Dorina

Last week we completed basic training with my fellow on-boarders. This is a 7 day course that includes everything from security awareness, firefighting, lifeboat/raft training, to first aid to equip all long term members to serve well on the Global Mercy and Africa Mercy. Within this environment a group of 25 strangers closely became friends. We were suited up in firefighter gear and lead through various simulations, some including going inside a smoke filled container finding a “causality” and having to evacuate them, or using our SCBAs to indirectly fight fires. With the temperatures close to 0 we appreciated the firefighting gear as we stood on the field. 

The week continued with excitement, on Thursday we all headed to a local indoor pool for the water simulations. Learning to float in immersion suits (emergency suits when a ship sinks) was a challenge and I pray we never have to witness wearing those in the Indian Ocean. Getting inside an inflatable raft, we learnt the different emergency signals and procedures to go through in case of listing or sinking. I could continue with all the information learnt last week but its a lot of ship talk;)

On the weekend we explored parts of the campus, took a trip to Walmart which included buying a toque and extra sweater as the temperature here in Texas only seems to be dropping, and a tray of cupcakes to celebrate one of the girls birthdays. 

If we thought we already knew each other by spending the week together we were mistaken until we played a wild round of sardines. To illustrate real quickly it’s the opposite of hide and seek, where just 1 member goes and hides and everyone tries to find them. Once you found the hidden person you hide with them until the whole group is hidden. Imagine fitting 7 people into a single shower stall or pilling on top of one another behind a couch lead to tears of laugher. 

On Sunday we had a privilege of joining one of the staff members from the ISC to his church. As we worshipped together I was reminded that God presence encompasses the whole earth and we are called to serve Him for His glory. 

The next 2 weeks is gateway training focusing on cross-cultural studies, personal and interpersonal dynamics and faith foundations. 

Thank you for following along!:)