(I started this one last Sunday, so it’s a little old.) It is getting to be late Sunday afternoon. I have been here for almost 2 full days, although it seems like longer than that. We had a tour and some basic orientation on Saturday morning. Other than that, things have been pretty quiet and relaxing. There are no patients on the ship yet because it just arrived back in the port last week. This coming week will be more orientation to our jobs and preparing for a large screening event which will be held in a stadium in Monrovia on Feb 18th. I think patients will be scheduled for treatments after that. I am not sure exactly what I will be doing, but it will include helping with orthopedic screening.
The rooms on the ship are small, but comfortable. I am in a room that can hold up to 6 people, but there are three of us now with two more scheduled to arrive next week. The room is divided into three sections with a bunk bed, desk, and closet in each one and then there is a small bathroom. It is nice to be divided up into mini-rooms to have more privacy. I have my own little room right now, but that will probably change soon. We’ve had some talks about the conditions here in Liberia. They said the ship is probably nicer than the best hotel in Liberia, so we are very blessed. I hope to get off the ship more soon. Things are not especially safe and we have to go out in groups. Getting a taxi can be interesting…there are Mercy Ships vehicles with designated people who can drive them, so I can tag along on scheduled outings to church, etc. I guess you have to find a balance of not getting stuck here in the “western bubble” and really getting out to experience the country. I think it will also help when the hospital opens and we start seeing patients. That will bring home the reality that we are not in America anymore.
The slide show in the previous post includes pictures of the outside of the ship and the sights around the dock. Also a few of my cabin. Health care services had an open house night this week where people who serve on the ship could come see the hospital and get a better sense of the work that is done there. We won’t be able to take pictures in the ward once the patients are there, so I took a few of the hospital.
Hey Emily, Glad you made it safely. It looks like you have settled in well. Have fun, learn lots, give lots and keep the posts coming. Take care
Howdy Emily! Glad you made it safely…eventually… and that things are going well. I am sure you are anticipating the “busy-ness” that will ensue soon! I can’t wait to hear some interesting stories and get some more splint patters to add to my collection. Miss you lots, it’s not the same OT pow-wow without you! Have fun and be safe on your excursions off the ship! Lindsey :o)