Hi All!
I decided to commandeer our (Rachel, Stephanie and I) old blog from our days in Tanzania and use it to share about life aboard the Africa Mercy (AFM). I arrived to Senegal on Saturday without any issues and after quarantining 24 hours, made it on board the ship! So far it has been mostly orientation, learning about living on a ship and how the hospital functions.
Right now I'm working on adjusting to life onboard! I'm in a cabin with four other women. They have been very welcoming and helpful- especially the tutorial on how to take a quick shower without flooding the bathroom! My roommates are from literally from all over the globe- South Africa, Australia and Germany and all work in different capacities on the ship- in the lab, physical therapy, outpatient nursing and anesthesiology. As the newest person, I get the honor of sleeping on the top bunk. The beds are small but comfy and I've only hit my head on the ceiling once 😊 My favorite thing about being on the AFM so far is meeting people from ALL over! There are about 30 different countries represented on board.
The ship is docked in a pretty large port, so it's been interesting watching these huge container ships come and go. Our neighboring ships are importing rice and corn. While the views of the port are more industrial than spectacular, it is nice being by the water. The Mercy Ships rent out dock space, so we are able to go off the ship and walk around the dock to stretch our legs/get outside.
Tomorrow I start my orientation in the hospital. I have two training shifts, then will start working. I guess right now things are a little slower in the hospital because they only have one OR in use (so I'm only having to work 4 days a week!). We are currently providing surgeries for people with thyroid problems so I think I will start off by taking care of adult patients. We'll see!
Looks cool! Reminds me of being offshore in Angola
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