Joining the Global Mercy ship

 

May 2, 2022

Dear family and friends,

My Dream

Volunteering on a hospital ship became an interest of mine over 50 years ago. During my youth there was a hospital ship called the SS Hope which was in operation from 1960 to 1974. My dream created a plan to finish a nursing program and join the hospital ship. However, when I graduated from Mankato West High School, the Hope Project retired the hospital ship, putting a stop to my dream. I moved on to completing my nursing degree at Saint Olaf College, and focusing on family, more school, and work. 

Life continued with many blessings to help manage sorrow. During the pandemic years, I traveled from one family home to the next, and enjoyed time with multiple generations. In December 2021, I said goodbye to my father and in April 2022 welcomed a ninth grandchild. Now I am inspired to find adventure in my third trimester of life.

My hope of being crew on a hospital ship was renewed when I thought about my graduation (retirement) from a 25-year practice as a health psychologist. It is a significant transition to leave 45 years of work in health care and familiar family routines for an opportunity to join a global mission serving those not able to have medical care.

What is Mercy Ships?

Mercy Ships is an international hospital charity, which provides free healthcare, community development projects, community health education, mental health programs, agriculture projects, and palliative care for terminally ill patients. Since 1978, the Mercy Ships have worked with more than 56 nations, providing services worth over 1.5 billion dollars and helping more than 2.8 million people. Currently, Mercy Ships is focusing their hope and healing mission in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Global Mercy vessel is joining sister ship, Africa Mercy, as it starts mission work. The Global Mercy is the first ship specifically built for the Mercy Ships organization.  I will be joining the Global Mercy ship in May 2022 as a counselor for the crew. The Global Mercy ship can accommodate 950 people during its mission, including 640 crew members- surgeons, nurses, dental and eye professionals, engineers, mariners and support volunteers.

What Will I Be Doing?

My counselor for the crew role will creatively evolve as need for psychological support develops. A private office is available for counseling but my daily routine may also involve walking around the ship to meet people and observe for adjustment stress. The diversity - multi-national, multicultural, multi-age (6 months to elders), and multi-work description, of the crew requires a creative intervention design. 

It takes two years to establish a port of call for mission work. The Global Mercy will be located in Dakar, Senegal in May and June but returns to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, for continued team building. My transition is filled with endings, some chaos, and hope for blessed beginnings. I will sincerely miss you and the events where we share time. I am grateful that my 4 children, 4 daughter/son-in-laws, and 9 grandchildren plan to visit me in Tenerife during the December 2022 holiday. I hope to stay connected by social media, emails, FaceTime/Zoom conversations, and this Blog.  Please continue to let me know about your life events and thoughts. May your days be filled with health, faith and wisdom.

Love, Linda

Email: linda.atwood.56@gmail.com

WhatsApp: 1-651-338-3011

Blog: Linda Atwood's Global Mercy Journey 

http://lindalatwood.blogspot.com