The hospital closed and the last patients left the ship. They went through surgeries, were loved and cared for by the nurses, and fed by the galley. They now have new hope as they return to their homes and villages. What a honor to be a little part of their journey.
There were a lot of goodbyes to friends who left the ship when the hospital closed, to the day crew Tim and I worked with daily and to the beautiful country of Sierra Leone.
We were able to host the pastor and elders of Calvary Free Pentecostal Church on the Global Mercy for a tour and dinner. They were very amazed with the ship and very grateful to have the opportunity to see it.
We had a fun goodbye with the galley and dining day crew. It is always a lively time with them!
We had a final goodbye with our friends and wear the new outfits that were a gift from the church.
June 15, the Global Mercy sailed from Freetown with much fanfare. There were Sierra Leonean dignitaries and drums and trumpets and many waving us goodbye. The crew on board were waving the flags of their respective countries. Very moving and meaningful.
Mercy Ships is leaving a crew behind in Sierra Leone to continue the education and mentoring of doctors, nurses and medical personnel at Connaught Hospital in Freetown. Mercy Ships donated several vehicles to the crew in Sierra Leone.
We are so grateful for our time of service on this mission to bring hope and healing to people in West Africa fulfilling the example of Jesus to heal those in need both physically and spiritually.
“If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brothers in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18
Tim & Kathy Simonsen 