Our new AFM Cabin

Views of our Lounge taken from both sides...

For more photos check out the Photo Link, Here's a first glimpse of our new home. The Kitchenette, and Bathroom beyond that.

We Welcome the AFM to Monrovia, Liberia

This picture shows our first glimpses of Andy & Steve and much loved friends on the AFM. Andy is the one in the red coveralls up above the bridge. The Captain is directly below him.

Steve is the lone figure in the picture on the right standing on the crane stack!!

The kids welcome them.

We moved down to the dock as the ship pulled alongside and Andy & Steve look down to the waiting crowd of ANA crew anticipating our family reunion.

This was the banner we made for Andy & Steve towelcome them. They spotted it from a long way out as they approached the dock.

THE AFRICA MERCY IS IN AFRICA!!

On Wednesday morning at around 9am the AFM pulled alongside the Anastasis admidst much emotion. The reality of what we had worked & waited for, for so long finally was before us. I had set my alarm for 5am. The family was up and dressed and on the Aft deck of ANA with our chairs and breakfast ready and waiting to catch our first glimpse of AFM approaching. Of course at that time it was still dark but there were 4 ships we could see in the distance by their lights alone and for an hour or more, with the help of binoculars we discussed with others..."Is it that one?"...The lights on that are the wrong formation...so I think it's that one!!" As the sun rose we finally got our first glimpse of the big white ship - The Africa Mercy. She was doing some manoeuvres while waiting for the Port Pilot who was scheduled for 7am. Then we learnt there was an hour delay due to another ship needing the Pilot for leaving the Harbour. The pic shows the first picture I was able to take of the AFM in the distance - centre in the picture.

The following series of pictures where also taken from the ANA as the AFM approached the entrance of the harbour.

Africa Mercy Liberia Screening 3rd May

On the 3rd of May I was up at 4:30am and we left the ship at 5am to be at the local Soccer Stadium to set up for a day of screening for the Africa Mercy's first patients. Last year for the Ghana screening I had been on the prayer station, where those who are told that we can't help them are sent to receive prayer and words of comfort. This year I was very happy to be on one of the registration desks. There were 4 of us and we were the first to greet each person patiently waiting to be seen. We took down all their details and weighed them, then at the next station they were asked their medical history and then on to be examined by one of our Drs/Surgeons. The prospective patients had lined the street outside the stadium and then filled the stalls at the side of the pitch. This picture shows me at the foot of the stalls taking details with a translator to help me. There is a short video which was taken, which I am on. Click on "Upload Video" below.

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

AFM in Tenerife

AFM in Tenerife
Originally uploaded by brencole7

The AFM is pictured in Tenerife just prior to the last leg of her sail to Liberia. Whilst in Tenerife she underwent an underwater hull inspection. The crew were able to have two days of well earned rest & relaxation. We pray for a calmer sail than the previous one from Rotterdam!

Andy Enjoying the Sail - The Calm After The Storm

This picture shows a beautiful sunny day with calm seas, but it was taken after the ship had sailed through a very heavy storm in the Bay of Biscay. The ship was hit by force 10 gales and 10 metre waves. It was a scary and very rough passage for the crew, with little sleep for two nights, but they came through it and the ship did really well. There were those on board who at times thought she was going to roll right over, but she is an incredibly stable ship. The Africa Mercy arrived safely in Tenerife on Monday 14th May and will bunker fuel, have an underwater survey, a two day break for the crew and then sail for Monrovia on Thursday 17th. Her scheduled arrival now to Monrovia is early morning of next Wednesday 23rd May.

Centre for the Aged, Orphaned and Abandoned Children

This is the name of the Orphanage that I am involved with. I lead a team of 18 crew who go out every Saturday morning - 9am till 1pm. There are 6 Core group Members which include me as Team Leader and then I have a Co-Leader and 4 helpers who come with me every week. Emma is a Core Group member. The other 12 places are filled by crew who can sign up to come, so they are different every week, except Chris 7 Josh also come weekly with me.

There are 65+ children and the place is run by a couple - Dennis & Comfort, who do a wonderful job with very basic resources. Comfort runs the home with 4 helpers and Dennis runs a school a 10 minute walk away from the home.

Our team have the priviliege of getting alongside Dennis and Comfort and giving some support and encouragement. Our weekly sessions start at around 9:30 am. We start with an hour of team games and races, followed by a story or message with a Biblical principle (see pic....)

After this we usually spend time on a related craft. There is usually a song time - action songs. These are often a mix of Christian songs like Father Abraham had Many Sons, Dig a little Deeper, If you're happy & you know it clap your hands & other songs such a Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and the Hokey Cokey!! They love it!!

SONG TIME

The last 45 minutes is spent doing what we call "free-play" This is the time when we get to interract more individually with the children, playing skipping games, painting the girls nails, blowing bubbles, the boys play soccer etc...

It is wonderful to have this time with these precious children, chatting, loving them and getting to know them. Not all of them are orphans, some have been abandoned, some were separated from their parents during the years of war, some have parents who are just unable to care for them. Every child has a sad story.

My prayer is that we can show compassion and communicate the love of Jesus through our words and our actions in some small way.

We will be bringing out our Dental Team to do a Dental Screening on all the children and provide free treatment where necessary in the coming weeks.

Life Boat Race

Saturday 5th was a beautiful, very hot and sunny day. It was also a fun day. The Deck Departmnent under the Leadership of our Captain Jonhard Joensen organised a life boat race. They lowered 2 of our 6o man lifeboats into the water. We had to disembark the ship down a rope ladder down the side - Very Scary for me!! The kids loved it!!

The Captain then towed the lifeboats out to the marker buoy with the Zodiak power boat and then we raced back to the ship. It was great fun, very tiring for those rowing. Fortunately we were passengers so we got to enjoy the ride and pelt our opposing team with water balloons! Unfortunately however, we were not on the winning Team.

The Africa Mercy Sails at Last!

At 9 am this morning the Africa Mercy pulled away from the Dock finally to leave UK waters after 8 years in shipyard. As a family we have served for almost 7 of those years! It's hard to convey what we feel today. The excitement level is very high as we look ahead to see her arrive in Monrovia, Liberia on 21st May. I can only imagine the emtotion of the moment when we see her appear on the horizon and then pull into the Dock beside the M/V Anastasis. There will be much celebrating, singing and dancing, of that I'm sure.
As I reflect over the last 7 years, I am so thankful to God for all He has done in us during this time. It has certainly been a time of growth. It has for sure had its challenges, but it has also been a wonderful journey and we look ahead with anticipation and excitement at all that He will accomplish through us as a family and as a Ministry as we use this wonderful tool He has given us - the Africa Mercy, with it's much greater capacity to serve the world's forgotten poor even more effectively!

What an awesome God we serve!

View from the bow of the Africa Mercy as it sails out of Blythe harbor to Rotterdam this morning. Thank you Lord!

Matt & Steve meet up on the Dock this morning before the sail to say their goodbyes.

The HR Department

HR is one of the busiest departments on the ship, especially during this season of transition when we have been overseeing crew for both ships including the recruitment and processing of future crew. I certainly do not do this alone. I have a wonderful team of ladies, 9 of whom are full time and 3 of them are part time as they have young children on board.

Starting with Yvonne in orange and green and going clockwise round the table:

• Yvonne - HR Assistant & my P.A, from USA
• Penny - General Placement Facilitator, from South Africa
• Rachel - Operations Placement Facilitator, from USA
• Lynne - Medical Applications Assistant, from USA
• Sharon - Crew Care Coordinator, from New Zealand
• Heather - HR Special Projects (temp position), from USA
• Patti - Medical Placement Facilitator, from USA
• Anouchka - Technical Staff Placement Facilitator, from France
• Debbie - Crew Arrival paperwork, from USA

In addition to this there is another Medical Placement Facilitator - Kristin (USA), who couldn't join us and the Housing coordinator - Karen (part time - USA) who couldn't join us. And of course I was taking the photo. I am honoured to manage & work with such a group of wonderful women. They are awesome!

Off Ship - Programs Sites Visit

Last week I went with the other members of the Anastasis Management Team to visit the project sites that our Community Development Services and Health Care Services departments are working at.

A Brief Overview:

Cheesemanburg Water/Sanitation Project + Training

Project Goal: Sustainable improvement to the health of targeted communities by reducing the incidence of water related diseases.

Timeline: March - November ‘07

Expected Outcomes: We will improve safe water, sanitation, and hygienic practices for 2,125 Liberians. We construct 5 new wells with hand-pumps and deepen 4 additional wells. We demonstrate building 16 simple, private, household latrines to eight villages and train 2 technicians to maintain facilities.

This well was completed on the day of our visit and we saw it's first fresh water being pumped out!

Food for Life (Agriculture)
Project Goal: To increase Liberia’s food security and agricultural production

Timeline: March - November ‘07
Expected Outcomes: We will increase agricultural capacity of 120 small scale farmers from urban and rural settings to manage their local resources for increased food security. We increase agriculture productivity and availability of locally grown food through the establishment of 60 household gardens. We mentor 12 Liberian agriculturalists.

Left - Udo Kronester (facing the camera discuss the Agriculture program with Ben Cubbage - Ag Leader.

Right - Local farmers clear land in preparation for planting.

We also have teams here in Cheesemanburg working on empowering women & income generation projects in additon to Community Health & HIV/Aids teaching.

The terrain we travelled between projects was both beautiful and rugid.

Thank the Lord for 4 wheel drive!!

Congo Town School
Project Goal: Partner with established school in Congo Town to construct appropriate facilities for the continual education for 650+ students, both children and adults.

Timeline: March - July ‘07

Expected Outcomes: We will help an established school with a good reputation build a facility on property that they own. 8 classrooms measuring 18’ x 24’. 1 toilet block, male and female, totaling 8 toilets. We decrease illiteracy in the community of Congo Town and increase employ-ability of 150 – 200 adults. We decrease the cycle of violence for 200 ex-child combatants due to lack of education and resulting unemployment.
The children (650+) are currently gathering in the house pictured below!! I saw it for myself. 60+ children in each room, in closets, in passageways, in every available nook & cranny! This new facility will be a huge asset to this community and greatly improve the learning environment for these children who are so keen to learn.

Gaye Town Medical Clinic

Project Goal: To improve access to health care for the residents of Gaye Town by building a medical clinic.

Timeline: March – July ‘07

Expected Outcomes: We will: increase access to basic health care services to the residents of Gaye Town, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and reduce HIV/AIDS, malaria and other communicable diseases through community education. Building includes: 1 waiting room; 3 small offices; 4 store rooms; 1 pharmacy/drug store; 1Lab; 2 exam rooms; 3 short stay rooms; 2 toilets; 1 covered entrance.

Mercy Ministries: I am the Team Leader running one of our Mercy Ministry projects at "The Centre for the Aged(though there are no Aged in this home), Orphaned and Abandoned Children" near New Georgia
Goal: We provide opportunities for crew members to be coached and mentored into small projects in local communities. These could be: visits to local hospital, refugee camps, home for the disabled, children’s home, and/or prison projects.

Emma's Work Experience Down on the Ward

For the last two weeks Emma has spent her days working shifts down on the Ward which she has thoroughly enjoyed, especially as she wants a career in the Medical Field later on.

The whole experience was a positive one for Emma. Each day she went enthusiastically dressed in her 'scrubs'! She shadowed nurses on the ward for the most part but did get to follow one patient right through from Admission, pre-op care, surgery, recovery and post-op care until discharge.

Her patient was an 11 month old baby girl called Musu, who had cleft lip and pallet surgery.

Above is a before and below an after picture of Emma with Musu

Some excerpts from Emma's work experience report follow:

Day 1

Monday, March 26th

Today, was my first day of work experience, and it was also my 15th Birthday! My friend Kim Anna was also doing work experience with me down ont he ward. My shift today started at 7am. I got up at 6:15am and did my best not to wake Chris & Josh. I got dressed into my black and pink scrubs. Each day we will shadow a nurse. Today I am shadowing Kristin Shaffer. Kristin and I have 5 patients, Rose (21): cleft-lip, Peter (60): had deformity of his tongue, Rosetta (5): cleft-lip, Mary (4): cleft-lip and Esther (13): cleft-lip. We got to work right away.

The day went by quickly. I was occupied with lots to do. In assisting Kritin I got her things she needed for cleaning wounds and giving medication and other things like that. She taught me how to take someone’s blood-pressure, that was cool, and later she let me take her blood-pressure. It took me a few times to get the hang of it, but I think I’m there now! I also was able to hold a swab on someone after they had an injection, I even got to wear rubber gloves, it was great!

At the end of my shift, we handed over to the evening shifters. When we were about to leave, Bev Sutton(Ward Manager) announced it was my birthday and brought me brownies and a card and everyone sang Happy Birthday to me.
That was my first day on the ward.

Day 2

Tuesday, March 27th

Today I worked the evening shift 2pm - 9pm.

Today I was able to feed someone, through a tube that was going through their nose and down thire throat, and straight to their stomach. Sometimes, they may get cramp, because they don’t know that they are eating, so it can be strange to suddenly feel full up! So I had to hold up the syringe that the food was being poured into (They normally feed people with Ensure/Ensure +/Pediasure for Children. It is a protein Drink)

I found out that the evening shifts are easier, as there is not as much to do. That was true, but the good thing about that was that I was able to play with the little children for hours, just bouncing the balloon to each other and tickling each other. We had lots of fun. I made very good friends with a little girl called Rosetter. She was so cute, she followed me everywhere, wanting to hold my hand or be carried. The shift was soon over, after playing for so long with the kids it took my mind off the time. So when the night-shifters arrived we prayed and thanked God for the day, then we handed over our patients to the night-shifters. That was another good day.

Day 3

Wednesday, March 28th

I was supposed to be working in admissions. In admissions, there is a room, where you take the new patients that have just arrived and you ask about their history; any illnesses, where you live, family and other questions like that. Also the admissions nurse asks the parents of the patient, or the patient themselves to sign some papers, giving their consent on taking a blood test and the operation in general and also for a before and after photo.
I was asked to go out on the dock and pick up a little patient who was 9 months old. So I went down and asked the little girl, her mum and her uncle to follow me to the ward and into the admissions room. When we arrived we had to wait for the admissions nurse, Kate, to come down to the room. When she arrived, she went through the process I just talked about.
After we had finished with that patient, Bev stopped me and asked me if I would like to work on the ward for a while, or come back at 2:30pm and teach me how to inject someone (using fruit instead of a person) and how to take someone’s blood pressure, even though I’d already learnt that.
So I went back to the ward at 2:30.At 2:30, I came back and Kim Anna and I first learnt how to give an injection. It was really fun, and we had a choice to inject an apple, banana or a tomato.

Day 4 - Day 8 of Work Experience

Emma's Report Continued

Day 4
Thursday, March 29th
Today, was a fun day shift. I was shadowing Stephanie Hartsell and we had just three patients to look after - an easier day! We had two little baby girls, one of them being my adopt-a-patient, and also a young boy called Washington. My adopt-a-patient was called Musu, and she is 11 months old (she is my patient in the pictures above). She absolutely hated white people to begin with, but I think she is getting to know me a bit better now so that’s good. (She loves being tickled!) Musu was waiting for surgery, just staying on the ward, so we didn’t have to do much with her, just give her a multi-vitamin tablet. The other little girl I had was a 1 year old girl who was in ICU; she wasn’t breathing great on her own after she had surgery. She cried a bit to begin with but after she had some sleep she was a bit better. We had to clean her wound and just in general look after her by taking her temperature and give her her medications. The little boy, Washington, was pretty good, he’s very hyper! All we had to do to him was give him his multi-vitamin tablet, and clean his wound, and he was good.I learnt how to calculate how much medicine to give someone of the right age; it was cool, but hard to explain. I also saw the little girl I had seen in admissions yesterday; she had just had surgery and looked so cute whilst she was sleeping. I enjoyed today, I got to know Stephanie well.
Day 5

Friday, March 30th
Today I was on another day shift (I think Day shifts are my favorite). Iwas shadowing Andrea Ashbacher, she is really nice. My adopt-a-patient, Musu, was one of our patients. We also had a woman named Bendu, a man named Alfred and Little Halinatu, the girl I had yesterday (She had been moved out of ICU). Musu was first on the list for surgery, and her mother found it hard, whilst she was in the OR, but later once Musu came out, she had a huge smile on her face, as did I.
At break time Bev (Ward Manager) said she wanted to chat with Kim Anna and me, about the week so far. So we sat down and talked about what we liked about it so far, if we had seen anything that had disturbed us, if we were upset with anything or anyone, and about what we would like to happen in the next 3 day we would work next week. We talked for about half an hour and decided we wanted to learn CPR on a dummy, so Bev told us we would do that next week. So I am really looking forward to that as I suggested it. This was a really good day and I enjoyed it.
Day 6

Monday, 2nd April

Today I was working an evening shift and I made a very good friend. Her name is Mummy; she is 18 and is the auntie of one of the patients here. She is so sweet, I was showing her all my funny faces and we played clapping games and she also made me a really nice bracelet. I would shout to her “MUMMY!” and she would reply “EMMA, YES!” We had lots of fun.I was shadowing Sophie Smith today, she is really nice and from New Zealand. Today I fed someone through the gastric tubes. My patient Musu is a lot better today, she even smiles at me now, and will hold my finger.
After Dinner, My Mum and Chris and Josh came down to play with my brother’s adopt-a-patient, also called Chris. He is having surgery on his hand, arm and eye. He has terrible burns and the surgeons hope to free up areas that are so badly burned they restrict his moement. I was able to show my mum my adopt-a-patient, and my friend Mummy, and Kim Anna’s adopt-a-patient also. It was nice.Later, I just played around with some people and had some fun, talked to some of the nurses (As the evening shift isn’t a busy shift)I enjoyed today, I made a great friend, and I love making friends!

Day 7

Tuesday, 3rd April

Today, I was working a day shift again. I was shadowing Hettie, she is really sweet. A big group of patients left today, so there wasn’t a lot to do.But one thing did happen that made me smile, Musu, my adopt-a-patient, let me hold her! I even walked around the ward with her for about 10 minutes, and tickled her, it was great! I took a few pictures also, which I am going to give a few copies to her and her mother.
When shift was over, and it was time for handover, Bev asked us to name a song to sing so we did & after we did, we heard from the other room the translators singing the same song but African style, then they came in to where we were, and we sang it again properly. After that, we asked them to sing us another, then everyone stood up and started dancing, and joined and big line and danced down the ward, clapping and singing. Even the patients who were fit enough joined in. It was such a laugh and everyone had lots of fun.That was the end of shift and it was great!

Day 8 (Final Day)

Wednesday, 4th April

Today was AMAZING! Kim Anna and I found out last night from Bevthat we are able to go down and watch a surgery! So this morning I got up and made sure I had a nice big breakfast, because I didn’t want to get really faint during the surgery and miss a lot of it. When it was time to go up for surgery, we were told that the patient had already been put to sleep. We made our way up to the OR (operating room)and walked through the big double doors to the OR. Kylie Bentham, the OR supervisor told us our guidelines and gave us something to put over our feet, hair and mouth & nose. Then we went with Kylie into one of the operating rooms. We were watching a surgery on a cleft-lip baby. She was 2 years old and her name was Yah. Dr. Tertius was the Surgeon. He started by drawing a line on one side of the lip, then drawing an identical line on then other side (He did this by using a compass.) Then he started cutting her lip in different place as well as where the lines were drawn. It was amazing, and the good thing was that I did not feel faint at all! About half way into the surgery, before he started stitching her up, Dr. Gary Parker (Chief Medical Officer & Surgeon on the ship for 23 years)came into the room with a book about cleft-lip surgeries and he helped explain the procedure. Later on Dr. Tertius started stitching up Yah, and it was amazing how she already looked so good. Then he put on some big strips of tape. The anesthesia provider then took Yah to the recovery room, until she awoke. When she did, they called her mother to come up and it was so nice to see her mother’s reaction.After surgery, the rest of the day wasn’t very busy at all. Musu’s strips of tape came off and she looked absolutely amazing.Something sad also happened today and that was that Mummy and her niece Satta went home.When shift was over Bev told us that we should come back at 3:00 to learn CPR like we had asked. Learning this was so much fun as we had a dummy to practice on.This was my last day of work experience and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a great way to finish.
By Emma Cole

SUCCESSFUL SEA TRIALS!

See Steven waving - 2nd from the right! Andy DID get to go on sea trials as the ship is due back into Blythe today and his last exam is tomorrow! Priase God. When this picture was taken he was down in the Engine Room!

29 March 2007

PRESS RELEASE
(Issued on behalf of Mercy Ships UK)

WORLD’S LARGEST CHARITY HOSPITAL SHIP TO SET SAIL NEXT MONTH

The world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, has successfully completed ‘sea trials’ enabling it to sail on its inaugural trip to Africa.

The former Danish rail ferry, has been converted into a state-of-the-art hospital ship at a cost of over £30 million and will provide free healthcare and community development services to the poorest people of Africa.

The ‘sea trials’ took place in the North Sea under the supervision of Bureau Veritas – an international marine certification organisation that tests systems on ships.

All systems onboard were checked and the trials took approximately 24 hours led by the ship’s Captain and his technical crew.

The Africa Mercy will return to Blyth for another four weeks where hospital supplies and materials will be loaded. The ship is now free to start final preparations for its first field service in Africa where more than 400 volunteer crew will provide free medical care, capacity building, relief aid and community development programmes to the people of war-torn Liberia.

The Africa Mercy is the fourth ship to be operated by the international charity, Mercy Ships, which has provided more than £350 million worth of services since its inception in 1978.

Statistics include treating more than 200,000 people in village medical clinics; performing more than 26,000 surgeries and 162,000 dental treatments; and completing more than 800 construction, agriculture and water development projects.

Don Stephens, Founder of Mercy Ships, said: “Every ship has life savers, but this ship is a life saver in itself to thousands who wait for her arrival in Africa. Without this ship so many of the poorest of the poor face lives without hope. This huge white hospital ship docked in an African port is a strong symbol of hope.”

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director, Mercy Ships UK, said: “This is a momentous day for everyone involved in Mercy Ships. Hundreds of people have worked tirelessly on this project over the last several years and we owe each of them a huge debt.

“Our focus is now to complete the loading of supplies and volunteer crew over the next few weeks in order that she can start service in Liberia.”

All the crew on board the Africa Mercy will be volunteer professionals from around the world. Doctors, dentists, nurses, community developers, teachers, builders, cooks, seamen, engineers, and many others will donate their time and skills to the effort.

For further information on Mercy Ships, please visit our website at http://www.mercyships.org.uk/

Africa Mercy sails for Sea Trials

The Africa Mercy sailed down the River Tyne at 12.30pm on 28th for sea trials.

There was a lot of emotion from the shipyard as the mooring lines were being released. Captain Jurryan said a prayer over the P.A system for the sea trials which was great as there were so many of the sub contractors onboard, A real testimony of the faithful God we serve.

It took about 1 hour for the ship to reach the breakwater at the end of the Tyne and all those not sailing gathered in South Shields to wave them off.
She sailed off into the mist and fog (not great for photo’s!!).

MAJOR NEWS

BUREAU VERITAS (classification society) GIVE GO AHEAD FOR SEA TRIALS WEDNESDAY 28th MARCH!

This is major news for the Africa Mercy. Having been on the Tyne in shipyard since April 1999, almost 8 years later the Africa Mercy will pull out of the River Tyne on Wednesday 28th for Sea Trials. On completion of Sea Trials she will not return to shipyard. Instead she will head about 10 miles North and pull into a temporary dock in Blythe. We have a warehouse in this dock containing many supplies, furniture, crew possessions (much of our stuff is stored there ready for moving onto the ship).
We have many times wondered if this day would ever come, but it finally has :-) We expect the AFM to be in Blythe till the end of April at which point she will finally set sail for AFRICA! This is extremely exciting for us all as crew. Though there are no longer many who have been there and stuck with it as long as we have (just 3 families left who came to serve on AFM at the same time as us).
On arrival in Africa the AFM will pull alongside the Anastasis and the task of transferring crew, supplies, equipment & personal possessions will begin. This process is called "Transition". Our Programs here in Liberia, including surgeries will stop temporarily at the beginning of May. We hope to start up again around the end of June on board the Africa Mercy.

Please pray for:

• Successful Sea Trails
• Andy during his Chief Engineer exams on 27th & 30th of March (x2 three hour papers)
• PLEASE PRAY FOR US & THE WHOLE CREW DURING THIS VERY BUSY TIME. THOUGH EXCITING, THERE ARE MANY CHANGES AND ADJUSTMENTS TO BE MADE.

Andy & Steven back to the Africa Mercy

Yesterday, we waved goodbye once again to Andy. He has returned to the Africa Mercy. Do pray for him as he has two exams on the 27th & 30th March. We just received word, that Sea Trials for the Africa Mercy are scheduled for 28th. These normally take just a couple of days so it should fit nicely between his two exams. These trials mean taking the ship out onto open water and testing all the main systems. This is so exciting after nearly 7 years with the Africa Mercy. Providing all goes well the ship will receive it's certification and be delivered back to Mercy Ships. We will then have to move the ship immediately out of the shipyard to the holding dock in Blythe. Here we anticipate the ship being berthed for about 4 weeks for loading and moving all crew still in Newcastle before sailing to Liberia beginning of May with an expected arrival of middle of May! We can hardly believe it. It is the culmination of so much work :-)

The other development is that in the two weeks prior to Andy's departure, we learnt of the unexpected departure of two Engine Hands from the Africa Mercy. Personal circumstances meant both men had to return to their home countries. You may remember that Steven did his BST (Basic Safety Training) last year - a requirement for Technical Crew sailing with the ship. He also spent 3 months over last summer working in Engineering. He asked to return with Andy to fill one of those critical needs in Engineering. Not only would this be a big help in that department it also means Steven can get to re-connect with his brother, Matt and some friends, before sailing with the ship back to Africa. This transfer was approved and so Steven worked his last day in CDS on Thursday last week and left with Andy last night. We decided not to tell Matt. I had a phone call from Andy this morning saying they had arrived safely back in the UK and that Andy was meeting up with Matt tonight and Steven would surprise him by turning up unannounced with his dad. I wish I could be there to see the look on his face. I have no doubt it will be a HUGE surprise and precious re-union.

Our sail from Tema, Ghana to Monrovia, Liberia

On 26th February at 2:30am we finally pulled out of the dock in Tema, Ghana. We had been scheduled to leave at 4pm on 25th but encountered some last minute Engine problems. Our Engineers (Andy included) worked tirelessly through the night to rectify the problems and get us on our way.
We sailed for about 5 hours before stopping to bunker fuel. See picture below.

Later that evening we were off again and arrived safely in Monrovia at 1:30pm three days later on 1st March, singing the Liberian National Anthem as we pulled into the Dock. There was a large crowd waiting to welcome us including our Mercy Ships Advance Team, Church Leaders in Monrovia, Government Officials including the Vice President and other dignatories. There was a time of worship and celebration before the official welcoming speeches. We look ahead to a wonderful Field Service, reconnecting with old friends here in Liberia and pray that once again we can truly make a difference in this land that has suffered terribly during its 14 years of Civil War.

Thank You Reception Hosted by Minister of Health in Ghana

Towards the end of our time in Ghana, we hosted the Minister of Health for Ghana along with the vice President and then later the next week the President of Ghana John Kufour at two separate Receptions on board the ship. We wanted to thank them for Partnering with us and for all their help in making our stay in Ghana possible. They waived port fees, waived the need for visa's for all our incoming crew and assisted us in many many ways. Both events went really well and it was an honour to have these high ranking Government officials on board the ship. As a member of the Ship Management Team Brenda was directly involved in hosting our visitors.

Both the Minister of Health and the President were visibly moved with emotion. They wanted to thank us for all that we achieved in serving & helping the poor & needy of Ghana.

By way of Thank You the Minister then made an invitation to all the Mercy Ships crew to a Reception hosted by himself and other key Health Care Leaders in Ghana. This was a great honour. On Friday 23rd February, all the crew were picked up from the ship in a fleet of coaches and were driven into the town centre, with several Police Motorcycle Escorts!! This was great fun as we flew through the traffic, sirens blazing, police lights flashing. The picture below shows Brenda receiving a presentation at the Reception along with other members of the Management Team. It was a lovely evening with aBuffet, live African Band and Dancing.

Polyclinic Maternity Ward Opening Ceremony

After 9 months of hard work the Polyclinic's new Maternity Ward is complete. Andy & I had the joy of attending the opening ceremony (Steven pictured far left on back row). We sat for several hours in the heat, though thankfully under a canopy to protect us from the sun, and listened to several lengthy speeches. This was followed by a presentation to all our local dayworkers who had helped with the project. The Mercy Ships Crew who work in CDS presented the dayworkers with Certificates. Steven was involved in making many of these presentations. The Ghana Health Service then made presentations to our CDS team by way of thanks for all their hard work. It was a joy to be a part of the celebrations.

Not the best photo. Steven is far right after having received his Ghana sache and picture carving from Ghana Health Service.