Enjoying time with family!

I have so enjoyed spending time with Matt at his flat, looking over old photos, talking about life over the last year and what's next now that he has finished College. We had two weeks with him initially and then we went to Liverpool and spent just over a week with family and friends there. It was great to catch up with so many over that time. Especially great was the opportunities we had to meet with our home Church - City Church and share with them at the Sunday evening service, giving an update of where we personally are at and the Africa Mercy. It was just wonderful to share news of the Africa Mercy finally on location in Africa on field service after such a long time of preparation.

My beautiful sister Gill

Another highlight was a few days away in Angelsey, Wales with my older sister Gill, we had an awesome time together. Gill - you rock girl!! I love ya! The pictures below show me in Beddgelert (left), A family meal out with Gill & Silva (her husband) and our dad (back right. The bottom picture shows the kids with my mum who we visited in the Nursing Home where she lives.

We are now back in Newcastle with Matt, all staying in his room - he has a BIG room!! The kids are loving catching up with all their old school friends and Josh even got to spend the last two days of term in his old school which was an added bonus!

Re-united with Matt, Farewell to Steve!!

Well our first week back in the UK was full of emotion as we were reunited with Matt. It's almost a year since me and the children had seen him. It has been so lovely to spend time with him. Emma & Chris flew off to America the day after and had a wonderful time at Summer Camp in Boston.

After a fraught few days trying to finalise Steven's visa for Aus (which incidentally didn't arrive till 9:30am on the morning he flew - LONG STORY!!) we finally bid him farewell as he went off to Australia to start his DTS. See our farewell pic at the airport.

He spent 3 days in Melbourne with my sister and her family and then flew to Newcastle, Sydney.

We have had 3 emails from him so far and he is having an amazing time. God is really moving in his life and as he himself says, it's only just begun!!

7 Weeks Vacation time back in the UK!

With the Africa Mercy finally now in Africa and at last beginning her active service as a Mercy Ship (First surgeries began 2 weeks ago) we now feel like we can take a much needed rest. It has been an incredibly busy 7 years since we joined Mercy Ships, but particularly the last year with Andy pushing hard with the rest of the Technical Team to get the ship finished and ready to sail whilst at the same time travelling back and forth to Africa to support the family and I, as we served on the field in Africa.

Andy's last exam you may remember was taken during the run up to Sea Trials and not surprisingly he didn't manage to pass and will need to re-sit. This re-sit scheduled for 17th July, coincides with the end of Steven's commitment to Mercy Ships and his moving on to do his DTS. At the same time Matt has now finished his 2 year music course in College (NVQ3) and also Emma and Chris's flying out to the States for 3 weeks of Summer Camp along with the rest of the High School and Junior High Students from the AFM Academy. Taking all things into account & along with the fact that Liberia is in the midst of full-on rainy season, we felt it was a good time to take our break. We left the Ship on 2nd July to fly back to the UK. I am so enjoying being re-united with Matt who I hadn't seen for almost a year! The picture below is taken at the airport as we drop off Emma & Chris. We had such a short time all together as a family. When they get back, Steve will have gone to his DTS. It's been an emotional time for me as Mum as another flies the nest. Steve will be gone a whole year as he travels for 6 months to visit family and friends after his DTS.



We will spend most of our time with Matt in Newcastle however we will be visiting other family members. Our itinerary during our 7 weeks in the UK is given below:

Cole Family UK Visit Itinerary

• Mon 2nd July - depart Monrovia


• Tues 3rd July - arrive Gatwick. Travel by car to Fleet to stay one night with Laura & Owen (Andy's sister and family)


• Wed 4th July - Journey by car to Liverpool (calling in on Andy's parents en-route for lunch) Meet up with Matt and stay at Gorselands (where Brenda's dad lives)


• Thurs 5th July - Travel to Manchester airport. Emma & Chris fly to Boston, USA for summer camps. Travel on to York for Immigration Medical for Steve's Australian visa.


• Fri 6th July - Drive on to Newcastle to stay in Matt's place - Bethel.


• Wed 11th - Steve flies to Australia. Arrives 13th and stays 3 days in Melbourne with Heather & Dave before flying the short distance to Newcastle, Sydney.


• Tues 17th July - Bren takes the train to Liverpool. Andy takes his Mechanics exam.


• Sat 21st July - Andy & Josh join Bren in Liverpool


• Wed 25th July - Pick up Emma & Chris from Manchester airport at 07:35am and then onto visit Jackie & Andrew in Warrington


• Sun 29th July - Return to Newcastle - Stay in Bethel (Matt's place)


• Mon 13th Aug - Matt's 20th birthday


• Tues 14th Aug - Depart Newcastle for Sutton Coldfield (Andy's parents)


• Fri 17th Aug - Meet up with extended family for celebration - both Andy's parents will be 70 yrs


• Mon 20th Aug - Depart Gatwick for Monrovia.

Steve's Next Step

Steve has now completed his 1 year commitment to Mercy Ships and has made the decision to complete a Youth With a Mission - Discipleship Training School (YWAM - DTS). He is unsure of his future direction and so wanted to take this time out to seek direction and also find his own way in his faith in God. He has struggled at times as most teenagers do. In the struggles he came to the realisation that he has experienced some great things with Mercy Ships along with some difficult things. On his own admission he doesn't feel ready to return to the UK. He wants his faith to be stronger in order to be able to stand in the midst of the many pitfalls our young people face today.

After much research of the many different DTS options available all over the world, Steve has finally been approved for one in Newcastle, Australia (2 - 3 hours North of Sydney) This DTS is very youth & music focussed. With Steven's passion for Music this should be a great experience and opportunity for him to see how God can use the giftings in Music, particularly as a drummer, that He has given Steve.

Please pray for Steve. His DTS starts next week the 17th July and finishes just before Christmas. Please pray for the provision of Finance needed for his DTS and that Steve grows Spiritually during this time and gets all the answers he is seeking. If you would like to support Steve in this venture, then do please email us and we can give you directions on how to do that. (Email info on the left hand column of this blog)
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The Anastasis Final Sail

After 5 weeks of the Anastasis and the Africa Mercy docked side by side and the completion of the transition, the transfer of Crew, Equipment & Supplies from the ANA to the AFM, the Anastasis is finally prepared and ready for her final sail to a yard in India. The ANA is shown below sailing away on the 28th June with a small crew of 40. The sail to India will take approximately 28 days and on arrival she will be "beached" and then dismantled for scrap. The day she left was a bright and clear day and though the mood was quiet and sad, it was also a time of reflection, remembering all that has been achieved in her many years of service to the World's forgotten poor. So many lives transformed. Now the Africa Mercy will continue the work.
She still looks so elegant on the outside!

Passing the Torch from ANA to AFM

Whilst Don Stephens was still on board we had a "Passing of the Torch" ceremony. As the ANA is headed for retirement it was a very moving & symbolic occasion. The ceremony started with the torch being lit and Dr. Gary Parker, his wife Susan and their children stood on the top of the Anastasis gangway. Dr. Gary has lived and served on the Anastasis for over 22 years. He met his wife on board and their children have lived on board all their lives. The rest of the crew (over 350 people) snaked in a long line up and down the dock and up onto the Africa Mercy with Solfrid Quist (Executive Director of AFM) and Don & Deyon Stephens (Mercy Ships President and Founders) at the top of the Africa Mercy to receive the Torch. The torch was passed through the hands of each and every crew member and was symbolic of the handing over of the Ministry of the Anastasis -To Bring Hope & Healing to World's Forgotten Poor, the Africa Mercy the worlds largest non-governmental hospital ship.

The President Visits the Africa Mercy

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf came to visit the Africa Mercy. In a month from now the Anastasis will sail from Liberia to India to her final resting place and the Africa Mercy will begin full time Ministry in Africa.

The President came to see for herself the vessel that was going to be the tool of so much Hope & Healing in her Nation. She spoke words of encouragement over the crew and was a genuinely humble woman who was visibly moved by all that she saw and heard on board.

Esther Biney sings a song. If you look real hard you'll spot Andy & I in the audience.

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.