The end of Mercy :(

My last blog:

Wow. Summer is over! This ship is almost done with its journey, and I’m ready to sink it. I can’t wait to go home. But I’m also sad to leave the countries behind and the people I’ve met both on land and on the ship. So here are some interesting numbers to sum up what the Pacific Partnership 2010 has achieved:

Total surgeries on board:

Over 800- cataract surgeries, cleft palate/lip, hernia, broken limbs, cyst removals, extra digit excisions, etc

Total people seen ashore (medcaps):

105,000

Construction projects- schools, community centers

17 including 3 wells

Pairs of glasses given:

54,833

Value of medical repairs in clinics and hospitals:

5.4 million dollars

Value of Kayla’s experience aboard the USNS Mercy:

Priceless!

            We had FHE last night and went around our circle giving one truth and one lie about ourselves. I know our group is cool, but holy cow, that was the most interesting truth and lie game I ever played. I just have to give a list of some of the best of the best (these are the truths!):

Lynette- cousin of the Bee Gee’s- mom’s side of the fam

Kent- sang backup for Josh Groban once

Karen- ate 17 tacos in one sitting (she’s fit…no fair)

Diane- went on a double date with Ted Bundy… scarrrrry

Trudy- Awarded a speech award by Ronnie Regan

Debbie-Nixon gave a speech at her house in CA

Jones- Used to be a “circus pyro”

Jeanie- owns 300 hats

Sandy- Held hostage by a crazy patient while she was working (she’s a nurse) The SWAT team had to come in

Little Trenda- Probably weighs about 87 lbs and is a blackbelt!

Jeff- survived an avalanche

Delores- hanglider pilot

ANYWAY… to end this blog, I wanted to just share a few thoughts about what I’ve learned.

·      I’ve come away with a greater desire to serve others and a greater feeling of love for those around me as children of God.  The people I’ve worked with in LDS charities have taught me about true Christ-like service and their natural inclination to think of others before them amazes me. I am humbled when I am around them and wish I was more like that and will try harder to be as good as they are

·      I’ve seen the value in being consistent and of loving others. On MANY occasions, the LDS group has recieved compliments on how loving the group is and how helpful they are.   That wouldn’t have been appreciated if we all were kind only once, or when we felt like it.  It took a lot of work to be social sometimes I just wanted to be quiet. Reaching outside of my comfort zone has only made me happier and has benefitted others along with myself.

·      I’ve learned to be more giving. Each time I thought I was sacrificing something by giving away a possession or even something intangible, I was given something back  “ten fold” I guess you could say. I was always repaid way more than what I gave. It was kind of crazy once I realized it. 

·      I have learned humanitarian work isn’t glamorous and not everything goes the way you think it should or the way you want it to. You may only connect with just one person and have to accept that as success. Many times people come to humanitarian projects thinking they’re going to save the world, but all you can do is a drop in the ocean, and that is good. Like the starfish story of the boy throwing starfish back into the ocean- your contribution makes a difference to that one person.

·      I’ve definitely come away with a bigger passion for travel and experiencing different cultures. I can’t get enough! I need a little rest period from this trip, but I already can’t wait for my next adventure J

Thanks for caring about my life! I’ll be home soon!

p.s- one of our patients threw up a worm that was 8 + inches long and the size of an earthworm. i totally have a picture.  maybe i shouldn't post it...