Life on the Global Mercy: There’s Always Something to Do!

I don’t think you could ever be bored while living on board the Global Mercy. There always seems to be something happening, somewhere to go, or someone to spend time with. Life on the ship has a rhythm of its own, and I’m finding that there are plenty of ways to stay busy—or simply enjoy being part of this unique community.

Exploring Ghana

On the weekends, crew members have been heading out to explore Tema and Accra. Some have ventured even farther on organized tours. It has been fun hearing about everyone’s adventures and experiences.

For the most part, it seems like people are having wonderful experiences and really enjoying Ghanaian hospitality. There is always a story to hear when someone returns from an outing, whether it is about a new restaurant, a market, a sightseeing adventure, or simply something unexpected that happened along the way.

At the local fish market

Even during the week, crew members who are off duty will often head into town for dinner. In some ways, it isn’t all that different from being at home—you just have a few more steps to go through before you can get there!

First, you go through ship security. Then you put on your reflective gear and navigate your way through the port. Next comes port security, and finally you are free to hop into your Uber and head wherever you want to go.

Of course, there is one important rule: Be back by curfew!  If you are late, you get to take a mandatory breathalyzer test on your way back onto the ship. 

Evenings on the Ship

You don’t necessarily have to leave the ship to have something to do. There are plenty of activities happening in the evenings right here on board.

The dining room is often a gathering place, with people sitting around playing cards and visiting. Up on Deck 9, there are games available in the lounge, and there are usually several puzzles spread out on tables with people working on them.

The café is another popular spot. When it is open in the evenings, people gather there to grab something to drink, catch up with friends, and simply socialize.

It’s interesting how quickly these casual gatherings become part of daily life. You might sit down for a few minutes and end up talking with someone you barely knew before for several hours. With people from so many different countries and backgrounds on board, there is always someone new to meet.

Finding Your People

Small-group activities are also just beginning to get established. There are Bible studies and prayer groups, but there are plenty of options that are simply social.

There is a creative art group, a Great British Bake Off group, a Chosen watch night, and movie nights. There seems to be a little something for everyone.

These groups are another good way to meet people outside of your normal work routine. When you live and work in the same place, it can be easy to fall into a familiar routine with the same people you work with every day. These activities give you a chance to branch out and get to know people you might not otherwise encounter.

Community on the Ship

There are also larger community events from time to time.

A few weeks ago, a Scottish ceilidh was organized to celebrate Captain Perez’s retirement.  The Scottish contingency on the ship is small but proud! It was a lot of fun and definitely not something you experience every day!

Every Thursday night, we have a Community Meeting. The format has changed each week since I arrived.  Last week, for example, we had a meeting with the entire organization. We were connected with leadership in the Netherlands and Texas, as well as the Africa Mercy in Madagascar. Everyone gave a quick report on the past month and shared some of the new and exciting things that are coming up.

Another week, the meeting was held in the café. We divided into smaller groups and discussed different topics.  I have generally enjoyed these meetings; I have found them a good way to meet different people.

Learning After Hours

As if we don’t get enough medicine during the day, there is also a medical in-service one evening each week, and an anesthesia in-service one morning each week!

I have actually found these sessions very interesting. They are a great opportunity to learn about some of the different medical work happening on the ship and to hear from people working in areas outside of my day-to-day.

One of the sessions was given by the plaster technician who works with the orthopedic surgeons. It was fascinating to learn more about what they do and, in particular, how they treat children with orthopedic deformities.

Sundays

Sunday nights are a little different. There is a worship service, and while it isn’t necessarily the type of service I am accustomed to, it is still a nice time for everyone to gather.

We sing worship songs, listen to a message, and simply have some time together as a community.  With so many people from different cultures and church backgrounds, it is interesting to experience a different style of worship. It is another reminder that even though we may do things differently, there are many things that bring us together.

I have also been attending Mass at a local Catholic church. There is a small group of Catholics on board the Global Mercy, and it has been nice to connect with them and go to Mass together on Sunday mornings.

You cannot see from this picture, but the walls of the church are just big doors that they open wide.  Let's in a great breeze.

Mass here in Ghana is definitely an experience! The basics are the same, of course, but there are some wonderful differences. The music is much more lively, and the readings and Gospel are translated into the local languages. There is a wonderful energy and enthusiasm throughout the service.

The congregation has also been very welcoming to the Global Mercy crew, which has been really nice. It is special to walk into a church in a new country and immediately feel welcomed.  There are also some long-term volunteers living on board the ship, and it has been wonderful to see them becoming part of the local church community. They are getting to know the people, becoming familiar faces, and finding their own place within the congregation.

Life Outside on the Dock

One of the things we are particularly fortunate to have here in Tema is an area on the dock that the port has allowed us to use for outdoor activities.

Apparently, that hasn’t always been possible at the different ports where the Global Mercy has docked. Here, the area is surrounded by a wall of shipping containers, which makes it a secure place for crew to spend time outside.

Returning from an outing.  The soccer "field" is on the right of the photo.  You can see in the background the tent with ship security.

Most evenings, something is happening there.

There might be a game of football—what we Americans call soccer—or a game of ultimate frisbee. Volleyball is also popular.  During the weekdays I have noticed the kids out there for recess.  It’s a great way to get some exercise, get off the ship for a while, and spend time with other crew members.  

Now, the real question is: Have I actually participated in any of these activities?

Well… I’ll let you guess!  Watching from the sidelines is also a perfectly legitimate form of participation, right? 😉

Never a Dull Moment

One thing I am discovering about life on the Global Mercy is that you really can make it whatever you want it to be.  There is always something going on—and if there isn’t, there is usually someone around you can strike up a conversation with.  So, no, I don’t think it is possible to be bored on the Global Mercy. There are too many people to meet, places to explore, activities to try, and stories to share.