Catching up
Krissy
The Africa Mercy is out in the Atlantic, sailing from Togo to the Canary Islands for some much needed maintenance and rest for the crew.  As I am looking at photos of the departure and sail, all I can think about is how badly I want to be there right now.  Soon.  Not soon enough!

Well, that's not entirely true.  I do have quite a bit of work to get done before I can join the ship... Namely, I need to raise about $30k.  Awesome.  That seems like a huge number but at the same time, it seems totally doable.  I've got two weeks left at Disney and then I can dive in fulltime to fundraising.  SO if you are reading this and you have ANY ideas, speaking opportunities, or groups that might be interested, please let me know! Krissyonmercy at gmail dot com is my email address.

This last week was super busy!  Last weekend I visited the West African Market here in Seattle and was like a little kid in a candy store - they had pounded yams, gari, raw palm oil, plantain chips, and alot of other stuff that I got really excited about. The owner was from Guinea so we started talking about making yams and sauce in rapid French, I felt right at home.

The next day I experimented with making the pounded yams and sauce with goat meat - I had no idea how it would turn out - and it turned out FANTASTIC.  Everyone loved it! Yum!

Summer Ultimate Frisbee league has started, with games on Tuesdays/Thursdays.  I played well on Tuesday and then the Thursday night game was by far my best game.  I played extremely well, we won against a much younger team and it was just so much fun.  I love games like that.  Every Friday the crew of the Africa Mercy plays and I just want them all to know that I'm coming back with some serious skills.  Be ready. (smile)

I'm running alot, training for the Disneyland Half Marathon on September 2nd.  My friend from the ship, Emma, is running it with me and I'm SO excited.   I have a couple of smaller races between now and then, part of my training plan.  I never thought I would ever enjoy running the way that I do. 

Okay - guess that's it for this update. Hope all is well in your world - send me an email!

Love to all. Krissy

Check out my other blog at www.krissyonmercy.blogspot.com
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The mefloquine experiment....
Krissy
If you've ever travelled to a malaria-endemic country, you know you have to take a malaria prophylaxis.  That's just a fancy word for a pill that will prevent malaria, or make it less deadly if you do get it.

When I was in the Peace Corps I was on Doxycycline, a pill you take every day that is actually an antibiotic.  There are very few side effects on a daily basis, as long as you take it with a meal, (it only took one time of taking it on an empty stomach and I learned my lesson on that!) but long-term, like two and a half years, of antibiotic use can slowly damage your liver, kidneys, and other organs.  It also kills off the 'good' bacteria in your intestines and can allow secondary infections alot of growing room. For example, the last three months I was in Africa and my first month home I had four ear infections.

SO, there are only two other options. Malarone is the drug most short-term voyageurs use, but it's not okay for long term.  Mefloquine (Larium) is the drug of choice over doxycyline for Peace Corps and other long-term overseas workers. However, mefloquine has been known to cause a variety of negative side effects, the most notable being anxiety, paranoia, vivid dreams, and hallucinations.  However, it's easier on your body and you only take it once a week, instead of once a day.

So I, along with my doctor, decided to try mefloquine while I was still here in the states and could control all other outside influences.  I mean, if you start taking it and then move to AFRICA, how are you going to know if your sleeplessness or mood swings are medication related or if they're just from moving to AFRICA?  So while I'm here, stable, and surrounded by people who know me well and can tell if I'm a little 'off', I decided to give it a shot.

Fail.

Surprisingly, I didn't have ANY of the psychological side effects (yet...), which were the ones I was most worried about.  No, instead I got hit with just about every single physical side effect.  Total loss of appetite, headache, and mild stomach pain bothered me the first 24 hours, but they weren't too bad.  Not bad enough for me to chose malaria, that's for sure. But yesterday afternoon at the gym I was hit with excruciating stomach pains which left me on the floor in the fetal position, crying.  Very dramatic. The gym staff was great, there were some nurses there, too, who I was able to explain that my appendix had not burst and my liver wasn't failing but rather it was medication related and really, it wasn't necessary to put me in an ambulance. After a bit it calmed down and I was able to drive myself home.

SO, looks like it'll be back to doxycycline for me. It was worth a shot! Today I'm still feeling some stomach pain and haven't gotten my appetite back, but it's nothing like yesterday afternoon and evening. Wow, that was terrible. BUT I'm glad I did it this way, because I knew it had to be the meds, nothing else had changed, I hadn't eaten anything different, etc.  So now I know!

Peace. k

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My teeth are fixed.
Krissy
A big reason... well, really, the biggest reason... I came home in December and am still here in the states was to get my teeth fixed. I knew I was going to need quite a bit of work; both  my front teeth were broken and I knew I had cavities.  This was the single biggest reason I decided to come home and get a job, as opposed to just visiting and heading back to Africa where I clearly left my heart.

Enter, job at Disney - it's been awesome! I was super blessed to get a job very quickly upon my return and while the benefits aren't fantastic, they were enough. Wednesday was the big day - two and a half hours under the drill for two restorations (front teeth) and six cavities filled. It was a long time and my mouth and jaw are still pretty sore, but I'm glad I got it all done at once. Now I'm good for another couple of years of service!  Wahoo!!!

And now that it is June 1... Shall I begin a countdown? 15 weeks until Gateway! (Training in Texas) Cheers!



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Step One!
Krissy
Well, this might actually be happening - I might actually be raising support to return to Africa - Wahoo!!


http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/closek



Taking the leap! K
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Soapbox moment
Krissy
People ask what has been the most difficult aspects of being back in America... well, here's what's on my mind today.

Part of my job here at Disney is to deal with complaints. Many of them are valid, people stating a need and my job is to find a way to fill that need or change things to make them better. This aspect of my job is fine.  What I don't enjoy is when I get completely random complaints about things like the flavors of juice in the fridge.  You mean, like, the FREE juice we offer to employees? Oh yes, that free juice.  And the free sodas, free granola bars, chips, fruit, tuna packets, coffee, flavored creamers, teas..... Disney is very good to their employees and we're well cared for.  It's one thing to let me know if we're out of a preferred flavor... but completely another to whine and complain incessantly about it.  This is where I just don't have the patience for some Americans.

The second thing I get frustrated about is with the extensive, expansive, even mind-blowing (yes I did tear up the first few times at the grocery store) array of healthy foods and fresh, whole produce available to everyone here, and yet, how unhealthy the American population is.  Quite honestly, in my opinon, with what is available to us, there is no excuse for 2/3 of Americans to be overweight. I'm not talking about anyone specific or dismissing medical reasons, at all, so please don't hear me saying that.  It's just something that I've noticed and bothers me.  I used to be one of those 2/3rds, but something clicked when I was in Africa and I'm just more aware of what I'm putting in my body and what I'm doing with it. 

You asked. I answered. :)

Four and a half weeks left here at Disney and then the next phase begins... Wahoo!!!

k
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Running
Krissy
Never ever thought I'd ever be a "runner". 

Three months ago I decided to register for a 5k, just for kicks.

Now that I've run three of them, I'm addicted.  And I'm training to run a half marathon at the end of the summer.  It's no longer about this nebulous "get healthy" idea. It's about the pursuit of excellence in my self and what I can do.

Here's a photo of my new collection.  Next race - Memorial Day!

:)K
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The Why.... again.
Krissy
Why.

Why are you going back?

I've gotten this question so many times and some people just get it and some people just don't.  That's okay.  I don't need everyone's approval to know this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing.

I think ultimately the answer is the same now as it was when I left Microsoft to join the Peace Corps - because there, and here at my current position with Disney, the bottom line is I am working to make rich people richer.  Yes, Disney and Microsoft and other for-profit companies can and do amazing things with their influence and capital, but really... ultimately, the accumulation of my work, time given, stress felt, and projects completed is for the purpose of making rich people richer.

In Africa, no matter what I am doing it's for a purpose greater than myself, greater than money or prestige or honor or the accumulation of toys.  When I was on the Africa Mercy last year I spent the great majority of my working hours cleaning up after people and listening to complaints - but it was necessary and vital in the grand scheme of things, and through that I got to play a part in the life-changing work that Mercy Ships does every single day. 

Someone asked me why I don't get a good paying job (because I certainly could, was implied) and then donate all the money I wanted to other do-gooders.  Well... I just can't do that.  I need to be in the trenches, making a difference. It's what I was created to do, it's where I come alive, it's what I live for.  I would rather not live than not do this.  How's that for conviction, passion, calling?

So please, please, please.  Don't try to talk me out of it.  It will only leave me frustrated. Please try to see my heart.  I'm not just looking for the next fun thing, avoiding responsibilities by NOT having a husband, family, house, mortgage.... (Yes, this has been implied by more than one person...)  Rather, I have a bigger responsibility to live the life I was created to live.  Anything else is just... meaningless.

k
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What I'll be doing....
Krissy
The first question I get when people find out I'm moving back to Africa is - what will you be doing there?  Well, let me tell you! I'm going to be serving the crew of the Africa Mercy in the Human Resources department on board.  I'll be doing new crew on-boarding, as we have new crew coming on every week it's a big job! I'll also be working with internal transfers, disembarkation (people leaving), the loads of paperwork that are involved in international development work, and whatever else comes up.  Quite honestly, I'm not entirely sure they ever know exactly what you are doing until you're there! I think I'll be doing some of the work with day workers in Guinea, as I speak African French so fluently.

Outside of my day job, which will be a standard 9-5ish type day, I'll get to volunteer with other off-ships programs, like the Cheshire House home for kids with polio I worked at in Sierra Leone.  I'll be able to visit with and play with patients and have some time to explore the country we are in! I am already looking forward to the Friday night ultimate frisbee games as I've been playing in a formal league here in Seattle this spring and must say my skills have improved dramatically!  I also look forward to spending time in community and building relationships with the other families and crew members.  It's just overall extremely exciting.

Less than four months until I begin training in Texas - Wahoo! The time will fly, I am sure!

Until next time - K
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Sibi Julie Comes Out of the Shadows
Krissy

Sibi Julie Comes Out of the Shadows




Life for Sibi Julie had a rough start. She was born with a normal weight, but a bilateral cleft lip made it difficult for her to take nourishment. So, she quickly began to lose weight. Every day was a challenge for Sibi and her mother.

The superstitious West African culture made the situation even more difficult. To keep her daughter safe, Sibi’s mother kept the baby hidden inside her compound. When people saw Sibi’s deformed lip, they said her mother was cursed. Some said that both mother and baby were being punished because of the mother’s sin.
One day, a friend told them that Mercy Ships was having a mass medical screening in Lomé, Togo, West Africa. Daring to venture outside, Sibi’s mother brought the child to the screening. She was did not really believe that Mercy Ships could help, but she was desperate. However, when she saw other children there with the same problem, hope flickered in her heart. To her surprise, Sibi was given an appointment card for a free corrective surgery onboard the Africa Mercy.
First, Sibi was put on the Mercy Ships infant feeding program to help her gain weight before the surgery. It quickly made a difference. “Sibi has gained at least a kilo since I had help and advice about how to feed her,” her mother said as she proudly showed off her baby girl.
Sibi soon became a celebrity on the wards as nurses and day-workers loved to hold her and show her off to the other patients. “I am very surprised they took such good care of us – unlike the local hospitals. Here Sibi and I had fun and have had no challenges,” her mother commented.
Sibi resting on the ward after her surgery.

Now, Sibi’s mother proudly shows her daughter to people – she no longer has to hide in the shadows cast by superstition. “I am so happy with the results! I can now see a new life for my daughter. I am very grateful for this gift. Thanks to the Africa Mercy and crew for how they treated us. I couldn’t have afforded this surgery, but Mercy Ships did this for free. I am very, very grateful!” her mother joyfully exclaimed.

Story by Nicole Pribbernow
Photos by JJ Tiziou & Debra Bell
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Why I'm going back...
Krissy
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mercyships/sets/72157629860293375/show/

Please watch even just a few minutes of this slideshow of photos.... This is why I am going back. I can't NOT be with these children, these women, these beautiful people.  It's what I was created to do. 

Love to all - Krissy
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The Color Run
Krissy
This weekend was an epic event - the Color Run in downtown Seattle! Basically everyone starts wearing all white and at every kilometer (it's a 5k) volunteers throw colored powder at you and then there's a party at the end. It started and ended in Seattle Center (think the Space Needle) and it was so much fun! Here are a few photos, check out the rest of the pics here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150947999171675.472012.719401674&type=3&l=b9d2080eb1
 

Our team at the beginning
 Our team at the end!


I got some in my teeth and was spitting green for a mile or so.

Color madness!
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Dusting off the blog....
Krissy
Hello readers! Are you there?  Helooooooo.... anyone home?

Well, if there ARE still readers out there - Hello Again! It's been awhile!!

I decided it was time to dust off the old blog and send an update - life is crazy.  It was nearly eight months ago I said goodbye to my village in Benin, my home of two years, and moved to Sierra Leone on Mercy Ships.  Now it's been nearly five months since I said goodbye to the ship and hello to life in America!

Five months!  I think the time has gone both fast and slow.  I spent an awesome three weeks in Minnesota with my family for Christmas and to welcome in the New Year - then I came back here to Seattle and was totally blessed to get a job within just a couple of weeks. I'm working as a HR assistant for The Walt Disney Company - yes, we have an office here in Redmond, WA! It's been a wonderful, easy, non-stressful job with a fantastic team. 

I've kept busy spending alot of time at the gym, completing my first 5k's this weekend! It was so much fun. I'll write another blog post soon with some photos and stories. I got to go to Colorado in late Jan/early February to spend some time with my awesome friends there and work at the Captivating retreat with Ransomed Heart Ministries.  I've spent tons of time reconnecting with friends, telling Africa stories, and getting myself healthy!  It's really been a lovely time of recovery - recovering my health, my sanity, my relationships, and my heart after being away and alone for so long.

BUT - that time of recovery is OVER!  I'm now moving into PREPARATION - what does this mean? It means yes, I'm moving back to Africa! The land that stole my heart has been calling to me since my return and I can't ignore the calling.  I'm joining the crew of the Africa Mercy fulltime in September for a minimum of two years! I'm ridiculously excited and there is absolutely no question in my mind that this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing.  I'll write more soon about what I will be doing there as well as what I'm going to be doing this summer...

Stay tuned to this blog or Facebook for more info.  Until next time - thanks for sticking with me!  Once I am on the ship I will have a new blog, so keep your eyes open for that, too! :) Love to all - Krissy
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