Week Fourteen! July 14-21

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 starting to feel the "post-event letdown," and feel quite emotionally and physically drained. Transitioning back to life in RDU will be a challenge, but I am thankful for the support system and friends the Lord has blessed me with who will support and encourage me. 





These last 3.5 months have been life changing and it is hard to put into words the full impact of my time on the ship. To those who will ask "how was your trip?!" just know it was much more meaningful than my "it was amazing!" response. I cannot even begin to name all the ways the Lord has used this experience to shape me. Thank you to all of you who have financially supported me, prayed for me, and sent me words of encouragement. Your selflessness and generosity does not go unnoticed and I am forever grateful for the ways you partnered with me in what the Lord is doing both in my life and in Madagascar. Praise God for His many blessings and faithfulness to me! 

Now to recap my final week...

Ship Life

On Monday night, I enjoyed my final bonfire with friends at Darafify. We ate a delicious dinner beforehand and then walked across the road to the beach bonfire. It was so fun having Imogen back on the ship and making more memories together. There is no shortage of laughter when we are together! 

 









I went on my last Madagascar run of this trip on Tuesday morning and ended up getting drenched in the rain. It was lightly sprinkling when I started, but I still decided to brave the rain and leave the port in honor of it being my last run. I will really miss running outside in 70-degree weather - North Carolina could never right now... In the evening, I walked to the fountain in town with a friend and then to the pier. I will also miss the walkability of Tamatave and getting allllll the steps in. I've loved the many walk & talks I've gone on with my friends here. 

I've lived in a 6-berth cabin for the duration of my time on the ship and on Wednesday night, all six of us were able to go out for dinner for the first time together! I've had a few different cabin mates while onboard and the current group is special. It was delightful spending the evening with them at dinner, taking photos, and then cramming all six of us in the same tuk tuk! 




On Thursday, I went on a walk with a friend after work and enjoyed the sunset. Even though she and I just walked around the port, I loved the quality time and our conversations. 

Friday was my last day working, so it was my turn to be recognized and thanked for my service onboard. After 14 weeks of saying goodbye to other people, it was such a weird feeling that it was my turn! My time working in the OR was so enjoyable and I look forward to returning in the fall. 



After work, some friends and I went out for pizza and then to karaoke! I loved spending my last night surrounded by my people singing and dancing. It was a special memory with special friends. 




Thank you all for following along on this journey! I am grateful for all the kind words, support, and prayers over the past few months. I will likely write more blog posts during my return trip in October, so stay tuned! 



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