At just 2 years old, Kim Anna Kronester moved from Germany and spent her childhood living on hospital ships with international charity, Mercy Ships.
Her parents felt called to volunteer for the faith-based charity, which provides life-changing surgeries to those who lack access to medical care in sub-Saharan Africa.
Now at age 31, she has returned to one of the ships she called home to serve on board as a qualified nurse.
Returning to Mercy Ships wasn’t part of her original plan. But when the chance appeared, something stirred. “I thought it would be nice to come back,” she said. “It’s a wonderful experience to see things from the other side, as an adult and a nurse. I’m fulfilling the dream I had when I first arrived here.”
Today, she’s not only fulfilling that dream but bringing her story—and Mercy Ships’ mission—full circle.
Returning to Her Roots
In September 2024, Kim Anna joined the hospital crew of the Global Mercy™ in Sierra Leone, marking a remarkable chapter in her life dedicated to humanitarian work. From there, she served on the Africa Mercy® in Madagascar, where she stayed for a further two months until November 2024.
She said at the time: “Being on board the Global Mercy already felt like a return to the familiar—especially the community—which was like coming home, yet still new. But now, being on board the Africa Mercy is something truly special but also different… it’s been 14 years. I expected the memories to come flooding back, and while I do remember things, I’m still processing it all.”
A Unique Childhood Experience
Growing up on three different Mercy Ships vessels—the Caribbean Mercy, the Anastasis, and the Africa Mercy—Kim Anna navigated her formative years between Central America and West Africa. She attended school primarily on the ships and embraced the opportunity to discover diverse cultures, peoples, and countries.
“I was on the Africa Mercy for three years and I graduated here. I haven’t revisited the academy or my old cabin yet. I feel like I need to reconnect with the people first before diving into those places,” she shared.
As a teenager, she discovered a vibrant community and got involved in a range of activities, from annual film festivals to cooking competitions. While her peers often
complained about the monotony of life at sea, Kim Anna appreciated the deep friendships formed with fellow crew members.
Finding Her Calling
During her high school years, students had the opportunity to gain one week of work experience each year. Kim Anna had her first experience in the ward when she was 14 and still living on the Anastasis. By that time, she already knew she wanted to become a nurse, driven by a passion for helping those in need.
“I suppose I didn’t fully understand how hospitals operated during my work experience as a teenager, so I thought it was normal for everything to happen in one room,” said Kim Anna. “Everyone was very communal; if there was an activity, everyone joined in. When I moved to Germany for my studies, I was surprised to see so many elderly patients. I thought, ‘Why are all these people so old?’”
In 2024, Kim Anna began her first shift on the Global Mercy’s hospital ward, where she had the privilege of caring for and discharging the first patients of the field service. Witnessing the joy of patients returning home after successful surgeries reaffirmed her commitment to serving others. She was moved by the shared moments of prayer among patients and being on the frontlines of what God is doing.
“I truly enjoy my time with the patients. The atmosphere is still very communal and easygoing. Just the other day, a child had his surgery canceled and I was able to grab a book, read it to him, and translate it. I took time to sit with him, and it was heartwarming to see the patients encouraging each other,” she explained.
The job as a nurse on a hospital ship is incredibly rewarding. One of her first shifts on board the Africa Mercy was caring for an eight-year-old girl after cataract surgery.
“I got to be there when they removed her patches and she said, ‘Oh, I can see you.’ It was such a beautiful moment to witness, seeing that instant transformation in her life.”
Embracing New Experiences and Connections
For Kim Anna, this journey is not only a return to her roots but also a fulfillment of her lifelong dream to serve God through her work as a nurse. The familiar faces, compassionate community, and the opportunity to bring healing are true gifts. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of service and the profound connections formed within the Mercy Ships community.
Kim Anna is just one of the many serving with Mercy Ships who selflessly live out the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
Watch Kim Anna revisit her childhood home here: