Linda Atwood's Global Mercy Journey

  Peregrinatio  ~ Wandering with God Those who walk with God always reach their destination. ~ Henry Ford Definition for peregrinatio ~ Leaving one's homeland and wandering (not aimlessly) for the  love of God. The journey is characterized not by scripted outcomes but in finding peace  in the disruptions of life.

  Equipping the GLM Hospital and Preparing the GLM Crew for Mission  The Global Mercy (GLM) returned to Tenerife, Spain in July 2022 for additional equipping of the ship's  hospital and community members. Tenerife is a beautiful island enjoyed by Europeans because of the sunny weather, many beaches and diverse landscape for hiking.  The well developed Tenerife area has good roads, housing, and a stable Spanish government. Any comparison with Dakar, Senegal is easily noticed in the infrastructure and the luxury resorts found along the coastal areas of Tenerife, Spain.  Many of the GLM crew talk about a feeling of disconnect when enjoying the lovely ocean views, hikes and well developed shopping areas because of their desired goal to be in the planned mission work within Sub-Saharan Africa. The Mercy Ships organization encourages the crew to think about this time as the important start of the GLM mission. Our current time in Tenerife, for the equipping phase, is v...

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer"  ~ Romans 12:12       Returning to Tenerife, Spain on 29 July 2022 Returning to the Global Mercy ship, after my month stay in USA, felt bittersweet. I stay steadfast in my commitment to Mercy Ships and look forward to new experiences. But I will deeply miss my family, friends, and familiar community activities. Life is a series of leaving and beginning events. I realize the importance of listening to Paul's words in Romans 12:12 telling me, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. This verse helps me to emotionally prepare for transitions. I returned to Minnesota to attend my father's Memorial Service. My father created numerous opportunities for the family to gather during his lifetime. During the Memorial Service, my sister and I spoke about the meaningful memories. As children we hold important memories of growing up. Then we built more memories during the years of raising our ...

  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...