Heading off to Senegal, West Africa, in February 2020, Kathy and Sinclair Carter were chomping at the bit to start helping people in need.
But just one month into their life-changing stint as volunteers onboard Mercy Ships’ hospital vessel Africa Mercy, the WhangamataÌ„ couple were told they were being shut down amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Then, they found themselves waiting out the Covid storm for five months, floating around the waters of Tenerife.
“It was devastating because we had to leave so many African people behind, who were expecting surgery,” says Canada-born Kathy, 62, who joined the ship as a technical administrator while husband Sinclair, 63, worked as an engineering officer. “That was the worst part, knowing we couldn’t help those people.”
Kathy and Sinclair – who both have children from previous relationships – tied the knot eight years ago and when they started to think about retirement, they were certain about one thing – they wanted to give back.
They found themselves drawn to Mercy Ships, an international charity that takes “floating hospitals” to the world’s poorest countries, offering those who would otherwise never be able to afford it, life-saving and life-changing treatments and surgeries.
Denne historien er fra July 5, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 5, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills