Michelle grew up with an understanding of the needs of others. Her brother, Nick Vujicic, was born with no arms or legs. As a result, she was always aware of how a disability can affect someone's life. She learned at an early age what was really important to her - family and others she cared about. "Being his sister made me realize that kids with a disability are no different from anyone else. I don't even see their disability. I just go straight to their heart and soul. It is there that I find pure love and joy and, most of all, a human being."
Nick Vujicic visited the Africa Mercy in Liberia several years while undertaking preaching and motivational speaking engagements in the country. He gave encouragement to many patients receiving free surgery to correct disability and deformity.
It wasn't until the age of 17 that Michelle decided to become a nurse. When she was trying to choose what she wanted to do with her life, she suddenly felt a deep peace about nursing. "As soon as my heart was decided on nursing, I instantly thought of Africa. I thought you could do a lot in Africa with nursing. You can go and make a difference with your career," she explains.
After finishing her nursing degree at university and working as an emergency nurse for three years, her passion for Africa emerged again. She searched on the web for volunteer nursing in Africa, and Mercy Ships caught her eye. As she investigated the organization, she concluded that this was exactly what her heart had been searching for.
"So I sold my car and decided I had enough savings to serve with Mercy Ships for three months," Michelle says.
"There is such a need in Togo, one of the poorest nations in West Africa, where average daily income is less than two dollars a day. There is little infrastructure and little or no health care. The need is so great that thousands of people queued on a Mercy Ships screening day seeking help for their medical conditions. Many have large tumours on their faces and bodies, there are major burn victims, young women suffering from obstetric fistulas, young children with cleft lips and facial deformities."
"The sad part about all of this however is that people with obvious deformities are often ostracized by their families and communities in the belief that they are cursed. But that is what is so amazing about the work done by volunteers on this hospital ship. Lives are literally changed. Many go home healed from their condition and return to their villages and homes."
There have been two many highlights for Michelle to pinpoint one that is special, but she tells of one little boy who made an impact on her life. "Komla is eight. He suffered from burn contractures on his leg. During the recovery process, Komla ran up and gave me a big hug. Even though talking to him was difficult it is evident the message of love was there despite the language barrier."
"I know God is taking me through this wonderful journey with Mercy Ships to mould me into someone who loves as God does, and to give to others as he gives to us. I see myself as a work in progress, and I don't want to lose the joy in what I am learning, or become complacent and ineffective by not putting my faith into action back home. I really feel I have been spoiled by the patients I have been caring for. I have received from them a fresh perspective on love and life, and I will be going home with so much more than I can with," Michelle concludes.
Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978 providing free health care and community development services to the forgotten poor. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor. Mercy Ships Australia, one of 15 international support offices is based on the Queensland Sunshine Coast.
For more information, visit www.mercyships.org.au