Maritime Volunteer Amanda Wallace-Hope and Healing Holiday

A charming young woman with a brilliant smile, Amanda Wallace is currently serving as Mercy Ships’ new second officer. She works for Chevron on tankers, but she is spending her two-month vacation on the Africa Mercy. She is the flagship of Mercy Ships, a global charity that host the largest non-governmental hospital ship providing free medical relief and sustainable development for over 30 years. A native of California's East Bay area, Amanda joined the Sea Scouts in high school and really enjoyed it. Through that association, she met some graduates from the California Maritime Academy, which was about fifteen minutes from her home. Spurred by her interest in a possible maritime career, she applied to the academy and spent four years earning a Bachelor of Science degree and her third mate unlimited license. How did she hear about Mercy Ships, and why is she spending her vacation on the Africa Mercy? Amanda explains: “Mercy Ships is pretty well known throughout the commercial fleet. I remembered the name when I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and searched for the Mercy Ships website. Wanting something that would be positive in my life, where I could use my skills , not just to get paid and make payments, but for a bigger picture…to help; so it's God’s will that I'm here.” Amanda's job keeps her rather isolated on the bridge, so on her time off, she has taken steps to discover what is offered during this Field Service. She chooses areas to explore by checking the off-ship activities’ white binder in the mid-ships lounge and signing up. Whether it's playing games and doing crafts with the children at an orphanage, or visiting the tiny church in the fishermen's village, Amanda devotes her time to making a difference in the lives of those she CAN touch. When she sees patients from the Hospitality Center on the dock, she makes a point of speaking to them. She is looking forward to attending a Celebration of Sight at the Hospitality Center before she leaves. Amanda's advice is to “take a chance. Go by yourself. If your friends aren't going to go, that's fine.” She has made two previous trips with Mercy Ships; one to Benin and one to Ghana, but finds she most enjoys visiting the fishermen's church in one of the poorest areas of Togo, and she tries to attend every Sunday. Amanda loves running with her “running buddies” every morning at 6:30 – rain or shine. She says, “Running through puddles and mud is a fun way to experience Togo.” Of course, Amanda loves just about any activity on the water. She considers her career her hobby, not a job, because she's on the water. She hopes to upgrade her license to the captain's level. For many mariners, volunteering with Mercy Ships is very different from their normal ship routines; primarily because much more time is spent in port than at sea. The Africa Mercy crew is from 40 different nations and being part of an international crew with different backgrounds and training broadens educational and professional parameters. Amanda's describes herself as a positive support for friends and family. “I want to be an encourager and I try to stay happy,” she admits. This attitude is what binds the all volunteer crew of Mercy Ships. With over 400 volunteer crew, the diversity is mixed with a culture of safety. This policy has worked very well for her onboard the Africa Mercy. “I came by myself, not knowing anybody, and made a lot of friends.” Amanda's volunteer service with Mercy Ships will end the first of July. She has learned a lot and wants to return. “I’m over the whole culture shock. I'm getting used to it” she said with a grin. And the crew on the Africa Mercy would definitely welcome her back! ABOUT MERCY SHIPS: Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $808 million, impacting more than 2.5 million direct beneficiaries. Each year Mercy Ships has over 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. Mercy Ships seeks to become the face of love in action, bringing hope and healing to the poor. For more information click on www.mercyships.org