I think we all, at times, just need to 'sit' and contemplate life. It's good to stop and take 'toll' of where we've been, where we are, and where we are going. I have recently spent some time reflecting on my last 6 1/2 years in Mercy Ships. I am amazed at how time has flown. I am grateful for the people with whom my life has become entwined. And I am in awe of a God who has led and directed me even during times when I, myself, wasn't sure where I was headed. I have seen much - I've seen poverty, I've seen sickness, I've seen diseases that are horrendous, but I've also seen happiness from a child who has nothing; I've seen hope in the eyes of someone who once was blind, but now can see; I've seen people rejoice over the gift of a hug. I am forever changed by what I have seen and witnessed. And I am grateful to those that help me in experiencing this journey - my family, my friends, churches, my fellow crew members, and of course, the people we serve - the world's poor and needy.
We will have 6 Operating Rooms onboards (they call them 'theatres' here in the UK). The one you see above is actually two ORs in one...In the center of the picture (back wall) is a white folding door that divides the OR into two ORs, but on occasion we may need to open up the door to make one room allowing for an extensive Orthopaedic surgery, or perhaps a film team, or if we are teaching other physicians...it has great flexibility for us. I can't wait for the day when I can show a picture of this same room, but filled with doctors, nurses, and a patient! Soon...very soon! 
