A Journey of Love, Service, and Growth With Mercy Ships

As Elaine and David Sigalet stepped onto the deck of the Global Mercy™ for the fourth time, a familiar feeling washed over them; a mix of anticipation, purpose, and the quiet sense of accomplishment they both set out to achieve when they decided to join Mercy Ships for the first time.

Elaine still remembers the first time she saw the ship from the dock, enamored by its size, the lives it had changed, and the magnitude of the project. David, gazing out at the bustling port, was astonished by the possibilities that lay ahead. Not just surgeries, but opportunities to train local healthcare professionals wherever the ship sailed.

Years later, Elaine and David have no doubts about serving with Mercy Ships. They’ve seen the joy of a child taking their first steps after surgery corrected rickets or Blount’s disease, the relief in a mother’s eyes after a tumor was removed from her neck, and the transformation of local healthcare workers empowered with new skills.

For the Sigalets, Mercy Ships isn’t just a mission; it’s a calling. One that has shaped their faith, marriage, and understanding of what it means to volunteer and serve on board the Global Mercy.

As skilled healthcare workers in their home countries, they each have found a way to approach retirement while giving back, and they have done so in part by volunteering with Mercy Ships. Throughout four trips aboard various vessels, they have helped to transform the lives of countless patients and healthcare professionals in under-resourced countries.

Meet Elaine

Elaine has a Ph.D. in medical education and served as the Simulation Coordinator for Mercy Ships’ Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) team. Her role involved creating realistic medical scenarios that allow local healthcare professionals to practice and refine their skills in a safe, risk-free environment.

When local nurses, anesthesiologists, physiotherapists, or other healthcare professionals came on board to train, Elaine guided them through multiple scenarios to test their skills and abilities, training them in new situations they may not have yet encountered.

“My job is to develop scenarios that provide opportunities for local healthcare professionals to come in and actually practice different clinical events,” Elaine explained.

“It creates an opportunity for them to practice where we can give them feedback, and they can learn and try again without risking real patients.”

Meet David

David is a pediatric surgeon who spent his days performing surgeries on children, primarily addressing hernias, soft tissue tumors, and abdominal wall defects.

“My role on the ship is primarily for surgery,” David said. “My team runs ORs every day of the week, starting in the morning and working through the day to treat the patients we’ve seen in clinic.”

Together, the Sigalets became a dynamic duo, combining their skills to improve healthcare outcomes in some of the world’s most underserved regions. During their most recent volunteer period on the Global Mercy, the Sigalets smiled as they reflected on their time on board, finding joy in having served with Mercy Ships multiple times as they approached retirement.

How it Began

The couples’ journey with Mercy Ships began in 2022 when David received a call from a colleague, Dr. Sherif Emil, Mercy Ships’ International Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Emil invited David to join the team in Senegal. Despite the busy summer schedule with four children, he decided to go. Elaine initially stayed behind, but after hearing about David’s transformative experience, she was inspired to join him on subsequent trips.

“When David got home, he was so excited about the teaching opportunities that I could see the impact it had on him,” Elaine recalled. “I thought, I need to have some of that!”

Since then, the couple has returned to Mercy Ships multiple times, with each trip strengthening their commitment to the mission and one another. For David, the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and local healthcare providers is what motivates him the most.

“What keeps me coming back is the sense of community here,” he said. “We’re making a difference for the care of patients locally, and Mercy Ships is now including a greater focus on teaching locals. That’s a huge part of what we should be doing—leaving something behind when the ship departs.”

Elaine shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and the moral imperative to help those in need. Through this, she has solidified her faith more than ever.

“I really believe that we’re all God’s children, and if we don’t look after each other, who will? Helping people get surgery they can’t access in their country and building the skill sets so that when the ship leaves, we leave something behind—it’s critical to anything being sustainable.”

Their work has had a profound impact not only on the communities they serve but also on their own lives. David recounted a particularly moving experience with a group of trainees who discovered a free online textbook on surgery in Africa he recommended.

“To come back and see them using it and saying, ‘Wow, this has really been helpful’… it’s like a seed I planted that’s growing,” he said.

Elaine has also seen the fruits of her labor, particularly in her work with local nurses: “Today, I worked with nurses I trained over a year ago, and their knowledge and ability to critically think in the moment have really improved. It’s very satisfying to see that growth.”

Living and working on a hospital ship in close quarters with their colleagues has also brought the Sigalets closer as a couple. Married for 39 years, they have found ways to nurture their relationship despite their busy schedules.

“We try to always sit together for meals, attend services together, and take evening walks. We’ve also discovered new shows and enjoy quiet time reading or watching films.” David echoed this sentiment, adding that their shared experiences on the ship deepened their connection.

“We’ve become wonderful friends with all these different people,” said Elaine. “We really feel like we’re part of a much bigger faith community than we ever were before. And it’s beautiful.”

Hand in hand, David responded, “Our time here has brought us even closer. We share the start and middle parts of the day, and in the evenings, we have tea, take walks, and reflect on our day.”

Of course, life on a hospital ship is not without its challenges. Being away from their children and grandchildren was one of the most difficult aspects. “It’s sometimes hard to keep in touch with things at home because we’re so busy here,” David admitted.

Elaine added, “I’m exhausted by nighttime, but I think it’s positive because we’re role-modeling something important for our children. We’re showing them the right way forward—the way Jesus would move forward.”

Their faith was also a cornerstone of their journey. “We’ve always gone to church and believed in God, but this has brought us to a different level,” Elaine said. “We listen to podcasts together and do things we haven’t done before. It’s brought us to a deeper connection with God and with each other.”

For couples considering joining Mercy Ships, the Sigalets are enthusiastic advocates. “Absolutely, they should consider it,” David said. “You’re going to get rewarded in ways you’ve never expected.” Elaine added, “Until you experience it, you don’t really get it. It takes it to a whole new level.”

Through their work, the Sigalets have not only transformed the lives of others but have also grown closer as a couple and deepened their faith. Their story is a testament to the power of love, service, and the belief that we are all called to care for one another.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, educator, or simply someone with a heart to serve, there’s a place for you on board. Become part of something that transforms the lives of others, as well as yours! Get involved.