Climbing the Trails to New Places

















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 My February 2023 return to Senegal for the Grand Opening of the GLM Ship Hospital The Global Mercy surgical ship arrived in Dakar, Senegal to live out her mission of providing hope and healing to nations with limited surgical capacity. Dr. Juliette Tuakli, Mercy Ships' Diplomatic Ambassador for Africa, said at the arrival ceremony: "For the first time in Mercy Ship's history, two nations will be served from one port. Mercy Ships is grateful that Senegal, in the true spirit of Teranga, has opened its border to a selective group of patients from The Gambia who will be served alongside patients from Senegal." After my many months in Tenerife, during the equipping phase of the Global Mercy ship, it is an amazing experience to return to Senegal with a fully operating hospital.  A pediatric hospital bed which is now a place for a young patient during our field service time in Senegal. Watching the patients and their families walk up the gangway is a powerful experience. Th...
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                                               The Global Mercy Surgical Ship Experience The Mercy Ships organization continues to offer surgical support in Africa. The decision to focus on Africa developed with the realization of the great need for free and safe surgery. Fifty percent of the West African population is located along the coast. The Africa Mercy and Global Mercy surgical ships offer care to those living on the coast and also throughout the country.  Globally, 5 billion people lack access to safe surgery. Children and adults die every day from treatable surgical treatment.  Managing the operational details of a ship requires a full time captain, engineers, and many deck crew to keep everything in excellent ship shape. My single cabin became a sanctuary for relaxation at the end of busy days. My schedule as a counselor for the crew was meaningful...
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Joining the Global Mercy ship

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  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...
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