Recalling my time aboard Jubilee Hope, it’s primarily memories of the people that I shared those two weeks with that I carry with me. A diverse group of people who warmly welcomed a stranger into their midst, who embodied what it is to truly live and work as an effective team. A team where each member had a clearly defined role yet all willingly chose to pitch in to help and support to achieve that which needed to be done; cleaning, caring, translating, attending to late night emergencies. It was so refreshing and encouraging to work along side those who worked hard with clear purpose and joy.

Contrary to many theatre days at home, the morning briefs were a daily highlight. Members of the team who are Christians like to start each day in prayer and worship, joining them on deck as the sun was warming the horizon was very special. Voices raised in glorious harmony, sometimes in English, sometimes in Swahili. It set the agenda for the day and reflected what motivates so many of them to be there, to the heal the broken hearted, bind up their wounds and to share something of God’s love and hope.

It was a privilege to work particularly closely alongside Dr Hezron, Dr Uzia and Nurse Constantine. Despite the large numbers of patients attending each day they, and the rest of the team, took time with each patient to listen compassionately and to do what they could to alleviate the suffering of so many with the comparatively limited resource available. Our record day saw approximately 400 patients come aboard, all seen, diagnosed and treated. It was a long day and we were all ready for our bunks by the time the last patients were ferried ashore, yet there was a sense of joy and celebration that so many people had been able to receive care. This attitude of selflessness pervaded the ship. There was a common goal and that was to reach out to the hundreds and thousands of people living isolated from medical and dental care on the rocky outcrops of Lake Victoria.

Coming into Mwanza as the sun broke the horizon was a fitting end to the voyage. Yes we were back in harbour at the end of the trip, yet already plans were well on the way for the next trip, adjustments, improvements, new visions of how to reach more people, develop and expand the services provided. A dynamic and responsive team on an expanding mission. I look forward to hearing the news and hopefully one day visiting again.