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August 19

We have arrived safely in Cameroon! We were without Internet for most of the sail so it has been quite some time since I last posted.
First off let me say Happy Belated Birthday to my Aunt Liz. Her birthday came and went while I was at sea. I hope it was a happy one. Thank you for your love and support.

Our last week at sea was just as good as the first. We had calm seas all the way and it was a wonderful sail. Most of the way the skies were clear and sunny. Whales were spotted almost daily along with frequent visits from dolphins. I only managed to see each one time but it was exciting and wonderful to spend time just staring at the sea watching for them. One of my friends actually caught a bit of the dolphins on video. I will try to post it to my facebook today.

I  was asked yesterday what my favorite part has been so far. I would have to say just seeing the favor of God at work. So many little things that could go unnoticed but would not be possible without God's favor. Like absolutely perfect weather which was not just lovely, but spared many people from being sea sick. Or slipping quietly down the coast of Africa through waters that are plagued with pirates, but rarely seeing even another ship. Or being escorted by a Navy Destroyer through the most dangerous waters where our risk was high. I could not help but reflect on how many ships pass through these waters. But God's hand was over our ship. I am thankful and in awe.

My other favorite moment was sitting in my hammock on the back of the ship. Swinging gently as the ship rolled from side to side.The sun was shinning and I was in my swim suit. The sea was calm and the wake behind the ship was being churned into a beautiful Caribbean blue color. I was more relaxed than I have been in a very long time.

The food has been amazing and I feel very spoiled. Just this week we have had steak, ribs, spaghetti, and much more. Pancakes and yogurt, and just this morning fresh cinnamon rolls. Fortunately I have been very busy at work and so gaining weight has not been a problem. I will have to be careful however. Yesterday we received our first shipment of fresh produce since arriving. ( We arrived Wednesday) So today we had the most wonderful pineapple for lunch. It is nice to be back in Africa for that alone.

Today our daycrew came for orientation. They will begin work on Monday I believe. there are about 250 of them . As they walked through the ship this morning on their tour, they looked excited. I am looking forward to meeting them next week and getting to know new friends and new members of my family in Christ. This place would not function without them. They are important to the day to day functions of the ship. Not to mention communicating with our patients and learning more about the Country itself.

Since arriving I have been working in general supply. That means I help fill orders for all departments of the ship. That means I get to work in different parts of the ship. We bring food from down in the belly of the ship up to the kitchens. Supplies also must be moved from the cargo hold and other places to the cafe, the ship shop and the hospital. Next week I will move over to mostly hospital supply. That will mean less time in the freezers for me and more time in medical containers finding all that is needed to get the hospital up and running. I would be lying if I said I would miss working in the freezers!

Cameroon is currently in its rainy season. We are expecting 2 feet of rain this month (august). Yes I said 2 FEET! rainy season is twice a year. August to November and then again for 2 months in the spring. It is wet. But yesterday and today we have had a few peaks of sun. Thankful for that.  We are docked on the river just upstream from the ocean and can see the effect of the rain daily. The water level is high today with lots of debris coming from upstream.

Today is Saturday. I am off and am looking forward to a game of settlers of Catan with some of the crew. It should be fun. Playing with a large expansion set for the first time. One of the engineers Tom is going to teach me. Then there is laundry to do, phone calls and emails to catch up on. Tomorrow I am looking forward to a sermon from home. Have not been able to listen since I left due to Internet being unavailable.

Here are some things you can be praying for:
For ease of transition and unity with all crew, and day crew.
For cultural understanding and grace for all crew members for one another. 
For set up to go smoothly over the next week to ten days.
For every supply that is needed to be found where it should be and nothing to be missing.
For safety of crew and patients alike. Many are already traveling to arrive here in the near future.
For God to get the glory for all of it! That his name will be lifted high, among the crew, among the patients, among the officials in charge of our stay here, and among the country of Cameroon.
For hope and healing to occur for our patients, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
For me to lean on God daily.


Internet seems to be up and running so you can now send me email, facebook or pics. It would be good to hear from you all. I love and miss you more than you know.