Vice President Visits

As a thank you to the crew, Vice President Boakai and the Minister of Health blessed the entire crew with a catered meal. Following the great meal, we had a reception in the International Lounge and we shared about our program activities for 2008. Various ones from the Government of Liberia shared their thanks to the crew on behalf of the people of Liberia.

Thank you Reception

Towards the end of a field service, we always have what we call a Thank You Reception in order to provide an opportunity to thank our partners and others who have made it possible. I was tasked with the guest list and invitations. We extended an invitation to Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, though since she had just been with us at the clinic dedication, we didn’t know if she would come. Well, she did and graced us with a heart filled speech – it was a blessing to all the crew there and for the other invited guests.

Final Sunday at church


NGUMC Final Day (8)
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

On Sundays the crew are encouraged to attend local churches for Sunday morning services. Normally I have had patients in the Hospital on the ship and we have an optional service in the ward and I invite my patients to attend. At times, when I am not going to the service in the hospital, I attend the New Georgia United Methodist Church with other crew members. Rev. Alex Harmon has been a friend for two years now. This photo was from our last Sunday with them and they presented Certificates of Appreciation.

Programs Reporting Time

During our field services, every Friday morning at 07:45 I have the privilege to host Programs Reporting Time. This is an opportunity for Programs (Hospital and HealthCare Development) here on the Africa Mercy to share what is happening both on board and off the ship. I usually start out pointing out opportunities for the crew to join us – that is what I am showing in the photo.

Benin Advance Team

On Thursday evening at our Community Meeting, we prayed over and commissioned our Advance Team for Benin ’09 Field Service. Four women (Brenda, Anouchka, Yvonne, Melissa) were asked to join the Benin Field Representative (Daslin) to prepare for the ship’s next outreach. As part of my role as Programs Administrator, I assist to prepare the logistics and provide support for the team. I will drive them to the airport on Monday morning as they fly to Cotonou, Benin via Lagos, Nigeria.

Ship Visit

On Saturday afternoon the 15th of November, the children, teens and staff and 3 staff children came to the ship for a visit. One of the highlights was playing on the dock with the ride on toys, wagons, etc as you can see in the photo. Thankfully we had no close calls with the children and the edge of the pier – as that was one of my fears and thus ensured we had enough of us there to be watching.

Visit Nov 22 Distribute Photos

While the children, teens and staff of Liberia Children Rescue Education Foundation Orphanage visited to the ship last Saturday, I took individual portraits of them. Then I printed and had them laminated and as the picture shows, Kennedy, the orphanage director is giving the photos out to the children and teens. When I saw their faces while getting their photos, it was worth all the work.