Tresor, whose name in English means ‘Treasure’ is a five year boy from Littoral Region of Cameroon – he is in the photo where Dr. Woody is conducting his final eye exam and I am watching from behind.  Tresor received his sight during surgery in January here on board when both of his cataracts were removed – sight restored!!!  I had the privilege to join with the Eye Team and others for a special Celebration of Sight which took place at the final appointment at six weeks for the children and their families.  I had seen photos and heard part of Tresor’s story, but on this day, I learned more.  I spoke with his mother who now has him enrolled in school – the pink shirt is his uniform – she is so thankful for the life-changing surgery for her son.  He is full personality especially when wearing his new sunglasses.  We heard four other parents share their experiences with us.  Dr. Glenn spoke at the celebration that these children have been given ‘a lifetime of sight’.  Earlier in the month, we prepared individualized gift bags for them along with a copy of God’s word for their family to read to them and for them when they are older.

Holy Week is always a meaningful season here on the Africa Mercy in our Community of Faith.  The events of Holy Week include:  ‘Simply Easter’ – our Academy’s Play with song, dance, sign language, and readings; Foot Washing / Communion in the Upper Room / Garden of Gethsemane for prayer and reflection; on Good Friday – Tenebrae – a service of Shadows which was last night with songs, sounds and scripture readings to help us to identify with the sufferings of Jesus – Shadows of Betrayal, Denial, Anguish, Treachery, Hypocrisy, Humiliation and Rejection, Crucifixion and the final Shadow of Death and Burial.  Tenebrae (from the Latin for Shadows) is a prolonged meditation on the passion and death of Jesus.  As candles are extinguished, the power of shadow and silence suggest the darkness of this unprecedented day and the final clashing of cymbals signal the cataclysmic nature of his sacrifice and its effect on all of nature. 

Though remember, “Sunday is coming” .

Here we have sunrise worship service up on deck 8, Resurrection Day Celebration Service, Lunch and Open Cabins in the evening.

At this time of the year, we often join the custom among Greek Christians to greet another person with “Christós Anésti” – “Christ is Risen!” and the response is “Alithos Anesti” – “Truly He is Risen!” or “He Has Risen Indeed!”