Photos and Article for TWU

I finally posted a few more photos. Scroll down to the bottom of the blog to see some pictures! I was also asked to write a brief article for Trinity Western University, where I studied nursing. So, I am including that here as well. It is 0700 hours and shift change has begun. The ward is unnaturally quiet for a hospital. There are no pumps alarming, call bells ringing, pagers beeping, or overhead intercoms announcing. In the corner of the room, someone with a Latin accent is whispering a prayer. Next, a British nurse thanks God for a new day to serve Him. Her thoughts are echoed by a nurse with a Southern drawl. Finally a voice with European brogue asks God to grant strength for the day ahead, comfort for the patients anticipating surgery, wisdom for the doctors, healing from infection, and a spirit of unity, through Christ’s love, for all the nurses. I sit in the circle of nurses quietly reflecting and pondering my surroundings. One month ago I was a postoperative surgical nurse working at a state-of-the-art hospital in North America. Now, I live and work on a floating hospital ship called the Africa Mercy. The ship is docked on the Atlantic Ocean outside of Monrovia, Liberia, Africa. I have joined a group of international volunteers and nurses from over 40 different countries. Our languages and practice methods vary, but our heartbeat is the same. We aim to bring God’s hope and healing to the forgotten poor. Nursing on a hospital ship in Africa is challenging, supplies are limited, modern technology is sparse, the patient population is unique, and the illnesses and needs are intense. But, the spirit on the ward is far from one of defeat and soberness. The absence of modern technology is conquered by innovative creativity, keen assessment, pure compassion, wholehearted service, exuberant joy, selfless love, and relentless faith. Scripture is being fulfilled, the blind have received sight, the lame can walk, the deaf can hear, good news is preached to the poor, and the name of the Lord is being praised. Shift report has finished, my pulse quickens at the anticipation of what I may encounter today. Fear attempts to well up in my heart as I think of my mere 3 years experience as an RN, but then a still small voice inside reminds me that when I am weak He is strong. I take a deep breath, smile, and introduce myself to my beautiful patient with chocolate brown eyes and skin. Laura Ziulkowski RN BSN Mercy Ships Ward Nurse April-November 2008