When I first set foot on the Global Mercy, I knew I was embarking on a journey unlike any other. Life aboard a hospital ship brought a unique blend of community, purpose, and adventure. The random array of ship noises, the camaraderie among the crew, and the profound impact we had on countless lives became the fabric of my existence. But now, as I transition to living ashore in Freetown, Sierra Leone, I find myself navigating a new, challenging, yet enriching chapter of my life.

In April this year I left the familiar confines of the Global Mercy and moved into a house nestled in the vibrant chaos of Freetown. For months I had the comfort of the global mercy close by. Ready to provide me with 3 meals a day if I didn’t feel like cooking, supply me with stable electricity and Wi-Fi when the supply in town didn’t meet my privileged expectations, house me in a safe environment when I was sick. But most of all, offer a community of friends that feel like family, always there to share in laughter, support, and the sense of belonging. So when the ship left in June it didn’t take me long to I realise that I still had a lot of adapting and learning to do in this new life I was living on land.

The Realities of Daily Life

Living in Freetown brings a host of challenges that test my adaptability and patience. Unstable electricity supply is a constant issue. It’s not uncommon for the lights to flicker and die, plunging my house into darkness. When the power goes out, I rely on a generator, but even that can be unreliable. When it breaks down, I’m reminded of the luxury of stable electricity that I once took for granted.

The roads, too, are a challenge—riddled with potholes and often flooded during the rainy season, making even short journeys an ordeal. The heat can be relentless, and with it comes the constant buzz of mosquitoes, demanding vigilance to avoid illness. Yet, amidst these daily struggles, there’s a sense of resilience that builds within me, a growing appreciation for the small victories, and a deeper understanding of the strength it takes to thrive in a place where nothing comes easily.

The Elements: Friend and Foe

Initially I moved off ship during the height of the dry season, a time when the relentless heat and lack of rain add a layer of challenge to daily life. Every night, like clockwork, I would wake up at 1:05 a.m. The generator would switch off at 1:00 a.m., and within minutes, the lack of air conditioning would make the room unbearably warm. Desperate for some relief, I would spend the rest of the night on the cool ceramic floor, trying to lower my body temperature enough to fall back asleep. The roaring sound of the generator kicking back on at 5:00 a.m. was both a blessing and a curse. The sweet relief of the AC allowed me a few more precious hours of sleep before my alarm inevitably dragged me into the new day.

Fast forward to now, and the rainy season is in full swing. In the rain Freetown comes alive with the vibrant colours emerging from the dust, but it also brings significant challenges. For many, rain is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a potential risk to their homes. The torrential downpours are so powerful and relentless they can, and often do, damage the structure of buildings and roads leading to leaks and other issues. The humidity that accompanies the rain is relentless, creating an environment where mould thrives. Humidity traps have become an essential in every corner of my home!

A Humbling Perspective

Despite these challenges, I am acutely aware of my relative privilege. I have a roof over my head, access to medical care, and the means to address many of the issues I face. Most importantly, I have the option to leave if things become unbearable. Many of my neighbors do not have that luxury. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a daily reminder of the strength and endurance of the human spirit.

Embracing a New Community

Finding my place in this new community has required me to push myself beyond my comfort zones. On the ship, my role was clear, and my community was a close-knit family of like-minded individuals. On land, it’s different. The warmth and resilience of the people here have been both humbling and inspiring. Every interaction teaches me something new about the strength of the human spirit. Whether its engaging with locals whose lives and experiences are vastly different from mine or getting to know other expats that all have their own inspiring story of how they got here, I am learning to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives, finding common ground in unexpected places, and growing from every interaction along the way.

Finding Balance and Gratitude

Living in Freetown has pushed me to re-evaluate my notions of comfort and convenience. It’s a constant lesson in gratitude and humility. As I settle into this new chapter, I’m guided by the lessons learned from my time living onboard the Global Mercy – adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to service—as I navigate life in Freetown.

In the end, this experience is shaping me in ways I never anticipated. It’s teaching me resilience, fostering a deeper sense of empathy, and broadening my understanding of what it means to truly live in and support a community. While the Global Mercy was my home on the sea, Freetown is becoming my home on land—one challenge, one connection, and one day at a time. The Global Mercy will return in a few days’ time and I’m grateful to be part of both a community on and off ship.