Praise God and greetings from Liberia, Africa! Let me first apologize for spelling errors as my spell checker is not working and I don't have a dictionary (do they still have those things?) After traveling some 7000 miles--including stops in Chicago, London, Brussels, and Freetown (Sierra Lione), God has faithfully brought me safely aboard the beatiful Anastasis hospital ship. We are docked off the coast of a land that has been ravaged by war for the past 14 years-- and it shows. Over 15,000 UN peace keepers patrol the streets of Monrovia day and night to snuff potential riots that ensue quite frequently. From the moment I stepped off the plane at Robert National airport (about 45 miles from Monrovia), I could almost taste the desperation in the air. I was ill prepared for the 50 minute Land Rover ride on which I would observe deserted --half blown-up buildings and vehicles, hundreds of people living in candle-lit shacks, and UN tanks with armed guards. Welcome to Liberia-- welcome to West Africa!
On a lighter note, my international sanctuary aboard the Anastasis offers modest-- but more than adequate facilities. The crew is joyful and friendly, the food is colorful and heavy (we have an English chef), and sleeping quarters are anything but spacious! To say the least, ship life has been unique and rewarding. I am truly blessed to have been given this opportunity. B

ig thanks to my roomate John from Oregon for letting me use his laptop to write this-- the ship's internet is dreadfully slow at this time--I'm unable to send pictures for now-- hopefully this will change soon. Thank you for your continued prayer support!!-- We'll gear up and begin surgery in 1 week!
Stay tuned for more......

Once a beautiful city, Monrovia is now a collection of skeleton buildings such as this. Many Liberians seek shelter in this structure.

Mr. Duke-- up close and personal (watch out for the tongue!) 

Duke's #1 favorite game of fetch could last for hours! 

What a good puppy! 

Warm fall days are the best! 

Duke the dog is in the driveway of our little house in Whiting, Wisconsin. 

My neice Elise and I had fun in Medora, North Dakota.

Greetings to all,
New experiences excite me. However, the notion of an online journal is a bit frightening. Oh it's fine for me to read about someone else's life, but when it comes to spilling out my own thoughts and experiences to be made available on the world wide web-- now that's just scary! Overcoming my fear of journaling will become a necessary process for the next few months as I travel to a place far different from what I know.
I have been greatly blessed, and given the unique opportunity to travel to Liberia, Africa. A global charity named Mercyships (www.mercyships.org) has graciously invited me to serve as an RN aboard their hospital ship. Beginning in November, the Anastasis (meaning "resurrection" in Greek) will be docked off the coast of Monrovia for their second Liberian outreach of 2005. I will be providing post-operative nursing care for those who receive operations on the ship. Praise be to God for providing me with the means and opportunity for this adventure! A special thank you to all my family and friends who have supported me through prayer, financial gifts, and thoughtful gestures-- You know who you are and I love you all!