Wow! What a roller coaster of emotions I’ve been experiencing this past week. It has gone from getting my feet settled, learning my routines, and exploring the beautiful country of Senegal to stopping everything. I was so excited to fully dive into the culture. Then like a rushing wave we were hit with the news that due to covid-19, we could no longer continue the surgeries or any part of the rest of the field service. There was an overwhelming gasp in the meeting. We were all just heartbroken for the patients that had been preparing for months to have surgery and would now have to be told we can’t help them. Heartbroken for all those in the screening team that had to contact them. Heartbroken for all those Senegalese who have given up their jobs to help serve their country with Mercy Ships. It hasn’t been an easy week. Honestly, I’ve had selfish moments where I’ve thought “gosh, I just got here I wanted to help treat and care for patients and now it’s over.” But during my quiet time The Lord has reminded me that its not about my “experience” it’s about being in the now. Loving those I have had a chance to get to know with the love of the Lord. Cherishing my time with patients and watching God do miracles in their healing process.
We have had a daily meetings to keep us up to date on the rapidly changing news. As of a week ago we have been quarantined on the ship. Surprisingly, in my opinion, we have done extremely well. We are having devotionals, worship nights, game nights, and still even lots of work! One of the most uplifting things I’ve witnessed is how the current patients have handled this all. They are so grateful for all that we have done. We have been told the response was the same from those that had to be contacted to have their surgeries cancelled.
Praise report:
After sharing that the Dakar airport was closing, as many of you prayed for all those trying to get home, God made a way. The president and US government chartered a flight for US citizens to get home. 37 American volunteers were able to get home safely due to that flight. Praise God for His faithfulness. Some of you are wondering why I was not on that flight right? Haha! well let me tell you...
I had mentioned in a previous posting that I have felt called to serve with Mercy Ships even if that looks different than I expected.
The management in every department was asked to make a list of essential crew and nonessential crew. I have been asked if I would stay to help in the event of a crisis on board. As well as continue to serve the current patients. I have been so humbled that they would ask the girl that just got here two weeks ago to stay. In no way did I ever see myself as “essential,” but I think this just validates my feeling of called here. I’m so honored to be a part of this team and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Furthermore, to answer many questions: I don’t not know when I’ll be home. I am planning to serve here as long as they have a need for me and then I will return state side. I’m very grateful for all those praying for me! I’m thankful for a roommate keeping my beloved cat and letting me have somewhere to call home when I get back. I’m thankful for Global Health Collaboration and all those that helped fund my journey here. I couldn’t have done it without your willingness to help! Mostly, I’m just thankful to be alive and healthy. One thing I would like to focus on this next week is making sure glorifying the Lord is at the center of everything I do and embracing the happiness just to be a part of this amazing group- no matter what that looks like. The whole unknown thing can be very daunting at times but then I remind myself of God’s promises to me and the unknown seems less and less worrisome.
Written by Lauren Craig
2020 Global Health Collaboration Missions Scholarship Recipient
Working with Mercy Ships
Dakar, Senegal- Africa