Thank Yous & Goodbyes

The serving crew

When you come to the end of something, often times you have to thank the people who have helped you along the way.  Its no different for us at the end of an outreach.  So many people, within the Sierra Leone community, helped us- from the day workers who acted liked translators & worked in different departments, to the Minister of Health.  We took several times during the past week to thank them for what they have done. 

Last Wednesday, we had a reception for the members of the community that helped and supported us, including the Minister of Health.  The ship needed volunteers to help serve at this function, so I got roped into helping to serve drinks.  We had to wear an official uniform, white blouse, black skirt & black dress shoes.  Needless to say, I didn't own any of that, but luckily, the ship had some that I could borrow & I asked around for a pair of black shoes.  I even got a pair of shoulder loops to make it look official! 

Spent 2 hours walking around asking people if they wanted tea or coffee, as they dined on hors d'oeuvres, served by our very own Gateway buddy- Ken.  We had steak kabobs, chicken w/ peanut sauce, chicken salad sandwiches, artichoke dip w/ homemade tortilla chips, & of course, freshly baked cookies.  Luckily, there was enough left over for us to eat after the reception- oh so yummy!

Saying goodbye to the OR day workers

Friday was a different kind of thank you.  It was the last day for our day workers & we had a big celebration for them.  Each department usually has a handful of local people working in it to help with translating & other tasks.  In the OR, we had 5- which without their help, we wouldn't have been able to talk to our patients.  So to honor them, we had a big African lunch prepared, followed by a thank you reception & ended with an ice cream social.  Even though I didn't get to work with our translators for long, its still a sad day to see them all leave.

Its also been a week of a mass exodus, as people leave to go home.  Our numbers have gone from somewhere in the 400s to somewhere in the 250s.  Its a sad time on board & constantly saying goodbye to friends is very exhausting.

Stripping to OR office's floor

As our time here in Sierra Leone winds down, we have a lot to do to get ready for the next outreach.  With the ORs completely packed, we turned our attention to our floors, they are in need for some serious TLC.  We spent the week stripping & waxing the floors in the entire hospital.  A new experience for me, never done it before, but realized it wasn't that hard, a little stinky & very dirty, but its a sense of accomplishment to see the finish product, all shiny & new looking. 

Of course, not everything revolves around packing, cleaning & saying goodbye.  We've had our times of fun & adventure too.  Last weekend, a group of us went to Banana Island, a small island just south of the ship.  To get there, we had to take a 30 minute canoe ride, an experience in itself.  There were 12 of us in the boat, plus 2 local guys.  It was a little bit of a tight fight, but very enjoyable, even if we had to bail water the entire time!

The boat ride

Bill bails the boat out

The group relaxing on the beach

The island was at one point, home to many British families back in the 1700s.  The only reminders on the island of that time is the old street lamps lining the path from the boat launch to the village, & canons lining the beach.  The beach was part of guest house owned by a very nice Greek man.  We spent the day just relaxing on the beach & enjoying the sun. 

We are expected to sail sometime this next week.  Please pray for clear weather, a safe journey & a safe, timely arrival in Tema, Ghana.

Blessings