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!
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