Correspondence...

So - as you guys have heard from my last post - I have e-mailed the current pharmacist aboard the Africa Mercy...and she replied! It's very exciting for me to have someone to talk to and ask questions. And - it's great to have someone's input, who has been there, and is doing that!

From what I have gathered from her e-mail, she is from the UK and is a long term volunteer on the Africa Mercy. She told me that we work from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. (Which means weekends are free for exploring?) And, we share an on-call pager, which we have for a week at a time...much different from the one on-call shift a month here at Foothills!

It seems like working as a pharmacist on the Africa Mercy is a mix of both retail and hospital pharmacy. We still stock and supply all the medications for the wards and the patients on board...but, we also do crew clinics where we counsel on OTCs (over-the-counter medications) and fill other prescriptions as well (lots of antimalarials, from what I gather). Right now, I am appreciating my time in both the retail sector of pharmacy, as well as the hospital experience I have had since the beginning of this year. I hope that both skill sets serve me well while aboard - but, mostly others! We'll see how it goes!

E Komo Mai (Welcome)...

So, if you’re here, you’re probably wondering why you are here.

I have decided to start this blog as a way of keeping in touch with everyone while I am away. It’s a way for you to check up on me and keep updated…at your own leisure, of course.

So, now you may be wondering, “Where are you going?”.

For those of you who don’t know yet…I am going on a medical mission in January 2010 with a Christian organization called, Mercy Ships.

Logically, the next question would be, “Why?”. Honestly, a mission trip is something that has been on my heart for years now…but, other things had to come first, like finishing my education, getting some experience with my career, and saving money.

Last year, I finally made up my mind to start pursing this desire of mine…a chance to “marry” my career and my faith. After a few months of looking into different organizations, my heart jumped after looking at Mercy Ships a second time around. For the last year and a half, I have been in contact with the people of Mercy Ships, seeing if I am a good fit for their organization, and finding a time for me to join them and their mission. The year 2009 had all of their pharmacy positions filled, so I was slotted in for the beginning of 2010.

After waiting for a bit more…the vast majority of the details are in, and I am starting to put things together.

I’m inviting you all to join me on this journey of a lifetime. Walk along with me as I prepare for my 6 months away, and be with me as I dock on the Africa Mercy…