"We're Here..."

After 17 days at sea, we arrived in Durban, South Africa-where the ship will undergo a major ship yard period.  The families, some couples, and single crew will be moving off the Africa Mercy to Applesbosch, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (about 90 mins. from Durban).

We have been busy the last few days getting our cabins packed, offices packed, and the ship ready for the shipyard time.  From early this morning we were occupied with whale watching, watching Durban on the horizon, and then finally a "tour" of the harbour to our berth. 

Africa Mercy flying the flag of the Republic of South Africa.

Durban, from a distance...

Entering the harbour...

The tug that followed us in...

Skyline of Durban...

Coming near our berth...people waiting for us...

Putting down the gangway...

And we're here!

It has been a wonderful journey these last weeks.  What will we be doing while the ship is undergoing change?  We will have three programs that will be running-Mental health, Eye and Dental Teams.  The Academy for the children will still be going full force.  The rest of us will be either working on the ship or working on programs for Sierra Leone (Feb 2011).  So it will not be a time of vacation for the crew.

I did notice that appropriately this is blog #200.  Time to enter into our new season.  Over the next ten days we will not have internet access till we get settled at Apllesbosch.  So check back in about ten days and hopefully I will have new pictures and stories to share. 

Please pray for our time of transition-that all that needs to be done and the moving will go well and safely.

Thanks to everyone for all your help and support...

Talk with you soon....Blessings, Deb