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.
Dolphins Leaving Tenerife
One of the special things we get to experience many times while sailing is to watch the dolphins. In this photo you are looking from the bow (front) of the ship down to the water and the dolphin that is swimming and jumping along with the ship.
Watching Dolphins from the Bow
We are sailing once again!!! This photo was from last night our first night back at sea. We were watching the dolphins swimming with us and ahead of us. I am the last person on the left near the railing, in front of me are Jan, Jana and Ken Kronester as we watched for the dolphins.
Rainbow Day Before Leaving Tenerife
This was the beautiful view on Friday morning just following our pre-sail briefing conducted by our Captain. The camera did not pick it up – but there was a double rainbow. This is part of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and our host for the past month as we had ship repairs and inspections before returning to Afriac.
Loro Parque Dolphins
Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife is known as the ‘must’ for tourist things here. We are not here as tourists, but we had the opportunity to go to the park today. As you see in the photo, the dolphins are jumping. The dolphins and trainers did a great job. We enjoyed it so much that the Kronester family and myself went to the show twice. I have seen dolphins often as I have sailed on various ships, but it was great to see this presentation.
Loro Parque Orca
Today, 163 of the crew members of the Africa Mercy went to Puerto de la Cruz to the famous theme park, Loro Parque. This was provided as a gift from one of our international board members as a Christmas gift for the crew. At one show, we saw three orca whales perform (they were born at Sea World in the US).
Cabin Door 2008
Christmas Day 2008
From my home, cabin 4236 on the Africa Mercy, to your home, a very Merry Christmas