A friend went from here to Liberia to host a team who came to conduct some training at the national hospital. He was also able to visit the orphanage in New Georgia and the children were ready to share a song with motions for him and the other team members. I have enjoyed looking at the photos he brought back as I watch the children grow up physically and to hear of their growth in mental, emotional and spiritual areas.
Fourth of July
This is photo of the 4th of July celebration in Washington, DC. This weekend here in Benin, I have had two special events as the United States celebrates 233 years of independence. On Friday night, some of the leadership of the ship were invited to a Reception at the Residence of the United States Ambassador. There were many officials from other nations and many from the nation of Benin. They showed a short video from Secretary of State Clinton and speeches were shared (including a message from President Obama) and responses were made – though the speeches were in French and so I struggled to understand what was being said. Then on Saturday afternoon, the Embassy hosted a BBQ for all Americans in Benin and so out of the 120 Americans on the ship right now – about 90 of us attended the BBQ – chicken, potato salads, corn on the cob and so many great desserts. It was casual and enjoyable, but no fireworks in the evening and no cameras were permitted and that is why I selected this photo.
Map of Togo
Lome, Togo has been selected as our field service location for 2010. Togo is the neighboring nation to Benin to the West and Mercy Ships has been in Togo three times including our first ever outreach to Africa back in late 1990.
Visit of Min of State/Health to Cotonou
On Monday, we hosted the Minister of State/Minister of Health, Administrator of Health Services and the Health Advisor to the President – from TOGO – here on board. I was recently in Togo and had meetings with them and due to our close proximity (4 hours) we invited them to come and see the Africa Mercy in action. I believe the visit was real helpful and they were grateful for the opportunity.
Jardin d’Eden Painting
This photo is from an orphanage here in Cotonou, Benin – named Jardin d’Eden (Garden of Eden in English). We follow a similar plan as with the orphanages in Liberia – a time of singing (and dancing), sharing of a Bible story (involving them in the story) and a time of arts and crafts. This week they were using paints and making drawings. Many times the artwork and drawings are displayed up on the wall in the home – similar to us in the US putting the drawing on our refrigerator. I do not have the same relationship connection here as in Liberia, but I was there for two years and had more time on building the relationships.
Israel & Esther Kombate Wedding
On Saturday, many of the crew of the Africa Mercy traveled to Lome, Togo (next country over to the West) for the wedding of our friends Israel (Togo) and Esther (Switzerland). It was a privilege to celebrate with them in their marriage ceremony and receptions. This photo was taken following the wedding.
Agriculture Training with Grant D.
As part of our training of trainers in Biblical agricultural principles, we invited and hosted Grant who serves with Farming God’s Way in Southern Africa. He aided us with training and sharing with them training ideas that they can use to train others. The man in the middle with the yellow shirt is Jean Claude from Congo Brazzaville – he is our agriculture trainer and will continue the training with these men.
Hevie Training Facility Construction
Currently we only have one construction project underway – it is a hostel-dormitory for a training facility in the Hevie area – about one hour and 15 minutes from the ship. This is part of our agriculture project – at the same time we are training trainers to train others and this building will be the housing and classroom for the participants. In the photo with the blue hard hat is Jean Kamano from Guinea who is one of our site supervisors.
Academy Graduation 2009 Tashwell Myers
Last night in our International Lounge, I attended the Academy Graduation Class of 2009. Though for this year, we only had one graduate – Tashwell Myers from South Africa. Tashwell actually assisted in creating the graduation ceremony and then we had a party afterwards. The Academy has 46 students this school year which ends tomorrow. In this photo, Tashwell has his father, mother and younger sister with him. Congratulations Tash.
Programs Office with Rene
As Programs Administrator, I work with the managers and project team leaders from the Hospital and HealthCare Development areas. In this photo, I am meeting with my friend Rene Tolno from Guinea. He serves as one of our construction supervisors. Do you like his hat?