"I'm a hairdresser by trade but came to the Africa Mercy as a housekeeper. I had to leave my clients and job for eight weeks, budget my money; basically put life at home on hold."
"I came with certain expectations but it's different than what I thought it would be. It's taken me a while to settle in, especially mentally, and to get used to the work I do, ship life and rules in general. But I have had a lot of support and prayers from friends and family."
Operated by the international medical charity Mercy Ships, the Africa Mercy arrived in Pointe Noire, Republic of the Congo, on August 9 and plans to provide over free 3,300 surgeries onboard, to treat more than 20,000 at land-based dental and eye clinics, and to provide health care education to Congolese health care professionals during its 10-month stay in port.
"There are so many sick, poor, and underprivileged people in this world and sometimes we need to be in the middle of it to see a little of how these people live every day. This experience is life-changing in terms of the way I will see things in life."
"I realise that housekeeping is a humbling job. It is hard to see the bigger picture when you don't have interaction with patients on a daily basis, but I know that my job is very important because if the ship isn't clean and hygienic, patients and crew can then become sick."
"It's good to go and see the patients in our time off, go on day trips to orphanages, see what they do at the eye and dental clinic, and listen to speeches of the surgeons. I have been able to go out to town to experience a bit of how the Congolese live."
"I feel a deep compassion for these people and it certainly makes me teary. I'm so glad that these people can get help from the Mercy Ships team so that they have a chance at a better life."
Following her service with Mercy Ships, Miss Schiebaan hopes her experience will influence her work and life back home. "I want to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way and also use my experience to be positive in life and to be thankful for everything I've been given."
"I can also tell people my story and the story of what Mercy Ships does. I even more respect the work of the people onboard, in particular the surgeons and doctors and nurses, now that I've seen how much organisation goes into this place and what they all have to see," she concluded.
About Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1 billion, with more than 2.35 million direct beneficiaries. Each year, more than 1,200 volunteers from over 40 nations serve with Mercy Ships. 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 transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. Mercy Ships Australia, one of 16 international support offices, is based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. For more information, visit www.mercyships.org.au