"Faces..."

We have spent the last few days, with my parents, exploring the Island of Tenerife.  It has been wonderful to spend time with family.  As my parents prepare to leave, I am putting pictures together for them to take to my brother.  I came across many faces that have become very familiar to me over the last few months.  Most of them patients, whose lives are forever changed because of the vision and obedience of Don and Deon Stephens (Mercy Ships founders).  I had to share a few of these faces with you.

For every one picture there are hundreds of other pictures of faces, smiles, and hugs I could have posted. 

In the book of John, Jesus asked a man:  "Do you want to be healed?"  The man's reply was "Sir, I have no one to help me..."  I have been pondering this for quite awhile, we are the hands and the feet of Jesus on the earth, serving those who want to be healed, but they have no money-no one to help them.  As I think about going to Togo in February, I am wondering who will I meet, who will want to be healed...who will we be demonstrating Jesus too?

"Merry Christmas..."

We wish you a very blessed Christmas and a New Year full of joy, peace, and love.  May you come to know the depth of the love our Lord and Saviour Jesus has for you. 

It has been a different Christmas for for us.  Last year we had a light snow fall glissening on the ground Christmas Eve/Day in Lynden, Washington. This year, we have sunshine and an ocean view in Tenerife, Spain.  Deb's parents came from Victoria, Canada to celebrate with us-which was wonderful.

 Last night, we were all teated to a splendid Christmas Eve dinner.

Someone was very creative with the olive tray...making the evening feel very special.

The decorating committee decorated in white and silver with red table clothes.  Making the dining room look very festive and welcoming.

Dinner was amazing!  Ham, turkey, potatoes, gravey, vegetables, pecan pie...as a result the crew gained a few pounds each, but gave the galley staff a much deserved standing ovation!

One tradition the Africa Mercy has, is on Christmas Eve, is to place a left shoe outside the cabin door.  Crew members go, throughout the evening, and fill each others shoes with all sorts of different baked goods, candies, and small gifts.

Joshua was so excited about Christmas he was up at 3:00 am looking at the different presents.  Oh, to be a child again!

This has been a truly special Christmas with many memories.  We are thankful for our Africa Mercy family and the family and friends we have around the world.  May God bless and protect each one of you this coming year!

"Christmas Eve..."

It is hard to believe it is Christmas Eve...where has this last year gone?  As I have been pondering this season, two familiar scriptures keep coming to mind, one that gives the prophecy of Christ's birth in Isaiah, around 700 years before he was born, and the scripture of his birth in Luke.  I continually marvel at how God is so intimately involved in His creation.  Nothing is left unattended or to "chance"...He is in control of everything and takes everything into consideration-supreme over all.  But yet He humbled Himself to build a bridge between sinful man and Himself.  As I think about the people we reach out to in Africa, my prayer is that they will see Jesus in us and in our actions-reaching out to them-ministering to them-all in the name of Jesus.  For our friends and family across the Atlantic, we pray you will have a blessed Christmas and once again witness the fullness of His birth in a new and powerful way!  Thanks for all your support and prayers over the last year...we miss you and love you! 

Isa 9:6-7  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.   Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Lk 2:1-20  In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register.  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."   Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."   So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

"We're Here!..."

After 11 long days (especially the last 3 days of a very rocking and rolling sail), in the early morning hours yesterday, we arrived in Tenerife, Spain (part of the Canary Islands). 

(Thanks Dag for this picture)

We had an incredible sunrise to welcome us in the morning.

We were greeted by a trumpet player, I was told later, he has been welcoming the crew of Mercy Ships with his trumpet playing since 1991!  It was a great honour and very touching to hear him play.

(Thanks Dag for this picture also)

Everyone who was on the bridge and brought us safely into port, came out to watch the gangway be secured into place.

Olly was the first one off of the ship, and promptly bent down and kissed the ground!

We had two returning crew members and one new crew on the dock to greet us.  Which just added to the excitement and the joy of the occasion.

One of the first things Joshua has talked about doing, after arriving in Tenerife, was go to McDonalds.  He was so happy he inhaled his Big Mac and Fries before anyone else had a chance to even taste their food!

We will spend about 6 weeks here getting work done on the ship and to prepare for our upcoming time in Togo, in early February. 

"Christmas at Sea pt 2..."

Before I go onto Christmas at Sea pt 2...I have to share with you a presentaion that our Polish Chief Officer, Marcin, has just produced of the Africa Mercy's 2009 Field Service in Benin.  Marcin has posted it on his Picasa website: click here.  It is a wonderful presentation.  Thanks Marcin!

Now, onto Christmas at Sea pt 2...

Since I last blogged about Christmas we have a several fun filled events. Monday night was our children's Christmas Craft time.  We filled the Starbuck's cafe area and the Midships area with fun stations for the kids to participate in.

Joshua making a fabric wreath.

Kids making beaded stars.

Friendship bracelets.

Stamped cards and bags.

All the kids had an absolute blast!

Then on Tuesday night our Gateway group got together and had a Secret Santa gift exchange.  Although the gift giving was not much of a secret...it was a good time of laughs and enjoying one anothers company.

The on Thursday night...(in my opinion the BEST night) the Academy did their presentation of the "Bethlehem Express".  The kids have been working for just over a week on this hour presentation and it was incredible!  There are so many talented children aboard this ship!  They "wow-ed" the audience and even gave an encore of their finale!  Great Job kids and thanks teachers for all your hard work and effort!

Joshua speaking a part of scripture.

The manger scene.

Alisia singing and dancing in the finale.

Then we ended the night with the best treat ever...

Under the chocolate mess...is ice cream!  I know to many people at home it is not a big thing...however...when you are in Africa or the middle of the Atlantic ice cream is a once a week treat! (That is until we run out!)

We also did a door decorating contest...cabin doors, office doors and Academy doors.  This is Our Cabin door (on the left) and Mike's office door (on the right).

Needless to say, while rocking and rolling on the Atlantic, we have been busy and having fun.

"Benin Stats..."

A few weeks ago I posted an abridged version of the number of people helped during the 10 months the Africa Mercy was in Benin.  Here is a more complete list:

33,851 eye evaluations and other treatments;

13,174 oral health education;

10,175 dental patients seen;

7,083 pairs of sunglasses distributed;

5,689 pairs of reading glasses distributed;

3,521 cataracts removed;

1,161 general surgeries;

996 reconstructive and plastic surgeries;

794 dental hygiene patients;

570 other eye surgeries (pterygia and stabismus);

231 orthopedic operations;

154 obstetric fistulas repaired;

185 cleft lip and palate repairs;

119 church & community leaders trained in mental health;

50 prison officers and workers trained in mental health;

28 patients received palliative home care;

25 oral health teachers trained;

23 local agricultural trainees;

19 mental health workers trained;

19 families trained in wound care;

18 community eye field workers trained;

10 agricultural staff trained;

6 Burkitt's Lymphoma patients received palliative support;

2 local surgeons trained;

2 local eye surgeons trained;

4 local surgeons trained in fistula repair;

2 dental assistants trained;

1 hostel constructed for agricultural college;

2 church leaders conferences attended by 602 attendants;

and 12,000 people watched the Jesus Film

In total we have directly helped almost 80,000 people in Benin. A record breaking field service for Mercy Ships.

"God's Artistry..."

I will never cease to be amazed at God's artistry.  Last night we saw the most amazing sunset I have seen in years.  God just painted the sky with all sorts of orange/red/pink/yellow hues.  It was stunning!  (You can tell which way the ship was rocking when I took the pictures.)

Then about 9/10pm last night we went up to the 8th deck and saw the beginnings of a meteor shower.  (Mike says the best time is about 1 am-however...I have trouble staying up past 9pm!)  Every once in awhile you would see a meteor shoot across the moonless sky.  To me, even more amazing was the stars.  I have not seen so many stars since we lived on our farm in Montana.  It was like someone took white paint and splatterd the blackend sky.  One of cour crew members said:  "God's Christmas decorations!"

This morning, not that I was up any earlier, the change in latitude enabled me to witness a spectacular sunrise.

There is something about sailing on the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, that makes God so much bigger and more amazing than He is given credit.  Maybe it is because we are distracted less and confronted more with His awe inspiring creation. 

Ps 8:3-5

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?  You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. NIV

"Christmas At Sea..."

As we are sailing off of the coast of West Africa...now day 6...you may wonder..."What is the crew doing to keep themselves occupied?"  Well, during the day the crew is does a variety of tasks, many to prepare us for our next field service in Togo, from writing new proceudure manuels for the hospital, to preparing craft items for Mercy Ministry's, to cleaning the ship.  We manage to stay quite busy...although after lunch many of us take a nap-the constant rocking of the ship is actually very tiring!

At night though, we celebrate Christmas in a variety of ways.  Friday night  the Norwegian crew treated us to their traditional celebrtion of Santa Lucia.  It was a very beautiful and touching time.  It is a time where many of the Scadanavian countries honor St. Lucy who was martyered for her faith.

(Thanks Sher for the photo!)

Last night (Saturday) we had the Winter Wonderland.  Winter Wonderland is a bake sale/craft sale time.  Fourteen tables were set up and in the midships/Starbuck cafe area, decorations were hung...and the crew was able to fill up on sweet treats (fudge, popcorn balls, cookies, waffle cones with real ice cream), Christmas shopping (jewlery, handmade cards and christmas ornaments, African aprons, pencil bags stockings, wreaths and many other things), apple cider, and a special ballet preformance by our young ballet class.

Everything was decorated wonderfully and had a very special feeling in the air.

The hot apple cider emitted a wonderful fragrance that made it feel and smell like Christmas.

Jorid sold handmade jewlery-earrings and bracelets.  She also had beautifully crafted cards and gift boxes.

Joshua and Alisia sold homemade fudge and popcorn balls.  The fudge sold really fast-however we will be eating popcorn balls for awhile!

(Thanks Olly for the picture)

This is the Africa Mercy ballet troup.  They did a super job performing for the crew last night-even on a rocking ship!  I would have lost my balance several times over!

Today (Sunday) we will be having a cookie exchange and then our 3rd Advent Service tonight.  We are all excited to arrive in Tenerife and continue our Christmas celebrating.

"God's Work..."

Tonight God decided to WOW us.  At dinner time someone was looking out the window and noticed a water spout.  It was incredible to watch the water spout move along side us, disappear and then slightly reform.  Then we moved to the bow of the ship, and God gave us rain.  We were all surprised at how cool the rain felt.  Joshua said he even saw a rainbow!  Just when we thought it could not get any better, on the portside, there was a school of dolphins playing in the water.  We wondered why they would not swim and play along side the ship.  Just about 2 miles ahead was a small pod of sperm whales.  WOW...WOW...WOW...God decided to royally WOW us tonight!  Thanks God!

"Goodbye Benin..."

We started our morning with a high pitched alarm sound:  "This is a drill...this is a drill...".  Everyone scurried about to their onboard muster stations.  Parents went to pick their kids up from the Academy, then moved quickly to pick up their lifejackets. Names were called, "here" was the  recurring answer.

After the drill ended, we gathered in the International Lounge to receive directions on how to do a stowaway search.  This really struck me as a different lifestyle when we went into the kindergarden room of the Academy.  One of the kids asked:  "What are they looking for?"  The teacher's response was:  "Stowaways...Do you know what a stowaway is?"  I smiled to myself and thought "what a different education the kids receive here...it is incredible."

  Soon after the search was concluded...we received another announcement..."Everyone who is not sail with us must go ashore now..."

We watched the ganway being raised with much joy but with some saddness.  This means we are leaving Benin.  The Africa Mercy's home for the last 10 months.

  

We waived good-bye to the Nari, Alanah, and Bess, who will be going with the Advanced Team and a few other crew members to Togo to set up for our time there in February.  Pray for them as they are now separated from us.

Mark and John were able to get the bestview of our departure from the Pilot boat.

It was quite the sight to see us leave behind a gapping hole in the dock where we have been for the last 10 months and see Cotonou from the oceanview.   We have had an amazing time in Cotonou and have many fond memories that we will carry with us for many years to come.  Our prayer is that God will bless the people and bless the country of Benin.

Almost four hours later we are surrounded by water and, as I look out my window, I see the deepest bluest ocean I have ever seen.  I am excited for our time in Tenerife and for the time to come in Togo.  God has certainly granted us the desires of our hearts and more so.  He has done exceedingly more than we could have ever imagined!