Love Like This

Hello friends,

I have been in Cameroon for 3 weeks now, and it has really flown by. These few weeks have been quite busy with orientation, training on the ward, and caring for patients. My return to the ship felt as though I had been away a few months, and not 6 years. The late night that I arrived I told a few other nurses that I couldn't believe I was really back. Within a day of my arrival, I was able to speak with several crew-members that I remembered from 2011. Some have stayed with MS and some have left for a period and returned. It was wonderful to reconnect, and I really feel like I've returned to my second home. My floating home, that is. :)

With that said, I want to thank all of you who have been praying for me. I have felt the presence of the Lord with me this entire time, from my flights over here to dealing with the transition to ship life. There have been days where I miss my family more than usual, or miss the freedom to drive somewhere, or just miss the sunshine (because it's rainy for about 9 months out of the year here!).  Despite these things, I have felt a deep peace that I know comes from the Lord.

I am SO excited to be back serving with Mercy Ships as a nurse. I've had many moments since arriving where I've thought "I can't believe I get to be a part of this." Attending today's Dress Ceremony was one of those moments. I'll give a little background for you: so my position is taking care of Women's Health patients. Most of these are women who have been suffering with a condition called VVF (vesico-vaginal fistula). This is a condition that is almost unheard of in more developed counties with adequate maternal healthcare. However in countries like Cameroon, the condition is quite common due to the lack of care for women in labor. Many women spend days in labor (at home) before delivering a baby that has already passed away. While grieving the loss of their child, they come to realize that they are leaking urine all the time and no longer have bladder control.

VVF is devastating to a woman for several reasons. It often causes her friends and family to reject her due to the smell she carries and the fact that she cannot stay dry. It also means that she may have difficulty or be unable to have any more children. In African culture, a woman's worth and future security are directly related to her ability to have children. This condition may be "invisible" but it's effects are devastating. So today, we celebrated our first group of 5 women who had surgery and are now dry! These are women that I have had the privilege to care for during their time with us. Each woman was given a dress to wear and keep that was made just for her. There was singing and dancing and each of the women looked absolutely radiant. Each woman then briefly shared her testimony. Jacqueline had previously shared parts of her story with me. She has 3 children, and has been leaking since 2010. Her husband left her because of her condition. She went from witch doctor to witch doctor in search of healing, but none was found. A pastor that she knew told her about Mercy Ships, so she went to a screening and was accepted for surgery. Now, Jacqueline's dignity has been restored and she is preparing to return home to her children.

The recurring theme that each woman focused on was the love of Christ that they were shown by Mercy Ships. It totally blew me away to hear how it had impacted them. One of the women, Tebedem, said "I have never seen love like this. I was healed even before I had my surgery." Whoa. I am ashamed to admit that I underestimated the difference that our care would make for these ladies. I think I have underestimated what Christ is capable of doing through me. I am learning that as the hands and feet of Christ, we have the ability to love in ways that are bigger than we can imagine. And it's not because of our own strength or goodness, but because of God who is working through us.

I hope this is an encouragement to you. May you show the love of Christ to all you encounter.