Dorina

It’s hard to believe I’ve almost been here for a month already. Time is moving so quickly, yet at the same time, it feels like I’ve been here much longer in the best way possible. Stepping into the new role as Hope Center facilitator has been a dream come true, and every day I fall more and more in love with it. I’m so grateful to be here, in this position, in this season. 

The first few weeks came with a learning curve as I got to know the ins and outs of the Hope Center. There is so much to take in, daily routines, patient needs, logistics and all the other additional things that come up while managing a housing center in the middle of rainy season in Madagascar. Piece by piece it’s all starting to come together. I certainly don’t know everything, but my team as been so encouraging and I feel more at home in the rhythm of it all. 

Outside of work, life has found a steady rhythm as well. I’ve found a dear friend and we often meet in the cafe to read our Bibles together, a simple but meaningful part of my week. In a place filled with so much activity, these moments of quiet connection have been a blessing. 

One highlight the past week was Friday night. A group of crew members had created and filmed a short 15-minute video during the A&P period in Durban using crew members as the actors, so we all gathered to watch it. The storyline was so encouraging as it showed several short stories each missing a crucial piece. In the end, they realized the missing piece in each story was God. Without Him, our stories remain incomplete. The message was a reminder of why we are here and who sustains us through it all. 

Then on Saturday morning, we got to celebrate a dear little friend who turned four. We had a mermaid party, complete with a tray of cupcakes to share. Seeing the joy on her face was a reminder of the simple joys that make life so special here onboard. That evening we gathered on the dockside for a Scottish ceildh. We were lead to through several cultural dances, such a unique environment that allows us to experience cultures that we are not currently present in. 

Thank you for reading, until next time:)