We Are Sailing!

On Tuesday 8th December at approximately 11am the line handlers lifted the lines and we pulled out of the harbour in the Port of Cotonou, Benin which has been home to the Africa Mercy and it's 400+ crew for the last 10 months.

Mercy Ships, Managing Director of the Africa Mercy , Ken Berry, expressed gratitude at a recent "Thank You" function to the Benin government and local community, whose partnerships have made the 2009 Field Service a success.  "We've had a very good year here in Benin - far more people than we had anticipated and certainly more than we have in the past," said Ken Berry.  "All the various government ministries have been very important in opening the doors and making a way for us to come and operate here as we do. All we were able to accomplish is a direct result of the partnership of everyone working together to reach out and touch the people of Benin. I'd like to thank each and every one."

The Minister of Interior and Public Safety responded, saying, "I would like to say 'thank you' to all the crew of the ship. Because of your stay in the country, thousands of citizens received the joy of life again. Thank you very much for all you have done."

Almost 7,000 surgical procedures were performed on the Africa Mercy during the ten-month field service in Benin.

We leave Benin behind thankful for all that has been accomplished and for the many lives transformed and we pray that God will continue to touch lives as not only physical wounds and disabilities were healed, but also emotional, mental and spiritual healing took place.  The joy this brings is also mixed with sadness as we leave behind the many Beninoise friends we have made during this field service.

So now we are sailing and enjoying the beauty of God's creation in the oceans and in the skys.   Five days in to our sail we have seen flying fish, plenty of dolphins and some orca whales.



Two nights ago we had the spectacular display of a water spout (water tornado) from ocean to sky.

The two pics below show Andy and I enjoying the lovely calm sail, from up on the Bridge.  It was a balmy evening with a lovely warm ocean breezing blowing.  Emma is pictured in the breeze with friend Liz enjoying time on the bow of the ship.