In 10 days I will be leaving for one month. Where will I be? On a navy ship working with many other medical volunteers to care for people in a number of countries. I think they plan to complete over 90,000 thousand surgeries as well as building schools and educating the local doctors for long term care. I'm so excited to go. I have been wanting to go a mission like this for some time and have patiently been waiting for the right opportunity. Well Heavenly Father knows me and knows just when to put something good in my path. I got an email from a nurse in my homeward telling me about the mission the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is teaming up with the navy for. A million emails and a trip up to Salt Lake later, I leave on May 1st and return on June 2nd. The whole mission is 4 months long going from Haiti to Nicaruaga. I have already heard stories from those on the boat and how this experience is changing their lives and how they have been able to share the gospel.
So how does one prepare for a mission like this? I have no idea. But here is what I've done.
So how does one prepare for a mission like this? I have no idea. But here is what I've done.
- Gotten drugs for my malaria prevention, antinausea, seasickness, cold, headaches, basic infections, antiitch creams, etc. Hey I'm a nurse gotta be prepared.
- Purchased new shoes, 2 new pairs of scrubs, and a lot of new socks.
- Mentally accepted I will be sweating a ton.
- Gotten 5 new books to read.
- Put new movies and music on my IPOD.
- Frantically finish my stats class.
- Gotten the necessary snacks---fruit snacks and protein bars.
- Vaccinated against Typhoid
- Read up on navy guidelines
- Been told over and over I wil come home with a navy boyfriend--yeah right!
- Started to collect emails from those who want to hear from me. (leave me a message if you want to be added to the list)
- Made the endless packing list--trust me its a lot.
- Prayed over and over I will have the strength to do this and see the Lord's hand in this mission.
Well if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them! Until then let the countdown begin!
how many pieces of luggage did you end up taking?....
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! If I had the time and resources to do a mission like that I would not pass the opportunity. You are going to learn so much and have some awesome memories to boot. Best of luck as you venture into the open waters for a land of unknown experiences, you'll love it.
ReplyDelete