Mercy Ships

Academy teacher Glenda Willcock, from Canada, has been hard at work teaching on the Global Mercy. The prep to open her classroom began weeks ago, and now she’s primed and ready to teach students on board the world’s largest civilian hospital ship! “I love my job,” Glenda said, “I love working with students from all over the world!” Academy schoolteachers like Glenda teach the children of our volunteer crew serving on board. The curriculum is similar to international schools, offering a range of subjects tailored to varied needs and cultural backgrounds. Students interact with peers from around the world, enriching their educational experience and broadening their worldview. Together they grow up on a hospital ship where they experience unique adventures and cultures. “We have small class sizes so we form a little community,” she said. “At the beginning of a school year, I love watching how a new class gels and the new mix of personalities and strengths that each child brings.” It takes all kinds of talents and strengths to continue our mission of hope and healing. To learn how you can be a part visit mercyships.org #MercyShips #Volunteering #SchoolTeacher #FindYourPlaceOnBoard #SchoolOnAShip #MercyShipsAcademy

In the countries where Seydina lives, surgery can be seen as a luxury… and not necessarily a safe one. “Surgery scares me more than anything else. A successful surgery — we rarely see it in our countries.” These words came from Seydina’s grandfather, Alioune and reflected the bitter reality that 8-year-old Seydina faced. Without surgery, the cataracts and cleft condition that had weighed on him for so long would never be corrected, but the chances of finding safe surgery were little to none. That’s when hope stepped in. #SeydinasStory #HopeandHealing #cataracts #cleftcondition

The silent heroes on our ships might be who you think they are. They’re the ones who make sure there’s gloves for our surgeons. They keep the kitchen full so we can feed hundreds of volunteers and patients every day. And they even get notebooks and pens for our Academy students. They’re our supply managers and they work overtime to help us bring hope and healing everywhere we go.

Seydina was born with both a cleft palate and cataracts, two conditions that marked him as different from other children his age. Mocked for his differences and unable to see his schoolwork, Seydina’s family feared that the best choice would be to take him out of school. His future would have looked a lot different had that been their only option. #SeydinasStory #HopeandHealing #cataracts #cleftcondition

For 2 years, Lucy was left to carry the burden of a tumor. Today, her dreams are in reach. YOU make safe surgery a possibility when you make hope and healing a mission of your own! Read Lucy's story and see how you can get involved at www.mercyships.org/lucy #GlobalSurgery #MercyShips

“We are so rich in high-income countries, and yet, people take it for granted very often, and that’s why I come back year after year. This is why I choose to do medicine and dentistry. This is why I choose to serve other people.” Dr. Leo Cheng has volunteered with us over 20 times since 2006, bringing his vast knowledge and skills to areas with limited medica care! Between his work with patients and his dedication to training local medical professionals, his heart reflects hope and healing every day he's on board! Thank you Dr. Cheng for your hard work and dedication to changing the world around you. Want to share your skills, experiences, and values to make a lasting difference in the lives of others? #FindYourPlaceOnBoard just like Dr. Cheng: https://lnkd.in/gaEnp9cD #MercyShips #HospitalShip #GiveBack #VolunteerSpotlight

"I wasn't feeling good when I had that thing on my face… I was ashamed. Now, after the surgery, I feel good!" Safe surgery is about more than removing physical burdens. It's about removing the painful stigmas and fear, and replacing them with hope and healing. Read Lucy's full story and so many others at www.mercyships.org/lucy

What does long-term hope and healing look like? It looks like Adonis, a Malagasy nurse anesthetist who partnered with us nearly 10 years ago! Despite nearly 20 years of experience, Adonis still wants to ensure his skills are the best he can make them, so he continues to come on board for additional training and partnership. We love working alongside medical professionals like Adonis, who are able to take their knowledge to bring hope and healing to the people of their home country, Madagascar. Together, we’re helping leave a lasting impact! #MercyShips #Training #Partnership

In countries where Lucy lives, medical care isn't just difficult to find, it's nearly impossible. That's why conditions like Lucy's continue to worsen. Without help, Lucy's story would be much different. But her family was determined to change the narrative.

Cheikh’s journey to healing isn’t over. Despite his progress on board the Global Mercy, he still struggles to eat foods confidently. But the support and compassion Ndeye experienced on board can never be replaced: “I will never be discouraged!” Read Cheikh’s full journey with Mercy Ships at www.mercyships.org/cheikh