Africa, here we come!

We heard the news seven years to the day after our family left the Africa Mercy in Liberia!

The countdown is now on to August when Graeme and I will be leaving NZ for a year. We are re-joining the crew of the Africa Mercy in short term roles; Graeme in Finance and myself as a writer in Communications. At that time the ship will be returning to Madagascar for a second consecutive field service. 

Laundry sign-ups, 4 minute showers, queuing (lining up) for meals, and the sharing of deep and abiding friendships - community life – we love it! However, we are most excited about the opportunity to be back at the ‘coal-face’ of Mercy Ships' ministry with the poor. We are really looking forward reengaging with the people we are serving; hearing their stories, learning from their lives, and once again living in Africa.It will be an invaluable experience as we return to our roles at Mercy Ships NZ afterwards.

Perhaps the easiest way to gain insight into the ship's work in Madagascar's is to glimpse into someone’s world.

Image attribution: Mercy Ships

Sambany and his grandson walked for three days, Sambany struggling to carry the massive benign tumour that hung around his neck like a millstone. Someone had told them the Mercy Ship was in port, and maybe the burden he had carried for 19 years could be lifted. So together they began their courageous journey.

 When they finally arrived at the Africa Mercy, Sambany was tenderly received by the screening team and rushed for a CT scan on board. Maxillofacial surgeon Dr Gary Parker was up front with Sambany about the huge risk in operating on a tumour of this size in his throat region.

 Days of careful, fervent and prayer-saturated discussion followed as our medical team pored over his results and health condition. Together with Sambany they eventually reached a decision. Knowing the risks, he would go ahead with the surgery. 

 The ship's crew were mobilised to undergird the operation in prayer, and a small army of 17 donated blood before, during and after. The maxillofacial team began surgery on the largest tumour Mercy Ships had ever attempted to remove at 7.4kg (16lb). It took the surgical team twice as long as expected to conclude the operation. Around midnight they staggered to their cabins, exhausted but exhilarated. After almost two decades of anguish, the tumour was gone.

 When Sambany saw himself in the mirror for the first time after the surgery, he said, “I like it. I am happy.” His eyes now sparkle with joy. "God saved me! I am free from my disease, I've got a new face!"

The Madagascan language – Malagasy- has hugely long words with complex meanings. Sambany’s name means ‘This is the first time this has happened, something like this has never happened before’.  So very true!

Madagascar sounds pretty exciting, but it’s a far-cry from Disney’s dancing penguins. The east African island which is twice the size of NZ has a population of 23 million with more than 90% living in extreme poverty. Health care is out of reach for the average person, and that’s easy to understand after learning there are only around 5,000 nurses in the whole country!

‘So, what about the kids when you leave?’, I hear you ask. As Jason and Chelsea are working, and Daniel is a university this year, they will be remaining in Auckland while we ’run away from home’.  The younger two will be 'flatting' in our house and we will be advertising for a young couple and a single to move in and share the expenses (which will cover the mortgage etc). So, if you know of someone that is looking for a fabulous place to stay close to public transport and near the city, please tell them to get in touch!