So my work has continued in much the same way this week. I have continued working with the team in room 2 where there has been much plastic surgery completed and in room 1 where a general surgeon from Uganda is working. Yet again old friends have come returned - notably the general surgeon, having worked with him last year. The main focus of general surgery are hernia repairs, again a simple operation in some ways but one that makes life so much more comfortable. Oneinteresting evening was spent listening to the plastics surgeon give his story of how he started and continues to work on the ship. He comes out about twice a year usually for about 5 weeks each visit. About 8 of us just sat round on one of the outside decks to listen. A very interesting hour after working together for the day, which of course included a Starbucks 'run'.

We have tried to organise an evening out as an anaesthetic group but failed miserably this week as one can be working late and of course another is always on call. We did manage to eat together eventually but by eating on the ship at a special 'Shabbatt' meal on Friday evening. As part of a Spiritual retreat on the ship the meal commenced the weekends activities. I had reserved a table and we did manage to eat together. The tables had been laid out specially and it was a good time to just sit and talk together. Another anaesthetist had joined us just the day before but he was a 'repeat offender' - i.e. like me had been to the ship before. The rest of the evening I spent going round an interactive exhibition looking at the Tabernacle and its various parts. Someone had been very creative. On a floating metal box where space is limited it was seemingly possible to create special areas and to make good use of the available space. Much as candles are lovely there are not allowed on the ship if they produce a naked flame. There are battery operated ones available however and these were used to good effect.

Beach was asked for today and so to the beach we went. Having found a good taxi driver 5 of us piled into a car and travelled about 35 miles I guess(I didn't measure the distance) to a beautiful beach. Very quiet, sandy, a few shelters of the thatched variety and an order for lunch taken and delievered. SOunds idyllic and it was a great day apart from the rain and teenagers. Some problems are the same the world over! It was good to get away from the ship, and see the country if only in a small part. What is wonderful about being here at this time of year is seeing everything so green. It's the first time I think that I have been to West Arica and seen such vibrant green colours.

Saturday September 17

Four days worked and I'm feeling at home. I have spent much of the week working in the rooms with surgeons who specialise in reconstructive plastic surgery. All these cases have a story to tell. Many involve accidents with oil lamps. Others are quite literally war wounds but from civil war. A complete history is not always available as the mind has a way of blocking out atrocities and sometimes injuries incurred as a young child are not remembered clearly.

One young lady comes to mind whose burns were so severe that her abdomen was not only covered with scars but had a long keloid scar that pulled up skin from her thigh making a long line of scar tissue. Quite how she stood upright I cannot imagine. She had no hands but stumps and one arm was particularly damaged by scar forming a web under her armpit. And yet she was breastfeeding....

It has however also been a week of mirth, merriment and joy. Meeting up with many friends among the operating rooms as both nurses and surgeons are onboard again. But also to meet up with those outside of my own small workplace but without whom there would be no community. The ship is a microcosm of any community and I have talked with teachers, photographers, engineers, hospitality and cleaners. Aside from that, helping out with the Starbucks as I did last night. A relatively quiet night being Friday but it gave me chance to remember how to make a frappucino! 'Happy Frappies'are popular. Simple - A frappucino served with a smile.

I have been fortunate to be put in cabin for 2 on the fourth deck. My walk to work is approximately 30 paces and half of those are down a flight of stairs. I have started running too and realised just how much I have to do if I gain a place in the London Marathon next year!!

For now, the washing is making steady progress in the machine and I'm on call for the day so the rest of the day is my own.....

Wednesday September 14

This is just to let you know that I have arrived safely and wthout incident - apart from a few damaged food parcels! At least they all arrived. I met up with five other 'Mercyshippers' and so we kept together at the airport in SL. The trip to the ship includes sailing across the bay in a ferry and with a cold drink in hand we were able to watch the sunset and view the glorious colours that one only really sees in Africa.
I have started work already and seen some sad sights but the company is good and I shall doubtless enjoy myself.