Our Scandanavian crew shared one of their traditions with the entire crew of the ship – Santa Lucia – they sing various songs in their various languages and my friend JP shared some of the Christmas story, but with a Liberian accent. The whole event happened in what we call ‘Town Square’ in the middle of the ship.
Mtg 15Dec08 Toastmasters
Our ‘Mercy in Africa’ Toastmaster club continues to meet on board every Monday evening at 17:45-18:45. I serve as one of the officers in our club. In this photo is a new recruit, our very own Nicholas Safari Katsui from Mombasa, Kenya and he is doing great.
Dayworker Thank You Reception
For our Dayworkers Thank You Reception we hosted about 150 Liberians along with many of our crew who serve with them. We all gathered here in our International Lounge for the program – as seen in this photo and the one just below.
Dayworker Thank You Reception
As a way to honor and thank our dayworkers, we host a special Reception for them. Dayworkers are local Liberians who served as translators, cooks, security guards, cleaners and in many different roles – we provide a daily stipend and a meal. Many of my closest African friends have been dayworkers as we serve together. For this reception, we started out with a great African meal provided for lunch for everyone. Then we moved to the International Lounge and I had the privilege to be the MC. Following African music/dance, our Managing Director and Captain expressed their thanks. Then, three of the dayworkers shared a response and we closed with a prayer and benediction from one of the chaplains. Afterwards we enjoyed ice cream and time to say ‘thank you’ and ‘goodbye’.
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
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.
Group Photo 08 w Mercy Ships
Photo of the children, teens and staff of the Liberia Children Rescue Education Foundation Orphanage at the start of their visit to the ship. In addition, some of the crew who have been involved in their lives are also in the picture – I’m seated in the middle on the dock. I printed this photo out for them to keep also.