"Departing Honors..."

As we were making preparations for departing Togo, we received word that the President of the Republic of Togo desired to meet with our Senior Management Team.  Because of conflicting schedules, we were unable to meet with the President, but we were invited to lunch with the Minister of Health on Saturday the day before our scheduled departure.  We, the Senior Management Team and our spouses, donned our Sunday best and caravaned to one of the local hotels for what we thought was going to be lunch.  However, when we arrived, we were surprised that the President had decided  to formally recognize us with presenting honors to each member of the Team.

Each member of the team was humbled, and we all realize that in accepting these awards we are accepting them on behalf of the all those who served on board Africa Mercy during our period of service to the people of Togo.  It is because of the dedicated and faithful service of the whole crew, Africa Mercy made a lasting impact not only on all who were treated, but on the country of the Republic of Togo. 

There were three levels of honors presented.

Officer Mono presented to the Managing Director

Chevalier Mono presented to those who worked intimately with the people of Togo

Chevalier Merite presented to those who worked in direct support of of the ships mission.

Mike meeting Minister Malley, Minister of Health, Republic of Togo

Deb meeting Minister Malley

Mike being awarded the Chevalier Merite

Deb and Mike at the reception following the ceremony

Following the ceremony we were invited to lunch with the Minister of Health and many of his personal staff.  The lunch was traditional African food and a wonderful end to a surprising day.

This is a picture of the Senior Management Team following our return to the ship.  There is no order to the way we are standing.  The members are Captain Tim Tretheway; Peter Koontz, Chief Steward; Mae Palmer, Executive Assistant; Bill Martin, Hospital Director; PJ Hopkins, Senior Chaplin;  Donovan Palmer, Managing Director; Mike Jacobsen, Finance Director; Denice Miller; Human Resources Manager; Mark Palmer, Offship Program Director.

And the beautiful ladies who accompanied us.  Sharon Tretheway; Dara Koontz, Nari Palmer; Deb Jacobsen; Deniece Ingram,