Screening – Praying


Screening – Praying
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Many of our crew members prayed with patients – both those outside the main gate who are told by the pre-screeners that we are not able to help them and those inside who the surgeon tells them that we are not able to help them physically. They also prayed with those patients who received appointment cards to come for surgery. In this photo are two friends Yvonne and Debbie.

Screening – Abraham


Screening – Abraham
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

I met Abraham and his mother at the main gate after the pre-screener gave them a card to enter. He was crying and so I asked if I could just pick him up and carry him and she said that was OK. I held him in my arms until his shaking and crying stopped. He has severe burns and so the plastic surgeon will see what they will be able to do. He has an appointment card and so I am sure I will see him soon in the hospital ward.

George W trying to dance Liberian style

As part of the luncheon hosted for President George W Bush, they had traditional Liberian singers and dancers. In this photo that our executive director captured is President Bush ‘trying’ to dance Liberian style with the main singer. I can’t say too much as I can’t dance and it is difficult for me to clap hands on the beat (here they clap in sets of 3).

President George W in Liberia

As the last stop on a 5 nation tour of Africa, President George W Bush of the United States came to Liberia. The last sitting US president was Jimmy Carter in ’78. George W, Laura and Dr. Rice were hosted by HE President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Our founders, Don and Deyon Stephens and our Executive Director received invitations to the luncheon and took some photos. The day prior a group of us were asked to assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver the invitations, but that was as close as I could get to the event.

Health Care Reception


Health Care Reception
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Since we are so involved with the local health care community and since the Ministry of Health is one of our main partner, we host a Health Care Reception on board the ship. During my role with the Advance Team, we solicited names and then wrote and distributed invitations to many to join us for a reception. I found it encouraging to see so many take the time out and come and join us. Our health care staff were able to share with them more ways we can partner together and communicated a clearer picture of what we can and can not do on board.