Ready, Set, Jet!

🗹 Negative COVID test

🗹 Packing complete

🗹 All, and I do mean all, the immunizations

🗹 Airline tickets in hand

It's departure day! This day has been much anticipated for the last year. I was initially accepted to the Mercy Ships team last February, however my skill set was not yet needed onboard. The ship was in Spain getting updated and weathering the COVID storm. Needless to say, when the official date for joining the ship arrived, I was ecstatic. I spent December and January gathering the physical items I will need (like a Senegal appropriate wardrobe) and investing time in studying the Bible so I can be spiritually prepared for the experiences to come.

Today, I boarded a flight in Portland, OR. I have a 27-hour travel "day" ahead of me with stops in Chicago and Brussels, Belgium. Maybe I'll hunt down some chocolate during my second layover! Yum! Upon arrival in Dakar, I'll head through customs. Be praying for me; I hear there is very little English spoken in Senegal and despite my best efforts to learn some French my brain refused to acquire the language. 

From the airport, I will be taken by taxi to a hotel for a two-night quarantine. It sounds like the taxi ride is an hour depending on traffic and will be an adventure! The drive will provide an opportunity to get a first glimpse at the city of Dakar, assuming the sun hasn't already set. 

Actually leaving Portland to start this journey has been a bit surreal. I have been asked multiple times how I am feeling about it and I can't think of a great way to put the emotion into words. The excitement is real, but so is the anxious anticipation. Am I a little crazy for embarking on this epic adventure, perhaps; however, I know that I serve a God who cares deeply for my every need and provides in ways I could never imagine. I get to turn my worries over to Him and walk in faith, who better to put my trust in.


Senegal Facts:
  • Language: French (official), Wolof, almost 30 other native languages
  • Size: 75,955 sq miles (about the size of South Dakota - my childhood home)
  • Population: ~15 million
  • Government: Unitary presidential republic
  • Religion: Predominantly Islam (96%)
  • Climate: Tropical (high 80F/low 70F), it is currently the dry season driven by hot, dry harmattan winds


Prayer Requests:

  • Uneventful travel to my final destination.
  • Preparation of the hearts and minds of both crew and patients/families as the Africa Mercy restarts her field service.

Let me know what you want to know! Comment below.

Comments

  1. hollymigasFebruary 10, 2022 at 5:17 PM

    Hello! I am Luke’s mom and had heard him talk about you preparing to go. I would love to follow along and pray for you as you go! Thank you for stepping out and being willing to answer the call! Jesus will be with you. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AlissaFebruary 19, 2022 at 7:37 AM

      Thanks for joining the journey! I am so humbled and thrilled that I have the opportunity to step into the Lord's current calling for my life!

      Delete

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