Since the segment about Mercy Ships aired on 60 Minutes last night, I have received over a hundred e-mails and comments and words of sweet, life-giving encouragement. It was the perfect night for Zoe to decide that sleep was overrated, honestly, because every time I got up with her (and there were quite a few of those times last night) I turned on my iPod and was flooded with love.
Somewhere around two in the morning enough people were asleep on board here that the bandwidth allowed me to log on to the CBS website, where I had the surreal experience of seeing myself and my home and my friends and family in a clip that had just aired on primetime TV.
I watched it through tears. (Seriously; Dr. Gary gets me every single time.) It seems like an eternity since I was working full time, and seeing myself down in D Ward made me realize all over again how much I miss it. The weight of my daughter, snuggled into the crook of my arm, felt like the only thing keeping me from running down the three flights of stairs to throw myself back into it.
I'm going to get to work a couple shifts next month when my mum comes to visit, and now more than ever, I can't wait.
If you missed the show last night, you can watch it online here.
There are also some extra clips online. I haven't seen all of them yet, but they're here, here, here, and here.
What a privilege it is to live and work in this community. I take it for granted sometimes; this has been the best reminder to cherish this life.
Sail away with me? Yes please. If I didn't already live here I'd probably be buying a ticket right now.
(The baby on the right is Zoe's best friend, Hailey. She's ten days older than Zoe and is the daughter of my dear friends Becca and Greg.)
last night...what you and your colleagues are
doing is nothing short of awe inspiring! You
are truly doing the Lord's work.
God bless you all,
Jenna
P.S. Your baby is adorable!
God bless you and your family!
Love, Vern Nicole and Anna-Bella
Alison
a. It's so great to HEAR your voice! (instead of just reading it. b. You were even more beautiful pregnant! c. I'm so proud of you! and d. Yes, I did cry a little.
God Bless you and the rest of the crew!
p.s. Sally says she either wants to see you when you come to NJ or visit you in Africa! "I want to meet Ali!"
And, me too... Dr. Gary gets to me every time. I remember going to a hospital in-service talk one night on board. Me, in all my non-hospital glory, didn't want to miss an opportunity to be in the same room with him while he was sharing what always ends up being his heart and passion, although he does it with such grace and such dignity that it's never about him. It's so infectious and humbling.
Kind of like when I hear Ali share
Thank you so much for sharing your Mum & Dad not only with the hurting people of West Africa, but also with many people like me living far away. I have been following your Mama's blog since before you were born, thanks to a smart Canadian (Mr. Challies) that also follows her. I really like her stories about you and all that goes on in your BIG SHIP you call home. The news report on it was like seeing old friends since your Mum is SO good at describing things. I finally got to hear what you hear all the time...HER VOICE. As you know she's very pretty and well spoken.
Take good care of her!
Mrs. Hoshiko
Your American Friend
We have never met but I found your blog as I was preparing to take a team to northern Togo to help in the construction of the Hospital of Hope in Mango. I have since been following your blog and wanted you to know that I have been praying for you and your family. This video from CBS that you just posting was so amazing to see.
In August - some of our best friends moved to Mango and are working full-time on the hospital construction. We are seeing first hand how important hospital ministry can be among to the Togolese.
Thank you so much for serving our great God the way that you are! Please know that many unnamed people are probably praying for you right now.
Blessings,
Aaron Groat