Chris Graduates & Is On Board the Africa Mercy

We'd like to dedicate this blog to Chris. Chris is now 18 yrs old and has just graduated from Van High School at the end of May. He has been working hard to get the highest possible scores on his SAT's and ACT exams and to maintain his high grade point average ready for college enrollment. Not only did he graduate, but he managed to graduate with Honors - well done Chris!  No that long ago he was still unsure on what he wanted to do in terms of choosing his studies for a future career path. Finally, towards the end of last year he decided that he would like to study to become a Marine Engineer - like father, like old brother Matt!  He will attend Tyler Junior College for his first year doing a couple of core and preparatory subjects and then change to the College of his choice (yet to be determined) August 2013

In preparation for his College application Chris wanted to gain more experience working in the Marine Engineering field and asked about the possibility of going back to the Africa Mercy for a 3 month term after he graduates to work as an Engine Hand.

A requirement for all technical crew is the completion of a BST course (Basic Satey Training). This course comprises these elements:  FireFighting, First Aid, CPR, Personal Survival & Social Responsibility. Fortunately, Mercy Ships are licensed to run these courses and do so 3 times a year to coincide with when we have the Entry Level Training Program based at the International Office for all incoming Long Term Crew. Chris participated in the course that took place at the beginning of February and so was able to meet this requirement. Here are a few photos of him, taken during his BST. In the group photo Chris can be seen on the back row!

His journey to the ship on 28th May was not straight forward......long story short, he arrived 24 hours later than originally scheduled due to technical difficulties on his first plane Dallas DFW - Dulles Wahington.  He was met by our good friend Marty Schwebel (one of the Chaplains on board) and some of the ship youth.  He was very happy to finally make it to the ship and will be on board till August 25th.  He starts College on 26th August!

After a day of settling in, unpacking and completing paperwork he finally started work.  He has been assigned to Fire Team 1 and has already assisted on that Fire Team in the last Fire Drill.  Please pray for him as he serves on board and encounters lots of firsts:  first time travel alone, first time living independently on the ship, first time doing his own laundry etc..etc...etc.. Most importantly that God will work through him and in him during this time.  I know that's what Chris wants!

Chris has started his own blog and will be adding updates and pictures on a regular basis so I'll let him tell the rest of his journeuy over the next 3 months first hand.  He will also be posting his blog onto his FB page each time he adds an update, so most of you will be able to view it there.  If not his blog URL is:  http://england93.tumblr.com/  Just copy and paste the link into your internet browser. 

Keep a look out for his updates!