Our first weekend in Lome, Togo, the Africa Mercy had to have a blackout. Which means no power/services/facilites for the day. The blackout was necessary to clean the cooling system of the ship. This forced everyone, except those doing the work, to get off the ship and explore our new home.
First impressions of Lome, the port area is extremely tidy and very well guarded. The port authorities gave the Africa Mercy their very own compound created by shipping containers. There is only one enterance into our area...it has been such a wonderful blessing!
We then went over to the Mercy Teams house. This is an off site place where some of the crew are being housed. Also, when church teams (Mercy Teams) come in for a short term mission trip, they will be housed at this house.
Barry and Cheryl Wells (who were part of our Gateway group last June) joined the ship 2 weeks ago and will be in charge of the Hospitality Center. So, Barry took us over to the Hospitailty Center for a tour.
In the Hospitality Center, there will be the Eye Team, and patients that will be waiting for surgery or need to remain close to the ship for post operative care. The above picture is the entry way to the Eyel Clinic area. This building the Togo government is letting us use. It is supposed to be a maternity clinic, but they have not start the clinic yeat, so they are letting us use the building...it is wonderful!
The above picture is where patients will be housed. There are 3 rooms on both sides, and 3-4 rooms at either end as well and bathrooms. Each room will hold 3-4 patients. We are so thankful for this incredible facility we are able to use!
After the tour of the Hospitality Center we returned to the team house and had lunch with Barry and Cheryl. It was so good to sit and talk with them again!
We then drove a bit through Lome. The streets are busy, but (today) it didn't seem as busy as Benin. The people are very friendly and waving whenever we drive by.
This week we will have three screening days for patients. It is going to be a busy week with training programs and the screening days. Please keep all these in prayer. We are excited and ready to serve the people of Togo.
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