After long flights and many time zones, we are in Freetown, Sierra Leone on the Global Mercy hospital ship. After collecting luggage and clearing passport control we worked our way to a small ferry boat for the 45 minute ride to the city. By now we have met the 10 other volunteers traveling in on the same flight.
Augustine and Samuel, two men from Sierra Leone that we have known for several years, met us at the ferry dock. It was very special to be welcomed by them.
We still needed to get checked in and receive the badges and orientation to get us started. It was a late night followed by an early all crew meeting the next morning.
More meetings and training today and another all morning session tomorrow. Then our first work shifts begin Wednesday. The galley and dining room serve 3,000 meals each day. We will be busy!
It is such a privilege to serve with so many kindhearted and dedicated people from around the world, and many more yet to meet.
Tim & Kathy Simonsen 