“The Mercy Ship is returning to Madagascar” 
Ever since I arrived in Madagascar in early August after leaving Liberia in July, many people have expressed their great excitement that the hospital ship is returning.  The Africa Mercy will arrive on 01 February for a ten-month field service. 

So, I have been on the ships most of the times when one of the Mercy Ships vessels arrives into a country.  Though, I have also been on land to welcome the ship and that is exciting also. 
In the Malagasy language, ‘Welcome’ = ‘Tonga Soa’ – so in between coordinating with the ship technical teams and our shipping agent and our partners of the Port of Toamasina, I will be welcoming the Africa Mercy with Tonga Soa.

As Port Liaison here in Madagascar, I have been working with the port officials related to the berth for the ship – same berth as 2014-2016 – use of the same warehouse as before but it needs some repairs, confirmations on the fresh water, arrangements for fuel deliveries, garbage removal and other activities. 
Plus learning the process for how Customs Clearance will take place for our incoming shipping containers and air freight – the paperwork and the required signatures needed from the capital and then the process here in the port city.  The ship relies heavily on incoming supplies, medications, food, equipment, and parts via containers.   

Prayer Requests:  *For the ship’s safe journey from East London, South Africa to Toamasina Madagascar, *Safe docking of the vessel, *Smooth Activities with customs and immigration.  *For the Mercy Ship team interviewing potential local workers, that they would have clarity on who is the best to serve with us and in what positions. *Plus for our Patient Selection Team as they work with the Ministry of Public Health for the dozen sites around the country to identify surgical patients.  May we continue to Love God and Love and Serve Others. 

PS – This a fulfilling time as the Global Mercy is in Freetown, Sierra Leone – providing specialized surgeries and education/training for healthcare professionals in Sierra Leone.  Our last visit to Sierra Leone was in 2011 and was one of my favorite field services – connection with patients – visit to their homes.  

Photo Caption:  Enjoyable Visit with my friend and former local worker, Pierrot. While serving on the ship, our local workers (day crew) and patients were the ones I got to know the best.  Here in Madagascar, I have been reuniting with many of these and making new contacts also.

Photo Caption:  Connecting with new friends from a friend’s church – who want to serve with the ship as day crew.

PS – a note on Liberia – after the second round of elections, they have voted for a new President – the former Vice President will now be the President for the six year term – Mr. Joseph Boakai.  We know him from the previous visits to Liberia from 2005 – 2008. 
On the sad side, after Christmas in Liberia there was a tanker explosion and over 50 people died and over 90 to the hospital due to burns and their injuries.