At the West African Dinner, our fellow crew members from West Africa led the worship and of course with worship and music there is dancing. Some of the rest of us joined in but I know for me, I just don’t have the rhythm. In this photo – you see Rene on the guitar in the background, then L-R Comfort, Gina, Jannette and Esther.
West African Dinner
For this past week, we have been hosting visitors from Switzerland and Norway on board. Last night for their final dinner, the Public Relations and Stewards departments put on the ‘West African Dinner’. We enjoyed African food, worship led by our West Africans, various prayers for West Africa (which I was able to lead), prayers for our guests and for our leaders.
President’s Visit to the ship
On Friday evening, we had the privilege and honor to host the President of Benin on board the ship. Following the speeches in our International Lounge, he was given a tour of the hospital – in this photo you see him (tall man on the right side of the photo) visiting with some of his citizens recovering from their surgeries in the hospital wards.
Screening Surgical in the Stadium
From the lines outside to inside the stadium for surgical screening – over 2,500 potential patients came to the screening. My role was just inside the stadium to direct patients and others to the right direction. This photo was taken from my view at the entry – you are looking at primarily the registration tables and medical histories.
Screening Surgical Cotonou
Over 5,000 people lined up for our surgical screening at the Hall des Arts here in Cotonou, Benin on February 19th and 20th. Thankfully everything was peaceful and calm – which is something we prayed for. The building in the background is the stadium here all the stations were set up.
Gate of Reconciliation in Ouidah, Benin
On Sunday afternoon after visiting a friend’s church, I joined with a Mercy Team on a visit to Ouidah. Ouidah was an area that the African kings allowed the Europeans to set up forts to collect and prepare to send slaves out from West Africa. There was a Gate of No Return on the beach, though I especially was encouraged to see this gate built in 2000 by the Catholic Church as a Gate of Reconciliation. The Gate is in the shape of the nation of Benin and with a large cross in front.
Civic Media Reception
On Friday afternoon, we hosted invitees for our Civic & Media Reception – this was an event we started planning for last October, I helped design the invitations and together with the Advance Team worked on the Guest List. This is our opportunity to welcome on board governmental leaders, ambassadors, representatives from other NGO’s, leaders of church associations and others. In this photo, both Denise Miller and myself are (at the same time) extended a hand shake to one of our guests.
Arrival Cotonou Benin
We have arrived into Cotonou, Benin for our ten month field service!!! Due to some engine problems, we didn’t come in on Monday, but waited instead for Tuesday. Our Advance Team, Mercy Team and other friends and officials were on the dock to welcome us.
Orca Whales en Route to Benin
Saturday afternoon, I finished my work for the day and went with my lunch to the bow (front) of the ship and was visiting with friends when the announcement was made that there were orca whales right in front of us – two smaller females and a larger male as seen in the photo. We were en route to Cotonou, Benin.
Africa Mercy location 04 feb 0945am
Hello from the Atlantic Ocean en route to Cotonou, Benin. In this photo you see our exact location today as of 0945am – basically horizontal with the capital of Guinea – Conakry. The seas have been somewhat smooth and life on the ship continues to go on as we prepare for this year’s field service. We are scheduled to arrive on Monday mid morning in Cotonou.