Hi all,
Thought it was time to bring you up to speed with where we're at and what we're doing. Well, after an absolutely great seven weeks spent at home, enjoying Christmas with family and friends in Cardiff, Preston, Leeds and Harrogate, we left on 15th January to board the 'Africa Mercy' which was docked in the port of Santa Cruz, Tenerife.
Upon our arrival, we were registered as 'new crew' and shown to our 4-berth cabin which is situated on deck five. I was immediately very pleased with as it has a good sized lounge with a small kitchen area and 2 bedrooms leading off from it. It also has windows in every room (except the loo, which doesn't really count!) which means it is quite light and airy. I spent the first few days just thanking God for His goodness and faithfulness because it was what I'd prayed for.
We have met and been introduced to literally hundreds of people so much so that remembering names and who's who is becoming quite tricky! So far we, along with other new crew members have been given a grand tour of the ship so that we know where everything necessary is located and have had a 'ship safety briefing' involving a 'test' requiring us to show we know of two escape routes off the ship in case of emergency!!!! Let's hope and pray it never comes to that!
Tomorrow we have our first 'at sea fire and lifeboat drill' where we practise evacuating the ship in the event of a fire, of course.
Tony did not even have the benefit of an adjustment period as he was asked if he could possibly be ready to start work the very next day ater we'd arrived, therefore he has been kept very busy. Elliot made friends with the children of another British family within minutes of us entering the dining hall on the day we arrived and promptly asked if he could go to school the next day!!! He has got on so well and has adjusted to ship life like a duck to water (you might say)!
On Wednesday 30th January we finally set sail for Liberia; we will probably be at sea for approximately six days. As we left, the sea was a little choppy but it became calmer as the journey progressed. We've also had dolphins swimming along side the ship - they are absolutely amazing to see!! To be in the middle of the ocean, with no land in sight just makes one think of the awesome-ness of God.
Most people on board ship (including Tony) are now busy preparing for screening and arrival of new patients coming aboard for various treatments; lots of prayer meetings and also lots of talks regarding safety issues about when in Liberia are going on presently. There is definitely an air of excitement and anticipation for the approaching outreach.
We ask that you continue to keep us in prayer, praying specifically for the following things:
that we acclimatise very quickly to the weather in Liberia,
I (Patricia) am employed in the right area where I can be most useful and effective,
for God to meet the needs of people ( on and off the ship)
miraculous healing for those who are unable to be treated by the medical staff on the Africa Mercy
for the progress of the people of Liberia.
Thanks and be blessed
Tony, Patricia and Elliot
