Ruth and Tabea Nusser volunteered aboard the same hospital ship
Two sisters, one field service. Crew arrive as couples, families and friends as often as they arrive alone.
The barrier to volunteering is often not the work. It is the prospect of doing something unfamiliar entirely on your own.
Serving at the same time
Ruth and Tabea Nusser are sisters who served aboard the same Mercy Ships vessel during the same period, in different roles.
Why the crew is not made of individuals
Married couples serve together, one clinically and one not. Parents bring school-age children. Friends sign up in pairs. Retired professionals come with their spouses.
Long field services are easier to sustain when someone on board already knows you, and the organisation plans accommodation and roles with that in mind.
Different skills, same ship
Two people rarely have the same qualifications, and they do not need to. A hospital ship needs surgeons and stewards, nurses and electricians, teachers and buyers, on the same manifest.