Such exciting news! God willing, at the end of October, I am going to Cornakry, Guinea, West Africa. As many of you know, a couple of years ago, I volunteered in the operating room of the Africa Mercy – the current ship in the Mercy Ships fleet - in Benin, West Africa. This was my first glimpse into this world and it was challenging, but I loved my time! However, this time it is not for just three weeks but for four whole months. I am so thankful to be given another, such amazing opportunity!
As a floating hospital ship/city, the Africa Mercy travels around the coast of Africa, providing free medical care and needed surgeries to people who otherwise have limited access to medical aide. The organization has been around since 1978 and provided over 82,000 free surgeries!
They bring the Gospel through immensely practical ways. In just my time there, the Operating Room teams brought the beginning of healing to little girls and grown men, baby boys and women like me. These were people whose accidents, illnesses or deformities made normal life almost impossible and have often made them outcasts within their families and in their own villages. One thing that I especially love about Mercy Ships is that, in addition to the actual surgery, they provide pre-treatment and follow-up care so people can return to their lives better off. Isn’t that just amazing?!
It is really hard to describe in mere words on a page, but take a peek at the cool video Mercy Ships has at the end of the page. It will give you a glimpse of the hope and healing the Mercy Ships ministry brings in the name of Jesus. You can also read even more on their web page: mercyships.org
To top it all off, the Africa Mercy is fully staffed with a complete volunteer crew – butcher, baker, candlestick maker, captain, surgeon and barista! As a crew member, I am responsible for 100% of my expenses for this trip – flights back and forth, room and board, insurance, and general needs. Overall, my expenses will be close to $6,000. As crew members cover our own costs, Mercy Ships is able to direct all of the other donations it receives for the care of patients in the current field service.
Would you consider joining me on the Mercy Ships OR team? With your support – both financially and with prayer – you can help us care for the people of Guinea.
Much love,
Amaanda
PS:
This is my first-ish blog post about this and I would love to keep you all in the loop with periodic updates over the coming months. I would love to hear your comments! I also will be posting on Instagram @amk_goes_to_africa (I'll figure out how to link that soon...)
PPS:
Recent updates (written August 19, 2018), accomplishments and answers to prayer - i.e., exciting stuff!
1. Last week I bought my ticket from Seattle to Conakry.
2. Mom and Dad found me a great storage unit in Lewiston - it will even hold my car!
3. I'm selling OR scrub hats to my co-workers - Mom generously made them for me - as a fundraiser. So far, they have sold like hot-cakes and I get to see my friends wearing such lovely fabrics - win-win for me!
4. Y'all have donated $1,450! Just under a quarter of the way there!
5. More to come...
Here are a few prayer requests for the next few weeks.
1. That I would finish well here at work in San Diego - it has been a bit stressful here.
2. That I be able to finish up my extensive sewing projects for my trip.
3. That I would be able to be fully funded for my trip.
4. That I would be able to prioritize my tasks for all the things I am doing - so much to think about and now I actually have to do...
PPPS:
If you would like to donate under my name, there are several ways to do so.
1. Via my donor page online:
2. Via phone or check to Mercy Ships using my Designation Code #5038 and my name (Amaanda Keyes)
Mercy Ships
PO Box 2020
Garden Valley, Texas 75771
Tel: 903-939-7000
Tel: 1-800-772-7447
3. Via check, Venmo, cash, etc. to me directly (alas, this is not tax deductible - but the other ways are - but still a pleasant surprise!) - just let me know if you would like to take this route.
Again, much love to you all! Thank you for reading this missive and praying for me!
Love, A
