Linda Atwood's Global Mercy Journey

  Travel outside of Dakar - 17 June 2022 Fruit and vegetable stands line the roadways in the smaller towns outside of Dakar. The main highway -  A1, is a toll road which costs about $2.40 (US) when going less than 25 miles out of Dakar. This is an expense many people can not afford. The roads in and around Dakar are well established and maintained.  Weaverbird nest which hangs from thorny tress in Senegal, West Africa.  Young ostriches at the organic farm outside of Dakar, Senegal. Mangos!!! A small town near the organic farm outside of Dakar, Senegal. Like many large cities these small towns are quickly becoming part of the larger Dakar boundary. Touring the organic farm with one of the Senegalese farmers.

 The Global Mercy ships hospital ~ The Global Mercy hosts 6 operating theaters, 102 acute care beds, 7 ICU/isolation beds, and an additional 90 self- care beds for patients needing a longer stay. The hospital accommodates one designated care person for each patient to help with the nursing support. The hospital area covers approximately 7,000 meters and includes dedicated classroom spaces as well as simulator labs for effective training of medical people living in Africa. This hospital vessel was built in 2021 and currently sails under the flag of Malta.

 Sunday Worship ~ Bringing the message of teranga to the Global Mercy ship community In travel commentaries, " teranga ", is often simply defined as "good hospitality". This Wolof (language of Senegal, Mauritania, and The Gambia) word embraces the concepts of respect, community and solidarity. It is an important practice in Senegal because it involves a set of values. Teranga reflects how one treats a guest with open arms and a seat around the bowl .  During my stay in Dakar, Senegal, the community welcomed us with expressions of teranga. I believe the concept of teranga fits God's desires for His world. The world is a healthier place when people interact with kindness in a caring community context. May we pray for loving our neighbors in a teranga way by showing inclusion, warmth, friendliness and selflessness. Teranga reflects shalom which is mentioned throughout the Bible starting in Genesis. "He said, "Shalom be to you. Don't be afraid. Yo...

"Jere Jef"  Senegal! A familiar phrases heard around Dakar is "Jere Jef".  It means "thank you" in Wolof , the language of the Wolof people in West Africa.  I leave Senegal on 26 June 2022 with hopes to return in February 2023.  Dakar is referred to as the gateway to Africa. The port is a massive area of various docks for cargo from many countries. It is fascinating to watch the large ships arrive and day workers help to remove the cargo. This cargo seems to be anything from cars to corn! The Global Mercy ship will be leaving soon with hopes to return in February 2023.  Moving around the streets of Dakar feels safe and welcoming. The safety officers aboard the Mercy Ships provide country information and report the crime rate in Senegal as low. The recent protests around the Presidential Palace have been peaceful. The home of President Macky Sall, (head of state since 2021), and his family is less than one mile from the port where the Global Mercy ship is l...

 Dakar, Senegal photographs Women performing during the blessing of the Global Mercy ship. Small shops, like the one in the photo, line the streets throughout Dakar. Public transportation in Dakar, Senegal is decorated with color and design. Dak'Art  ~ Biennale de l'Art Africain Contemporain exhibit. llhem ELLOUZE - TU, Insaanyaa Textile art from Mali by artist Abdoulaye Konate'. Textile art from Mali by artist Abdoulaye Konate'.    

Dakar, Senegal ~ June 13, 2022 The Global Mercy ship has been in Dakar, Senegal for two weeks. The first week involved hosting an inauguration celebration and Dakar Declaration ceremony. There were many presidents and health ministers from West African nations present on the ship. The Dakar Declaration builds on the foundation formed during the International Symposium, held in Senegal, during May 2022.  The goal is to advance surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care in African nations. Witnessing the events showed me a world working together for the common good of all people. During my month long stay in Senegal, the crew will help with the training of 260 Senegalese health professionals. I have been part of the training by helping the visiting health professionals understand where to get their COVID test and how to enter the ship's hospital for classes.  Our sister ship, Africa Mercy, has been busy doing surgeries on board since February 2022, and plans on staying until the e...

  The reflections I shared while leading Sunday worship  ~  May 29, 2022  We are living on God's great ocean. We celebrate and give praise to God for a beautiful and safe sail to Senegal. I believe the rivers, oceans and other water ways are one way God shows us how to be steadfast and set our devotions for a life filled with Grace, determination and humility. Just as the river empties into the sea, we learn how to expand beyond our personal banks to share our God given talents and strengths with others. Like a river, as our life meets the vast, and often dark depths of a large ocean, we pray to be part of something larger. The sail to Senegal, on the Global Mercy ship, is God's invitation to be part of something larger. Mercy Ships mission - to serve those needing hope and healing, was propelled by God, in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. We praise God for His enduring love and direction. God's love is often compared with the depths of the ocean. We believe God's l...