"Our Trip to the Presidential Palace" by Alisia

On Tuesday of this week we had an amazing night. We went to the Presidential Palace here in Benin. Benin's current president Dr. Thomas Yayi Boni gave Don Stephens (founder of Mercy Ships) and his wife Deyon Stephens(co-founder of Mercy Ships) the highest award in Benin. Dr. Gary Parker, who got an award when the Anastasis was last in Benin, was recognized again. Ken Berry and Daslin Oueunou were also presented with awards. Dr. Glenn Strauss was also given an award. The menu was, two different type of fish, lamb, rabbit (which I tried for the first time), chicken, french fries, two different styles of rice, salad, and for dessert we had a pyramid of fruit that was currently in season.
Mom and Dad both dressed up in their finest.... mom in her nicest African wear and dad in his suit and tie... or as dad likes to call it "our Sunday go to meetings"

And of course Josh and me all dressed up... and just to say so, if I had my way I would have put on something a little more comfortable like a black skirt and a nice shirt but as you can see I am in my African outfit. Josh is very comfortable in his African clothing or what reminds us of "pajamas".

After the award ceremony Don Stephens gave the President this picture which is a collage made up of Beninois (beninwa), people of Benin, who where patients aboard the ship. This is where the ship is currently located.

These are some traditional African dancers preforming for us after the award ceremony was finished.

Don Stephens and the President of Benin shaking hands as about five different photographers take millions of pictures.

This is the Dining hall where we ate. As you can see, it is all decorated as if it was a wedding reception. Both pictures clearly show the 400 and some crew members of the Africa Mercy. This is the only time you can see all of the crew members in one place... and we are not all there, there are some people who had to stay behind at the ship working. The President's dining staff sent some food back to the ship to feed the 80 some people who where there.

It was a fun night once you got past all of the security checks and waiting around in a hall for like three hours then to be lead to the dining hall and stand for like 10 maybe 20 minutes as the award ceremony was going on. By the time we got back to the ship it was about 10:30 at night and Josh and I had to get up early for school the next morning. It was fun and tiring at the same time, but I did learn something.... before I go to a state dinner eat something before hand that way I won't be so hungry all night. This is going to be the start of Alisia's Friday blogging!!!