Last week, I had the great opportunity to travel to Senegal to be together with my Mercy Ships community for such an amazing week.  With a large ‘Wow’ on my face under my mask as I walked through the two decks for the hospital on the Global Mercy with dear friend Becky.  She has been working on this project for over eight years.  Dr. Andrew showed me other spaces on the new ship.  Having lived on all the ships except the Pacific Ruby, this custom-built hospital ship is just amazing.

On Thursday, crew from both ships as well as visiting staff and partners gathered for the Blessing Ceremony.  The ceremony included speeches from a former patient, Mignane who is a pastor now, our CEO Gert, Dr. Diop from the Senegal government, Pastor Gary Brandenburg, and praise and worship with a local Senegalese group. 

I was present in July 2007 here in Liberia the last time we had two of our ships together.  Though for that event, the Anastasis was being retired, so the transfer was over to the Africa Mercy.  Many memories from that event were in my mind and heart.
For this celebration, a new torch was handcrafted by a friend, Larry Mast with wood from the previous ships.  This moment was to symbolize the sharing of the flame from one ship to another as both will continue in service bringing hope and healing.  

Photo:  Africa Mercy on the left and the Global Mercy on the right in Dakar, Senegal
Global Mercy is 174 meters / 571 feet long and 28.6 m / 94 feet wide with 12 decks

Photo:  Seated with Captain Taylor and Captain Djurre 

Photo:  Torch going up the gangway by Captain Taylor

The Africa Mercy will continue with the field service in Senegal.  The Global Mercy will be a training platform for June and then back to the Canary Islands for more project work on board.  More to share later.