Where to focus . . .

My friend, Erin Kirk, is a former Mercy Shipper.  She posted this on her blog today, Girl Catch Fire:

This storm will run out of rain, but it will be rough before it does. I implore you, to as the Apostle Paul said, to fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 

It helps.

I am encouraged.  I hope you are too.

Furlough.

According the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, as of tomorrow, I will be on furlough from the Y.  Doesn't that sound better than unemployed?  I guess it's not a bad thing.  I'll keep my seniority.  I won't lose any benefits (like I have any!).  I won't have to reapply for my job when this time of Covid-19 is over.  

My greatest fear is that I won't return to work before summer and I never work summers because I'm out at Sand Creek.  That means I would have to reapply!  Arg!

Happy Micah Day Winner!

"Mom, one of my Happy Micah Day texts said to check the mail."
"Well, I just brought it in.  There's a letter for you."
(Micah opens letter and literally screams.)
"Mom, look at this!  I got a $30.00 gift card to Culver's for Happy Micah Day!"

Hugs to our friends who were so generous and kind and absolutely made our daughter's day!

Happy Micah Day!

Micah made a three-layer cake for herself, painting the flowers on!

Happy Micah Day Opps!

Twenty years ago today, Micah legally became our daughter, a day we call "Happy Micah Day!"  Since we weren't able to do our "usual" celebration due to Covid-19, I decided to text a group of friends and neighbors and ask them to send Micah a "Happy Micah Day!" text. I texted probably forty different people asking them to send her a text.  Five minutes in, I discovered I had put her area code in wrong - "953" rather than "952".  Thank you, Peggy!  

Our friend Lee sent greetings to someone out there.  So did Aunt Lois!  Now we're wondering if we should contact the "wrong number" and confess our sins, or just have a good laugh!

Christmas cards . . .

. . . for 2020 and 2021 are created!  Compliments of cold, wet weather and Covid-19, I've had way more time than usual on my hands!

If they were stamped, address and written on, I'd be a lot more concerned! 

Mercy Ships and COVID-19

The evolving situation of COVID-19, highlighted by the WHO as a pandemic and the increasing travel restrictions applied by several countries, have made it impossible for Mercy Ships to continue to carry out its programs to the required standards, while protecting against the possible spread of the virus.

Therefore, in line with the measures taken by the President of Senegal and in consultation with the Ministry of Health, Mercy Ships has reviewed the activities associated with the Africa Mercy and made the decision to suspend the programmatic activities in Senegal.

The main concerns of Mercy Ships are the health of the Senegalese people and the safety and well-being of our own volunteers, crew and staff worldwide. Following the suspension of the programmatic activities, we are presently considering alternative ports for the Africa Mercy.

Annually the vessel undergoes routine maintenance and we currently are assessing how we can accelerate the commencement of that work. This would enable us to bring the Africa Mercy back to Africa once the immediate crises is over and continue our mission to bring Hope and Healing to the forgotten poor.  Mercy Ships is also evaluating how the organization, given certain operational limitations, can be utilized to assist in the global COVID-19 response.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 Mercy Ships has focused on three main actions:

1. Looking after the patients under our care, including development of plans for the completion of their treatments in partnership with local healthcare services in Senegal.
2. Caring for our crew members, our local volunteers in Dakar and our staff globally by following the infection control practices according to best public health guidance from the CDC and WHO
3. Adapting our longer term plans to fulfil our mission to provide surgical care and medical capacity training.

FAQ’s

Have any COVID-19 infections been detected on the Africa Mercy?

Up to this point none of our patients nor crew onboard the Africa Mercy have presented with the COVID-19 infection. Crew shore leave was suspended and additional measures of hygiene and social interaction has been implemented in order to prevent infection onboard.

Why can’t the Mercy Ships be deployed to help against Coronavirus Spread?

Although the Africa Mercy is a hospital ship, it is essentially a surgical specialist unit. The vessel is not suited to take care of patients with a highly contagious respiratory disease.

Mercy Ships relies on a volunteer staffing model using professional medical volunteers from around the world. The current unprecedented situation has presented a unique operational challenge as many of our medical volunteers have been asked to assist with the COVID -19 crisis in their home countries. In addition, the global air transport shutdown has resulted in our inability to continue to operate the hospital facility safely.  Mercy Ships is also evaluating how the organization, given certain operational limitations, can be utilized to assist in the global COVID-19 response.

How are the patients onboard?  What was accomplished in Senegal before the crisis hit?

The last patients and their caregivers left the vessel on March 23. Despite the suspension of our activities, we are grateful that during the Africa Mercy’s 8-month stay (we had planned to be in Senegal for  10 months) in the port of Dakar, Republic of Senegal, Mercy Ships provided over 1,400 life-changing surgeries onboard (from the planned 1,200-1,700). Volunteer medical professionals treated over 5,500 dental patients (we had planned for 4,000) at a land-based dental clinic as well as provided healthcare training to 1,270 local medical professionals (initial plans were from 1,000 to 1,500) through mentoring and courses in partnership with 17 hospitals throughout Senegal.

How are the patients who cannot have surgery now? 

This challenging situation worldwide means that some of our patients are now unable to have the surgery they had hoped for in Senegal. As we define options for our future programmatic activities in Africa, we take into account a possible return to Senegal to finish our mission once the restrictions ease.

What about the volunteers onboard?

After Mercy Ships reviewed the activities associated with the Africa Mercy and made the decision to suspend the programmatic activities in Senegal, no new patients were admitted. Following the decision not to take on further patients, a number of short-term crew volunteers and Senegalese day crew supported by Mercy Ships to return home to their countries and incoming volunteer travel cancelled. The crew onboard of the vessel today will sail the vessel to its next destination. We are grateful for their efforts in recent months in these uncertain times.

Is the Africa Mercy leaving Senegal and where is it going next?

Yes, the Africa Mercy is leaving Senegal two months earlier than planned to begin the ship’s yearly maintenance according to maritime regulations. Our aim is to use this advanced maintenance to bring the Africa Mercy back to Africa so that we can continue our mission to bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor once the restrictions ease.
Mercy Ships is also evaluating how, given our operational limitations, the ship can be utilized to assist in the global COVID-19 response

What can I do to support Mercy Ships at this time?

During this challenging season, we ask you to please pray for our crew and volunteers and for our offices around the world, many of whom are joining the ranks of those working from home and in lockdown situations within their countries. We also pray for our donors and friends around the world, knowing that these are uncertain times around the world. Your support, which is even more crucial now to help Mercy Ships so that we can continue provision of surgical care as soon as the situation permits.

Thankful Thursday!

I had to wait until after supper last night to post.  As you can see, I even took a bit longer.  Here's the story . . .

In my recent cleaning frenzy, I came across an unmarked jar of something in one of our cupboards, an obvious Christmas gift to Sam that I did not know about.  Upon questioning him, I was right!  Mary Beth had given him a jar of homemade grape jelly for Christmas.  Mary Beth was safe.  She's a co-worker.  I asked permission to cook with it, went on-line and found a recipe for grape jelly meatballs, bought the rest of the ingredients and put it on our list for supper last night.

 

When I opened the jar last night, it wasn't grape jelly.  It was blueberry.  Neither one of us wanted to go to the store, so we went with the blueberry.

Today, I'm thankful to say that the blueberry meatballs turned out just fine!  Although I do think grape might be just a bit better . . . 

COVID-19 Smiles

While we haven't been ordered to shelter in place yet, we are spending far more time at home.  Here are just a few things I've noticed during this time:

• Every dog in the neighborhood is HAPPY!  I haven't seen so much tail wagging in a very long time! 
• People have more time for socialization.  People want to talk.  Take Nancy and Rick yesterday.  While checking their mail, they waited for me to walk by them with the dog, just so we could talk.
• No one notices if you fall asleep in church.  I did on Sunday and only Sam, sitting next to me on the couch, heard my gentle snores.
• Toilet paper and skim milk are a thing of the past!  We went to four Cub's and one Target yesterday, followed by another Cub today and we only have the toilet paper neighbor Jill dropped by last week.  And one percent milk.  Sigh.

Thankful Thursday!

Were it not for the coronavirus, I would not be "deep cleaning" my house right now (translation:  temporarily unemployed).  No, my ceiling fans would still be coated in dust, my vents full of dog hair  and my ceiling lights burial grounds for dead bugs.  Instead, I have made major headway in cleaning at least eighteen years of accumulated dirt and dust from the living room, dining room, family room, stairwell, our bedroom and our bathroom.  It's looking good.  I'm thankful for that.  

Note:  I haven't said kitchen yet.  I would be ever so thankful to be able to go back to work and NOT have to clean that!   

Mansare

Mansare grew up with bowed legs — an ailment often caused by an underlying disease like rickets, and is worsened by malnutrition. The four-year-old had only known life with the orthopaedic condition which made walking and running an exhausting challenge.

After years of watching the small boy struggle with his limited mobility, Mansare’s family were excited to hear the news that treatment for his condition was being offered – for free.  Simone brought her son to the Mercy Ships screening day where approximately 6,000 others had gathered in hopes of receiving the help they needed.

From outside the gate Simone saw a large crowd and didn’t know if they would be able to get through. However, Mansare — plucky despite his young age — slipped through the gate and into the compound. He waved at her from the other side. “If you can’t get through, I will go and stand in line,” he called.

Once she got inside, Simone found Mansare standing in line by himself, unafraid, waving her over to join his spot. “He has always been brave like this,” 

she said.

This bravery hallmarked his time with Mercy Ships. After he received surgery Mansare spent weeks recovering and relearning how to walk. But even sitting in casts for several weeks couldn’t keep a smile from his face. After starting the physiotherapy program, Mansare was up and running.

Dashing around the dock, his frayed sandals flapping as he ran – and his laughter brought a smile to his mother’s face. “Look at him. Look at him walk,” Simone declared. “He can really play now. Before, he would get tired and come back after ten minutes because the other kids would laugh at him. Now, I have to go find him at the end of the day and bring him back home because he’s so happy to be out playing.”

The sight of an energetic little boy running and playing may not be remarkable to many, but it’s one that Mansare’s family has always hoped for.

“He loves his new body so much,” his mother said. But Mansare’s change goes much deeper than appearances. Now, it’s a challenge to keep him still, and his confidence and joy spill out into everything he does. Mansare seems like a new boy, inside and out!

The Global Mercy

Our newest ship, the Global Mercy, will soon join our fleet as the world’s first purpose-built civilian hospital ship. Once she joins the Mercy Ships fleet, the Global Mercy will more than double our surgical and training capacity, and it is expected that more than 150,000 lives will be changed onboard through surgery over the lifespan of this new ship.

After construction is completed, this hospital ship will have the facilities needed to carry out a wide range of surgeries, including repairing cleft lips and palates, removing cataracts and life-threatening tumours, correcting debilitating burn contractures, and more.

With an expected service life of 50 years, the Global Mercy will continue a legacy of improved healthcare delivery in every nation we serve. Together we can make a difference in the lives of thousands and change the surgical landscape of whole countries, not only in the immediate future but for decades to come!

Hernia - Not Gone!

Sam was scheduled for hernia surgery this coming Friday until Monday morning at 9:08 a.m.  His doctor's office called him.  He discovered that it was an elective surgery in the wake of coronavirus.  (Tell his hernia that!)  It has now been rescheduled for June 12.

No cookies.

With social distancing being the "new norm", we won't be baking cookies with the F.O.O.'s tomorrow (Matt and Micah's family of origin).  I don't know who's sadder - Allison's girls or my daughter!

At the grocery store . . .

. . . this morning, where I refused to buy toilet paper, the man in front of me said as he got his total, "Oh, she'll pay for it!" and he pointed at me.  

It came out straight.  "Fraid not.  Coronavirus has me currently unemployed!"

Yup, I lost twenty-five hours of work this week and almost forty hours of work next week thanks to the virus.  Both ISD 196 and the Y are closed through at least March 30.  

The worst thing?  It's too freakin' cold to go swimming outside and the bathtub is too small to go swimming inside.

Thankful Thursday!

Today, I am thankful that on Sunday, March 12, 1989 at 3:00 p.m., I married Sam!  Tonight, we'll be celebrating thirty-one years of married life.

Not Yet . . .

Is a follow up to "Bad Women at Bible Study" because, you see, we met again yesterday and the dining room pictures were still in the WRONG places!  Last week, Betsy and I had switched them for a bit of fun.  No one who lives in the house has switched them back yet.

We started to giggle.  Then we confessed our sin to our Bible study.  You have to love Rachel, who said, "Yeah, I don't really like them the way they are." 

My Mercy Story . . .

A new-to-me-friend greeted me at church yesterday as we sat side by side.  After the service, we talked for a bit.  She mentioned that she had been a missionary in Africa and Dawn, Sam and I said together, "With Mercy Ships!"

She beat us on board the Annie by four years.  We know none of the same people.  But we love the changes Mercy Ships has wrought in our lives.  To God be the glory! 

Mariama

Seven-month-old Mariama is a lively, healthy baby except for a severe cleft that strains her smile and makes eating nearly impossible. Her parents worried for their little girl’s future. 

Since Mariama’s village had little access to medical care, locals directed Mariama’s father, Mamadou, to Senegal’s capital city in hopes that the hospital there would be able to help her.

Unfortunately, once he was in Dakar, Mamadou was still unable to find healing for his little girl. Eventually, he heard about the Africa Mercy docked in the port of Dakar, which was full of our volunteer medical professionals offering life-changing surgeries to those in need.

One week after signing up for the screening with Mercy Ships, Mamadou received a phone call announcing that his daughter had been approved for surgery. “I give thanks to God first, and I am very grateful to Mercy Ships,” Mamadou said. “I’m happy. Thank you!”

Thanks to friends like you, Mariama received her life-changing surgery. Once she had recovered, Mariama was finally able to return home with a healthy future ahead of her. 

Celebrating International Women's Day on Mercy Ships!

It takes volunteers from many different backgrounds to fulfill the Mercy Ships mission of providing access to safe, timely healthcare. When we think of the importance of International Women’s Day, we are moved by the strength of the women that serve with us, impacting lives on a daily basis. From executives to mothers and doctors, we honor you today! While celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day, we want to share the impactful work of four women who are changing the narrative of global surgery.

Rosa Whitaker, President of Mercy Ships
Rosa Whitaker, who has served as the President of Mercy Ships since 2018, has long been recognized for her work and involvement within the African continent. She is passionate about the empowerment of the African peoples and nations, hoping to help shape their continent’s rise on the global stage.

“Mercy Ships is doing more than providing much-needed health treatment and lifesaving surgeries,” Whitaker said. “We are providing medical training, establishing health partnerships, catalyzing healthcare infrastructure development, and leaving a legacy and a culture of care when we disembark. We understand that the value of human life is incalculable, and we bring that awareness with us everywhere we go.”

Dr. Sarah Kwok, Volunteer Anesthesia Supervisor onboard the Africa Mercy

Dr. Sarah Kwok currently serves onboard the Africa Mercy as the Anesthesia Supervisor, lending her skills as a team leader on the surgical team. Initially, Dr. Kwok left her job in London to serve onboard our hospital ship for one year. It soon turned into a two-year stint after she was impacted by the culture and community.

“We have women in leadership in the operating room, and also on the ship,” she said. “I think that is very encouraging to see. When you see that, you can go home and tell others about meeting a female doctor serving on this ship who is helping bring safe surgery to Africa… isn’t that great?”

We are so thankful to Dr. Kwok for loving our patients and providing first-class care to the people of Africa.

Denise Ngum, Volunteer Electrician onboard the Africa Mercy
While Mercy Ships is known for our hospital ship, it takes more than just healthcare professionals to bring hope and healing to those we serve. Denise Ngum, a volunteer electrician onboard, was surprised that she could submit an application and be considered for the position. She had previously faced challenges being a woman in the industry. Being given a chance to serve onboard, Denise was able to be a part of a bigger mission, while refining her skills in an environment of encouragement.

“I want to address the African nation that there is still hope for us,” Ngum said. “I never knew there was a lot in me I could explore, and I am so happy and ready to go back to my country to help in the best way I can. We can do it together!”

Dr. Fifonsi Odry Agbessi, Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon with Mercy Ships
Dr. Fifonsi Odry Agbessi first knew the career she wanted to pursue after hearing a heartbreaking story when she was only 12 years old.

“I saw a woman on TV… her husband had burned her with acid, and her face had become fused to her neck, so she could never look a person in the eye.,” Dr. Agbessi recalled.

In Dr. Agbessi’s country of Benin, there were no surgeons that could help the woman. Other people came together to raise the money to send the injured woman abroad to receive proper care. This story touched Dr. Agbessi’s heart, and through her perseverance, she eventually went on to become the first plastic reconstructive surgeon in all of Benin.

Dr. Agbessi decided to pay the knowledge she had earned over her career forward by teaching in a Medical Capacity Building (MCB) mentoring program with Mercy Ships. There, she is able to work with and help train local medical professionals, offering knowledge and skills to help them succeed in their careers.

Happy Dan!

Our campus pastor at Berean Lakeville, Dan, grew up thirty miles from me in Sibley, Iowa.  Between our two home towns is the town of Harris.  Harris has a meat market where, according to Dan, they have the best beef jerky ever!

Yesterday, we drove down to Iowa to see Dad while we still could.  Coronavirus is coming and I work or have plans for the next three weekends.

While there, we stopped by Forbes Market to get Dan some beef jerky.  After all, they had been closed when he stopped by at Christmas-time.

This morning at church, we gave Dan the jerky.  He is normally a very expressive guy.  Today he actually out-expressed himself, jumping up in joy as he opened the package!  And while profusely thanking us, he admitted.  It may not be the best beef jerky in the whole wide world, but it brings back great memories and that's why he likes it so much!

Pounding Headache . . .

On Friday morning, I both teach and deck manage swimming lessons.  Today was a headache waiting to happen.  

Our first class of the morning had eight children.  Two were level three's, one was a level two, four were level ones and that last child, we just called "Velcro" because she hung on SO tight!  I had the three's.  My life was easy.  But I couldn't leave the other teacher with six children so I moved the level two to my Thursday class.  It made the dad happy, my co-worker happy and my Thursday morning a lot busier!

The second class, we had two children request me and one request my co-worker - and they were all in the same class.  I was given the class due to seniority, but that left my co-worker with the whine, "______'s mom isn't going to be happy.  She wanted me to teach her child."  "I'm surprised _______'s mom hasn't come over here and complained yet."  I had just one thought for my co-worker, "SHUT UP!", but I kept that opinion to myself and enjoyed my class!   

The last class of the day was a class to be loved - parent/child.  I had six children and seven parents.  Perfect odds!  They were all winners because every one of them were able to put their child (ranging in age from ten months to two years) under water!  Good job!  

Thankful Thursday - Two-fer!

The first thing I was thankful for yesterday was our dog, Annie.  On Sunday we were afraid it was time to put her down.  She couldn't walk at all.  A calming chat with the vet on Monday delayed that decision.  I'm happy to report that today, she did three walks around the block with me, albeit slowly.  

The second thing I was thankful for yesterday was our pediatrician.  He looked Micah in the eye and told her how proud he was of her for losing twenty-one pounds since he had last seen her.  Glory! 

It Couldn't Get Worse . . .

I foolishly agreed to Deck Manage for Katie on Wednesday night.  It was the first night(mare) of the session.

Fortunately, the class went well.  There were six children signed up and only four of them showed up.  I called the missing two.  Except one really wasn't missing.  He was late.  Twenty-two minutes late for a thirty minute class.

The second class had fifteen students, but we only had a swimming level on ONE!  Can you imagine testing fourteen school-agers at the same time to see what they could do in the water?  To make it worse, the front desk made a mistake and we were up to sixteen students for this hour.  

The third hour was as bad as the second, only the students were now preschool-age.  Add to the mix, a private lesson where the teacher showed absolutely no respect for the regular lessons that were in session.  "Hello! Your students are tall.  Take them in to the DEEPER water!!!"  

The fourth hour, when we were supposed to be able to breathe - it was a scout group ages ten to fifteen - they had three extra children sign up.  We went from twelve to fifteen with only two who refused to get their faces wet.  

No more subbing for me on Wednesdays! 

Bad Women at Bible Study . . .

There we were, the only two women at Bible study, the current senior high youth worker and the retired one (me!).  I said to her, "I haven't done anything crazy in a while."  She said, "Neither have I."  I said, "Shall we change the pictures (in the dining room where we meet) around?"  She said, "Yes!".  I grabbed one.  She grabbed the other.  I hung mine up in her spot.  She hung hers up in my spot.  

Other women started to come.  No one noticed.  We didn't say a word, but inwardly we laughed.  

Do you think they'll be back where they belong next Wednesday or will they still be hanging in the "wrong" spot?

Tuesday's Child(ren) . . .

 . . . are full of grace.

You've heard that old saying.  Today, it almost proved true at the pool.

My first class were two two-year-old boys.  Absolutely adorable is the only way to describe them!  They listened.  They did what I asked them to.  It was fun!

My second class were three boys, two brothers and a cousin who had never had swimming lessons before.  Can you say delightful?  Because they certainly were!

My last class of the day were two boys once again, one was absolutely wonderful.  One was not.  The good news is mom is having the same problems at home that I'm having in swimming lessons.  At least, that's good news for me.  I only see him for half an hour a week and I only have six weeks to go! 

All in a night's work . . .

Some children's parents . . .

Last night at swimming lessons, I just wanted to say, "Really?"  or maybe the old ELC camp standard, "Grow a brain."  It was the first night of the session which bred all sorts of confusion.  Read on . . .

• "Why aren't my children on the roster?  I have a note right here from Ana saying they have lessons (long pause) on Wednesday night.  Oh . . ."
• "My girls are signed up.  They just had lessons last week."  "Last week was the end of the session.  The new session started tonight.  Did you register?"  "I didn't know about it."  "You didn't see the (point to large sign on door) sign that's been up since January?  Hmmm . . ."
• "My daughter is signed up."  "No, your daughter is on the waiting list.  We called you twice today and left messages on your phone."  "I never got them."  "Is this your phone number?"  "Um . . . yeah . . ."

For Women Only . . .

The last class of the night was for women only.  We had eight women sign up and for the most part, they were scared to death!  It was lovely to see them getting their faces wet and blowing bubbles and becoming more comfortable in the water!

The Sushi Bar

Last night, we got together with our long-time friends, JP and Rosemary and Mark and Sheryl at "CRAVE, American Kitchen and Sushi Bar."  Not a one of us had sushi!  

Chickens!  Oh, wait!  That's what Mark and JP had.  Sam had lamb, Rosemary tofu, Sheryl beef and me - the soup!  Next time, we're going Mexican!

It's a party!

I love parties, but I hate to cook, so when Heidi asked if she could host a "Stampin' Up" party at my house yesterday, you bet I said, "Yes!"

Micah volunteered to bake the cake . . .

Double-layer Naked Cake

Heidi brought the treats and we had a party!

"Ready, set . . ."

" . . . STAMP!"

 

Almost there!

It's been years since I started my "swim" at the Y.  This Thursday, I reached my 2201 mile!  

In just 147 miles, I will have swam the length of the Mighty Mississippi, albeit in the warmer and "healthier" chlorinated water of the Y!  Swim on!

Thankful Thursday!

It wasn't that I wasn't thankful on Thursday, I really was!  Note on that to follow . . . but I was so thankful on Friday, that when I woke up with my head temporarily bent to the right, I had a chiropractor appointment at 9 a.m.  And I was so thankful for my chiropractor who spent the next thirty minutes working on said neck, trying to loosen a muscle that just wouldn't budge.  He said it was "locked" - and he could find no key to open it!   But I was grateful for his time, his effort and the exercises he gave me to do at home.  When I return to his office tomorrow, he's going to have a much more mobile neck that he should now be able to adjust - and I'm thankful for that!