Welcome to Senegal

There is a lot that goes on during the ship's first month in a new country before we even welcome our first patients. Here is a snapshot of what's got us buzzing around like an beehive and asking ourselves, "Where have the last 30 days GONE??"

First of all, have you ever tried herding 416 cats and getting them all to look at a camera at the same time? Our Communications team has! Every couple of years they organize an all-crew photo. How'd they do?

We have hosted the First Lady of Senegal during the arrival ceremony, and two subsequent receptions to say thank you to all of our partners in-country who want to help Mercy Ships. Our guests included the company that will be delivering our fuel (payed for by the Senegalese government), the company processing our supply containers for free, the farm that will put our organic waste to good use (yay for compost!), the companies providing our SIM cards and supplemental internet service, the company that provides and services port-a-potties for the dockside waiting areas, hospitals that will partner with us for Capacity Building projects, the company that oversaw renovations of our HOPE Center and Dental sites, missions organizations who are praying for us, and many, many more. When I start to list them, I am always blown away at the amount of logistical support we receive in-country from so many places. We are feeling the love!

Our amazing setup team has erected 4 tents on the dock, plus multiple canopies that serve as waiting areas, a hand-washing tent, a sheltered prayer area for our Muslim patients and Day Crew, and workshop shelters. Our IT team worked like crazy to get a land-based internet connection added to our satellite connection, all while preparing SIM cards to distribute as soon as possible after arrival in country as quickly as humanly possible!

Two empty shipping containers ready to be picked up
and carried from our dock space by a "T Rex"

We have welcomed 260 new Senegalese Day Crew who now work side-by-side with the crew on board. There Day Crew all needed orientation in their respective departments, and there was a separate mass orientation for the many, many nurses (both new and alumni) that have flown in from all over the world as the hospital opens.

Supplies needed to be transported from container on the dock to the Dental Clinic and HOPE Center, and set up in time to welcome the first patients!

Vehicles lined up at the HOPE Center when a good chunk of the crew visited to pray over it--the drivers each took two trips!

... but we all got there eventually :). Here the crew is worshiping at the HOPE Center. After worship, we broke out for a prayer walk around the facility.

Some of the crew went back to the HOPE Center the next weekend to help put together beds.

Members of ship management were able to take a field trip to the Dental Clinic to pray over it and get a tour from our lead dentist (who is also from Minnesota!)

Phew! It's been a whirlwind. Good thing the start of the field service is also saturated in lots and lots of prayer. Last week wrapped up what is known as the "21-day setup plan", and with the receptions behind us, there is one more exciting beginning...

On Tuesday morning this past week, everyone paused where they were, leaned back, and rested their hands as Dr. Gary, a maxillo-facial surgeon who has volunteered with Mercy Ships for over 30 years, came on over the PA system and led the crew in prayer. This is our annual tradition to mark the start of the first surgeries.

May the healing work of the surgical teams be holistic and complete, in the powerful name of our resurrected King!

Last month, I posted a request for prayer that we would find a replacement for our Safe Surgery Course Coordinator after our first one had to cancel last minute--we found someone. Thank you to everyone that prayed!

One week of surgeries down. I'll keep you posted. Sending big hugs! :)

P.S. Below is a second-a-day from June through August--from departure in Guinea, time-off back in the States, and up through our arrival in Senegal. Some photos from weekend adventures in Dakar are also below.

P.P.S. If you are not currently on my email list but want to be (I send a message whenever I update my blog), just post a comment here or send me an email. :) Thanks for reading!

We fond our way to the beach below the lighthouse (on top of that hill)
It was the first time I had cooled off in the ocean since arrival, and it felt A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

"Bissap" (hibiscus juice) mixed with baobab juice. Both are more or less ubiquitous in West Africa. Yum!

The view from the Mamelles lighthouse, the highest point in Dakar. Our tour guide who took us to the top was fantastic!