Keith R. Brinkman serving with Mercy Ships. This is another way for me to communicate with you all what is happening. I hope you enjoy seeing the photos and entries.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Gate of Reconciliation in Ouidah, Benin

On Sunday afternoon after visiting a friend's church, I joined with a Mercy Team on a visit to Ouidah. Ouidah was an area that the African kings allowed the Europeans to set up forts to collect and prepare to send slaves out from West Africa. There was a Gate of No Return on the beach, though I especially was encouraged to see this gate built in 2000 by the Catholic Church as a Gate of Reconciliation. The Gate is in the shape of the nation of Benin and with a large cross in front.

Civic Media Reception

On Friday afternoon, we hosted invitees for our Civic & Media Reception - this was an event we started planning for last October, I helped design the invitations and together with the Advance Team worked on the Guest List. This is our opportunity to welcome on board governmental leaders, ambassadors, representatives from other NGO's, leaders of church associations and others. In this photo, both Denise Miller and myself are (at the same time) extended a hand shake to one of our guests.

Civic Media Reception

On Friday afternoon, we hosted invitees for our Civic & Media Reception - this was an event we started planning for last October, I helped design the invitations and together with the Advance Team worked on the Guest List. This is our opportunity to welcome on board governmental leaders, ambassadors, representatives from other NGO's, leaders of church associations and others. In this photo, both Denise Miller and myself are (at the same time) extended a hand shake to one of our guests.

Arrival Cotonou Benin

We have arrived into Cotonou, Benin for our ten month field service!!! Due to some engine problems, we didn't come in on Monday, but waited instead for Tuesday. Our Advance Team, Mercy Team and other friends and officials were on the dock to welcome us.

Orca Whales en Route to Benin

Saturday afternoon, I finished my work for the day and went with my lunch to the bow (front) of the ship and was visiting with friends when the announcement was made that there were orca whales right in front of us - two smaller females and a larger male as seen in the photo. We were en route to Cotonou, Benin.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Africa Mercy location 04 feb 0945am

Hello from the Atlantic Ocean en route to Cotonou, Benin. In this photo you see our exact location today as of 0945am - basically horizontal with the capital of Guinea - Conakry. The seas have been somewhat smooth and life on the ship continues to go on as we prepare for this year's field service. We are scheduled to arrive on Monday mid morning in Cotonou.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Dolphins Leaving Tenerife

One of the special things we get to experience many times while sailing is to watch the dolphins. In this photo you are looking from the bow (front) of the ship down to the water and the dolphin that is swimming and jumping along with the ship.

Watching Dolphins from the Bow

We are sailing once again!!! This photo was from last night our first night back at sea. We were watching the dolphins swimming with us and ahead of us. I am the last person on the left near the railing, in front of me are Jan, Jana and Ken Kronester as we watched for the dolphins.

Rainbow Day Before Leaving Tenerife

This was the beautiful view on Friday morning just following our pre-sail briefing conducted by our Captain. The camera did not pick it up - but there was a double rainbow. This is part of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and our host for the past month as we had ship repairs and inspections before returning to Afriac.