Disclaimer: While the next few weeks I will be chronicling my time aboard the Africa Mercy, the views and opinions expressed therein are my own and are not affiliated with Mercy Ships.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 ESV)
Well, as of yesterday I have been on the ship for a week. I meant to update yesterday, but after working, fabric shopping, and then working some more, I was too exhausted to do anything but crash at the end of the day. And my work isn't really over yet - I served breakfast this morning and will serving dinner tonight as well. Tomorrow, thankfully, I get a much-needed off day.
I am back in food service, which admittedly I thought I had left behind me. It feels a little strange, to be honest. I think many times I imagined working on the mission field (which I kind of am) as more. More exciting, more difficult, more glorious, etc. And it has been an adventure. But also it kind of feels like back when I used to work at Chick-fil-A. I have done a lot of meditating on my role here on the ship. The purpose of the ship is to provide medical care, education, and ministry to people who otherwise might not have access to it. Those are the jobs of the doctors, nurses, and chaplains on board. It's a boat, and so we have sailors. It's not always safe, and so we have a security team. Everyone has an important job.
The crew with me in the dining room and the kitchen? We make sure that everyone gets fed. My bunkmate and the team in housekeeping make sure that the place stays clean and safe. The teachers make sure that those children brought on board by their families receive a quality education. There are a myriad other jobs that I hadn't really thought of as important, and yet they are vital to the ultimate purpose of the ship. All of us in these more menial jobs serve those who serve. Like a stage crew, we work behind the scenes, serving the ship by serving the doctors, nurses, chaplains, etc a good meal when they need it. And so I pray I can continue to serve to the glory of God.
Unlike when I worked at Chick-fil-A, I feel like my service here is appreciated by the "customers." Many of the long-term crew started out in the Dining Room. Many people thank me for their meal. And we all live in very close quarters, so I feel like it is almost 100% necessary that we all get along.
As we are about to sail for the Canary Islands, the ship is emptying. Our day crew has stopped working. Many of the medical staff has gone home, or goes home today. Still others will join in with housekeeping, in the dining room, etc so they have something to do while we sail. There are ladies leaving that I already know I will miss, even though I have only known them a few days really. I am so grateful for the openness and friendship that has been offered me so far, and I hope to provide the same kind of openness and friendship to those few coming to join the ship.
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