Two months ago I began my adventure here. Arriving on the ship after dark, I walked up the gangway, having no idea what I was getting myself into. Out of the four-hundred crew onboard, I knew three people. Those three I had met in Paris, as we waited for our flight to Togo. The ship was much bigger then. It seemed as if every time I would round a corner, I would lose my bearings, getting lost in a giant maze of steel, plastic, and wood. After a greeting from hospitality, I was shown my room. Considering my luggage would not join me for five more days, unpacking was quick. My roommate took me around the ship, showing me all the different areas. We ended up on Deck 8. There I could look at the port below. At the top of the ship I was able to see Togo around me. After my roommate went down, I stayed up on Deck 8. It gave me a chance to collect myself after a long journey to get there. It was surreal to be at the destination I had thought of for a year and a half. The next thought I had was, “Now what do I do?”
I had a shocking realization that my time on the Africa Mercy is quickly coming to a close. In little more than four weeks, I will make the same journey to the airport, only to end this adventure as I began it. I love it here. It’s crazy how this ship can feel like home. I’ve grown comfortable with my cabin, the hospital, and my new friends. Recently though, I’ve noticed many more new faces. Every couple weeks a few more of my friends leave, all returning to where they call home. Friends I’ve talked to late into the night, worked long hours with, watched movies and played games with, worshiped and prayed with have departed. And the process begins again. New faces come with new stories and other backgrounds, all interesting, but the knowledge of my own departure makes me hesitant. I don’t know how the long term crew can do it. It must be wonderful to meet all these new people, but watching them leave must be tough.
I’m only short-term here. In two months life will be how it was before. Cabin 3428 will have one less crew member. I’ll be back in Houston, reacclimating to life in the States. My bunk will have a new person sleeping in it. He will probably have many of the same thoughts as he first unpacks his luggage. His journey will start after mine is complete. New nurses will work in the hospital. They will open the same cabinets, and walk the same hallways I walk now. It’s a strange thought.
Christ has given me the chance to be here. He has orchestrated the whole opportunity for this ship to sit in this port right now. He trains the crew, collects the donations, moves other nurses to come, creates surgeons willing to serve him, cleans, paints, and repairs the ship, He gives to the needy, He moves the hearts the wealthy, and He pulls the patients towards His arms for care and healing. I am thankful to have the opportunity to even work with these people. As a nurse it has been refreshing, as a Christian it has allowed me to grow, and as a son, brother, and friend, it has shown me what I truly cherish at home.
In just two months I’ve seen more than I had in three years as a nurse. I’ve witnessed new life, true healing, and seen Christ in my fellow nurses, friends, the surgeons, patients and their families. I stand as an observer of the Glory working through this ship. Sure I’m a ward nurse, but I’m only a small tool on this ship, a part that will be replaced as I leave, allowing for the healing of Christ to continue.
I’m excited to have another month on this ship. As life continues on at home, I look forward to my return, but want to cherish every day I have left here in Africa. Thank you again to all who helped with this journey. As I am an instrument used by Christ on this ship, every one of you has been used by Him to bring his Mercy. Through donations, support, and prayer, you have brought hope to West Africa.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be Gracious upon you
May the Lord look upon you with His favor and
give you peace.
In Christ,
Myles
“Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” -Romans 6:13
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”-Ephesians 2:8-10
ahhh this made me cry! you write very well.
Very good article. Puts me there. Appreciate very much your labor of love in the Lord.