Living in three worlds

One of the great things about working here on Mercy Ships, are the fascinating people that we meet. At home, we're used to being the odd balls who would rather go to a third world country and volunteer than spend our vacation lounging on a beach in the Caribbean. It's part of what makes us who we are, and i'll admit a little unique. Here however, we have met so many people who are 10,000 more 'strange' according to the world's standards. We've met people whose life stories are absolutely incredible, who have spent their entire lives serving the poor in strange and incredible ways. The chief surgeon here came for 3 months 20 years ago. He never left, having raised a family on the Mercy Ships. That story is not uncommon on the ship. So many people have come and stayed, endless others are here indefinately... having sold their homes with no idea what the future will hold for them. But they are here whole heartedly, giving the best of themselves, the better part of their years, helping where they can.

Amongst all of these incredible people, we meet the ordinary people like us. Struggling to figure out why we're here, enjoying every minute, but still a little perplexed by the experience. Here for a short while and with future plans vague. But, with these new friends come new insights as we attempt to put into words our thoughts and feelings. Trying to process what we see on a daily basis is exhausting in the least. It was through reading a friend's blog that i came to an important realization, we are living in three worlds.

"Culture shock," such a funny word. It means something different to everyone, i'm convinced. To some, a daunting word bringing about memories of intense emotion. To others, an excuse for inaction, and i'm sure the list could go on. The definition for me is vague, and i'd really rather not to spend much time on it. However, it is an important word to bring up at this point.

My typical work day goes like this: (World A)I wake up in a comfortable bed, in a neat and tidy room where the temperature is usually around 18 degrees celcius. I have my own washroom and shower with hot water. I can go upstairs and help myself to breakfast hot or cold. My choice. Then I walk downstairs to the hospital (World B) This hospital is nothing like at home, but not all that different. I can still function in the same capacity at home, with a lot of creativity of course. The practice of nursing is little different in Canada then in Africa. The environment is crowded, and i can't communicate with 95% of my patients verbally. There are mattresses beneath the beds to watch out for, and at least 50% of the patients are under the age of 18. The quality, quantity and variety of supplies varies. However, it is still clean, warm (not hot), dry and has very similar resemblances to home. My shift will progress until 8-12 hours later. Then I am finished. I may choose to email some friends and family afterwards, enjoy a hot meal, and sit on the top deck for the last few hours of sunlight. This world of "B" is a combination of home and Africa. It is strange in both it's similarities to what is my considered normal, and the differences which constitute the considered normal of local Africans. On a day off, or morning before an evening or night shift, I may choose to venture into World C. This is Africa. I walk down the pier to the security gates in the stiffling heat. No more pavement, just dust, broken glass, road side shacks etc. The odd car may pass you by, but mostly the zimmyjohn (aka dirtbike/motorcycle). No matter the length of excursion i choose to take, i will ultimately walk back through those security gates, back up the pier, up the gangway, and into the ship called World A. I will be greeted by a blast of cool air ...

So perhaps you can see a cause for confusion. Where are we ? We are physically located in Africa, though living on a ship registered in Malta. Strange. I was prepared to live in Africa and this surprising comfort as left me... surprised. Some may define this perplexity as culture shock, but i wonder with this constant shift from one culture to the next, if that is truely what it is ? Needless to say, that is how we Mercy Shippers live. It is strange.

And so you have it, we are living in three different worlds. Something we did not expect.