One of the great things about coming back and forth to the ship is that each time I come back, there is always a sense of coming home.The crew of the ship and day volunteers are no longer strangers, they are family. I have my adopted "uncle" who first came with me to the ship in 2010, my "little sister" who adopted me into her own family back in 2011, my ship mom, lots of "brothers" and other family. One friend commented that I "seem so at home here." There's no denying it: this is definitely my second home. As much as I love my home in the States, there is something so unique and special about this place. I love the sense of community and the way we are able to share life together. Each day we have the opportunity to build each other up and sharpen one another "as iron sharpens iron." And whether that happens through a word of encouragement or rebuke, the joy of seeing a patient experience a new transformation, or through the frustrations of living in tight spaces, at the end of the day we are better and stronger for it.
Another thing that I have loved about being back is the friendlinessof the African people. Often when I am out in town, people will see me and say "Mercy Ships!" and wave or come over to say hello. If I need to get a taxi, there is always a kind person to make sure I get in the right one (I still haven't figured out all the hand signals they use for the taxis here...it is way too confusing)! When I get lost in the huge maze of the market, there is always someone who leads me to where I need to go. If I'm walking past a kids' soccer game in the street, they never hesitate to kick me the ball (they always love seeing girlsplay soccer because it's not that common here). If I'm out for a run, children on the side of the road often ask me for some of my water. I can't help but remember Jesus' words: "And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42). And while it may not be a full cup, the kids love it when I share my water with them, especially if they're in the middle of a soccer game (don't worry mom, I've mastered the art of pouring it into theirmouths so I don't have to share any germs). One day my roommate and I were at the beach and multiple teenage girls came up and asked to takea picture with us, even though we had never met them before. Even if the people in town don't know my name, they see me as a representative of Mercy Ships and more importantly of Christ. So it makes my heart happy if I can somehow show the love of Christ to them. Whether it is through buying food for the kids who sit with me out of fascination with my blue eyes and light skin or through holding a crying baby for a young, overwhelmed mom who is already trying to console the other twin, I pray that some bit of Jesus love pours forth from my words and actions. One thing is certain: I am blessed to be in this place. I love the African people and am honored that God has called me to his work here. It is such a privilege!
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