Next Stop: The Global Mercy
I arrived in Lindale, Texas on June 28, 2026 to begin Mercy Ships Onboard Training.
When I accepted God's call to serve with Mercy Ships, I knew I would be learning new skills. What I didn't expect was how much God would use this season to continue shaping my own heart.
Over the past month at the International Support Center in Texas, I've had the privilege of preparing alongside volunteers from around the world. Together we've learned what it means to live in community, serve one another, worship together, and keep Christ at the center of everything we do.
Some of my favorite moments included:
Spending time in worship, prayer, and a beautiful silent retreat where God reminded me that sometimes His voice is heard most clearly in the quiet.
Serving with the missionary families—including some incredible children—who are also answering God's call to serve.
Learning from experienced Mercy Ships crew members who have faithfully served for many years.
Building friendships with people from many nations, all united by one purpose: to share the love of Jesus through compassionate healthcare.
Serving our local community by helping paint rooms for a girls' support home.
At 63 years old, I continue to be amazed that God would open this door for me. Five years ago, I surrendered my life completely to Christ. Today, I have completed onboarding and am preparing to step aboard the Global Mercy as a People & Culture Facilitator.
While I won't be in the operating rooms, I'll be supporting the international crew who make thousands of life-changing surgeries possible. Every administrator, engineer, teacher, cook, cleaner, HR professional, and volunteer plays a part in bringing hope and healing to people who otherwise would have no access to safe surgery.
This is no longer just preparation.
This is the beginning of the mission.
Thank you to every person who has prayed, encouraged, and supported me financially. Your partnership has made it possible for me to answer God's call, and I hope you'll continue following this incredible journey as I begin serving aboard the Global Mercy.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” ”
How My Journey Began
For much of my life, I knew about God, but I didn't truly know Him personally. Everything changed on July 9, 2021, when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. Since that day, God has been transforming my heart, teaching me to trust Him, and showing me that His plans are far greater than anything I could have imagined for myself. Looking back, I can see how He was preparing me for a journey I never expected.
As I grew in my faith and became involved in my church, God began placing a desire in my heart to serve others in a greater way. What began as a quiet tug on my heart eventually became a calling I could no longer ignore. Over time, He opened doors, confirmed His direction, and gave me the courage to step forward in faith.
After a long career helping students pursue their dreams through higher education, God has now called me into a new season of service. At 63 years old, I am answering God's call to serve aboard the Global Mercy as a People & Culture Facilitator (HR) with Mercy Ships for a two-year assignment.
Mercy Ships operates the world's largest civilian hospital ships, providing free, life-changing surgeries and medical care to people in underserved nations while also training local healthcare professionals. While I will not be serving in a medical role, I will be supporting the volunteers and crew members who make this ministry possible every day.
This journey will take me from Louisiana to Texas for training, then to Spain, and ultimately to West Africa. Leaving behind my home, career, family, friends, and everything familiar is both exciting and humbling. Yet through every step of this process, God has faithfully provided confirmation, encouragement, and open doors. I have learned that obedience often requires stepping out in faith before we can see the entire path. God has been faithful every step of the way, and I trust Him with the journey ahead.
As a volunteer crew member, I am responsible for raising the support needed to serve aboard the Global Mercy. My goal is to raise $14,000, which will help cover travel expenses, training, medical and visa requirements, ministry-related costs, and living expenses during my assignment. Every gift, whether a one-time donation or ongoing support, helps make it possible for me to serve full-time with Mercy Ships and support the life-changing work being done through this ministry.
Throughout this journey, God has continually reminded me that He is my provider. Every donation, prayer, and word of encouragement is a reminder that He is faithfully opening doors and making a way for this mission to become a reality.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that God is never finished with our story. No matter our age or circumstances, He continues to call us to trust Him, grow in faith, and follow wherever He leads.
I am deeply grateful for every person who prays, encourages, and supports this mission. Whether you choose to partner with me through prayer, financial support, or simply by following this journey, thank you for being part of what God is doing through Mercy Ships.
I look forward to sharing updates from the Global Mercy and witnessing together how God brings hope, healing, and His love to people around the world.
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" — Isaiah 6:8
