News

I have two important pieces of news:

1. Mercy Ships will be featured on the news program 60 Minutes, this Sunday, Feb. 17 at 7:00 pm ET/PT (6:00 pm Wisconsin time!) on CBS.  The film crew came last year, and it sounds like they've made a great story about the ship and it's mission.  What an exciting way to share what I'm doing with all of you! 

2. The other piece of news is that I am home in Brown Deer for a little while.  Unfortunately, my aunt Enid is dying and will be going to hospice soon.  I found out on Sunday that she was hospitalized, and spoke with some of her nurses throughout the week. Then on Wednesday I was able to be part of a family meeting via speakerphone, and we found out that the doctors do not anticipate that she'll recover.  That night, with the help of my bunk mate and friend Gillian, one the ship chaplains, Marty, and my manager, Kirstie, I was able to book a flight and make arrangements to come home.  Thursday afternoon I left the ship, and 36 hours later I was at Enid's bedside, visiting with her. 

Enid is unable to speak, but has been writing notes to communicate.  She told me last night, "This is reality- I have to be ready, and I am, to go."  I told her that I am happy because she knows where she is going when she dies- home to her father in heaven.  She smiled and nodded and I cried.  Before my mom and I left last night, I asked if there was anything I could do, help reposition her or wash her face.  Enid wrote, "Just be my niece.  My little one.  My pudd."  Little one and Puddin Head (Pudd for short) are two of her nicknames for me.  I am so glad that I could get here so quickly.  As much as I felt called to be a nurse in Africa, I was called back to Wisconsin to be her niece.

My plan is to return to Guinea in March.  Everyone on the ship was so loving, helpful and supportive.

Enid has had health problems most of her life, but this came on rather suddenly.  Please pray for her, my mom and Enid's friends in this difficult time.