She’s not a doctor, nurse, or patient, but one Lynn Valley woman is determined to spend her summer on a floating hospital.
That floating hospital is the Africa Mercy, a 499-foot ship equipped with operating theatres and beds for 78 patients. And when that ship steams to Cameroon to provide free surgery and dental care to people in need, Eiliene Donovan will be on board.
Officially, she’s listed as a housekeeper, but when asked what she’ll be doing on a daily basis throughout July and August, she’s happily stumped.
“No idea,” she replies with a laugh. “I’m sure it won’t be the same every day.”
A release from the charity emphasizes that Donovan will make sure patients have a clean space to sleep
and recover.
Donovan has been aware of the religious charity for years but it was on the backburner while she built a career doing resident care with the elderly and working as a nanny.
“I didn’t quite grasp the depth of what Mercy Ships does until recently and I think that’s why I’m jumping on board now, no pun intended.”
Mercy Ships has been providing care to patients for about 40 years.
Deeply religious herself, the decision to volunteer was a “light bulb moment,” according to Donovan, who says she felt directed by a higher power.
“To be honest, it was God directing me to listen and obey his instructions.”
Asked if the trip will change her, Donovan is optimistic.
“I’m hoping so,” she says.
Donovan says she’s hoping for a softer heart and a broader understanding of different cultures. She’s also hoping to witness the twin miracles of healing and love, she says.
“Caring for other people is who I am.”
The crew aboard the ship is expected to comprise of 450 volunteers including surgeons, dentists, specialists, chefs and engineers.
The ship is scheduled to remain in port at Cameroon for about 10 months.
