Screening Days

Screening days. 2 of the most impactful and meaningful days of my life. Over 5,000 people came to see Mercy Ships, in hopes of life altering surgery for themselves or for their loved ones. There were orthopedic cases, maxillofacial, plastics, goiters and general surgery. There were dozens of people with tumors, from infants to elderly. There were babies with cleft lips, and people with burn scars. The Human Resource department worked at Registration, the first stop inside after hours in the heat. With the help of our lovely translators, we filled in their personal and contact information, and sent them on to be seen by nurses and doctors. Each potential patient was individually escorted from station to station, and each received encouraging smiles and hugs letting them know how much we care.
The Hospital opened a few days after the screening, with all 6 Operating Rooms being used for the first time. 20 surgeries have already been done, the Eye and Dental Clinics are up and running, and the ward is filling up.
Thank you all so much for supporting me and praying for Mercy Ships and they people we serve. You are just as much a part of this mission as I am, so as you look at these faces, remember that you are helping to change their lives.