Christmas Day 2008
From my home, cabin 4236 on the Africa Mercy, to your home, a very Merry Christmas
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Cabin Door Gifts
Following the Dutch tradition, on Christmas Eve we place a shoe or boot outside our cabin doors. Then during the night we the crew have the opportunity to drop small gifts into the shoe or around the shoe of our fellow crew members. So on Christmas morning, I opened my door and saw small gifts all along my entire hallway (Deck 4 - which is the main accomodations deck for singles and couples).
Christmas Brunch
Christmas Brunch was wonderful - on the 25th from 9am-11am - since we have just arrived from Africa, we were all excited for the fruits - including one of my favorites - strawberries. Our Food Services team did a great job all around. Most of the crew volunteered to help in one way or the other.
Christmas Eve Rene & Philip
For Christmas eve we had a wonderful dinner in our dining room followed by the Christmas Eve Service. With me in this photo from our table is Philip from Sierra Leone in the middle and Rene Tolno from Guinea on the right.
Christmas Batik
My friend from Ashaiman, Ghana made this wonderful batik for Christmas for Mercy Ships. It is displayed in our International Lounge for the Christmas Eve Service.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Sunset from the bow
If the weather permits (meaning the waves are not coming over the bow), the deck officers open the bow for the crew to go out after dinner to watch the sunset. I am in the midst of the group there as my friend Marcin from Poland has taken this beautiful photo. Though the sunset was not terrific, it was just enjoyable to be out there.
Sail out of Liberia Dec08
My last shot of Central Monrovia in the background. This was taken a couple days before we sailed out of Monrovia. I have basically lived in Liberia for two entire years. I have mixed emotions about leaving, not knowing when I will see the people here again, especially the children at the orphanages that I have been so involved with.
Academy Christmas Play Dec 08
The children and teens in the on board Academy put on their Christmas play this year in the International Lounge. The drama was written by three of the high school students and it was called 'Christmas in 2210'. They all did an excellent job. Every one was involved including those in the nursery program.
Kids Crafts Dec 08
As part of our Christmas celebration, one evening we had 'Kids Craft Night' in the cafe area. As you can see from the photo, the children are using popcorn to make strands for their Christmas trees.
Santa Lucia Dec 08
Our Scandanavian crew shared one of their traditions with the entire crew of the ship - Santa Lucia - they sing various songs in their various languages and my friend JP shared some of the Christmas story, but with a Liberian accent. The whole event happened in what we call 'Town Square' in the middle of the ship.
Mtg 15Dec08 Toastmasters
Our 'Mercy in Africa' Toastmaster club continues to meet on board every Monday evening at 17:45-18:45. I serve as one of the officers in our club. In this photo is a new recruit, our very own Nicholas Safari Katsui from Mombasa, Kenya and he is doing great.
Dayworker Thank You Reception
For our Dayworkers Thank You Reception we hosted about 150 Liberians along with many of our crew who serve with them. We all gathered here in our International Lounge for the program - as seen in this photo and the one just below.
Dayworker Thank You Reception
As a way to honor and thank our dayworkers, we host a special Reception for them. Dayworkers are local Liberians who served as translators, cooks, security guards, cleaners and in many different roles - we provide a daily stipend and a meal. Many of my closest African friends have been dayworkers as we serve together. For this reception, we started out with a great African meal provided for lunch for everyone. Then we moved to the International Lounge and I had the privilege to be the MC. Following African music/dance, our Managing Director and Captain expressed their thanks. Then, three of the dayworkers shared a response and we closed with a prayer and benediction from one of the chaplains. Afterwards we enjoyed ice cream and time to say 'thank you' and 'goodbye'.
Vice President Visits
As a thank you to the crew, Vice President Boakai and the Minister of Health blessed the entire crew with a catered meal. Following the great meal, we had a reception in the International Lounge and we shared about our program activities for 2008. Various ones from the Government of Liberia shared their thanks to the crew on behalf of the people of Liberia.
Thank you Reception
Towards the end of a field service, we always have what we call a Thank You Reception in order to provide an opportunity to thank our partners and others who have made it possible. I was tasked with the guest list and invitations. We extended an invitation to Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, though since she had just been with us at the clinic dedication, we didn't know if she would come. Well, she did and graced us with a heart filled speech - it was a blessing to all the crew there and for the other invited guests.
Final Sunday at church
On Sundays the crew are encouraged to attend local churches for Sunday morning services. Normally I have had patients in the Hospital on the ship and we have an optional service in the ward and I invite my patients to attend. At times, when I am not going to the service in the hospital, I attend the New Georgia United Methodist Church with other crew members. Rev. Alex Harmon has been a friend for two years now. This photo was from our last Sunday with them and they presented Certificates of Appreciation.
Programs Reporting Time
During our field services, every Friday morning at 07:45 I have the privilege to host Programs Reporting Time. This is an opportunity for Programs (Hospital and HealthCare Development) here on the Africa Mercy to share what is happening both on board and off the ship. I usually start out pointing out opportunities for the crew to join us - that is what I am showing in the photo.
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