Greetings!
For those unfamiliar with me, let me introduce myself. My name is Cindy. I am a Registered Nurse currently living in Texas. I have been in the nursing field for 22 years. Among other areas, I have worked in inpatient acute care, Interventional Radiology, Post Anesthesia Care, and currently I am working in our local Emergency Room where I have found a new passion. I fully recognize and embrace that I am meeting many people on what is perhaps the worst day of their life. I always hope to do anything and everything that I can do to lessen that stress and provide some comfort along with skilled and competent care. I cherish the relationships with my colleagues and physicians as we work together to provide the best possible care for those in need.
I grew up immersed in the world of healthcare due to the career fields of my parents. I was fascinated by novels by Lurlene McDaniel about children with terminal illnesses from the time I was in 7th grade. I remember being the precocious 2nd grader who, when a diabetic classmate came to show us how she checks her blood sugars, pushed my way to the front of the group saying, "My mom's a nurse! I know about this!" I can honestly say I have never wanted to do anything else.
About 10 years ago, I saw a 60 Minutes special about this organization called Mercy Ships. It was like a beacon to my soul. My dreams of being able to care for those who have nothing and truly make an impact in this world were being displayed across the screen. I was immediately invested. Mercy Ships is the largest non-governmental hospital system in the world. They currently operate two surgical ships: the Africa Mercy and the newest of the ships, the Global Mercy. With an Active Duty husband and raising a daughter, the time was never right to be able to devote myself to this cause.
Until now! My husband has retired from the military, our daughter is off to college, and the time is right! I have been invited to come and serve aboard the Global Mercy in Senegal, Africa for a month starting in May of this year. I could not be more excited (and terrified...) that my dreams of mission work are finally coming true! I will be working in PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) for those receiving surgical interventions.
As this is considered mission work, it its completely independently funded. I am required to pay for my travel and accommodations. I have requested and been granted a leave of absence from my current position for the duration of my assignment. While my position will be held, I will not be receiving any income during my absence. In addition to the prayers that I covet during this time, if you feel called to aid in the financial aspect of this mission, I will gratefully accept. Any and all funds obtained that are in excess of my expenses will be donated to the Mercy Ships program.
Paypal and Zelle are the only means of electronic funds transfers that I utilize. My user name for both is my email address: dcholland@hotmail.com
This will be the location for all of my updates as I embark on this most amazing journey! Please follow along and sign up to receive updates.
Thank you for your love and support,
Cindy
Mercy Ships
