Christmas on the Africa Mercy

As mentioned in a previous blog, there have been Christmas events and activities throughout the month of December. The event continued these last few days. 

We sang carols on the dock with while hold candles. All the patients that were still here were able to come down to join in. Several of us were talking about how special it must have been for them. Usually patient walk up the gangway the day before their procedures or surgeries. They stay on the ship (in the hospital or on Deck 7) until they walk down the gangway to leave. It was fun to sing a combination of traditional carols and modern silly Christmas songs.

Christmas Eve was a quiet relaxing day on the ship with card writing and oragami. I also enjoyed homemade meal made by a friend and sugar cookies I made with Kalinda. The Christmas Eve service had several special musical pieces. One was the school band playing carols. I felt like I was sitting in a family den listening to young children play pieces they have practiced for hours. A little feeling of home and a big smile on my face. Another neat piece was "Silent Night" sung in English, Dutch, French, German, Norwegian, Spanish, and Malagasy (Kalinda and I privately). This is just a some of the languages spoken on the Ship.

Here on the Ship, the tradition is to put your shoe outside the door on Christmas Eve. During the evening and night, crew member wander around the ship quietly placing gifts, small treats and cards in the shoes. I have to say it was special to still have the surprise element on Christmas morning. Some people left names, and some did not. I think I will start this tradition myself next year where ever I may be. It really gives a small sense of community. Small things make a big difference.

Christmas Day was a good combination of activities and rest. Pastries and hot drinks were served in the cafe. After dinner on Christmas Eve, the dining room doors are shut. This is to hide the crew who are busily preparing for the brunch. At 10:30 the doors were opened to reveal flowers, tables covered with fresh fruit, cookies and pastries, and a turkey dinner in one line and breakfast in the other. Christmas brunch was delightful. It truly was a feast. Some supplies are running low as some expected containers have not arrived.  I was amazed at all the decorations and food. 

A few of us went for a walk in town in the afternoon. Many families were out and about dressed in their best. We stopped by a small fair that is always there but not always active. All the rides are truly man powered. There was popcorn and cotton candy available.

After a skype date with some of my family on the other side of the world, I went to open cabins. Several families, couples, and singles opened their cabins for guests to cycle in and out. They are here long term (at least two years). Some have been here for years already, and some are just beginning their two years. Each stop had a dessert(s). It was fascinating to see how each of them had made the place truly their home. Each unique; each reflecting their personalities and styles. You almost could forget that you are all on the same ship.

Puzzles

Not your typical title for Christmas blog...this blog has been brewing in my head for a few days. It began one day last week when seven patients were discharged from the ortho ward. All have casts on; most have casts on both legs. Some have straight leg casts and some have bent knee casts. Some have crutches; some have walkers. All have a caregiver, bag of belongings and balloons. 

Like many things here, discharge planning is different than what I am used to in the United States. In the United States, it is someone sole job to plan how and where the patient will go when they leave the hospital. Here, once the decision has been made the patient is safe and well enough to go home until the next cast change, they are escorted out to the dock. They are place in a landrover with their caregiver. Away they go on their own needing to figure out how to get home from the central dropoff place in town. 

We do consider how well they are walking if in straight leg casts. This component is a major factor as many will have to walk far from the main road to their homes. If they are in bent knee casts in both legs, they will have to be carried. 

Back to the puzzle. Most of the patients are able to walk up and down the stairs or are small enough to be carried by one person.  One day, I was asked to help carry an older patient with bilateral straight leg casts up the stairs and then down the gangway stairs to the dock. There was no way Mom could lift her in/out of the landrover much less a pouse-pouse/tuk-tuk. Once down on the dock, I was talking with a nurse and asked her how the patient was getting home from the central drop off station. No one had thought through that aspect. The mom rang a friend who graciously said they would pick them up in their car.

Photo credit Mercy Ships: patient waiting 

Once the landrover arrived, the nurse and I had the challenge of placing as many patients with legs in various positions, caregivers, bags, assistive devices and balloons in the landrover. We did have to rearrange two people. When all was said and done, everyone and everything was inside. All you could see was balloons and small faces with huge smiles and waving hands peaking out around the balloons. A big day for all! The nurse and I prayed as they pulled away that all would get home safely. 

Photo credit Mercy Ships: some patient ready to go home after

As I was thinking about it this, the logic puzzles of green hat sits next to red hat but not the blue hat came to mind. Then jigsaw puzzles came to mind. Often I have heard the analogy of a tapestry with strings weaving in and out seen from the backside doesn't make sense or even look nice. On the front side though it makes a beautiful piece of art. Ours lives are like this weaving in and out at different times. Sometimes looking like a complete mess. The human body as referred to in Corinthians is another example of us all being important yet having different jobs for accomplish the same goal. One day we will see how God works it all together.

It struck me that jigsaw puzzles is another example. We are all important pieces, different colors, different sizes and shapes. Here on the Africa Mercy, some are electricians, some mechanics, some cooks, dining room, teachers, nurses, surgeons, dentists, etc. Not only is it evident that all the pieces are necessary to complete the picture, it is very obvious is one piece is missing.

 For example, if the evac system is not working, sinks flood, toilets don't flush, showers don't drain. If cranes stop moving, gangway cannot be placed and containers with food and supplies cannot be lifted or moved. If the purser is not in constant contact with the government and customs, none of us can legally be here, containers will not enter the port and clear customs, personal packages will not arrive. If the financial personnel keeping track of the numbers, we would not have local money at our finger tips, cash flow of necessities/supplies on the ship would not flow. If housekeeping and laundry were not functioning patients would not have clean linens and gowns, we would have to wash our own scrub. If supplies are not filling orders, all departments on the ship would be short of necessities. If reception is not working, calls are not transferred, landrovers not communicated with, fire alarm not manned, and many other tasks. These are just some of the "behind the scene" puzzle pieces that make the ship function. I have heard that only 50% of the positions on the ship are medical.

Photo Credit Mercy Ships: Housekeeping team including day crew

Photo Credit Mercy Ships: IT is another department

Photo Credit: Mercy Ships: Engine room

 Remember if you are reading this, you too are an important puzzle piece. You may be supporting in prayer, encouragement, financially, working on the ship, or just interested in what I am currently doing. Remember too, that God created you to be unique, to be your "color and shape." You are a piece in many puzzles (family, community, friends, work, strangers needing a smile). You may feel alone, like you don't fit, just like another piece in the seas of pieces floating around waiting to fit your spot.  I pray you feel important and appreciated especially in this holiday season right where you are. Here is a big lemur hug and genuine smile from Madagascar.

This Week's Lesson...Forgiveness

Often in the developed world consciously and subconsciously think we are going to help those "less fortunate." We have prepared lesson plans, activities, itineraries, gathered stickers and bubbles and other supplies. We have prayed, raised support, and feel ready to go love others. All of this is necessary and important, but I think we often are unprepared for learning and receiving from those we serve.

This week's lesson was taught by an 8 year old girl Erissa.  She is here with her father. She had surgery on both legs to straighten them. Although she is officially an outpatient now, she lives far away from the port. Mercy Ships provides housing and food for patients like this while they still need follow up care. The patients and one caregiver usually stay in the HOPE Center. Due to the quick change in countries, the HOPE Center is still undergoing renovations.  Her father and her have been staying in the ward without formal nursing care until the HOPE Center is ready.

Photo credit: Mercy Ships. Having fun on Deck 7

From the beginning of her time here on the ship, it was been special to see the father daughter relationship. His genuine care and love for her shines through his interactions and encouragement to her. Erissa has been awarded best giggle by Dr. Frank. Her smile and giggle truly do bring a smile to your face.

Photo credit: Mercy Ships. I can hear the sweet giggle now. 

Erissa's first outpatient appointment day arrived. It was time to pull the pin and remove staples, take xrays, and get new casts. As soon as I told them through the translator, her smile turned to anxious look. Her father's reassurance gave her the courage she needed. She was so brave during the cast removal. The combination of fear and pain brought tears and cries during the pin pull and staple removal. With hugs and snuggles from her father, she quickly calmed.

After the xrays were taken (about 20 minutes later), new casts were applied. She kept her legs still and slowly the smile returned. By the time both cast were finished, she was giggling again and playing with us. This has happened many times with different children, but for some reason that day Dean and I were talking and marveling about how forgiving the children are and how quickly they forgive us.

Photo credit to Mercy Ships: One of the nurses on the ward

When I was thinking about the forgiveness the verse Jesus instructed us to have faith like a child kept coming to mind. Part of faith is trust. Once trust is broken, it is very difficult for adults to trust fully again. It takes time to build trust back. One of the steps to building it, it forgiveness. Giving the person a second chance.

Children, however, are quick to forgive. Watching the crew children and siblings, reminds me of how quickly my brother and I would forgive. Children can be fighting and angry one minute, but the next best friends again. We as physical therapists do challenge them to perform tasks they do not want. Sometimes, we do perform painful procedures. Most of the time, if not immediately after, soon after, the children are smiling and playing with us again like nothing happened. Giving us another chance. Forgiveness.

So lesson learned for this week. Now, I need to practice it.

Photo Credit: Mercy Ships. Thank you for the valuable lesson Erissa

Merry Christmas!...For all of December

Christmas here on the Ship is a whole month celebration. The Christmas trees and wreaths are displayed throughout the Ships common areas. Different cultural celebrations and traditions are scattered throughout the month. Some of the activities include gingerbread house decoration, cookie exchange, holiday movies, winter wonderland, carols by candlelight, Christmas ballet, and more. Businesses and personal cabins are encouraged to decorate their doors.  Below are some photos.

The Ballet dancers!

St. Lucia Celebration (Scandinavian tradition) 

Christmas craft night

Christmas craft night. Snow flakes like these were made by patients on the wards the days following the craft night. 

Leaving shoes outside the night of December 4th for Sinterklass (Dutch)

Small ginger cookies filled the shoes the next morning

Boabab trees which are native to Madagascar with a Nativity are in the markets

Kalinda giving me a tatoo at Winter Wonderland

Don't worry, it was hena. Stand Tall in the shape of a giraffe.

Crinkle top ginger cookies (one of my favorites)

There was also face painting available at Winter Wonderland. I think I was the only big kid who got it. If you look closely, you can see a princess crown. 

Advent Wreath

Trees in Midships

Midships

This is me as a lemur :)

The Rehab door...Boabab tree instead of a Christmas tree with lemurs and raindrops instead of snowflakes

Presents wrapped in splint material wrappers