Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Sailing..
Hi all,
so the big news is.... we're sailing. I will update you all with more info about the end of the field service later this week.
This afternoon, just after midday, we set sail from Conakry, Guinea north towards the Canary Islands. It was as always a sad farewell, leaving the place that we have called home for the last 10 months.
To get us started on this sail I have added some pictures (those 3D ones again) that were taken around the ship today. Enjoy!
God bless,
Ben
ps To view just click on the picture and then it will let you move around :)
so the big news is.... we're sailing. I will update you all with more info about the end of the field service later this week.
This afternoon, just after midday, we set sail from Conakry, Guinea north towards the Canary Islands. It was as always a sad farewell, leaving the place that we have called home for the last 10 months.
To get us started on this sail I have added some pictures (those 3D ones again) that were taken around the ship today. Enjoy!
God bless,
Ben
ps To view just click on the picture and then it will let you move around :)
Friday, May 17, 2013
Just one of those days
Today was Thankful Thursday: a tradition we have on the ward of specifically thanking God, at handover prayer, for something He has blessed you with. I thanked God for the rain. Nine hours after that handover, I'm no less thankful for the rain pouring down, clearing the air and refreshing the earth. But my heart is bursting with gratitude for work-work that I love, work that brings hope, work that I'm glad to do.
You could say it was "one of those days". Usually that has a bad connotation, a "hand me a large glass of wine quickly" connotation. But not around here. I had "one of those days"-
One where a small, adorable, newly repaired lip baby was handed to me, just for a cuddle.
One where a seven-year-old patient kept "beeping" at me to move my foot out of the path so she could pass by on her tricycle, occasionally purposefully antagonizing me into tickling her.
Where a five-year-old with a disfigured face and a beautiful laugh wants to sit in my lap and do my work with me, occasionally picking up the mouse to chat in Sousu like it's a phone.
Where our gorgeous 18 year old long-term patient, whose face has been reconstructed slowly after Noma destroyed it, sits me down on a stool to give me a back rub and put my hair in a pony tail (I think she thinks my hair feels weird-it's a little different than hers).
Where you watch Shrek twice, by popular demand, and dubbed into French, no less.
Where your supervisor prays for you after your year end review.
Where the chief of anesthesia, teacup in hand, comes by at your request to check on a baby you're worried about.
But best of all, a shift where you go searching for a patient, only to find a group of them in the hall having an impromtu dance party. The sheer hilarity of 6 patients, ranging in age from mid 40's to 7 years, a doctor and two nurses standing around clapping and chanting "fote, dance, fote dance"(fote being local term for white person) or "Hannah, dance" or "Kadiatu dance"is something that should really have been caught on video-it evades adequate description. Suffice it to say, we gathered a crowd with our noise, we were a hot, sweaty mess by the end, and we just about laughed until we cried. Indeed, laughter is the best medicine, whether you're a patient or a medical professional.
Just another one of those days on the ward. Though another day on the ward is anything but normal-it is something truly special.
Written by Hannah
You could say it was "one of those days". Usually that has a bad connotation, a "hand me a large glass of wine quickly" connotation. But not around here. I had "one of those days"-
One where a small, adorable, newly repaired lip baby was handed to me, just for a cuddle.
One where a seven-year-old patient kept "beeping" at me to move my foot out of the path so she could pass by on her tricycle, occasionally purposefully antagonizing me into tickling her.
Where a five-year-old with a disfigured face and a beautiful laugh wants to sit in my lap and do my work with me, occasionally picking up the mouse to chat in Sousu like it's a phone.
Where our gorgeous 18 year old long-term patient, whose face has been reconstructed slowly after Noma destroyed it, sits me down on a stool to give me a back rub and put my hair in a pony tail (I think she thinks my hair feels weird-it's a little different than hers).
Where you watch Shrek twice, by popular demand, and dubbed into French, no less.
Where your supervisor prays for you after your year end review.
Where the chief of anesthesia, teacup in hand, comes by at your request to check on a baby you're worried about.
But best of all, a shift where you go searching for a patient, only to find a group of them in the hall having an impromtu dance party. The sheer hilarity of 6 patients, ranging in age from mid 40's to 7 years, a doctor and two nurses standing around clapping and chanting "fote, dance, fote dance"(fote being local term for white person) or "Hannah, dance" or "Kadiatu dance"is something that should really have been caught on video-it evades adequate description. Suffice it to say, we gathered a crowd with our noise, we were a hot, sweaty mess by the end, and we just about laughed until we cried. Indeed, laughter is the best medicine, whether you're a patient or a medical professional.
Just another one of those days on the ward. Though another day on the ward is anything but normal-it is something truly special.
Written by Hannah
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
A surprise visit
So a couple weeks back we suddenly got a overhead page that we were expecting an unplanned VIP... Below is the 'official story' didn't get to meet him but was kind of fun seeing him be welcomed onboard.
God bless,
Ben
A surprise visit
21.02.2013- FIFA President pays surprise visit to Africa Mercy
The FIFA President visits patients in the ward
Blatter signs in as a guest with Managing Director Donovan Palmer and Captain Tim Tretheway
Dr. Gary Parker explains his work to Blatter
Joseph S. Blatter, President of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), paid a personal visit to the Africa Mercy to witness its life-transforming work with his own eyes.
“I was not only deeply impressed, but also touched by the care Mercy Ships is giving these poor people and how well you are organized. I am touched by the hope and courage given to those you are serving,” President Blatter remarked.
Africa Mercy Managing Director, Donovan Palmer, noted that, “Football is at the heart of many in Africa. So, to have the President of FIFA stop in and give his best wishes to crew and to see patients is an incredible blessing. It has been an extraordinary surprise visit.”
God bless,
Ben
A surprise visit
21.02.2013- FIFA President pays surprise visit to Africa Mercy
The FIFA President visits patients in the ward
Blatter signs in as a guest with Managing Director Donovan Palmer and Captain Tim Tretheway
Dr. Gary Parker explains his work to Blatter
Joseph S. Blatter, President of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), paid a personal visit to the Africa Mercy to witness its life-transforming work with his own eyes.
“I was not only deeply impressed, but also touched by the care Mercy Ships is giving these poor people and how well you are organized. I am touched by the hope and courage given to those you are serving,” President Blatter remarked.
Africa Mercy Managing Director, Donovan Palmer, noted that, “Football is at the heart of many in Africa. So, to have the President of FIFA stop in and give his best wishes to crew and to see patients is an incredible blessing. It has been an extraordinary surprise visit.”
Monday, March 4, 2013
For Hannah
My dearest Hannah,
I explained (while handing out prizes) that you had never been to a Film Festival and that you were sad to have missed this one.. So this is for you:
(To explain to others: Hannah is currently back in California for a friends wedding; I was MC'ing the AMIFF (Africa Mercy International Film Festival), more to follow on this)
I explained (while handing out prizes) that you had never been to a Film Festival and that you were sad to have missed this one.. So this is for you:
(To explain to others: Hannah is currently back in California for a friends wedding; I was MC'ing the AMIFF (Africa Mercy International Film Festival), more to follow on this)
Friday, March 1, 2013
WAFFLES!!!!!
Just to let everyone know about the day to day sufferings of being on the Africa Mercy... On Fridays our cafe sells waffles. Makes for a good excuse to sleep for an extra half hour and skip breakfast. It's a tough life. :)
God bless,
Ben
God bless,
Ben
Sunday, February 24, 2013
For Dad
Recognize what the shirt says? Taken from my office window... Who would have thought it! In Guinea!
Next up in 3D: Deck 7
So I had promised to try this from different locations.
This morning our 3D world (gotta love technology) comes to you from deck 7.
Deck 7 is the area that has 2 walkways on either side, this means it becomes the default place for outside lunches, sitting in the sun, watching the world go by, reading & reflecting and just generally getting out if our steel box. Call it our back garden. Interestingly enough in my previous role it malls served as my PE area and still is the Academy playground, fun times :)
Today though it is m place to take cup of teas and small beat up Bible (this Bible has seen a whole lot of countries and the bottom of even more backpacks).
Enjoy stepping into our world for a look around!
(If you haven't played with this before, click and drag the picture to 'look around')
This morning our 3D world (gotta love technology) comes to you from deck 7.
Deck 7 is the area that has 2 walkways on either side, this means it becomes the default place for outside lunches, sitting in the sun, watching the world go by, reading & reflecting and just generally getting out if our steel box. Call it our back garden. Interestingly enough in my previous role it malls served as my PE area and still is the Academy playground, fun times :)
Today though it is m place to take cup of teas and small beat up Bible (this Bible has seen a whole lot of countries and the bottom of even more backpacks).
Enjoy stepping into our world for a look around!
(If you haven't played with this before, click and drag the picture to 'look around')
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
60 Minutes (but only 14 minutes of your time)
Hi all,
last Sunday the American TV show '60 Minutes' showed a piece on Mercy Ships that was filmed last year.
It is a great round-up and explanation of the work that we do here and the community in which we live.
(60 Minutes would be similar to Panorama in the UK)
It is definently worth watching as well as the 'extra segments'. 14 minute break from work/play/rest to see what God is doing in Africa.. go on, you know you want to.
In His service,
Ben
last Sunday the American TV show '60 Minutes' showed a piece on Mercy Ships that was filmed last year.
It is a great round-up and explanation of the work that we do here and the community in which we live.
(60 Minutes would be similar to Panorama in the UK)
It is definently worth watching as well as the 'extra segments'. 14 minute break from work/play/rest to see what God is doing in Africa.. go on, you know you want to.
In His service,
Ben
Monday, February 18, 2013
Back in the day.
Look what I found kicking round the Academy :)
2010 Togo
Left to right:
Haley Nichols, Amy Slennett (or was it still Handy), Danae Johnston, Shelly Davies, Estelle (soon to be no longer) Pretorius.
Hope you ladies are all well, you were such a support (pun intended).
God bless,
Ben
2010 Togo
Left to right:
Haley Nichols, Amy Slennett (or was it still Handy), Danae Johnston, Shelly Davies, Estelle (soon to be no longer) Pretorius.
Hope you ladies are all well, you were such a support (pun intended).
God bless,
Ben
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Our cabin in 3D!
Hi all,
we get a lot of questions as to what our cabin looks like. The problem being that is always really difficult to show in pictures.
But!! There is hope.. I was recently introduced to new app that actually will give you an idea of what a couples cabin feels like.
The 2 things you can't really see:
1. the curtain in front of the bed closes to 'split' the room (especially useful when Hannah has been working nights.
2. The bathroom is just round the corner by the cabin door.
I will be periodically trying this in different location on the ship.
Enjoy!
God bless,
Ben
PS bonus points if you can guess what I was watching on the laptop :)
we get a lot of questions as to what our cabin looks like. The problem being that is always really difficult to show in pictures.
But!! There is hope.. I was recently introduced to new app that actually will give you an idea of what a couples cabin feels like.
The 2 things you can't really see:
1. the curtain in front of the bed closes to 'split' the room (especially useful when Hannah has been working nights.
2. The bathroom is just round the corner by the cabin door.
I will be periodically trying this in different location on the ship.
Enjoy!
God bless,
Ben
PS bonus points if you can guess what I was watching on the laptop :)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Friday evening is for..
So Friday evenings are still Ultimate Frisbee evenings. There is not much more relaxing that throwing on a pair of shorts at 5 on a Friday afternoon to rush out to spend time with friends.
Today we played on a new field (when I say field I mean more of a construction site with a flat (when is say flat I mean the craters aren't too big) area of to one side). It is an hour and a half of playing hard but laughing, dodging holes and general skidding around.
I couldn't help but share the colour of my legs when I peel off my socks and shoes. Thanks Africa :)
God Bless,
Ben
Today we played on a new field (when I say field I mean more of a construction site with a flat (when is say flat I mean the craters aren't too big) area of to one side). It is an hour and a half of playing hard but laughing, dodging holes and general skidding around.
I couldn't help but share the colour of my legs when I peel off my socks and shoes. Thanks Africa :)
God Bless,
Ben
Friday, January 11, 2013
The sun rises over Conakry
The sun is rising over Conakry... The last week has been unusually cool as the Harmattan winds are blowing over west Africa, bringing with them a sky full off dust.
You can actually see the haze in the picture.
Just another day as the sun rises over Conakry from my office window :)
God bless,
Ben
You can actually see the haze in the picture.
Just another day as the sun rises over Conakry from my office window :)
God bless,
Ben
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Enough said...
I suffered a long-overdue breakdown yesterday just before lunch. I decided reluctantly that I did want lunch, so I cleaned up my face, blew my nose, and headed to the dining room, more to find a friendly face than to eat. I sat with Trudi (God bless her!) and, while trying to give the gist of what had upset me, I started tearing up again. When I asked down the table for a napkin, one kind nurse asked what was wrong. "I work in B ward, with the VVF ladies". "Oh, enough said", she replied.
It is a well-known and understood fact amongst those who work in the hospital, and for most on the ship, how very difficult this season of VVF surgeries has been. For those far and wide who I have neglected to communicate with, I will fill you in a bit.
Vesico vaginal fistula, or VVF, is a result of obstructed labor causing a hole to develop in the bladder, resulting in a a constant leaking of urine after her baby has been delivered (often stillborn). This problem is almost 100% preventable, but too common in West Africa. It ruins women's lives. They can't work, they are often abandoned by husband and family. They live as outcasts, if they have the will to live at all.
VVF surgeries started on the ship in November. I transferred to B ward to work with the VVF ladies. There was a lot of excitement as exams were done and surgeries commenced. But one by one, most remained wet after surgery. Many were turned away by the first surgeon. "Have her come back for the second surgeon, she has more experience with difficult cases". So they were asked to wait. A good many waited with us on the ward, others at the local hospital. With every set-back, like the women themselves, the nurses clung to the hope that maybe the next surgeon would give a better prognosis. Most of the women here have had unsuccessful repairs locally. Subsequent repairs create scar tissue, increasing difficulty with each surgery.
Our third and final surgeon began exams on Monday, surgery on Tuesday. Six of our twenty on the ward were given a "no"straight off.
One of those turned away is just 20 years old. Diarraye is a beautiful young lady with a mischievous grin and quiet affection. She was married off young. Her first pregnancy caused her fistula. Her baby was stillborn, her husband eventually left her. She cannot work with the condition. She has no education. Her prospects are dire. After she was told there was no possible surgery, there isn't any healthy tissue to reconstruct, Diarraye lay on the floor wailing, inconsolable. By the next morning she sat in her bed, more sedate than usual, but with the same half smile as usual. Quiet acceptance of a fate beyond her control.
There aren't words to describe the heartbreak, the sheer unfairness of it all. Tragic things happen all over the world every day, but this is PREVENTABLE. As charge nurse on the ward I've tried to hold it together, dealing with issues as they come up, loving on each woman while she's with us, even if we can't help her medically. Yesterday, on my day off, there was no stopping the floodgates from opening, my tears flowing unchecked down onto my shirt, over my computer, streaking makeup down my face. A small relief to the sickness of heart I feel when I think of each one of these precious women walking away from this ship, unchanged and utterly hopeless. God, be their hope where they have none.
It is a well-known and understood fact amongst those who work in the hospital, and for most on the ship, how very difficult this season of VVF surgeries has been. For those far and wide who I have neglected to communicate with, I will fill you in a bit.
Vesico vaginal fistula, or VVF, is a result of obstructed labor causing a hole to develop in the bladder, resulting in a a constant leaking of urine after her baby has been delivered (often stillborn). This problem is almost 100% preventable, but too common in West Africa. It ruins women's lives. They can't work, they are often abandoned by husband and family. They live as outcasts, if they have the will to live at all.
VVF surgeries started on the ship in November. I transferred to B ward to work with the VVF ladies. There was a lot of excitement as exams were done and surgeries commenced. But one by one, most remained wet after surgery. Many were turned away by the first surgeon. "Have her come back for the second surgeon, she has more experience with difficult cases". So they were asked to wait. A good many waited with us on the ward, others at the local hospital. With every set-back, like the women themselves, the nurses clung to the hope that maybe the next surgeon would give a better prognosis. Most of the women here have had unsuccessful repairs locally. Subsequent repairs create scar tissue, increasing difficulty with each surgery.
Our third and final surgeon began exams on Monday, surgery on Tuesday. Six of our twenty on the ward were given a "no"straight off.
One of those turned away is just 20 years old. Diarraye is a beautiful young lady with a mischievous grin and quiet affection. She was married off young. Her first pregnancy caused her fistula. Her baby was stillborn, her husband eventually left her. She cannot work with the condition. She has no education. Her prospects are dire. After she was told there was no possible surgery, there isn't any healthy tissue to reconstruct, Diarraye lay on the floor wailing, inconsolable. By the next morning she sat in her bed, more sedate than usual, but with the same half smile as usual. Quiet acceptance of a fate beyond her control.
There aren't words to describe the heartbreak, the sheer unfairness of it all. Tragic things happen all over the world every day, but this is PREVENTABLE. As charge nurse on the ward I've tried to hold it together, dealing with issues as they come up, loving on each woman while she's with us, even if we can't help her medically. Yesterday, on my day off, there was no stopping the floodgates from opening, my tears flowing unchecked down onto my shirt, over my computer, streaking makeup down my face. A small relief to the sickness of heart I feel when I think of each one of these precious women walking away from this ship, unchanged and utterly hopeless. God, be their hope where they have none.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Love you all!
So it been a little while since I posted. So time to catch up :)
Hannah and I have just returned from a 2 week break over Christmas. We managed to get back to the Netherlands to spend time with my family. (There was also a whirlwind visit to Nurnberg in Germany where Daniel, my younger yet taller, brother is living. It is more than worth a visit, beautiful city)
It was a great chance to visit family and reconnect with old friends. There is nothing more encouraging than not seeing friends for a year and a half then sitting down to chat like it was yesterday you were seeing each other every week.
As I look at the various places Hannah and I have lived (and are likely to live) it is good to know that friendships sustain themselves even over long distances.
So call this my new years message to all the people out there whom I (or we) truly love and we don't see as often as we would like too that we do actually miss you all; and of course for the people who are around us that we feel blessed to share life with you.
In His service,
Ben
Hannah and I have just returned from a 2 week break over Christmas. We managed to get back to the Netherlands to spend time with my family. (There was also a whirlwind visit to Nurnberg in Germany where Daniel, my younger yet taller, brother is living. It is more than worth a visit, beautiful city)
It was a great chance to visit family and reconnect with old friends. There is nothing more encouraging than not seeing friends for a year and a half then sitting down to chat like it was yesterday you were seeing each other every week.
As I look at the various places Hannah and I have lived (and are likely to live) it is good to know that friendships sustain themselves even over long distances.
So call this my new years message to all the people out there whom I (or we) truly love and we don't see as often as we would like too that we do actually miss you all; and of course for the people who are around us that we feel blessed to share life with you.
In His service,
Ben
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