On the 3rd July we returned to the Africa Mercy to pack up our cabin and say some painful goodbyes. The health issue with Emma forced us to choose between a return to Africa Mercy without her or stay together as a family. We have of course chosen the latter.
Our time back on board was very special to us, especially as we reflected on our years of service. What an honour and privilege it has been for us to serve alongside so many wonderful crew, many of whom we have gotten very close to and also to serve the people of Africa who have become well and truly lodged in our hearts. During the Community Meeting on our final Tuesday morning we were farewelled by Donovan Palmer - Managing Director, presented with an inscribed picture of the Africa Mercy and prayed for (see pic above). It was very moving.
As we left the ship, many of our closest friends came down to the dock to wave us off and the Captain arranged for the ships horns to be sounded.
It has now been over two months of praying, trying doors and seeking the Lord for the next season and chapter of our lives. We are determined to stay in ministry. We strongly believe in the work that Mercy Ships are doing in serving the poorest of the poor, but did not know how we could have a role off the ship (our focus for the past 10 years)
Mercy Ships offered positions to both Brenda and myself on staff at the IOC base which we gladly accepted. The Africa Mercy cannot function in Africa without the logistical support of the National Offices around the world and particularly the Head Office in Texas. Therefore our roles continue to play a vital part in that.
We have prayerfully considered the implications of this and went ahead in faith and applied for US visas (L1 Intra-company transfers, managerial staff)
We heard on our last day on board the ship (God’s timing is amazing) that the first stage of our visa process, the petition, had been approved. We have now just returned from London after a visit to the US Embassy for an interview and received final approval for all our visas. Praise God! We are currently waiting for the return of our passports containing the said visas. They should arrive today. If they do - we'll be flying to the US in two days, Wednesday 11th. If they don't arrive today, we have contingency flights held for us to fly out on 16th August.
Brenda will have a key role in HR liaising between the ship and the head office, Andy has been offered a role as Assistant Safety Manager in Marine Operations, covering the Africa Mercy and the IOC. Emma will complete her graduation then start her 4 year nursing training (January we think) & Chris and Josh will continue their education which has been US based, at Van High school.
Please continue to pray for us as we move forward into the next chapter the Lord has for us in our service to Him and Mercy Ships.
