Security First Day
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

First day of Security and Fire Watch

I started out early this morning when Andy picked me up at my flat as we headed to the Africa Mercy for Saturday security and fire watch duties. I took the first round and since I went almost everywhere, it took me almost two hours before I reported back to the security office at the gangway. We had four men from Nepal who are primarily covering security but in order to give them a day off, Mercy Ships crew cover Saturdays and so we rotate through. I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the ship better and go to many areas that once we are deployed will be off-limits.

Cabin First Look
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

Today I was able to visit the space that will be my new home on the Africa Mercy. Cabin #4236 Most of the furniture is installed, carpeting is down, only awaiting lighting and bedding. My cabin is on deck #4 at the back (aft) on the left hand side (port side). I am one deck above the hospital and one below from the main deck. I took this picture today at my first opportunity to see inside. I spent some time praying over and in the cabin. We do not know when we will be able to move on board, they have to finish the shipyard renovations, but it was good to see for myself.

Carlisle Cathedral
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

Founded in 1122 and battered by centuries of warfare, was built for the glory of God and services have been said and sung daily in it for nearly 900 years. Paul and I visited Carlisle and took in this church and the castle and the town itself.

Carlisle Medieval Castle
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

Paul & I traveled to the other side of England by train. We visited the magnificent castle founded in 1092 by William the Conquerer’s son – a testament to the years of feuding over the English-Scottish border. Carlisle was also the farthest NW post of the Roman empire in the years following the death of Christ.

Pancake Day 002
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

Today was a holiday here in the United Kingdom called Pancake Day and so I enjoyed pancakes of various varieties with about 10 friends, including Martin, our only Brit in the group. In the picture, they are practising the flipping of the pancakes.

Cathedral in Durham, England
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

In this building, there have been prayers lifted up to our Heavenly Father for over 1,000 years. That is amazing to me from America. I toured the church and the surrounding areas with my friends, Paul and Tom who I know from the Caribbean Mercy.

Gangway to the Africa Mercy!!!
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

She is massive as I look at the ship and walk the decks and try not to get lost. Terry Barrett who is the Project Engineer for the hospital deck (#3) took us through each and every area and I can only imagine the thousands of the forgotten poor who will be there in the near future and I have the opportunity to be a part of this ministry.

Evan at Basketball practise
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

He is on the left hand side in black going for the ball. Evan and Dustin participated in the Upward Sports Program at Emmanuel.

Cub Scouts Den #6
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

Attended two of Dustin’s Cub Scouts meeting. Today they are showing the ventures of various ones across the United States using the large colored map.

Jaylie at Jeremy’s school
Originally uploaded by keithrbrinkman.

Jaylie, my niece, feels like it is her school. Julie invited me to join them in going to Jeremy’s school for his Valentine party.