About This Blog

Who I am

My name is Grace Koontz. I live on the Africa Mercy, a non-governmental hospital ship that provides free surgeries to the poor of West Africa (to learn more about Mercy Ships, click here). My parents and three younger brothers are here also. Our family has been part of Mercy Ships for seven years (to learn more about my family's story and our life on the ship, click here). I attend the high school onboard.

 

My daily life is much like it would be if I lived in America: I go to school, do homework, and hang out with friends. I like to read, write, and take photos. However, because I have grown up on a ship in Africa, I have very different values, experiences, and priorities than I would have developed if I lived in the U.S. To me, this is normal life and I sometimes loose sight of the fact that most people see it as extraordinary. I am very grateful that I have had the privilege of living here!

Why I created this blog

I first decided to create this blog when I began thinking about studying abroad in France for a year. I knew that I would need money in order to do this, so I started blogging as a way to raise funds and keep people updated on my progress in pursuing my goal.

I also chose to use this blog as a way to tell my family and friends who live in the U.S about what is going on in my life because I do not see them very often. I know that people I don't know well might also be interested to know about my life onboard the Africa Mercy as well, simply because it is unique, or because they are considering coming here as well.

I use this blog as a place to share stories, thoughts, questions, prayer requests, updates, photos, things God is teaching me, etc. I hope that you will read my posts and comment on them every now and then.

How I chose the name

When I decided that I wanted to start a blog, I sat at my computer for quite a while trying to figure out a title. My parents and I brainstormed plenty, but I couldn't quite figure out what exactly I wanted to call my blog. Finally, I came up with "God's Travelling Mercies and Grace."

I like this title because it is a kind of word play about my name, the kind of life I have, and God. For me, the phrase "God's travelling mercies" brings to mind many of the difficulties I have encountered in my journeys and how God came through for me each time. I'm sure you probably have your own stories about how God has blessed you in hard situations, whether in literal travels or just the road of life. As for my life, I have been to about fourteen countries even though I am only fourteen years old. Being surrounded by people from different cultures and backgrounds is normal for me. Grace is the undeserved gift of salvation that we can receive thorough Jesus. Grace is also my name, the way people identify me, my personal label. So, what my blog title means to me is "God comes through for me in difficult situations, gives me the gift of salvation even though I do not deserve it, gave me a lifestyle of travel, and loves me personally."

I hope that the title of my blog somehow resonates with you and reminds you of all God has done for us.