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Week Fourteen! July 14-21

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Fourteen weeks down... zero to go!  Written on July 20th:  Yesterday, I tearfully departed the ship... even though I am planning on coming back in October, it was still so sad saying goodbye. The people I met during my 3.5 months onboard became some of the most special people to me and I am forever grateful for the impact they've made on my life. They taught me about patience, gentleness, adaptability, and gratitude. Madagascar has become one of my favorite places filled with the most loving and kindhearted people. I grieve the relationships I leave behind, but hope and trust I will be reunited with them soon.  I am writing this from the Tana airport waiting for my flight to Paris. After departing the ship around 2pm on Saturday, a group of ten Mercy Shippers flew from the port city Tamatave to the capital Antananarivo. We stayed in the lovely San Cristobal hotel and enjoyed delicious food, hot showers (longer than 2 minutes!), and some good ol' R&R. I am definitely s...
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Week Thirteen! July 7-13

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Thirteen weeks down... ONE to go!  I'm just trying to enjoy every moment I have left here in Madagascar, this time around. It is such a surreal feeling trying to process that something I've dreamt of for years is coming to an end (for now). Even though I plan on coming back to the ship in a few months, preparing to say goodbye is still really really hard...! I am beyond thankful that my time here has been so meaningful and special. Praise God!  I am planning on writing one more blog post next Sunday from the hotel in Tana while waiting for my flight back to the US that will include final thoughts, memories, etc.  Ship Life I was able to spend some time with friends after work this week. I've so enjoyed going for walks around town, getting gelato (of course), and having meaningful conversations. I went for a run on Thursday morning and actually avoided the rain for the first time in a couple weeks.  Friday was a ship holiday, so there were no scheduled surgeries; howe...
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Week Twelve! June 30-July 6

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Twelve weeks down, two to go!  It doesn't quite feel real that my time here in Madagascar is coming to an end (for now). I am trying to make the most of these last two weeks and enjoy all the memories! I have made lifelong memories and friendships that I will cherish forever. Thank you to those who have been praying for me - I also ask you to pray that the Lord would begin to prepare my heart to make the transition home.  Ship Life  On Monday, I was given the day off work due to a lighter surgical schedule along with two of my fellow OR nurses. We braved the rain and walked to the markets, lunch, and then decided to get pedicures. It was a perfect self-care day!  For it being "dry season" in Madagascar, it sure does rain a lot (aka every day). Pretty sure I was caught out in the rain 5 out of the 7 days this week, including on a morning run. I even stayed in the port in case of the rain but still ended up getting drenched.  The USA crew (& friends) celebrate...
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