How are you?What's Togo like?
How is life on the ship?
How are your patients?
What have you learned?
How do I find the words to do answer these questions?
There is no short answer to explain this experience.the people.
the poverty.
the joy.
I can't quickly describe the culture on the ship
people from a multitude of countries,
of differing languages, customs, backgrounds, beliefs.
Bound by faith and the beautiful people of Togo.
Living together within the walls of a large shipin 6-berth cabins
small bunks
tiny bathroom
communal meals
communal everything.
How can that work?
It works by the grace of God.
And then there's the Togolese people.Beautiful
Smart
Creative
Joyful
Gracious
The list is unending
Walk down the streets
greeted by each and every person
Hello! How are you? What is your name?The smell of food
and sewage
mix in the air.
the sounds of trucks, motorbikes, music, and people
Bustling, greeting, selling, playing
Smiles.
So many smiles.Our patients, their families.
Patient, thankful, loving.
My heart feels full.
I wonder
Are they helping me
more than I am helping them?
It is so easy to care for them
to connect with them
to love them.Despite the language
and cultural barriers.
That just doesn't matter.
They teach me so much
More than I have ever learned
or could learn
in a classroom.
How to enjoy life,
be thankful for what we have,
learn what is really important.
Care for everyone.because we are all family.
Dance.
Sing.
Laugh.
Always from the heart.
And always, always
to LOVE.
Eeeek!!!!! I love Molly. Sounds like you are having a radical time. We are very happy for you and glad you are able to have the experience! Enjoy love!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMols, So beautifully written, it almost feels like we are living through your experience. xo Heather
ReplyDeleteMolly, It's so great to hear about everything going on for you in Togo. I'm sure there is much more that you don't have a chance to share! Keeping a blog/journal is great for us at home and for you later. I remember re-reading my Ghana journal last year and finding so many things that I didn't remember until I read it again... I am so thankful for the memories I had there and for the life-changing experience we shared. It really set the tone for my life, and now you're in Togo and I'm going to Liberia in 3 weeks! I will probably update my blog about it (but I don't tell many people about my blog because I feel like it would be very boring for other people sometimes--I get all mushy and lovey about birth just about every day).
ReplyDeleteKnow that we are all praying for you and sending our love to you, the rest of Mercy Ships, and the people you are helping every single day.
-Andrea
It's so special to hear about this life changing experience as you go along. Much better than a slide show after you return :) Capturing your thoughts and feelings as they happen will remind you of your blessings now and again later.
ReplyDeleteBarb V.
You're a damn cool sister. I love these posts - I can't wait for the next one. Miss you. - bro
ReplyDelete