"French LPD..."

This is one crazy week for the Africa Mercy. We have the founders of Mercy Ships aboard, plus the CEO, and 2 vision teams (one from the USA and one from Switzerland). Vision teams are people who come to visit and tour the ship and are interested in supporting Mercy Ships in a substantial way. Mike has been busy this week, and it's only Tuesday, with Sr. Management luncheons and dinners. Tonight's dinner, for Mike, is with Rotary International. However...

Last night we were given another special treat...ten of us from the Africa Mercy were given an invitation to a French LPD for a cocktail party. It was very different walking onto a functioning military ship to our "homey" ship. The ladders (stairs) are very steep-to the point when going down the ladders, Deb took off her dress shoes. They have functioning hatches (doorways) that, as Deb discovered, are very easy to bang your head on when climbing up the ladder.
The name of the LPD was the "Siroco". We were given a tour of the hospital area and part of the group was given a tour of the bridge. This next picture is a view of our home-the Africa Mercy-at night.
The cocktail party was held on the flight deck of the Siroco. Fortunately there was a bit of a breeze that cut the African humidity. It was a very lovely night being treated to different French delicacies. Mike and Deb on the flight deck with the Africa Mercy to the right and a helicopter to the left. It is very awesome all the experiences that God is giving us. We are truly thankful for all the ways were are able to communicate our mission to other people.