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| Santi |
Our first patients came aboard in Jakarta. There, we took on many more translators, another LDSC RN and two patients with their escorts. Prior to this, it had not occurred to me that there may be patients we could not help and would have to turn away. Our first patient, and 8 year old girl named Santi, has cataracts and can only see minimally out of one eye. After the initial exam, the doctors were thinking she could not be helped and that news made us all very sad. However, further testing suggested otherwise and we have kept her here for surgery! Both of our patients are now riding along with us to our official stop in Indonesia where they will undergo surgery and be flown back by helicopter. We do not do the surgery now as the ship is underway and surgery would be risky with the movement.
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Zandy, from LDSC, interpreting for the doctor
 We continue our preparation for the next project with inservice, language classes, cultural briefs, etc. As we get to know one another, we discover the vast amount of knowledge and experience that has come together here. We also know that doing these "practice" runs prepares us as individuals, teams, military and country to respond better and quicker to any natural disasters that may happen in the world. We are also promoting good will and teamwork with other nations, especially Indonesia, which I understand is a key country for the US to befriend. Currently, we are surrounded by Indonesian warships who's sole purpose right now is to protect the USNS Mercy. |
Fun aboard the Mercy happens frequently while we have the chance. Last night was an ice cream social.... I had Mango ice cream! Yum! This morning, those of us who never have crossed the Equator on a Navy vessel went through a "Crossing the Line Ceremony." It is an old Navy tradition and rather secretive. I feel honored to have been invited to participate as a civilian. I am no longer a Pollywog, but have been officially deemed a Shellback by King Neptune himself! Yippee! Pictures were not allowed, but let's just say it involved a lot of jello, ice, sea water, firehoses, etc..... it was rather messy!
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| Steel Beach Picnic |
Later in the evening, we enjoyed a "Steel Beach" picnic up on the flight deck. The food was fantastic with steak, chicken, brats and burgers and plenty of salad, fruit and cookies!
We continue our preparation for the next project with inservice, language classes, cultural briefs, etc. As we get to know one another, we discover the vast amount of knowledge and experience that has come together here. We also know that doing these "practice" runs prepares us as individuals, teams, military and country to respond better and quicker to any natural disasters that may happen in the world. We are also promoting good will and teamwork with other nations, especially Indonesia, which I understand is a key country for the US to befriend. Currently, we are surrounded by Indonesian warships who's sole purpose right now is to protect the USNS Mercy.
Warships, huh. I didn't think about the possibility of pirates or other maritime dangers. This world is a pretty sad place if a ship like the Mercy has to have an escort of warships.
ReplyDeleteSee why they have you up and down so many stairs..to burn off all the calories. Do they have your dew too? I miss you my dear!!!!
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