There are so many things that run through my head throughout the day. So many things that I would like to share, or think that I should share with whoever is out there. And, I start constructing the lines to my next blog in my head. But, as soon as I sit down at the computer, it seems that all those pre-formed lines escape me. For instance, I am pretty sure that I sat here staring at this blank blog page for at least 30-60 minutes. The whole time thinking, "What to say? What to say? What do they want to hear? What do they want to know?" And, then comes the hardest part...figuring out how to say it.

It's still a bit weird knowing that people are reading what I'm writing...and then, not really knowing what anyone thinks about it. But, since I have no feedback...I guess I'll keep doing what I've been doing. Welcome to the thoughts of Tati...I wasn't lying about the title of this blog!

So...I know that some people are wondering what life is like here on the ship. "Is it like a cruise ship?", my little sister asked. My response, "I don't know...I've never been on a cruise ship." Hahaha, awfully informative, don't you think? I don't know if I have had any experience that I can liken my Mercy Ships experience to...

What can I say about my almost full week here? I can say that I've often stopped and am just in awe of the people and the variety here on the ship. People often think - hospital ship means hospital people. Well, we do have those - and the professions vary. We have pharmacists (2 of us), lab technicians, x-ray technicians, nurses, doctors, surgeons, dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienist, ophthalmologists, etc. But, we also have carpenters, engineers, school teachers and teaching assistants, receptionists, deckhands, people serving in PR, hospitality, HR, and in the dining hall. It's amazing. And, I am sure that I missed lots of the different areas that people work in here. So...there's more!

Yesterday, there was a surprise birthday cake for our crew physician (and also, my "boss") Dr. Craig (He's Canadian - from Ontario). While having cake there, I had a bit of my own "celebrity awe" moment, because that's where I met Dr. Parker. He's one of the surgeons here on the Africa Mercy. Now, you may be wondering why I had this moment. And, it's because...when preparing to volunteer with Mercy Ships, they sent me two DVDs about life on the ship and what Mercy Ships does. On one of the DVDs, Dr. Parker was sharing (He's been with Mercy Ships for over 20 years!)...he was saying how he likes knowing that nurses have prayed over the patients before they enter into the operating rooms. And, they showed a snippet of Dr. Parker praying over the patient with his operating team before starting the surgery...and it brought me to tears. I know that it may sound weird...but, I was just so touched, and so excited to be working in such an environment. I mean, I know that we are to do our work as an act of worship in everyday life...but to see it actually done and lived out. How amazing!

And, the astounding thing for me is...how humble these people are! It, in turn, humbles me. I think this is a lesson that I am going to be taught over and over and over while here...and more than likely, after my time with Mercy Ships. Lessons of plenty abound, let's pray that I have an open heart to learn and receive it.

Well...some friends and I are going to the beach while we still have the chance to get off the ship and do such things. And...also while it's warm. (The weather here in Tenerife is more spring-like, than summer-like...) Have a great day everyone...I know that I will!

P.S. Chuck - I hope that's writing enough to satisfy you. If I promise to write more, do you promise to comment? ;-)

What you've been waiting for...and more...

So...I thought that I would finally post some pictures...like I had promised of my week in Tenerife...and with the ship.

While here on the Mercy Ship, the crew has been told that Discovery Canada will be sailing with us and staying with us until the first surgery in Togo. They will be filming life on the ship and all that fun stuff. Ever heard of the show, "Might Ships"? Well, it's going to be featured on that...possibly airing in April or May or maybe later (?)...so, if anyone out there happens to catch it, do you think that you could tape it for me? If I know any more details, I'll be sure to let you know!

"Thank you plenny"...

I can't believe that it's Day 4 on the ship!! Time seems to be going by pretty quickly and the days seem like they are blurring together. Time flies when you're having fun?

On Monday, we were given the day "off" so to speak, but still had meetings and orientations to attend. In one of the orientations, the speaker told a story about one of his trips to West Africa. He said that he was standing at the dock one day, and an older gentlemen approached him to show him a picture. The picture was of the gentlemen with a tumor on his back, about the size of a grapefruit. Unsure of what the gentleman wanted, the speaker asked if he came to see if he could get surgery from the Mercy Ship. The gentleman said, no, that he was fine, just wanted to say, "Thank you plenny." It's stories and small victories like these that remind me of why I am here...

We don't set sail for a few days, which is good in a way, because it gives us time to familiarize ourselves with the ship, to give us an idea of how things work, and for others of us (like the pharmacy) - it gives us time to prepare for the outreach in Togo. Miriam has assigned me a few projects of my own that I have been working on and will continue to work on for the next few days. Aside from trying to orient myself with where things are in the pharmacy and how the pharmacy works, I've been doing pre-packs. These pre-packs contain various things, from pain-killers to antibiotics to anti-malarials. They will be used by the crew, day workers, patients (pre- and post- operation), as well as at screening day. So, you can imagine that I have quite the task ahead of me. I'm hoping that when we are sailing, there will be a few idle hands who are more than willing to help us get the packs done. It may seem mundane and monotonous, but I have found that keeping the purpose for their use in mind helps.

Over the last few days, I have discovered a couple of things:
1) Nurses really like pharmacists. (That's comforting, seeing as how I have also befriended a fair share of nurses)
2) The Africa Mercy was a Danish Ferry Boat. (McDreamy would definitely be jealous of my adventure.)
3) Your days do fill up quickly, in spite of trying to plan it otherwise. I think that I need to book in "me time", as weird as that may sound.
4) Apparently, everyone helps out at Screening Day. I'm quite excited about this, because I would love to help out on Screening Day if they need me. I mean, they must need a pharmacist, since they give out pre-packs, right?
5) The cafeteria can be scary! Hahaha...you wouldn't think so, but it can be daunting trying to find someone to eat with. Luckily, I've been able to find people to sit with, but I have also learned that being a bit brave (which is hard for me!) and asking to sit with someone works, too.

As thankful as I am for this downtime, I am finding that others, as well as myself, are getting to be a bit anxious to "just get there all ready"...
But, I do have some prayer requests...and they are as follows:

Please pray that:
1) the ship is in top form for the sail over to Togo and that inspections go smoothly.
2) that not too many people get seasick on the sail (as I have heard that ~10-15% of the crew do, and some get really ill. I am a bit nervous about this...I haven't been sick on smaller vessels...but you never know! I do have some Gravol and seabands for back up...but, ideally, I'd rather not be seasick!)
3) that all the work that is necessary to get the outreach started is finished.
4) that all the medications that we need arrive. (I have already witnessed the blessings that donations to the ship are!)
5) that we have no problems at the port and are able to get off the ship promptly.
6) for patience in this season of preparation.

Thanks for stopping by...g'night, to whoever is out there...
Dream sweetly...

I'm on a boat!

...Well...technically, I'm on a ship...the only reason why I know that there is a distinction is because they tell you the difference in one of our Mercy Ships orientation manuals ('A ship has a main deck and a boat does not'). But, I just thought that the title would be fun...that, and I did promise a few people that I would entitle one of my blogs as such.

I have spent the last week vacationing and touring here in Tenerife, which came to an end yesterday. It was fun and interesting to see the sights and drive around. Driving here in Tenerife is very interesting! The people drive VERY fast and tail-gate quite a bit (no comments about my driving, please)...and it's hard at times to orient yourself, because you can't find a lot of the street names. But, I did it...mostly because I had to...it seems that they all drive standards here and having an automatic car is a bit of a luxury. And, since Tamara can't drive standard, and I do...I was defaulted as driver. So, yes...I drove in Spain. A scary thought for some of you, I know, but we made out just fine, no accidents...only a few honks. ;-)

Tamara and I stayed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the capital of the island, and also where the Africa Mercy is currently docked) for the first 3 nights, and then drove over El Teide (the volcano here in Tenerife) to Playa de Las Americas where we spent our last 3 nights. The contrast between the north and the south of the island are quite blaring. The north of the island seems to be a bit more accustomed to the local's way of life. Not too many people here speak English. It made it a bit interesting to try to converse with the hotel staff and anyone in the service industry...but do-able, none the less. Sure made me wish that I had brushed up on my Spanish before coming! Apparently 4 years in high school doesn't do you all that well almost ten years later when you haven't really practiced much! Despite the language barrier...I liked the area a lot.

Playa de Las Americas is a typical tourist resort area, I would say. I even heard someone refer to it as a 'tropical Las Vegas'. And, I suppose that it was, even though the weather here can be quite a bit chilly. Lots of hotels, lots of tourist shops along the beach front, and lots of tourists (a lot of them red after sunbathing). There, because they are catering to tourists, lots of the workers speak English. It's kind of funny, because I'd ask them, "¿Habla inglés?" (meaning, 'Do you speak English?') and they would respond with, "Un poquito." (meaning, 'A little bit.')...however, I would say that the vast majority of them speak more than a little bit. Most of the people could converse quite easily. Sure made me wish that I could speak more than just English.

Yesterday, I boarded the ship...got my ID badge, a key to my room, and got settled in. I have a 4-berth room, meaning 4 bunks, so a room for 4 people. Currently, the bunk above mine is still empty (although, I do believe that it will be filled later today), and the other two bunks are filled. I've met only one of my roommates - Bernice, an OR nurse from Brandon, Manitoba. Our other roommate is on vacation still. I will also dare to say that I've made a few friends. Last night, myself and 3 others went off ship to grab some ice cream...which also turned into having a snack of potatoes and mojo, as well as cheese and mojo, two very Canarian dishes. It was really nice to have others to do such a thing with and sit and chat.

Today, we were kind of given the day off to sort ourselves out, maybe go into town, and try to get into the rhythm of life here on the Africa Mercy. It started off with breakfast and a mini-meeting in the international lounge. At about 9 am, I ran into Miriam, the other pharmacist on the ship and she gave me a brief introduction to the pharmacy and the hospital here in the ship. So, I've met lots of people and I am afraid that I will forget lots of names (sorry, in advance!). At 10 am, I met up with a few others, and we ventured into town, mostly to get of the ship, but also to go in search of a few things.

Tomorrow, I start working...reading manuals, familiarizing myself with the formulary, looking up drugs that aren't so familiar (possibly because they aren't available in Canada), and basically just being around to help Miriam with whatever needs to be done in preparation for sailing and getting the pharmacy ready for the outreach in Togo. Needless to say, I'm getting quite excited.

Anyhow, just wanted to give you all a quick update, seeing as how I haven't posted in a week. I am sure that the excitement will keep building as more and more people come aboard and we get nearer to our sailing date. I'll be sure to keep in touch more, now that I have internet readily accessible!

P.S. Pictures to come later...I promise. So, keep your eyes peeled!

Ready or not...

Here I am, currently sitting at the Calgary International Airport, getting in all my last calls. Thanks to everyone who was been wishing me well, and praying for me.

My nerves got the best of me for a bit...got really anxious the last two mornings about my impending departure. And...kinda made a fuss about going this entire morning. But, once Graham and Steph took me to the airport, my nerves started to calm. For awhile, I can say that I didn't feel much of anything. Kind of caught my mom off guard, I guess she thought there would be more excitement in my voice. But, I think that I am still in some sort of state of shock. I know that I am here. My bags are checked, I have my boarding passes, and I am sitting at the gate as my plane is being prepared for our flight.

A lot of unknowns are still out there - I think that's what got the best of my nerves. But, I believe now is the time to let go and let God. I've done everything that I believe I should've done and could've done. So, now, it's just me and God...and the amazing support team that I have surrounding me. Thanks to you all...

< 48 hours...

Less than 48 hours to go...

I've spent this last week doing nothing but packing, looking after last minute details, and spending time with friends. No complaints. Living life like this makes being unemployed look very appealing...minus the packing part.

Today was the last big push for moving out of my place. I rented a U-Haul, and thanks to the help of my good friend, Jonny, I was able to move all of the big things (like my bed, dressers, desk, bookshelves, etc) out of my house and into yet another house (my other friends, Graham and Steph, who have been ever so gracious and are storing my things while I am away). These last few days, saying good-bye (although, it's not really good-bye, it's just "until we meet again", or as we say in Hawai'i, "a hui hou"), hanging out and moving have made me realize how blessed I am. I live in a city where I am not related to anyone...yet, I have a family who is always willing to support me. My friends are AMAZING to say the least.

It seems that I don't have much time left, and others are trying to get a hold of me to make those "last time" phone calls and let me know how much they love me. I am loved. Extremely. Thank God for His extended family.

Tomorrow is yet another "good-bye" and re-packing. Yes, I know that I have already done a test pack, but I failed to realize that I should pack some clothing with my carry-on...just in case my luggage gets lost (here's hoping that it doesn't!). I also want to make sure that I am bringing everything that I need, and trying to get rid of stuff that I won't.

Here's to making the most of the time that we have left...
(2 more sleeps...)

Test Run...

I know that some people may think it funny that I had designated a "test packing". But, let's face it, I'm a girl. And the tendencies for girls is to over-pack when preparing for trips. So, I thought that in light of this (because, unfortunately, I more often than not tend to over-pack), I should try to see if all of the things that I wanted to take to Africa would indeed fit in the backpack.

So, this afternoon, I laid out everything that I had set aside previously when sorting through my things while packing up my life here in Calgary. With intentions of getting this all done before I went to bed, everything was laid out and categorized on my bed (thus forcing me to do the test pack in order to get to bed). Strangely enough, using this method of organization somehow made my room look much like it did a few weeks ago, when I felt like my closet and dresser had thrown up all over my room.

In the end, I did get it done (although, I must note that is it 1:45 in the morning). And, I would like to think that it was a fairly successful trial run. I may need to double check the "to bring" list and make sure I have everything. But, it's looking good. And, I am hoping that anything that I may have missed will be attainable once I am on a different continent. I know that I am allowed two pieces if need be on my flight. I just need to figure out if the carry-on policies have changed if traveling to other countries, but not stopping over in the United States. If the policy hasn't changed, then I think I'll be just fine. If not, some fine tuning may be needed. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

5 more sleeps...
Sweet dreams, whoever is out there...

9 more sleeps...

Today is my last day of work. Wow. That came quickly. Sometimes is seems too quickly, yet I remember when I thought that this day wasn't coming quickly enough.

9 more sleeps according to my count. Just enough time to get everything done, I do believe. Everything is possible. All things are possible. Yet, I remember not too long ago when I had my fair share of doubts that it was...

I love it when I question, and God proves all my fears and doubts wrong.