A Liberian Day

Its strange not having a long to-do list on my day off. Somehow the days at home seem so full and rushed. There is always something I should be doing. But today, I had a day off, and no places I HAD to go, and no places I SHOULD go out of duty or need. (Well, ok I did have a meeting at 6pm but I missed it anyway, which I'll get to later. ) It was nice to just sit down and talk to people, get to know them rather than going to "do" something. It was also nice to be able to spend some time praying. Praying for the patient I had last night that spiked a temperature and might have an infection. Praying for the night shifts I have coming up. Praying that I will use the opportunities God has given me to love these people and to be sincere. Thanking God for the opportunity to be here in Liberia, working on the Africa Mercy. For all the little things, too.

So two of my friends and I went for a walk in Monrovia today. I love to leave the ship and be able to see and be a part of Liberia itself. To shop at the market, and just be out with the people. Its such a neat opportunity to get a little more comfortable with what its like to live in a developing country. It makes me thankful for a lot of things I haven't thought much about. Like sewer covers and grates (as opposed to holes in the sidewalk), sewage systems, garbage disposal, not standing out like a sore thumb because I'm white and no one else is. This time on our walk we saw a herd of goats... last time it was a herd of cattle. The little kids are cute and wave at us.
Many people know we are from MercyShips and they say thank you. Many of the boys want to marry us.

The adventurous part of our walk is when we got a little lost. But we eventually found our way back with only a few minutes to spare before we missed dinner. I have to say I was extra glad to get back on the ship! Thats why I missed my meeting. Probably next time we will bring a cell phone with us! :) I guess you live and learn.