surgeries (removal of tumors and cleft lip/palate repair). This last week, and the next few weeks ahead, are especially busy for me in regards to teaching the nursing staff, new charge nurses, and day volunteers as they orient to the wards and their roles/responsibilities. Due to the unique design and challenges that a hospital ship brings, we do many things different here. Although, I especially love to teach, it can be exhausting.

Please pray for patience, endurance, and wisdom and discernment in the weeks ahead during this time of transition. Please pray for successful surgeries, eternal transformation in the lives of the patients, as for many, this is the first time they will experience God's love in a practical and tangible way. We are continually humbled that God allows us to be a part of His eternal work in this way, and allows us to love on His people here in West Africa.

Above all, may God's glory be proclaimed.

(Some pictures of these last few weeks)...