My journey with Mercy ships starts way back in 2019 actually, and even though I spent only 8 months “with” the ships, it feels like I lived a lifetime in that world. I’m approaching my birthday, I always try to reflect on the past year, and what better way to do that than creating a timeline?? This is Chapter 23 of my life….

Malta - beautiful country!!! What an exhilarating 6am start seeing the harbor in the distance. We sailed in, docked, and officially brought the Global Mercy to visit her flag country. Today felt historical and epic. And after making its way from Las Palmas, Spain to Doha, Qatar to….

On August 12, we left for Sri Lanka via a flight to Doha, Qatar just for Seafarers. As a 23-year-old, I can tell you in full confidence, I never imagined myself having a Maltese Seamans book headed to board a ship via pilot boat in Sri Lanka. As I told a friend the other day, “I keep ticking things off my bucket list that I never put on it.” The plan was to arrive in Doha, and the…

Its been a while, but I’m going back in time because I don’t want to forget these wild chapters of my life. For many “Mercy Shippers” their stories of the Global Mercy started decades ago. My story started in May of 2021. I had been onboard the Africa Mercy for almost two months after waiting two years to board, and that's when I was told I’d be documenting the…

I am at a loss for words for how I feel in Las Palmas.

It’s been a relief. Leadership knew how desperate we were for a taste of civilization and graciously set up a shuttle for our first weekend here. It feels melodramatic, but I feel emotional even writing about this weekend. I’ve caught my breath. I’ve been revived. It’s felt like…

Some advised me by saying “don’t take your favorite clothes.” Which I guess maybe on a month-long or something trip, but life? Living day to day? Moving longterm? I couldn’t imagine…

When I say I am living on a ship in Tenerife of the Canary Islands, I’m not sure “Industrial Mars” is the first description that would come to mind, but its our nickname for our current home. We are surrounded by rocks, wind, cacti, and lizards. We have four “choose your own adventures”: The Hike, The Supermarket, The 5k/10k loop, or The Beach (a nudist beach that makes for good laughs.) We sign up for a vehicle, allowing 6 persons including a friend who is a “driver” quite a few days in advance. The 5k/10k loop is the only…

Where to start.

Transition is something else. I think usually I would insert something like “Time has flown by”, but in honesty, it hasn’t. It’s felt like 7 weeks. I don’t think the calendar will always feel that way.

Work has been great. Its been difficult …..

Ever looked up to younger self? As I have been settling into my new home, I’ve started making new friends. And one by one, the question comes up, “How long are you staying?” It’s an ominous question because it sounds informational, but the answer holds more weight than…

“Who would go to a ship right now? My answer is Emily Frazier.” One of my bosses said that in a meeting we had last week. He consistently refers to my tenacity. And I have been continuing to …

With a folder of documents, I boarded a flight to Madrid, Spain just a week ago. Upon arrival, it was clear how amazing our flight really was - the entire international terminal was closed and empty. Eerily empty. I was the first …

To the last month in Memphis! My second home, second country. I’ve barely had a moment to be emotional because the journey of getting this plane ticket has been so long, goodbyes didn’t feel real… Not until…

Well just a couple days into being back in Memphis, Tennessee, I received an email from my director that I had been given permission from Spain to fly and board the ship.

Surreal to say the least! Within the next couple weeks, my tickets were booked through Madrid. My parents helped me create a master list of things I needed to get in order and do before I leave the country. The Lord graciously…