The days are long but the weeks are short

Hello again!! I can hardly believe that it is my 3rd week living in Dakar. Each day I am here holds new blessings and lessons. This week, I've been reflecting on the passing of time. At home, every day feels rushed with a schedule packed to the hilt. Time passes differently for me here. Work days are a short 8 hours in contrast to my 12 hour shifts at home. I work 5 shifts a week rotating between days (0700-1530), evenings (1400-2230), and nights (2200-0730). Shifts pass by quickly and there is an abundance of time outside of work to spend developing friendships with other crew members. Each day feels like it stretches for an eternity in the best way. At the end of the week though, it's sobering to be reminded just how quickly the week passed away. It's gone in the blink of an eye. 

A friend here reminded me that time works similarly in God's economy. Time moves slowly and quickly in the same instant. The Lord, in his kindness, allows time for each one of us to choose to meet him as a friend and accept Him into our lives as our eternal Savior. 

2 Peter 3:8-9

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

The passage of time has allowed for some incredible opportunities both at work and in my off time. The hospital team has incredibly hard to prepare the hospital and we've welcomed many patients. (Check out Mercy Ships on social media to see some patient stories!) To balance the work, I've explored the area near me. I want to share some of those adventures with you!! 

Reserve de Bandia: 

Nurses on Safari

Bandia is a wildlife reserve about 90 minutes from the Port of Dakar. It is around 2000 acres in size. The group that runs the reserve utilizes it to protect local animals facing endangerment/extinction from poaching. 

Giant Eland (native to SE Senegal, heavily poached for trophy wall mounts)

 

Plage de la Viole d'or:

As you may imagine, living on a boat has its perks. Ships must reside in ports, therefore there are beaches nearby! Just beyond the last port jetty is one such beach, about 10 minutes away by taxi. I spent the day relaxing in a lounge chair under a palm tree after my nursing orientation shifts. At the end of the day, my friends and I dined at the beach restaurant. I was able to try one of Senegal's signature dishes, poulet yassa. The dish is chicken served with an onion gravy and rice. The gravy tastes like a peppery french onion soup. Perhaps I'll learn how to make it so I can share the flavors when I return home!

                         

                     Grey crowned crane

               

Poulet yassa with gazelle ananas (pineapple soda)     

Prayer Requests:

• Hospital equipment to remain in working condition.
• Rapid and complete healing of the patients. 

I hope to hear from you all! What can I show you about life here?