The Great Interruption

Do you see the nativity scene? I was amazed!

Warmest greetings from the Global Mercy! So far in Sierra Leone, over 500 patients have already received life-changing surgery, and the OR is now taking a break for the holidays. On board we celebrated with many Mercy Ships traditions, involving lots of music, a variety show, and an amazing Christmas meal. 

One of my friends set up a holiday photo booth!

The Christmas worship team!

While there is lots of joy, many crew will tell you that Christmas on the ship brings lots of activity, and--who put that wall there? I didn't see it coming, but suddenly I hit it. "A Geography of Time" by Robert Levine uses the phrase "hurry sickness" to describe the consequences of fast-paced living--difficulty focusing on the present, and loss of interest in activities that are not traditionally considered "productive".

On Christmas morning, we had a worship service. The speaker said we are sometimes quick to get frustrated when our plans get interrupted (eh-hem, especially when we are hurrying through said plans). But the interruptions are often where God is at work, and whenever he works, we can be assured that it will be incredible. After all, God has an epic plan to heal the world.

When you think about it, that's kind of what happened at Christmas--what an incredible interruption! Can you imagine receiving the news that Mary got when the angel first visited her?

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

-Luke 1:30

That would be a lot to take in! Giving birth to a never-ending kingdom? Oh boy, talk about pressure. What thoughts and fears could have gone through Mary's head? Plans for a normal marriage would have been shattered--if she could still get married at all. 

Was there a part of her that felt loss, with this new direction her life suddenly seemed to be taking? If so, you wouldn't know it by her response. Mary was presented with the perfect opportunity to feel frustrated, cheated, and bitter about how complicated her life had become, but she didn't take the bait. Instead she wholeheartedly embraced the work of God in her life without resistance.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May everything you have said about me come true.... From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name."

-Luke 1:38, 48-49

We can learn so much from Mary's example. When she could have pushed everyone away and distanced herself from God, she instead proclaimed that she saw herself as highly favored. There is so much to gain when we welcome interruptions and open ourselves up to God's unpredictable workings. Imagine what God can do with a heart like that.

• Thinking about Mary's song in Luke 1 reminds me, have you seen the episode of The Chosen called "The Messengers"? I just watched it again the other day. I love all the imagination behind this show, while it still stays true to the scripture we treasure. This episode is about 40 minutes long.
• I also heard this song yesterday during a Christmas dinner with friends--enjoy!

I don't know how you accidentally join a hand chime rehearsal,
but that's what I managed to do earlier this month!

In this season, many crew are transferring to the other ship, the Africa Mercy. Goodbyes are hard, and I'm not always the best at keeping up with all the departures. I am staying on the Global Mercy for now, and after two weeks of handover with the next Executive Assistant, I switched to the role of Sales Manager at the beginning of December. 

One of my last meetings as Executive Assistant

Now I serve with a small team to oversee a few areas on board: The Cafe, the Post Office, and the Ship Shop, which is kind of like a convenience store with some basic food staples, snacks, merchandise, and other living necessities. Not surprisingly, there is a lot to learn, but I think I'm making some slow progress! To many, the cafe is seen as the heart of the community, where crew get together during morning breaktime or for evening crafting I'm looking forward to this opportunity to show hospitality to the rest of the crew.

My new team made this thoughtful sign for me!

I am so grateful for your prayers, support, and friendship through this journey. In God's hands, they are multiplied into a blessing to so many, and I can't thank you enough.

One of the green-soaked views from high up in the
hills at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

We attended a service at a local church on
Christmas Eve. The worship was very energizing!