We gathered together this morning for our Christmas Day brunch. Ken is showing me one of his favorite fruits - strawberries - which is also my favorite. I joined their family for the morning brunch. We enjoyed many types of fruits that are just not available in Africa, but are available here in Tenerife. Merry Christmas Feliz Navidad
Friday, December 25, 2009
Shoes outside our doors
Being an multi-national crew on the ship, for Christmas for many years we celebrate the dutch tradition of placing a shoe outside your door - for us our cabin door and friends place in the shoe late on Christmas eve a small gift. Amazing to see the long hallways on deck 4 where I live.
Christmas Eve Dinner
For our Christmas Eve dinner on board the Africa Mercy, I joined with the Royston family - Tony (who is our biomedical technician for the hospital), Patricia (school teacher), their son Elliott (also known by a Ghanaian name of Kwesi) and our senior chaplain PJ Hopkins. The galley team did a great job and prepared both ham and turkey and the fixings and various deserts like pecan pie.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Advent 4 with Biney Family
This past Sunday was the fourth Sunday of Advent and the Biney Family who I have known for years from the Caribbean Mercy initially - they lite the four candles and read the scriptures from the Old Testament and New Testament. The theme of this service was 'Peace'.
OR Door for Christmas
Please see the photo for what the Operating Room crew did for their decoration of their administration office door. The sign above says "The Operating Room is putting Santa Claus to sleep & celebrating the true meaning of Christmas!" They were the winner of the office door decorating contest.
Door with photos of the crew
During our door decoration contest, one cabin on deck 3 decorated with small photos of each and every crew member that was on board during the sail. They won one of the categories in the contest.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Canary Island Map - Off Africa
We have safely arrived in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands after 12 days of journey from Benin. This will be a technical work phase for the ship. Many crew will be on holiday. I will continue my work on all the final reports and individual final project reports from Benin '09.
Rainbow - to welcome us to Tenerife
A beautiful rainbow welcomed us to Santa Cruz de Tenerife after eleven days at sea traveling from Benin where we completed ten months of field service.
Academy Christmas Play
The children and teens from the on board Academy presented their play entitled 'The Bethlehem Express' - this photo is from the scene at Bethlehem. Even though the ship was moving side to side a lot, they were still able to do the entire play. Great job!!!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Rocky Waves - Galley
Wednesday evening, all day Thursday, last night and all today we are having large swells and thus the ship is moving greatly from side to side - in addition to a strong wind from the west. Most of the adults have gotten little sleep. In this photo you see the affect in our galley. The staff there continue to provide meals for the 300 people on board the ship (of those still eating). We are due in Santa Cruz on Saturday.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Door Decoration Contest
Tracy - our Ship Security Officer - had the pirate snowman on her door - on the right and I had on the Programs door the security man snowman and tonight we won the award 'The Most Humorous Decorated Office Door' - all thanks to Cathy W who is the one who created these decorations.
More Dolphins On The Bow
As many of stood on the bow last night at 5pm, we saw the dolphins coming and swimming with us and jumping - it was great. Murray was to my right and he caught some of them with his camera.
More Dolphins On The Bow
At dinner time yesterday, I was up on the bow of the ship enjoying a beautiful day with friends. Then the dolphins started coming and swam along with us. Murray was next to me and capture this photo and the next.
Dolphins 16Dec09
Ali also captured this great photo of the dolphins swimming and jumping along with the ship as we are sailing off the African coast.
Dolphins 16Dec09
Ali caught this beautiful dolphin swimming along with the ship off the bow. I love how she has the three photos side by side.
KRB Update 2148 Adopt-A-Patient
December 16, 2009
Not many of us live in a hospital, though for us on the Africa Mercy we do. I live on Deck 4 and the hospital is on Deck 3 – one set of stairs away. One of the great opportunities we have on board is to befriend some of the thousands of patients who are in the hospital. Our Adopt-A-Patient Coordinator places slips with the Name, Age, Date of Arrival, Date of Surgery and Estimated Time to be in Recovery for arriving patients on IV tube poles in Town Square. Men can choose men and children and women can choose women and children. Some of the fifty children living on board spend time with one of their parents with a child in the hospital. This opportunity is available to everyone living and serving on board.
Sometimes I meet patients at screening at one of the venues where the hospital crew do the evaluation for potential patients. If they receive an appointment card, I will share with them that I will visit them once they are on board in the hospital.
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In Benin, I have the challenge of the main language being French and I can only speak short phrases in French and only three words in the local language of Fon. The hospital had local Benin day volunteers who served as translators for the nurses and health care professionals. They were available to assist with translation if not doing other duties. Recently I had four patients for many weeks I have been visiting who can speak some limited English and one of them knew more than the others and helped to translate.
Sometimes we spend time in the hospital ward talking, playing games, visiting, praying and just checking on how they are doing. Other times, we walked up to Deck 7 where we sat on the outside deck for some fresh air (there are no windows/portholes in the hospital), feel the warmth of the sun and watch the ships and boats coming in and out. There are also some ride-on-toys that the children play on going back and forth. Please see the photos taken while outside (we are not permitted to take photos in the hospital ward).
Up on Deck 7 one afternoon with patients from Ward B of the HospitalSome of my closest relationships in country have been with our patients who I have stayed in contact with even after they have been released from the ship and have returned home. Just prior to leaving the nation of Benin, I called those patients who I have their telephone numbers to talk with them briefly and to say ‘goodbye’ for now. If the Lord permits, I will return next year from Togo to Benin for a visit and I will make contact with them again and check on how they are doing physically and spiritually. This is my final report related to the Benin ’09 Field Service. Thank you for sharing in this field service through your prayers, encouragement and financial support.
Serving Together, Keith.JPG)
Email: keith.brinkman@yahoo.com - using this email account for personal correspondencehttp://www.keithbrinkman.com/ Mail: Keith R. Brinkman, Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 2020, Lindale, TX 75771 USA
Not many of us live in a hospital, though for us on the Africa Mercy we do. I live on Deck 4 and the hospital is on Deck 3 – one set of stairs away. One of the great opportunities we have on board is to befriend some of the thousands of patients who are in the hospital. Our Adopt-A-Patient Coordinator places slips with the Name, Age, Date of Arrival, Date of Surgery and Estimated Time to be in Recovery for arriving patients on IV tube poles in Town Square. Men can choose men and children and women can choose women and children. Some of the fifty children living on board spend time with one of their parents with a child in the hospital. This opportunity is available to everyone living and serving on board.
Sometimes I meet patients at screening at one of the venues where the hospital crew do the evaluation for potential patients. If they receive an appointment card, I will share with them that I will visit them once they are on board in the hospital.
.JPG)
In Benin, I have the challenge of the main language being French and I can only speak short phrases in French and only three words in the local language of Fon. The hospital had local Benin day volunteers who served as translators for the nurses and health care professionals. They were available to assist with translation if not doing other duties. Recently I had four patients for many weeks I have been visiting who can speak some limited English and one of them knew more than the others and helped to translate.
Sometimes we spend time in the hospital ward talking, playing games, visiting, praying and just checking on how they are doing. Other times, we walked up to Deck 7 where we sat on the outside deck for some fresh air (there are no windows/portholes in the hospital), feel the warmth of the sun and watch the ships and boats coming in and out. There are also some ride-on-toys that the children play on going back and forth. Please see the photos taken while outside (we are not permitted to take photos in the hospital ward).
Up on Deck 7 one afternoon with patients from Ward B of the HospitalSome of my closest relationships in country have been with our patients who I have stayed in contact with even after they have been released from the ship and have returned home. Just prior to leaving the nation of Benin, I called those patients who I have their telephone numbers to talk with them briefly and to say ‘goodbye’ for now. If the Lord permits, I will return next year from Togo to Benin for a visit and I will make contact with them again and check on how they are doing physically and spiritually. This is my final report related to the Benin ’09 Field Service. Thank you for sharing in this field service through your prayers, encouragement and financial support.
Serving Together, Keith
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Email: keith.brinkman@yahoo.com - using this email account for personal correspondencehttp://www.keithbrinkman.com/ Mail: Keith R. Brinkman, Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 2020, Lindale, TX 75771 USA
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Man Overboard Drill 15Dec09
As part of our ongoing training and safety, tonight we had a Man Overboard Drill. I was with friends on Deck 8 watching the sunset. It was a simulation for the various teams to review what they would do. My neighbor and friend David is in this photo looking into the water to see if he can see anyone - though it was only a drill.
Sunset 15Dec09 near Senegal
Another beautiful sunset as we are sailing north off the West African coast. The officer on duty thought there was a chance to see the Green Flash tonight, but it did not happen. We are off the coast of Senegal.
3rd Advent Sunday
As part of our Christmas celebrations, we have had our Advent Sunday services in the evening in the International Lounge. This past Sunday was 3rd Advent service and Udo Kronester shared on the theme of 'JOY'.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Piano Recital
The Christmas Piano Recital today had performances by six of the children on board. In this photo is Ken Kronester doing Jingle Bells. As we are sailing, the piano has to be strapped down so that it does go moving if we get into rough weather. You have probably have never been a recital like this one. They all did a great job!!
Winter Wonderland
As part of the entertainment last night at the Winter Wonderland on the Africa Mercy, four of the younger girls did a dance to a Christmas song. They were directed by some of the teenage girls. Most of the available crew came out for the annual Christmas event.
Winter Wonderland
Last night in Town Square, we had our Winter Wonderland. All crew were invited. People set up booths with craft items and/or food to sell. In the photo is Ken Kronester at his booth with his delicious Christmas cookies that he just baked that morning - he was even telling me the recipe for the icing.
Christmas Event St Lucia
As part of our Christmas celebration, the Scandinavians presented Santa Lucia - a tradition in their nations. It was put on by the crew from those nations. This happened in our Town Square area of the ship.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Water Spout / Tornado
As we were sailing on Wednesday at dinner time, the deck officer on duty made several announcements - one was for this water spout/tornado, followed announcements for nearby dolphins and sperm whales who were at a great distance. We left Benin after ten months of field service.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
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Monday, December 07, 2009
Goat on a Motorcycle
Some of the interesting things I have seen in Benin is the variety of different 'things' that people carry on motorcycles. Including animals, building supplies, refrigerators and baskets and baskets full of produce for the market. This photo was taken on the main road by a friend as I was driving. It was close to a muslim holiday and so there were goats everywhere. One of my favorites is the goat on a man's back - like a backpack, while he drove his motorcycle.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
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KRB Update 2147 Mental Health Training
KRB Update #2147 December 6, 2009 Mental Health Training
When one thinks of Mercy Ships, they do not always think of us having a mental health training program. During an assessment trip I made to Monrovia, Liberia in ’06 with Dr. Glenn Strauss, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare requested if there was any way we could assist with mental health training following the 14 years of civil war in Liberia.
After two years in Liberia with this program, we are now in Benin and have continued the training program but with adjustments for this culture and background. While Benin is not a post-conflict country, it still suffers from poverty and disease, and has an extremely high death rate which also leads to trauma. Few resources are allocated for mental health and illness, and there is a lack of understanding of mental health and illness among health care workers, church leaders, and other care givers.
The title of this project is ‘Restoring Hope – Addressing Mental Illness and Trauma’ and offers Whole Person care-Spirit,Body, Soul & Social. Dr. Lyn who serves at the office in Texas comes as our consultant. Here on board, Naomi leads the project and Gemma is a mental health nurse from England.
In my role as Programs Administrator for the Africa Mercy, I desire to be able to assist our various projects both on board and off the ship. I asked if they needed any assistance with the Mental Health Workshop for Parakou (a city 8 hours north of Cotonou) and the initial response was ‘no’, but then they came back and said they would request my assistance. For this workshop, we focused on church leaders, health care workers, social workers, teachers and Prison Fellowship/prison workers. I served in a support role – driving, handling the finances, assisting with registration of participants, helping with logistics, and setting up the areas for the afternoon smaller groups. During the main session on how to minister to children, I created a dog using Play-doh and shared a story about how my dog was sent away because he bite my neighbor. In the drama, I shared how losing my dog made me sad and how I missed him. We were demonstrating a way for children to share their feelings. Though, it was funny as during the drama, Naomi accidently hit my ‘dog’ and I fell to my knees and continued my story (see photo).
For the ’09 Field Service in Benin, the Mental Health team has worked with: 101 Health care workers; 119 Church and community leaders; 50 Children at a special camp; 220 participants at the Parakou Workshop and 50 Prison Fellowship/prison workers. Some of the feedback we received after the three day workshop was:
In the past, we only treated the body; now we ask about soul & spirit since they are interrelated; I started loving people with mental illnesses; When I balance my own mental health, I can better care for others;;I will reduce the number of patients I refer to a specialist/I understand that I can treat a person with a common mental illness; I started doing exercises on stress, and I assess the patients; I have a better understanding of myself and others; Better understanding of counseling in church, family & community; Perspectives changed; Improvement in my marriage; I can forgive; More self-assurance in listening and counseling
We will continue to offer this training for the ’10 Field Service in the nation of Togo.
Serving Together, Keith
Email: keith.brinkman@yahoo.com - using this email account for personal correspondencehttp://www.keithbrinkman.com/ Mail: Keith R. Brinkman, Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 2020, Lindale, TX 75771 USA
When one thinks of Mercy Ships, they do not always think of us having a mental health training program. During an assessment trip I made to Monrovia, Liberia in ’06 with Dr. Glenn Strauss, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare requested if there was any way we could assist with mental health training following the 14 years of civil war in Liberia.
After two years in Liberia with this program, we are now in Benin and have continued the training program but with adjustments for this culture and background. While Benin is not a post-conflict country, it still suffers from poverty and disease, and has an extremely high death rate which also leads to trauma. Few resources are allocated for mental health and illness, and there is a lack of understanding of mental health and illness among health care workers, church leaders, and other care givers.
The title of this project is ‘Restoring Hope – Addressing Mental Illness and Trauma’ and offers Whole Person care-Spirit,Body, Soul & Social. Dr. Lyn who serves at the office in Texas comes as our consultant. Here on board, Naomi leads the project and Gemma is a mental health nurse from England.
In my role as Programs Administrator for the Africa Mercy, I desire to be able to assist our various projects both on board and off the ship. I asked if they needed any assistance with the Mental Health Workshop for Parakou (a city 8 hours north of Cotonou) and the initial response was ‘no’, but then they came back and said they would request my assistance. For this workshop, we focused on church leaders, health care workers, social workers, teachers and Prison Fellowship/prison workers. I served in a support role – driving, handling the finances, assisting with registration of participants, helping with logistics, and setting up the areas for the afternoon smaller groups. During the main session on how to minister to children, I created a dog using Play-doh and shared a story about how my dog was sent away because he bite my neighbor. In the drama, I shared how losing my dog made me sad and how I missed him. We were demonstrating a way for children to share their feelings. Though, it was funny as during the drama, Naomi accidently hit my ‘dog’ and I fell to my knees and continued my story (see photo).
For the ’09 Field Service in Benin, the Mental Health team has worked with: 101 Health care workers; 119 Church and community leaders; 50 Children at a special camp; 220 participants at the Parakou Workshop and 50 Prison Fellowship/prison workers. Some of the feedback we received after the three day workshop was:
In the past, we only treated the body; now we ask about soul & spirit since they are interrelated; I started loving people with mental illnesses; When I balance my own mental health, I can better care for others;;I will reduce the number of patients I refer to a specialist/I understand that I can treat a person with a common mental illness; I started doing exercises on stress, and I assess the patients; I have a better understanding of myself and others; Better understanding of counseling in church, family & community; Perspectives changed; Improvement in my marriage; I can forgive; More self-assurance in listening and counseling
We will continue to offer this training for the ’10 Field Service in the nation of Togo.
Serving Together, Keith
Email: keith.brinkman@yahoo.com - using this email account for personal correspondencehttp://www.keithbrinkman.com/ Mail: Keith R. Brinkman, Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 2020, Lindale, TX 75771 USA
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