JAY SWANSON

1 photo/day 806: today I filmed the lovely Deb Louden as she went about her duties on the Africa Mercy. I’ve known Deb for over two years, since I met her in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She’s an Ozzie with a heart of gold and some undeniable patience to prove it.

I’ve seen her go through some incredibly rough seasons, yet a smile and a laugh are never far from her lips. She’s a wise woman, a gentle nurse, and a great friend. I’m excited to share a little bit of her life on board with you soon in video form.

#africa #mercyships #nurse #baby #ship #ocean (at Africa Mercy (Mercy Ships))

1 photo/day 805: this is one of our patients. He’s blind. He’s also an amazing musician. He drums, plays keys, and sings wonderfully. Rumor has it he’s been signed with Sony. If you ever tell me you can’t do anything ever again, I will punch you in your kidneys. Follow your dreams. Check out @nhclaus for the arial view. #africa #conakry #music #concert (at Novotel Ghi Conakry)

Sunrise over #Africa - not the landscape most people think about when that phrase is uttered (at Africa Mercy (Mercy Ships))

1 photo/day 804: I spent today filming my buddy @joshcallow, also known as Batman Blackbeard, as he filmed two of our eye patients getting their bandages removed.

They’re a married couple that had their surgeries and received their sight at the same time. The wife was shocked to find out her nurse was white and spent a good while comparing their skin color under close inspection.

Josh is a great guy, and he takes some fantastic footage. When we first met him in Togo we knew he was a good guy simply by the might of his beard. He’s a Cali boy, and an amazing cook. His barbecues are the thing of legend, among his many culinary skills. He says he wishes that he’d gone to school for it, but we all know that’s not necessary. He’s a good friend, you should follow him.
#storyportrait #conakry #guinea #mercyships #videographer #africa (at Africa Mercy (Mercy Ships))

Let the glory begin #BBQ #Africa #food (Taken with instagram)

The coals are ready #BBQ #Africa (Taken with instagram)

Don’t mind me, I’m just wheeling some massive #deathmachine through the port #Africa #android (Taken with instagram)

Here comes #rainyseason, in #Africa (Taken with instagram)

1 photo/day 507: The electricity-free iron for all your wrinkle-removal needs #Africa #oldoldschool (Taken with instagram)

This was a great surprise to eat my way down to #pizza #oldschool #hiphopvegitables #90s #throwback #Africa (Taken with instagram)