Real Life.

How to pray for a Mercy Shipper 

When I talk to friends back home, they express how happy they are for me, how much they admire my courage and passion for serving the Lord, and, that should uplift my spirit, but sometimes it doesn't. 

I don't feel brave and adventurous when I wake up here. 
Sometimes I wake up happy because I got to sleep in after a long and busy shift that ended almost at midnight. Sometimes I wake up cranky because loud noises won't let me sleep during the day, after a night shift. 
Sometimes I wake up missing my family. Sometimes I wake up feeling lonely, wondering what to do on my day off. 
Sometimes I wake up happy and grateful because I remember how lucky I am for being here. Sometimes I wake up excited because I will go visit friends at the Hope Center, or will meet new people. 
Sometimes I wake up with a nice text or voice message from a friend that is praying for me. 
I wake up like any normal person, in any place on the world.



What I am about to share here is just what I have been experiencing during my time here, and also what friends (who will remain anonymous) have shared too. We don't want to complain, we just want to let you know how the struggle here is real, as it is anywhere else.

Sometimes we can feel trapped, going out of the ship to the city requires always company and a safe way to travel, it's better to have someone that speaks french to move around safely.
Being sick here is sad. But cabinmates and friends make it better. If it is a short term virus infection, you'll be fine, but sometimes you have an illness that will take time to go away, and that makes life very difficult.


Some of us struggle with depression. We fight against a feeling of defeat and strong sadness. We feel inadequate and  invisible. Sometimes we feel what we do doesn't matter.

Bad news from home are hard to deal with, hearing of a family member or a friend in pain is very painful here, the sense of helplessness is strong and sometimes even overwhelming.

The need of privacy is still a need here, but sharing almost every space makes it very difficult, and sometimes being around people becomes overwhelming too.

Being around people also is a risk to compare yourself constantly. We know we all are different, but as humans (specially women) it's easy to compare yourself, not even physically but also intellectually or worse, spiritually.


Also, if you ask here "What are your plans for the future?", many of us will answer "I don't know, I'm praying about it." The sense of uncertainty brings us closer to God but sometimes it can be very difficult. Trusting God for His guidance and also for the financial support is a day by day exercise. 

However, a simple smile and hug from a patient can change it all. The satisfaction of healed wounds, happy patients and caregivers and learning new things can help too. Seeing how God answers our prayers with miracles keeps us awake and joyful, it can happen any time!! 

We also enjoy the simple things like watching a good movie, swimming under the african sun, finding great ice cream and nice thai food (or mexican, or corean, there's actually a nice variety around here!). 

But mostly, finding strength, purpose and hope in God day by day is what keeps us moving forward. 

He is the one that sustains me day by day, He is the one that wakes me up and tells me: Good morning, I love you! 

Through His Word I find answers to small and big questions, He comforts my heart and my soul. 


He also reminds me of His love with amazing friends that become family. Praying together, fighting spiritual battles together, supporting each other and even crying together builds a bond sent from heaven. 

Also prayers and communication with friends and family can make a huge difference. Knowing that I am missed and loved has helped me through hard days, being honest about who I am and how I feel here is the first step to let them know how to pray for me and how important is to keep in touch. Honestly, knowing that my job here is encouraging those who I love to trust God and to serve Him with all we have is an honor and makes me very happy.

Life is not about feeling happy and strong, life is about walking one day at a time, believing what He has said about Himself, and also about us. He has chosen us to serve Him, wherever we are. 

He just wants us to trust Him, investing everything we have, and He will provide everything we need. 

"I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,

for you have seen my troubles,

and you care about the anguish of my soul."

Psalm 31:7

Thank you for your prayers and support!!!


*If you want to be part of my faith-based job, please consider donating to cover my crew fees and personal expenses. Click here https://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/SusyHorta/ or send me an e-mail to susy.hortabuitrago@mercyships.org