Prayer Update

Greetings from Freetown!

It's been six days since I've set foot on Sierra Leone and it's been a roller coaster of emotions and experience. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I am safe and healthy. Here is a brief breakdown from the past few days.

Work
- Praise God for answering our prayers for the senior technologist to arrive. He came a day before my arrival with only three weeks of notice. He's a retiree with many experience in Xray, CT, PACS, and managing. I'm so blessed to have him over look me. It's his third time on the ship. His dedication and love for his work are encouraging.
- I've learnt to use some different equipment and after two days of getting lost, I now have places figured out. I must say my first encounter of patients with facial tumours and dental deformities was quite scary! Of course God never looked at them strangely. Please pray that I am able to expand my compassion towards them - despite odour, hygiene and pathology.
- Unfortunately I have come at a time where surgeries are coming to an end in four weeks. Hence it has been VERY quiet in xray/CT. The nine hour days can get very long and boring. Sometimes I have questioned why I'm even here. Please pray that my doubts are blocked and for God to show me His purpose and vision. I need strength and proper mind set.

Outreach
- Wanting to still make the most out of my time here, today I ventured off to visit other Mercy ministries they have in this city. It was my first time at an orphanage and I completely loved it! The African children are very welcoming and affectionate. They want to hold your hand and sit on your lap. It breaks my heart they do not receive the love of physical touch from their parents. Please pray for these children, to know that they are still valuable in God's eyes. Mercy Ships have supported them financially for the full year so they can all attend school. Please pray they are welcomed and accepted by other children in school.
- It was also my first time to the women's prison - used to be operated by the UN. Apparently the ladies have pretty well kept condition with mattresses and toilets. However passing by I would never want to live in prison! They all crave freedom. Please pray that these ladies will receive spiritual liberation in Jesus Christ. Most are in prison due to money issues. We shared with them the gospel, sang songs and made crafts.

Living
- I'm very thankful that I am living in an air conditioned and well kept ship. To be honest I feel very confined here. Going outside for air isn't so great neither because it is hot and humid during day time. The food is also limited in variety. Please pray for me for a grateful heart and to stop complaining!

Community
- I'm learning how I yearn to belong and to be in fellowship with brothers and sisters. Please pray that I will have meaningful relationships and for unity with the other five girls I am rooming with. Pray for my joining of small group and other activities on ship.

In addition please continue to pray for my focus to be Christ centred. Pray that I will make God-time my priority each day. (I tend to like to keep busy - North American habit I guess.)

Thank you for your support!

In Christ,
Janet