The Jacobsens' Journeys

"Menus..."

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000Z

I always find it interesting to see different menus and how the menu is translated into English. On Saturday, we went to a local pool to relax. There were a few translations on the menu which gave us a good laugh...

It all reads along quite normal - ham sandwich, cheese sandwich, chicken sandwich, bolognaise spaghetti and then you read "crunch mister"...none of us were brave enough to order the "crunch mister"...so to this day it is a mystery what it is...

Again...pretty normal...rice, couscous, fired apples...then you read "jumped apples mashed potatoes..." What "jumped apples" are...is your guess..

I think this one is the best....the fourth item on the menu reads...."Rolls of plate to the cream and mushroom"...but then a bit later you read..."shrimps in love"...and finally "robster thermidor..."

We had some great laughs over those items...sometimes it is the small things in life you just have to have a big rolling tear in the eye belly laugh about!....

"Instrument..."

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000Z

At church on Sunday, one of the wonderful ladies of the church, was using this handmade instrument as a rattle/tambourine.

It is very simply made...metal rings hooked onto a metal bowl with a piece of wood on the bowl part to use as a handle.

The kids saw me taking pictures of the "rattle" and thought they needed to have their picture taken with it!

"Shoes..."

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000Z

A few weeks ago, we were at one of the smaller local markets we like to go to and Alisia and I decided to get shoes made.

We picked the style we wanted, he traced our foot, measured the arch, and then told him the colours we wanted the shoes made in. Sound simple enough. However you never quite know if things were communicated clear enough in our broken French.

Alisia getting her foot measured...

Sporting her new shoe style...

I think we commuicated pretty good!

"RETURNING..."

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000Z

One of the great pleasures we had returning to Lome, Togo, was returning to the churches we had served the first time we were here. I (Mike) had the great blessing of preaching about 3 out of 4 Sundays at either the main church or a church plant that was a few kilometers away. They had treated us a family accepting us as part of them. When we said good bye, there were tears and prayers that we would return.

Those prayers were answered. When we returned to the main church on the first Sunday we could, greeting was something I had never experienced before. The Pastor grabbed me in a big bear hug lifted me off the ground (I'm no light weight :)) and spun me around yelling hello my pastor. As we walked into the church there were yells of joy. It was an exceptionally emotional time for me and it was difficult to keep my composure.

We were amazed at how much the church had grown, both in numbers and in the size of the building. It seemed that they had taken down walls of a partially built church building and increased the size of the church. A brick fence had been erected around the building, with plans not to take it down and build it again, giving more room.

The membership of the church must have increased by 30% or more, the church was packed.

Joshua grew also, now a head taller that other boys in the church.

The kids still enjoyed getting their picture taken.

I believe this the line of the original church, it grew out from here.

The people of the church had to sit in the portico(under construction) because the sanctuary was full.

As an added blessing, the Pastor made an announcement that I am now the number 2 pastor of the church.

We then went to the church plant. I never thought the reception could get bigger than at the main church, but this small church just blew us away with cheers. They also had grown, when we were there before we worshipped and danced to the Lord on sand floors, now there was concrete floor and a wonderful platform.

This is a picture of a young lady, she has a club foot, but walks a good distance to church every Sunday. The last Sunday we were here before we left, we gave her a Bible in her language of Ewe (Evaa). She was so glad she hugged it and gave thanks to the Lord. When we got back, she still had the Bible, but now it was well used, and she still had the joy of the Lord in her. I call her my little sister.

I have been taken to a second church plant even smaller the the first, and look forward to worshipping there. The way it looks I will be preaching every Sunday at one of the churches. They have asked me to preach at a big outdoor evangelism celebration. This is going to be truly a wonderful 6 months of serving the Lord with our church family here in Togo.

"Open Hospital..."

2012-02-05T15:15:00.000Z

At the beginning of every field service, the nurses put on an "Open Hospital." It is always a time of fun for the nurses and for the crew. A friend recently wrote on her facebook post: "you know you have become comfortable living on a hospital ship when throwing balls into a bed pan seems normal..." (or something along that line). Yes,the events on Open Hospital nights have become normal...

Deborah resuscitating a baby...

Catherine and one of the doctors working on stitches...

Blood Typing...

Starting an IV...

Learning about an X-ray...

Learning about lungs...

"Screening..."

2012-02-02T12:50:00.000Z

On February 1st the Africa Mercy had its big screening in Lome, Togo. I remember Don Stephens saying, on a promotional DVD that we watched before we came to the ship: "...and they come by the thousands..." that the people definitely did. There were about 3500 people who arrived at the screening site on February 1st.

As with all screenings, unfortunately we cannot help everyone. We are a specialty surgical hospital. We only specialize in particular surgeries, but people come out of their desperation hoping we can help. We were able to recommend about 1600 people for further screening and testing.

"A Day In The Life..."

2012-02-01T09:54:00.003Z

We have an incredible Captian aboard our ship. His first concern is always for the safety of the crew...which in light of recent cruise ships disasters, it is a comforting thought!!

On facebook the other night, he posted what his day was like. I thought it would be interesting to show a "day in the life" of our Captain.

How to fill your day...

1. Help set up elaborate Hospital Evacuation Drill

2. Run elaborate Evacuation Drill after you have the PA system and alarm system repaired.

3. Debrief the Elaborate Hospital Evacuation drill.

4. Send dozens of crew to spend the night at the national football stadium

5. Test communications with the crew at the Stadium
6. Spend an hour in the office
7. Look into the trucker's strike and demonstration at the gate, they are being charged to park
8. Investigate near explosion in the battery locker
9. Help make 1500 sandwiches for crew and Gendarmes to be sent to the stadium
10 Pray for a special someone having surgery today, and for a peaceful night and day tomorrow, as the potential patients are already lining up........

Thank you Captain Tim for your years of hard work and dedication...you are GREATLY appreciated!!!!

"The Results..."

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000Z

As I have posted in the past, evey Friday night is Ultimate Frisbee night. A group of crew members go to a local field and play Ultimate Frisbee.

Now that we are back in Togo, Ultimate Frisbee night now becomes, "let's have muddy leg night"...

No, the kids are not wearing tights, nylons, or leggings....it's just the dirt from the field they play on!

"Too Cute!..."

2012-01-27T12:52:00.002Z

A few days after his successful surgery to correct his clubfeet, little Sierra Leonean patient Abdul Vandi returned to the HOPE Recovery Center in straight, short leg casts which made walking easier. He joyfully hobbled around on crutches with the other boys who were receiving similar treatment. We are very grateful for every life changing opportunity we are presented to bring hope and healing.

"T I 's' A..."

2012-01-24T19:14:00.000Z

Some things in Africa do change. While we have been driving around Lome Togo we have noticed a lot of new construction in buildings that have been added in the last 18 months since we were here. We have seen roads that were once narrow made wide. We see people working late at night to sweep up the garbage off of the streets. There is evidence of progress everywhere.

However, there are some things that just don't change. As we were driving back to the ship on Sunday after church, we had to stop for a random herd of cattle to cross the road...

This Is 'STILL' Africa!

"Student Life..."

2012-01-21T18:32:00.000Z

Each Friday afternoon, the Junior and Senior High School students have the Student Life Program. The Student Life program gives the students opportunities to experience different activities that many of the crew help to lead. Every six weeks the students choose a different topic to experience. Topics in the past have been: cooking, sewing, painting, Jr. Security Officers, babysitting, photography, and singing.

In the current session, Alisia is taking part in the babysitting program, helping to care for some of the nursery school children on the ship. Joshua (see picture below) is taking part in the fictional writing course, which is being taught by one of the crew who published his first book last year.

The school may not have all the fancy sports and music programs a "regular" school may have, but it has amazing people who invest in lives of our children and build them up on a whole different level. Thank you to everyone who invests their time and energy on Friday afternoons!

"Snail Mail..."

2012-01-19T16:16:00.000Z

When mail get sent to the ship from the USA, it often will take 2-3 weeks even up to a month depending upon when the IOC (International Operations Center) receives mail in Texas and then sends it onto the ship.

It was really exciting the other day when we received a bunch of our Christmas cards...in the middle of January!

It is always nice to be able to catch up with people via Facebook, email, or sometimes on the phone...but there is nothing as wonderful as receiving a note, cards, letters, or even pictures in the mail.

Thank you everyone for the Christmas and New Year greetings!

"Getting Ready..."

2012-01-16T15:03:00.000Z

Daily we are beginning to see changes on the dock. Each day that is completed brings us nearer and nearer to the arrival of the first patients. Slowly new and returning crew and beginning to come to the ship. The hospital is being set up in anticipation of the starting of surgery. The whole focus of the crew right now is preparation. Preparation for the patients who are in desperate need of the gift of hope and healing we have to offer.

Painting the gangway with slip protection. The land rover repair area in the background.

Admissions tent being set up as well as two other tents that will provide services to the patients.

"They're Back..."

2012-01-13T08:24:00.000Z

On Christmas day the crew was so excited to have yellow bananas. Even one of the young kids on the ship asked if it was okay to eat the yellow banana. I am sure many people thought that was a rather strange comment when they read it on the blog.

The other day when we went into the dining room for dinner, I noticed "they were back". They meaning the green bananas. Yes...they are black and green. Yes...they are okay to eat.

The first time I saw these green bananas, I took some to my cabin let them sit on the counter for a few days (thinking they were not ripe yet) and they only went black and mushy. Just another strange cultural difference.

"Starfish..."

2012-01-10T06:00:00.001Z

On Sunday night, Dr Keith Thomson an anesthesiologist who has been volunteering with Mercy Ships for the last 20 years, told a wonderful story. The story he told was about a young West African girl who was walking along the beach an saw thousands of starfish on the beach. She began to pick up the starfish one by one and throw them back into the ocean. A man came up to the young girl and told her the task was impossible, she would never make a difference with all the starfish on the shore. The little girl continue to pick up the starfish one by one, throwing them back into the ocean saying: "I make a difference to this one, and this one, and this one, and this one..."

So goes the ministry with Mercy Ships. Sometimes the task laid before us seems impossible. We will never make a difference in every single life in West Africa. For every one person who receives surgery there are many others who will never receive surgery. But one by one, over the years, Mercy Ships has touched millions of lives.

In our short time with Mercy Ships, we can think of a handful of churches, pastors, schools...people whose lives have been touched. We have reached out to the people who the Lord has put into our path. One by one we can make a difference.

"Our Neighbourhood..."

2012-01-08T06:00:00.001Z

This port is very different form the one in Sierra Leone. In Sierra Leone, we were able to walk right out of the port and walk into the "neighbourhood". Togo, being more developed than Sierra Leone, the port is much busier. We just cannot walk into the neighbourhood. We need to take a taxi or a land rover. So our new residence for the next six months looks like this...

Looking toward the bow of the Africa Mercy.

Starboard view (right side) from Deck 8.

Looking from the stern where the port is being expanded.

Port side (left side view) of the Togolese Navy.

More development on the port side.

Looking from the bow toward the stern of the ship.

Our compound area this time is much larger than the area we had in Sierra Leone and also larger than the previous time we were here in 2010. In a few weeks this area will be transformed into tents and waiting areas for the patients. Containers will be unloaded which hold the Hope Center supplies as well and the Dental Clinic. It will be an interesting month transforming this empty dock into a functioning appendage of the hospital...providing hope and healing to the people of Togo.

"Togo..."

2012-01-06T07:38:00.000Z

Yesterday, in the early hours of the morning, we departed the port in Tema, Ghana. Last night, in the early evening, we arrived in Lome, Togo. We will spend the next 5 months in Lome reaching out to the poorest of the port offering hope and healing.

First glimpse of land...Togo

The pilot boarding the Africa Mercy to help us maneuver into port.

Proudly waving the Togolese flag.

Mike on the bridge.

Preparing our container wall.

Mike and Deb

Clementine walking down the gangway with the Togolese flag.

Alisia and Deb

"Masquerade ..."

2012-01-04T06:00:00.001Z

On New year Eve, the ship had a masquerade dance. The kid's posed for this picture.

Back row: Joshua and Ethan

Front row: Alisia, Hannah, Lara, and Grace

"Country Next...Togo..."

2012-01-02T14:07:00.001Z

We are beginning our new year with a one day sail to Togo. After spending three weeks in Ghana for our Christmas break, we will head to Togo for our next field service.

We were previously in Togo from February to August 2010 before we sailed to South Africa to have the generators replaced. Even though it will be a shortened field service, we are excited to return to Togo and renew our friendships. We will be in Togo from January to June.

As I have done in the past, I have shared the ranking of the country on the Human Development Index. This ranking is made up of information relating to heath, education, and living standards.

Togo is currently rated 162 on the Human Development Index out of 187 (Sierra Leone was 180)
The average life expectancy is: 57.1
The mean number of years of schooling is: 5.3
The expected number of years of schooling is: 9.6
Gross National Income is: 798
Under-five mortality rate (per 1 000 live births): 98
Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women aged 15-19): 65
Maternal mortality ratio (deaths of women per 100,000 live births): 350

In contrast the USA is currently rated 4 on the HDI
The average life expectancy is: 78.5
The mean number of years of schooling is: 12.4
The expected number of years of schooling is: 16
Gross National Income is: 43,017
Under-five mortality rate (per 1000 live births): 8
Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women aged 15-19): 41
Maternal mortality ratio (deaths of women per 100,000 live births): 24
Information taken from http://hdr.undp.org 2011 report

I always find it very sobering to look at the comparison between the USA and the countries we are called to serve. It reinforces to me how blessed my family is to have been born in North America instead of Sub-Sahara Africa. I am reminded of how blessed my children are, who if born in West Africa, would not have survived. (Alisia was born at 30 weeks gestation and I went into preterm labour with Joshua at 32 weeks.)

Yes, I used the term "blessed"...it is because we are. No, my kids may not have the latest electronic gadget, the newest fad in running shoes or clothing, or even their own cell phone. But they do know where their next meal is coming from, they go to a great school (with the prospect of further education), they have clothing (without holes) and shoes that fit their feet, and a warm safe place to sleep at night. Yes, we are truly blessed.

In this New Year, may you find a deep joy, peace, and love knowing you are loved eternally by God. And even though you may not "have" the latest...you are truly blessed.

"Retrospect..."

2011-12-31T00:55:00.001Z

As I have been thinking back through this last year, I thought I would try to capture a glimpse of the year in pictures. At first I thought: "What a great idea!" Now as I am on my second day of sorting through the files of pictures on my computer, I am thinking: "Whatever possessed me to do this idea?"

So much has happened in the year, it is hard to capture. The pictures certainly do not capture the highs and lows of the year, the good-byes of dearly loved crew members, the missing of family and friends at home, the thousands of people Mercy Ships has touch in Sierra Leone, or the vast number of friendships that were formed.

What the pictures do capture is God's continual faithfulness, grace, and miracles He has blessed us with. Many are not obvious miracles, but certainly the movement of God's mighty hand in our lives as a family and as a ship community....

January found us still in the port of Durban South Africa. Finishing up the ship yard period and preparing to go to Sierra Leone.

After a brief 24 hour stop in Capetown South Africa, before we head to Sierra Leone.

February-Freetown Sierra Leone.

March-the beginning of a ten month field service meeting the needs of many people in Freetown and surrounding areas-the Dental screenings...

The Eye Screenings...

First patients to enter the ship...

March also brought us to our new church home in Lumpa Waterloo

One of the many MaxFax patients...

whose life is transformed...

April brought us Easter...a celebration of Jesus death and resurrection.

May-wheelchair races in the wards...

Getting to know Freetown markets...

June-the first fundraising event in West Africa aboard the ship.

July-summer program for the Academy kids

Graduation of the Agriculture program Students...

August...still in rainy season...

September-Deb continues to work in the wards loving the orthopaedic patients...

October-a visit from the Princess Royal to the ship.

Eating lunch and dinner daily, watching the fishing and transport boats out the window...

November brought us into a time of having to say good-bye-to local friends we made (our tailor friends-Foday, Omar, and Osman)

Our day worker friends who help us in the hospital...

Also, a time of preparing the ship to sail to Ghana...

December-time to sail to Ghana...

Our arrival in Ghana for Christmas break...

Celebrating Christmas as a family...

A year in pictures...captures so much but yet so little. It is our prayer next year will be a year of God's blessing, protection, and revelation. As we grow closer to Him and closer to each other....

"Christmas Day..."

2011-12-27T06:00:00.001Z

Christmas aboard the Africa Mercy is always a special time. We are very aware of the preciousness and lack of family and friends in far away countries. But at the same time, we gain a deeper appreciation for the crew of the ship who has become like family.

Thinking about this Christmas aboard the ship, I have become very aware of the lack of commercialism. Yes, we get glimpses of it on the TV, but we are not bombarded with it in the malls, on the streets, radio, or even in the newspaper. It is easier, in some ways, to keep our focus on the birth of our Saviour. There is a much appreciate simplicity. This simplicity is seen in many ways throughout the ship...

We still have a tree with presents under, or should I say, around it...

Shoes are placed outside the door for crew to bless each other with small tokens of love...

Creativity abounds in wrapping-a simple Christmas napkin is known as "ship wrapping"...

The mess after opening gifts is still the same...

Simple blessings are appreciated. One of the crew did a marvelous job making the Africa Mercy out of gingerbread...

Fruit is a precious gifts...grapes and yellow bananas. One of the young children asked his mother if the yellow banana is okay to eat-since most of the bananas we see are green and brown...

Dinner with friends who have become like family...

But most of all spending time together as family rejoicing over the birth of our Saviour Jesus is what I have treasured the most.

May you find the wonder, awe, and joy of His birth this Christmas season.

"Merry Christmas..."

2011-12-25T06:00:00.002Z

It is with hearts full of love and joy we want to take this moment to wish you a blessed Christmas. It is because of a baby born in a manger 2000 years ago that we celebrate this special day. He was not an ordinary baby- He was the Messiah, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. May you find His peace and love this coming year.

^{Isaiah 9:6} For unto us a Child is born,
      Unto us a Son is given;
      And the government will be upon His shoulder.
      And His name will be called
      Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

"Chris-Myth Busters..."

2011-12-23T06:00:00.002Z

Every year the Academy on the ship does a wonderful job with their Christmas program. This year was no exception! The kids spent the week, while we were enroute to Ghana from Sierra Leone, memorizing, learning dance steps, and practising for their Friday night show.

This year, the Christmas program was entitled "Chris-Myth Busters". The play set out to "bust" some of the myths we believe at Christmas time. Where there three or more wise men? Was there an Inn Keeper? Did the angels sing or speak? Is there a significance in the Christmas Tree? These were some of the myths they tackled during the play.

Alisia singing during the opening scene.

Joshua playing "Ethan" and his two friends"Lily and Abby" who tackle the "myths" of Christmas.

Were there three or more wise men?

The manger scene...

Alisia and Grace doing the "angel wrap"...

"Ethan Lily, and Abby" discussing another "myth"...

Alisia singing her solo...

Finale...

"The Cedi Bead Factory..."

2011-12-21T10:14:00.000Z

A group of us on Saturday went on a day trip to see the Cedi Bead Factory. Beads in the African culture play an important role. They are used for symbols of family status or special occasions like puberty rights.

Mr. Cedi comes from a family who generationally has been making beads. He made his first bead when he was seven years old. Today he still makes that original pattern of bead, but also many other designs. Mr. Cedi explained to us there are five different types of beads. He then demonstrated to us how to make some of the different types of beads.

There are a variety of molds and tools he uses to make beads.

The traditional Krobo beads are made out of glass from bottles.

They are pounded and broken into bits and even into a fine powder depending upon the type of bead that is being made.

These beads are made from recycled old beads.

Glass beads

Beads that are painted and then fired again for the decoration to show.

Larger beads for village chiefs made from a powder of glass (above) with the decoration set into the bead (below).

The circular molds with the small holes (above top) are the templates for the smaller round beads. (below)

Smaller beads that women and children wear around their waist.

Some of the different molds and templates he uses.

After the beads are designed and put into their molds, the beads are then put into an 800-900 degree fire for around a half and hour.

After the beads are cooled, they are then polished on a wet stone and with water.

Ladies then take the time to string them into necklaces and bracelets. The beads can be bought individually, in bulk, or as ready made jewelry.

Alisia making her own beads.

"Ghana..."

2011-12-19T13:11:00.000Z

We arrived in Ghana on Thursday afternoon. It was wonderful to see crew members on the dock waving and singing as the ship pulled into the berth. We will be in Tema, Ghana for about three weeks. Then we will have a one day sail to Lome, Togo where we will be till June 2012.

Entering the port in Tema, Ghana

Crew and friends awaiting our arrival.

Akwaaba mean "Welcome".

"Review..."

2011-12-16T06:00:00.001Z

The Africa Mercy has just completed a 10 month field service in the West African country of Sierra Leone, providing free medical care and humanitarian aid to thousands of the country’s poorest people. Since February, the volunteer medical teams have performed more than 2,700 free surgeries such as tumor removal, cleft lip and palate correction, cataract removal, orthopedics and skin grafts for burns victims. Volunteer dental teams have also carried out more than 28,700 dental procedures, providing essential dental care in a country that has only one dentist for every 1 million people. We are grateful for every volunteer and every donor who enabled us to bring hope and healing to thousands of people in Sierra Leone.

"Mercy Shippers..."

2011-12-14T08:21:00.000Z

The following blog was written by a friend of mine on the ship, who is getting ready to Stay in Freetwon to work at the Aberdeen Fistual Centre. click here

I wanted to share this blog with you because it gives some insight into the "unique life that we live....

"Mercy Shippers are an unique breed. Our time on the ship, shapes who we are by the end, I believe. We change in so many ways. When we leave the ship, its hard to explain life to people that have never experienced it. We make it a point to reunite with other Mercy Shippers because we connect in different way than any other friendships. We live life 24 hours, 7 days a week together. We share memories and pick up habits that are unique to those have been on the Africa Mercy. I came up with the list below when I was home stateside hanging out with some of my friends from Mercy Ships. Hope this bring a laugh to those Mercy Shippers that know what I'm talking about! Thanks for the memories everyone!

Playing the word "Milch" in scrabble and shuddering thinking about the taste of shelf-life milk.
Magnets replace nails in hanging wall decoration.
Common meal conversations include your GI tract or what noises your toilet is making.
We leave messages on sticky tack instead of voicemail.
Looking for hand sanitizer as you walk into a dining room. Did you also know there was a "hand sanitizer" dance move created by the AFM youth?
When meeting new people you ask- their name, where they are from, what they do and how long are they here for?
You use starboard and port when giving directions, even if you're on land.
Its too quiet if there no "humming" generator background sound. When the air-conditioner shuts off, you know a blackout will soon follow.
You are hungry at 5pm for dinner.
In a house- there are cabins and decks not bedrooms or floors.
You're the only one dancing or clapping your hands at church.
People think you have an European accent because you use holiday, rubbish, cupboard, and lovely in conversation.
There is more than one name for a surgical instrument. You learn them all.
Starbucks is out of your price range and Walmart is a bit overwhelming.
Your work commute is long if its involves more than one staircase.
Flip flops all year long footwear.
You learn different eating habits: using silverware for finger foods (or vice versa), teaching what peanut butter is good on like apples, and grilled cheese sandwiches are always an option for a meal.
Atorch could be a stick with fire, or just a flashlight.
When you watch TV, you usually watch more than one episode at a time.
Sayings like "happy as a clam" may not translate well.
You're friends are also your dental hygienist, physical therapist, and electrician- and possibly your neighbor.
You are aware that there are more holidays to celebrate than you can imagine.
Pirate gear is a must, even if you really don't live on a pirate ship, but a hospital one.

Thanks friends for the all the memories and laughs! " Written by Allison Green

2011-12-13T10:45:00.000Z

Jay Swanson, one of the crew members of the ship, got this awesome picture yesterday of the dolphins playing at the bow of the ship. God has blessed us with some amazing sights-flying fish, whales, and dolphins....it just makes me appreciate the vastness of His creation!!

"Sailing..."

2011-12-12T06:00:00.001Z

Even though we live on a ship that stays in port for a majority of it's time, we still have a few days/weeks of the year that we sail from one port to another. What this means, is every time we sail, we have a time of "preparing to sail."

Preparing to sail entails tying and storing everything. Yes...everything. Piano's are tied to the mid-ships stairs, the whole hospital is broken down and placed in a container or bundles together and tied with straps to the floor, all the OR equipment is secured...even the galley has to secure every pot and pan.

For our cabin, the TV is tied down, the table to turned over, everything inside the cupboard gets put into a box so it does not slide...even the microwave is moved to the floor...

The Christmas tree is tied to the walls with a magnet...the TV is secured to the wall...

Pantry food is placed in a box to prevent it from sliding and banging...

The table is flipped with plants placed in a box....

Even the garbage cans are secured...

The ship shop shelves are emptied into baskets....

It is a very busy time for the crew as we prepare to leave...but an exciting time because we know the sail will happen soon...

"Youth Leaders..."

2011-12-10T06:00:00.002Z

Another one of the great things about living on a ship in community, is there are people of all different ages who choose to invest their lives in the lives of our children.

This last week the Jr./Sr. High school kids have been writing finals. Since they did not have youth group on Tuesday night due to the finals, the youth leaders spoiled the students with a study break...ice cream delivered to the door.

Now, for many people ice cream is not necessarily a treat. However, on the ship it is. Ice cream is sent to us from Holland whenever we receive a frozen container. Usually we get ice cream once a week after our Thursday community service, as long as we do not run out.

So, for the kids to have this treat of ice cream on a Tuesday- delivered to the door, was an extra blessing!

Thank you youth leaders for caring so much for our children....we GREATLY appreciate all your work and dedication!!!!

"Ordination..."

2011-12-08T13:29:00.000Z

Since we have been involved in a local church here in Sierra Leone, we have been able to experience many different aspects of "church life". Last Sunday, Mike had the privilege of being involved in the ordination of Pastor Daniel. The church was so crowded that they had to put benches outside to accommodate all the people who wanted to witness the service. It was a real privilege to watch the excitement and the celebration that surrounded the ordination ceremony. There was clapping, shouts of hallelujah, and a sincere look of joy on all who attended. It was a real honor for me (Mike) to be asked to by "one of the officiants".

Laying on of hands and praying for Pastor Daniel

Fellow Pastors giving congratulations to the new Rev. Daniel Karmara

The Reverend Daniel Karmara giving the benediction and the end of his ordination service...

"Cookie Bake..."

2011-12-06T08:54:00.000Z

On Saturday morning, a group of us got together to bake Christmas sugar cookies. (Most things aboard the ship become a community gathering.) The galley provided 2 kgs of dough for us to use make from a recipe for 300 cookies which became a recipe for 900...nothing on a small scale on the ship. And we rolled, cut, and baked Christmas cookies. Alisia and I had a great mother and daughter time.

Gathering to bake cookies....

Alisia cutting out the cookies....

Ready to bake...

Finished product... YUM!!

Mother and Daughter time...precious and priceless!!

"What I See..."

2011-12-03T06:00:00.001Z

This is the Africa Mercy in port in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The ship has been docked here for almost 10 months. Initially when you look at this photo, a person might think-WOW what a wonderful area to be docked...the ocean, the trees, the mountains...it almost looks like a resort instead of a third world country.

What I see when I look at this photo brings a lot of mixed feelings. I see friends we have made-in our day workers, churches, businesses we visited-people we met on the streets. I see patients-some who were with us only a day and others for months. I see lives changed through surgeries-people with a renewed sense of hope and a future. I see lives touched with kindness and love-even though some news was not always the best.

I also see a nation in desperate need to healing. A nation that has been devastated by war. A nation where there is only a medical system for those who can afford it-4 hospital beds for every 10 000 people- 2 physicians for every 100 000 people. A nation where going to a dentist is a luxury. A nation where 75% of the population live on less the $2.00 per day.

I also see people from over 40 different nations. People who give up their time, finances, vacations, being with family to be part of an amazing journey. Some stay for only a few weeks, while others have stayed for 25 years. I see dedication. Dedication to make an impact, to make a difference in the lives of another. To love the "unlovable".

I see the working of Jesus....His hands, His feet, His body...

"It's Time..."

2011-12-01T06:00:00.001Z

Once again, it is that time of year...Christmas. Last year we spent Christmas at Appelsbosch in South Africa. This year, we will be in our Africa Mercy home...our cabin.

Alisia and I spent Sunday afternoon decorating the cabin. It is not that we have a whole lot of space to decorate or a whole lot to decorate with, it is more figuring our what to do with the little space we have...and then of course the clean up.

It does not take much to mess up our sitting room area...

Alisia did manage to get our tree up...even a magnet to the wall in preparation for the sail...

Our socking are hung on the wall with care....since we have no chimney....

Then that night, Joshua and his class played the hand bells to open the beginning of the Advent service....

" A Tale of Two Daughters..."

2011-11-29T06:00:00.001Z

One of the great things about being on the ship long term, as a family, is getting to know some of the "singles". As a family we met Heather and Becca when we went through the Gateway training in Texas, before we arrived at the ship. It was during that time, they became our "ship daughters".

Both Heather and Becca have taken time to invest in Alisia and Joshua's lives. They have been true "sisters" to the kids. For Mike and I it is really a precious time to see these two young women blossom and mature in life...each embarking on their own path.

This last weekend, it was a happy and sad weekend at the same time....

We had to say good-bye to ship daughter-Heather. She is returning to the US after travelling to go to school.

Then we watched Becca marry the love of her life. It has been an incredible journey walking with her and watching her develop in her relationship with Greg.

So we welcomed Greg into our family as our "ship-son".

"Need A Job..."

2011-11-27T06:00:00.001Z

It is interesting...with a BA and two Master's Degrees...I don't qualify for this job...hhhmmmmm

"Poda Poda's..."

2011-11-25T06:00:00.001Z

One of my favorite things to do when we are stuck in traffic, is to read the poda poda's signs. A poda poda is like a mini van taxi. The nice comfortable seats are taken out of the van, and bench type seats (made out of 4x2 planks of wood) are bolted to the floor of the van-depending upon the size of the can there are 4-5 rows of these benches. So a van in the west that is designed to hold 8 people now can hold 20-25 people.

These taxi's go from place to place and the price is about 1000SL (which is about 25 cents). I have noticed each taxi is decorated with it own sayings...

"A.T." is probably the driver or owners initials...Adama could be their child, boss, or a family member...

This poda travels from Waterloo to Bombay Street...

Sierra Leone is about 60% Muslim in population...

I'll leave this one to your imagination...

I've seen t-shirts that say "Try God" and now poda's that say "Try Islam"...

They also like stickers of "Cobra"...

or "Madonna"...

Or advertising their favorite football/soccer team-this one is Man United (England)...

Finally some will have sayings to advertise a business....

Never a dull time on the roads here!

"School Update..."

2011-11-23T06:00:00.001Z

A few weeks ago, I did a blog on the school the church supports. Click Here We had given a donation to the school to help with some basic renovations for the school. While we were at church on Sunday, the Pastor, Principal, and Village Chief wanted us to see some of the improvements that are being made at the school.

New concrete was poured in all the classroom floors...

The men working on the building of new benches for the students...

The new benches that were being stored till the floors dry.

They also showed us where a new window was being carved into the Administrator's office to let in light (since there is no electricity) and where they had added a new door.

These may not seem like "major" improvements in the western mind set. However, as I am learning, it is the small things that are important....benches for the kids to sit on, light through a new window since there is no electricity, a door to close so someone does not steal what is behind the door...these are HUGH improvements and make going to school a little bit easier....

"Lasts..."

2011-11-21T08:43:00.000Z

We are now at the time at the end of the field service when we start having a lot of "lasts". "Lasts" entail...good-byes. On Thursday (Nov 17) the operating room did the last surgery. The last time we could have visitors on the ship was Nov 20...the list of "lasts" will grow this week as we close down the hospital, say good bye to our day workers, and have many "good-bye" celebrations.

For the Jacobsen Family and a few crew, Sunday was our last day at church. We have been attending Evangel Baptist Church since March. We were welcomed into their church community with open arms. It will be strange not attending church there anymore.

The church had been planning a farewell service for us for about a month now...and with true African flair, they celebrated our final service with lots of love, smiles, and singing.

The youth and children's group presented us a hand made wooden scroll with our name carved into the wood.

Each family member was presented with a traditional African outfit.

The chief gave a farewell speech....

Lynne, one of our crew members, was presented with a live chicken...which sat with her the whole 2.5 hour service...

Pictures were taken, hugs and laughter were shared.

For Mike, this is a difficult good-bye. He was made the Associate Pastor of the church and really got to know Pastor Daniel as a true brother in Christ. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our extended church family in Lumpa Waterloo, Sierra Leone. Our prayer is they would continue to grow, stay strong in the Lord, and faithful to what God entrusts them to accomplish.

"Deck 7..."

2011-11-17T06:00:00.001Z

For many of our patience, deck seven, is the only outside they will see in months. Some of the patients who have had extensive plastic surgery or who are having difficulty healing their wounds, have been on the ship for a few months.

Every afternoon, deck seven is their recreation time - their oasis. The patients from most of the wards on deck three, will make their way up the four flights of stairs (64 steps) to deck seven. There they are able to look out over the ocean, enjoy the sunshine and breeze of the day. The kids are able to play on scoot toys, run, play, and make a whole lot of noise. The nurses, can have a more casual fun time with the patients-not being caught up in dressing changes, wound care, or preparations for surgery.

"If You Did Not Know..."

2011-11-13T06:00:00.001Z

Just incase you did not know, this church is were God lives....

"J.J's Pizza..."

2011-11-11T06:00:00.002Z

The Academy is helping the students learn what it is like to run your own business. A few weeks ago, the kids had the choice if they wanted to run a small business or not. They needed to figure out what they wanted to sell, how much it would cost, what they should sell the item for, and what their profit would be. The Academy provided a small business loan for the students to get started with their business.

Many the Academy students decided to participate in the project. Some decided to start a rubbish business, some to sell chocolate chip cookies or doughnuts, while others did a babysitting service. Joshua was ambitious-he wanted to run a cheese pizza business.

He priced out all the ingredients-flour, oil, yeast, cheese, pizza sauce-and enlisted the help of mom to be his runner and helper. The crew was his market. I think Joshua learned how much is involved in making and selling pizza. It was a great experience for him and he sold a lot of pizza!!

"Royal Visit..."

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000Z

At the start of October, during our Monday morning communications time, the crew was told of a possible royal visit. At the time we did not think much of the who, what, where, and when. Just that it was a possiblility.

Much to our delight, a week ago, the Africa Mercy was honoured with a visit from the Princess Royal and her husband Admiral Sir Tim. This was the first visit made to the Africa Mercy by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, who is Anne the daughter Queen Elizabeth. She came to Freetown in honour of celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sierra Leone's Independence.

Mike meeting Her Royal Highness-

Touring the Academy-

Visiting the patience on the ward.

"Love About Africa..."

2011-11-07T06:00:00.001Z

For sometime now, I have been thinking about things I like about Africa. It is easy to think about things that are different or that a person does not like....but I've been pondering things that I do like....

I like....

that everyone is family-your neighbour is your brother, an older person is an Auntie or a Mama
you can wear anything-checkered material with stripes, pink with red....anything goes
men wear ANY colour including pink....and it looks good
anything can be bought on the streets for a fraction of the cost
people are not label snobs-Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger can be bought on the streets for the same price as a t-shirt you'd find a Wal-mart
if you are stuck in traffic there is always people selling food beside the car door
if you are stuck in traffic there is always something to read-on cars, trucks, or buildings
people are generally very welcoming and friendly
people dance at church and sing: "Shake your body for Jesus..."
people are quick to be willing to help someone
there is a cultural freedom
simple things or small things mean a lot, and people are grateful for them
a broken crayon is a welcome sight

I could go on and on about things I like about Africa-but I think the biggest thing is people are not ashamed of being a believer in Jesus...

"Before and After pt. 2..."

2011-11-05T06:00:00.001Z

A picture is worth a thousand words...the hug says it all...PRICELESS!!!

"Before and After pt. 1..."

2011-11-03T06:00:00.001Z

It is incredible to see lives restored day after day....PRICELESS!!!

"O Canada..."

2011-11-01T06:00:00.002Z

Canadians serving aboard the Africa Mercy

"Evangel Baptist Church and School..."

2011-10-28T06:00:00.002Z

Since we arrived in Sierra Leone in February, we have been attending a church in a town named Waterloo. The area where the church is located was one of the largest resettlement camps that was used during the war. It is predominately a Muslim area where the church is located.

As part of the outreach to the community, two years ago the church decided to start a school that is connected to the church. Today, the school has about 600 elementary students and 300 secondary students. Bear in mind, the church sees this as a ministry and does not charge tuition. Because of the quality of the education they provide, they have students applying from all over the Freetown area.

As part of our community services on board the ship on Thursday nights, the crew gives offerings for local ministries. A few weeks ago, we did an offering for the school and church combined. Last Sunday we presented the School Administrator and Pastor with the crew's offering. It was a very touching time. Especially since the School Administrator had just made a plea for money for a new building for the secondary school.

Right now, the elementary students go to school in the morning and the secondary school uses the same buildings in the afternoon. The government of Sierra Leone is going to pass a law that requires all students to only go to school for a longer time each day.

This law places the school in a difficult position since they do not have enough room for both the elementary and secondary students at the same time. Pastor Daniel said they were petitioning the government for more funds to build a secondary school.

We were invited to come and visit the school on Thursday. It was a very humbling and overwhelming time. I was so surprised to see how crowded the classrooms are, but yet the students are excelling. The students are required to take government exams to graudate to the next level i.e. elementry to Jr High, and Jr High to High School. All of the secondary students who took the test passed. This is very unusual for a school to have all their students pass. It is a great testimony to the dedication of the teachers and the congregation to support the school.

This is the level 1 and 2 classroom...(yes there are this many children in the class!) In this classroom some students have to sit on the floor.

These are the level 4 and 5 students. They have no room in the buildings so they are in a shelter outside.

Some of the elementary students....

Some of the secondary school students...

The village chief giving a speech...

Touring the grounds where they can build a new building....

Enjoying the children...

The High School Principal, Village Chief, and Mike

We were given a budget to help improve the school. Supplies for improving buildings and giving them more school supplies would cost the church just over $2000.00 USD. To many it is not a lot, but to the people of Sierra Leone where the average wage per day is less that $5 US it can seem insurmountable. If you are interesting in helping the school, please contact us at m.d.jacobsen@juno.com

"God's Artistry..."

2011-10-26T06:00:00.001Z

We have seen some incredible sunsets while we have been here in Sierra Leone. This is just another example of God's amazing artistry!

"My Helper..."

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000Z

On the ward, we have had some patients who have been with us for awhile due to the type of surgery they are having. This young fellow had plastic surgery for burns he had from a fire. He has become my helper. Sitting in my chair while I am away, putting stickers on the nurses papers, just standing by me and colouring...it is a precious time with him.

"The Saga..."

2011-10-21T06:00:00.003Z

It started out to be an ordinary day...but really are there any ordinary days with Mercy Ships? Unexpected events are not unusual...they range from an amazing surgery with a patient... to generator tests...to forklifts falling in the water....

Yes, you read that correctly! A forklift ran over the edge of the dock and was wedged between the ship and that edge of the dock....

Until the ships moved-in went the forklift. So, the port graciously brought over a TEREX to help to try to lift it out of the water.

With cables hooked up, they moved the TEREX over to the edge of the dock...with the crew lined up on Deck 7 watching the events...

But alas, it was getting too dark and the TEREX was unable to resurrect the forklift. So, the forklift spent the night at the bottom of the ocean.

In the morning, the port brought over a larger crane to pull out the forklift. It was such a sad sight!

Thanks for our wonderful divers for helping to retrieve the forklift!

"Teenage Thoughts..."

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000Z

10 Reasons why Living on a Ship is Better Than Living on Land
by Alisia Jacobsen

1. You get to see your friends 24/7
2. If you have trouble in a class you can find a teacher any time
3. You learn about different cultures
4. You learn different ways to say one word
5. You pay $0.75 for a one shot frappachino
6. You become friends with people from all over the world
7. You experience different foods (whether you think it's good or not is your choice)
8. You get the opportunity to work in almost any department on board
9. You get to celebrate different holidays from different countries
10. If you break a bone you don't have to wait an hour for a cast, there are doctors everywhere on the ship!

(So her friend did a counter attack...)

So in the counter attack of Alisia's "10 reasons why living on Ship is better then land" I (Lara) am going to write about why living on Land is better than living on the ship...

1) No UHT milk/milch! - This is milk that has been heat treated so that it can withstand higher temperatures and not expire, but it leaves the milk with a nasty after taste.

2) Next Day deliviery - When on land you can order things off the internet and have them delivered to your door the next day whereas on the ship it could take months to get here.

3) Better Internet - On land you can use Youtube, Download music, videos and shows

4) Can get away from Work - We live at work here, no matter where you go, your work colleages are always around and always wanting to ask a question

5) Malls and Shopping - There are no Malls and no shopping centres on the ship for obvious reasons.

6) My Own Room - Here on the ship families and many singles have to share a room.

7) Up to date Movies and Music- We are so behind the time that we have not seen movies or heard music that have come out over a year ago, let alone know about them

8) No Privacy - Everyone on the ship knows your buisness and you know everyone elses, this might be due to the fact that the walls are so thin and if you move in one room, they will hear you in the next.

9) Silence is golden - There is always a machine running or someone talking or some music playing everywhere you go.

10) Social Life - We, the youth, have decided that we do not have a social life. If we lived on land there would be places to go, people to see and places to do things.

"Tithe..."

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000Z

The first two Sundays of the month, at church, are set aside for the giving of tithe and death benefit funds. The members of the church come to the front of the church and present their tithes.

I am always touched by this action. In a society where the average wage is about $5/day, church members faithfully present their offerings to the Lord.

They hold up their tithe offering up to the Lord and the pastor prays a blessing over them. The church members do this with joy in their heart and in their actions....

"Ship Kitty..."

2011-10-15T06:00:00.000Z

Since our cat Shadrach died almost 2 years ago, Alisia has been pining for a new cat. Well.........the other night she decided to come home with a "Ship Kitty". There are a couple of these stuffed cats on the ship in different cabins. So now, until we leave, we have an addition to our family....Welcome ship kitty to the Jacobsen Family....

"Try Again..."

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000Z

Every six weeks, there is a long weekend where Friday is a ship holiday. We decided to take it easy and go to the beach, again. Since our last beach experience basically was a day of on and off rain. We thought the rainy season was over, so we should be able to have a nice day at the beach...all started out great...

Mike and I just before we relaxed in the calm warm waters of Bureh beach.

Joshua trying to play his Nintendo DS, but the sun is too bright...

Alisia drawing in some shade...

Even the local dog found some respite from the sun under Mike's chair....

Then we notice the sky....

And the rain fall and falls...a torrential down pour...

Fortunately the roof of the hut is covered in tin foil and plastic-for the most part keeps out the rain...

Except where Joshua is sitting...Nathanael is catching drips from the ceiling that are falling on Joshua, who once again, is under his towel....

Finally the rain ends and we are able to enjoy the beach again....

"Abdel's kids..."

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000Z

On Saturday, Mike and I were invited to visit one of the Day Worker's houses and meet her "children". Abdel and Prince have been married for just over two years now.

When she agreed to marry her husband Prince, she agreed also to raise ten orphaned children that he had already brought into his home. With the sponsorship from a couple from Norway to fund the orphange, Prince and Abdel have done a wonderful job with the children. I use the term "orphanage" but in reality they are a family.

Abdel and Prince have no biological children of their own but they, along with the help of two Aunties, have embraced these children as if they were their own. We had a marvelous time with them.

The outside of their 4 bedroom flat-the fourteen of them share. They are looking at renting the second floor in Novemeber so they can bring a few more children into their home.

Looking down their lane. I was so impressed with the neatness of their area, which is rather unusual for Freetown.

They have no TV or video games. But the children share what they have, colouring books, board games, cards etc. They interact and play with each other just like siblings. What a marvelous ministry Abdel and Prince are involved in!

This young man aspires to be president one day. The young lady desires to be a doctor.

"Sahr Dauda..."

2011-10-09T06:00:00.000Z

Sahr Dauda and his buddy sat with both legs in casts and bandaged in front of them. A look of gleeful anticipation lighted the faces of both boys. They were waiting for the hallway to be clear enough to begin their wheelchair race in the hall of the hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. The volunteer surgeons had straightened the legs of both boys. Since it would take many weeks for their legs to heal, they had plenty of time to hone their racing skills while they built their friendship.

Sahr was born sometime in the mid-90’s in a village near Koidu in northern Sierra Leone. Whether his legs were horribly misshapen at birth or were the result of a congenital disease is not known. Below his knees, his legs angled out and bent back at the shin. His ankles were parallel to the floor, causing his feet to hug the floor at an angle. Walking was difficult and painful.

His mother fled shortly after his birth, possibly to escape being labeled a “demon” for giving birth to a child with such deformed legs. Sahr’s father was killed by rebels during the violent civil war in Sierra Leone. The young boy was supported by his stepmother for a while. He wanted to go to school, but there wasn’t enough money for that. Instead, his stepmother wanted him to use his disability to beg in the streets. He refused to do that and ended up becoming a street kid anyway. Occasionally his stepmother would let him stay with her.

Essentially homeless and without love and support, he was drawn to a man who was training local teachers to include the disabled in their schools. This man showed a fatherly interest in Sahr, encouraged his desire to go to school, and even arranged for him to have a wheelchair. But he was unable to fully support Sahr because he was struggling to support his own family.

A radio announcement alerted Sahr’s stepmother that a Mercy Ship would soon be docked in Freeport. An advance medical team was scheduled to be in their area to hold a preliminary screening for potential patients with problems like Sahr’s. She took him to register at the government hospital for the screening, and he was among the first to receive a Mercy Ships appointment for surgery.

When they got to the transport vehicle, however, Sahr’s stepmother told him she wasn’t able to be his caregiver. Without a caregiver, Sahr would not be able to have his surgery. Digba, a woman who was accepted for a surgery of her own, agreed to be his caregiver. She traveled with him to the ship and stayed in the HOPE Center as he awaited his surgery. When Digma went home, Mariama, the mother of his buddy Tamba, became his caregiver.

The volunteer doctors performed two complicated surgeries to repair Sahr’s legs, using pins that will help his legs become straighter as he grows. Sahr was delighted to be a Mercy Ships patient. For the first time in his life, his needs were being supplied – a clean hospital bed, three meals a day, caring nurses and state-of-the-art medical care from some of the world’s finest surgeons.

He also thoroughly enjoyed the many weeks he spent recovering at the HOPE Center, making friends with the other children. After surgery, he would bounce on his hospital bed, slapping his hands on the mattress. When asked why he did that, he would respond with a big grin, “I’m just happy to be here!”

Several weeks of post-operative care were necessary to help Sahr learn to walk on his newly straightened legs. The physiotherapists worked with him on exercises to build his lower leg muscles and to train his knees to face forward without collapsing into each other. Much of this was painful, but he accepted it with gratitude, while building relationships with the medical team working with him.

After about five months, it was time for Sahr to leave. But no one would be waiting for him back in his village. He needed the security of a home, the love of parents, the opportunity to attend school – the provisions of life. The Patient Life Department, concerned about his future, located an orphanage started by Mercy Ships crew members. The Mercy Orphanage agreed to provide a loving home for Sahr. He will have a mother and father, as well as several new brothers and sisters. Also, he will attend a local private school, thanks to a scholarship donated by a couple of Mercy Ships volunteer crew members.

Friends recovering at the HOPE Center gave him a grand send-off as two Mercy Ships Land Rovers filled with crew members from Patient Life and other concerned departments drove him to his new home. The children, including his new bunk-mate, Sheku, welcomed him warmly.

Somewhat at a loss for words, Sahr said, “Thank you. It’s fine here. I like it. Thank you.” But his jubilant smile revealed the joy in his heart as he waved goodbye to his Mercy Ship friends and began a new life.

Story by Elaine B. Winn
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Tom Bradley, Debra Bell, and Liz Cantu,

"Saturday..."

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000Z

On Saturday, we decided we were going to take a chance on the weather and go swimming at a local pool. It did not turn out as well as we thought. It rained for most of the morning and gave us a break right around lunch time.

Joshua spent most of the day in the pool, despite the rain...

An electrical box, out in the rain...hhmmmm

Alisia did not want to brave the rain and the pool so she bundled up and watch Youtube all morning! (That was a treat for her since we cannot get Youtube on the ship!)

When we saw this second bank of clouds coming in after lunch, we decided to head back to the ship....

"Ferry..."

2011-10-04T14:46:00.001Z

Thanks Sarah for the photo....

You have heard many stories and see pictures from me about travelling in and around Freetown. This is just another mode of transportation here.

This is the passenger ferry that goes from the airport to the Government Wharf. Unless you want a ridiculously long drive to the airport on land, this is one way to get to and from the airport.

The ferry ride is roughly 45 minutes and when the ferry docks and the wharf, chances are it will "bump" into the dock. It can be rather amusing watching the people on the ground motion the captain of the ferry to move in the other direction. Inevitably though, it runs into the dock when pulling in.

Travelling around Freetown in never uneventful!

"80's Day..."

2011-10-02T06:00:00.000Z

On of the many great things about the Academy aboard the ship is the Spirit Days. Friday was the 80's Spirit Days...Now growing up in the 80's it was really very amusing to hear and see Alisia and Joshua talk about what 80's clothing looked like and then apply their knowledge to their clothing...I think both kids look really great!

Joshua

Alisia

"Loaded Up..."

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000Z

It never ceases to amaze me when I see vehicles driving down the road with loads piled onto the roof with more people than the vehicle can fit, jammed in to catch a ride.

It also amazes me how efficiently the vehicles can be pack to transport as much goods as possible!

"A Treat..."

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000Z

This morning we awoke with a special treat waiting for us on Deck 6. A sampling of one of the largest personal collections of early Biblical manuscripts and artifacts. We were in awe!! Many of the manuscripts were printed on animal skins some writing were carved in stone from the time of Abraham...

A cuneiform tablet dated from the time of Abraham....

A sampling of Genesis from the Dead Sea Scrolls...

This is one of the earliest copies of the KJV 1611 Bible.

A 17C manuscript from Ethiopia

A 13C Ethiopia Gospel.

A 15C Torah scroll from North Africa.

An original page from the 5th earliest Bible in the world.

A sampling of all the scrolls, pages and cuneiform that were brought.

For me this was the best to see...

the earliest page of the 23 Psalm!

"Alberta..."

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000Z

“Alberta loves dancing and singing gospel songs,” said Mariah of her five-year-old granddaughter. “She helps me shop, and when I do the dishes, she rinses them. She always wants to help.”

Since Alberta was eighteen months old, Mariah has raised her, allowing the child’s young mother to finish her education. Three years ago, Mariah was cooking over an open fire in front of her Liberian home when Alberta awoke from her nap. Still groggy from sleep, the little girl walked too close to the fire, falling near the cooking oil. It splashed over her left arm and leg, up her back and over the back of her head. The fire quickly followed. The little girl’s left arm was terribly burned, immobilizing its position at her side. Her leg, back and the back of her head were also severely burned and scarred.

For the next two years, Mariah searched in vain for someone who could surgically release Alberta’s arm so she could raise it above her head. The frozen arm caused much embarrassment for Alberta at her day care, where the children constantly taunted her and called her names.

Mariah is a member of the Eden Church in Liberia, where she coaches football (soccer) for a group called LACES. This group organizes teams for boys and girls, ages 10 and 11, teaching them about Christ through sports. The team members collected enough funds to send Alberta and Mariah to the Africa Mercy, a hospital ship where the volunteer plastic surgery team released Alberta’s burned arm.

Because burned skin and nerves were cut during the surgery, Alberta spent several weeks in recovery. An infection added more weeks of recovery time. But her bubbly personality helped her to make many friends among the crew, including the physiotherapy team that coached her through new exercises and the medical team that gave her post-operative care. Much of that care was painful, but most of the time she remained very brave, generously sharing her brilliant smile and even singing while the nurses applied new dressings. Such behavior is very rare among West African children.
“Sometimes she would fall asleep while I was changing her dressing,” said Nurse Becca Noland. “I love that girl. She’s amazing!”

“I am HAPPY!” said the five-year-old as she approached the end of her stay. “I can play and go to school!”

“She’s going to remember this. I will remind her repeatedly of everything she has seen here,” said Mariah. “It’s a miracle of God that she can have this surgery.”
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Debra Bell and David Peterson
Video by Beau Chevassus

"Shabbat Shalom..."

2011-09-24T09:13:00.000Z

We had a very special Friday night dinner yesterday. The chaplaincy aboard the ship has been preparing for this weekend for about a month. A respite...a time of spiritual renewal/retreat for the crew of the ship.

Last night at dinner, we gathered together in the dining room to begin our "Shabbat Shalom"

We read through the liturgy of the candle lighting and the Shema (taken out of Deuteronomy) and the Lord's prayer. We sang the doxology and said the priestly blessing from Numbers. Just before dinner, we had communion....

The bread-Christ's body given for you...

The cup-Christ's blood given for the forgiveness of sins...

We read the Kiddush (the blessing over the wine) and the HaMostzi (the blessing over the bread)

Then as friends and family, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with great fellowship....

The evening concluded with a journey throughout the ship to read and experience the different elements of entering into the Tabernacle. All in all it was a very enlightening evening-getting our focus back on Jesus and what His sacrifice for us truly means.

"Friday Night..."

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000Z

Since we arrived on the ship in Benin 2009, Friday nights, have been Frisbee night. Joshua and Alisia have enjoyed being exposed to the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. Every Friday night, the rush to finish dinner and then down the gangway to go to Frisbee.

Mike and I have respected this time as "the kids" time. Plus, it is a sport for the younger of heart!

As you can see, Ultimate Frisbee even draws a crowd of locals watching the game. Close to the port there is a school where they have been able to play on Fridays...it is such a wonderful blessing to have this field close to the ship. In past years, they have played on the beach or whatever open space they can find.

Taking a rest and watching the game...it is rather an exhausting time!

"Strange Day..."

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000Z

My friend Sharon and I had a rather strange cultural day on Saturday. As usual, we set out to explore Freetown on foot. By the end of the day we usually have walked at least 10-12 km.

As we meandered through the streets and crowds, we knew of a Chinese restaurant that Sharon had seen the other night...that was our initial destination. While walking along the way, Sharon spied a Christian Book Store. I said: "Where?" looking up and down the streets and the street vendors. She pointed across the street at an actual store.

As we entered into the store, we were in shock. It looked like a "real" western bookshop. This was the beginning of our cultural shocking day....

Albert, the owner of the CLC bookshop, was so pleased that we came into his shop. The prices were a fraction of the price, we see in the west. I was impressed with the quality of the books he has and the variety. Many of the top Christian authors were respresented in his shop. Many of his books he said he buys on sale in the US and Europe.

After purchasing a book and some guitar picks, we continued on down the street. As we round the corner head to the restaurant, we notice how empty the streets are...which is EXTREMELY unusual for Freetown. After about five minutes, we notice the police band marching down the street. (no picture)...they were marching proud and playing traditional marching music.

After listening to the band, we round the corner to and spied the sign for the restaurant.

We are really unsure what the "Electrical Beer" means...but that did not deter us from going to try the food.

We ordered sesame shrimp, spring rolls, hot and sour soup and chicken chow mein...and two cokes. (all for about $10 each) We were thoroughly impressed with the food and the speed of the food being delivered. (Usually when we go to a restaurant it takes at least an hour for the food to be prepared.)

With full tummies, we then head down the street where Sharon spots another unique place. When we entered, we thought we were going into an upscale boutique. This young man had displayed a lot of the African gifts you can find in the market in an attractive manner. He was very proud of his shop and his prices. (They were about 50%-75%higher than the market prices.)

We wandered around his shop, talked with the gentleman, and then proceeded down the street....to the supermarket....

Inside the supermarket, you can buy many of western items, but at twice the western price.

Then we decided to head back to the ship. As we are walking through the streets, I notice this man's shirt in front of us...."Mercy Ships Academy".

Could this day have become any stranger?....

"Another Job..."

2011-09-18T06:00:00.000Z

I have done many different blogs on the variety of jobs that I have seen people working at in Sierra Leone. They have not been easy jobs...I have watched the tailor sew for hours straight, without a break, to get an outfit done...I have seen women strain under the loads they carry on their heads through the market with a child on their back...I have also seen men put every once of energy into pushing a cart filled with onions, peppers, or any variety items through the potholed streets of Freetown...or pulling for hours on a fishing net... Whatever the jobs is, they all require a tremendous amount of strength and fortitude.

While I was at church on Sunday, I was yet confronted with another job that is extreme manual labour...making sand blocks for a building. Now for those of us who live in the west with a "Home Depot", a job like this is absolutely foreign. I watched these men take turns mixing the sand, filling the mold, letting it set, turning the mold over and doing the job over again in the heat of the day.

You can see from the amount of blocks that are done, they are not idol in their job. They work steady...alternating turns.

It will be interesting when we return next week for church, to see what these blocks have been used to build.

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000Z

Mosquito Nets

In West Africa, over 3,000 children die of malaria every day¹; 1 out of every 5 childhood deaths is due to malaria.² Malaria kills a child every 30 seconds in West Africa. ² The disease can cause anemia and jaundice and, if not promptly treated, can cause coma, kidney failure, or death.

To make matters worse, the West African rainy season that begins in June will cause flooding that will aggravate the problem, since standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the disease – according to Robert Agyarko, UN Children’s Fund Specialist on Malaria for West Africa. In Freetown, Sierra Leone, it is estimated that between 60% and 70% of mosquitoes are malaria carriers.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that malaria can be controlled, and even prevented, using anti-malarial drugs, insect repellent, or mosquito nets in sleeping areas. UN Special Envoy for Malaria, Ray Chambers, reports, “Mosquito nets are still the most effective tool for preventing malaria in West Africa.”

Mosquito nets are infused with Permethrin, a long-lasting insecticide that acts as a barrier to prevent mosquitoes from penetrating the nets. It drives away the mosquitoes and kills the ones that land. Unfortunately, only 40% of households in Sierra Leone have an insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN). ²

St. Mary’s Church in Olveston, Bristol, United Kingdom, is taking a stand against this deadly killer. They have donated £5,000 to Mercy Ships for the distribution of mosquito nets at the HOPE Center in Freetown. This land-based facility houses patients who are awaiting surgery and those recovering from surgery onboard the hospital ship, the Africa Mercy.

When the patients are discharged from the HOPE Center, they will each be given a mosquito net and told how to use it properly. They will also receive additional information on how to prevent malaria. This promising strategy will make a difference in fighting this deadly disease.
¹ WHO 2003 Africa Malaria Report ² WHO 2010 Africa Malaria Report
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Debra Bell

"Priceless..."

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000Z

"PIZZA..."

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000Z

One of the great things about living on the ship as a family is having people invest in the lives of the kids. Jeff has been doing a Bible study with Joshua in the book of Mark. But this last week they decided to take a break and make a favorite of Joshua's... pizza!

Thanks Jeff for investing in Joshua's life!

"Dr. Bruce Steffes and PAACS Residents...."

2011-09-10T04:49:00.001Z

Dr. Bruce Steffes, volunteer CEO of Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS), says that in some areas of Africa, there is only one surgeon for two and a half million people. This startling and appalling fact has triggered the existence of PAACS, which seeks to respond to the great need for surgeons in the African culture – and, more importantly, to highlight “the importance of spiritual healing as well as medical healing.”
This five-year surgical training program uses rural mission hospitals in several countries to train national physicians in modern surgical procedures, at low cost, with the aim of retaining them to practice within Africa. A nondenominational, volunteer service organization, PAACS serves Africa’s poor by maintaining faith-based health care facilities as it builds capacity within the health care system. Although mission hospitals provide many services, they only make money on surgeries. With so few surgeons, it is difficult to maintain these hospitals.

Operating under the umbrella of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, candidates must be African graduates from recognized medical schools, be less than 40 years of age, have a valid medical license in their home and training countries, and be fluent in English. Training is given at a well-established evangelical mission hospital in Africa, under the supervision of board-certified surgeons. PAACS is affiliated with the Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California.

Dr. Steffes, who is completing his eighth mission with Mercy Ships, has spent the past three months training three well-qualified trainees in general surgery, anesthesia and maxillofacial surgery. This is the second time the Africa Mercy has been a training site for PAACS residents.

Dr. Agneta Odera is a fourth-year PAACS general surgery resident from Tenwek Hospital in Kenya. She will graduate next year and plans to begin a three-year pediatric surgery training program before returning to Tenwek Hospital to begin a practice as a missionary surgeon. “Everywhere in Africa there is a need for good health care,” she said. “We have capable people, but after they are trained, they go to the west where there is more financial reward.” She is dedicating her life to being part of the solution for medical needs in Africa.
Dr. Arega Fekadu Leta is from Gimbie, Ethiopia, and is also a fourth-year PAACS general surgery resident from Tenwek Hospital. After graduation, he plans to return as the only surgeon at the Gimbie Adventist Hospital. “This program is the best way of building capacity for the neediest in Africa, since we need equipment and financial support. This is also a good way to address and expand the good news of the Gospel. Most countries (in Africa) are 75% Muslim, so there’s a huge need,” he said. “We witness to patients and crew and won’t discharge patients unless they have been told the Gospel.”

Dr. Philadelphie Dembele, from Mali, is a rising fourth-year general surgery resident from Bongolo Hospital in Lebamba, Gabon. He will graduate in 2013 and return to the Christian and Missionary Alliance Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Koutiala, Mali, where he will be the only general surgeon. “The (Mercy Ships) OR is so well-organized with many things we don’t have,” he said. “Organization is important to change things, and there’s a big difference between what I have here and what I have when I go home.”
“It makes me angry when people say that with so many differences in background that people can’t work together. Here at Mercy Ships, we are doing it, and we are doing it efficiently,” said Dr. Agneta Odera.

The training program does not feature the usual lecture approach, nor does it require the customary thesis of most master’s degree programs. That material is included in the reading, patient care, rounds, operating room, conference schedule, and the constant preparation of reports and presentations. Clinical and academic study, spiritual and ethical training, research projects, written reports, a study of current surgical texts, log-book keeping, post-operative care, hands-on training in the operating room under supervision of board-certified surgeons, and in-service examinations are all included in the training program. By 2020, it is hoped the program will graduate 20 to 25 surgeons a year.

“We are trying to make our residents the best surgeons in Africa. But, literally, the most important thing is not the 50 to70 more years we can give by physical healing. It is the spiritual healing that gives them eternal life,” said Dr. Steffes.
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Liz Cantu and Reka Borsiczky

"Priceless..."

2011-09-07T06:00:00.001Z

Now normally, my "priceless" blogs have to deal with incredible pictures of special moments with the patients. But this one is also priceless. Coffee and chocolate from Hawaii. This bag of coffee and box of chocolates travelled from Hawaii, which is around 9200 miles/14900 kilometers, to my cabin in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Thank you Barbara for bringing me this priceless gift!!

"Presentation..."

2011-09-05T06:00:00.002Z

Since we have been attending the church in Waterloo since we first arrived in Sierra Leone. We wanted to do something special for Pastor Daniel at the church. He is going to be ordained in October. We arranged with someone who was coming to the ship from the US to bring a special present for Pastor Daniel, a new embossed NIV Study Bible.

We presented the Bible to Pastor Daniel on Sunday, he was so touched and surprised. He turned to the church and said: "This Bible is not just for me, but it is for all of us. We can learn together."

"An Acrostic..."

2011-09-03T06:00:00.004Z

This is an acrostic from a mother of a patient.

M-My heart leaps up for joy
E-Endless happiness I've got
R-Restless and pain have gone
C-'Cause you are special doctors from God
Y-Yes, thousands of Sierra Leoneans have been cured

S-Surely, goodness and mercy are yours
H-Homes from west, east, south and north
I-Indeed testified your worth
P-Praising you for your good works

Written by Mrs Elizabeth. Mother of an only child who has a successful operation in August. I thank you all. God will continue to bless you.

"The Beach..."

2011-09-01T06:00:00.002Z

We have only been to two beaches here in Sierra Leone. The first time we went was to River Number 2. It took us two hours to get there and two hours to return. The beach was great but the trip there and back was difficult.

So, this past Saturday, we decided to try another beach, Bureh Town beach. The ride there was much better only one hour...that I can deal with. It does not have the "extras" that the other beach has meaning...a toilet and chairs....but it is a beautiful beach that rivals any beach in Hawaii.

The day was rather over cast with drizzles of rain and one downpour. But that did not stop us from enjoying the ocean-walking and talking with friends and just plain relaxing.

The kids playing in the waves....

Deb walking, pondering and taking pictures of the scenery...

Sitting around talking with friends...

Hanging out with friends on a large rock...

Walking with friends on the beach...

Enjoying family time...

Having an amazing lunch made by the locals...fresh caught tuna, rice and a great sauce with "small small pepper"...

Enjoying the beauty of the beach...

Playing in the sand by the trees...

It is nice to have these breaks in the routine of the ship. We can spend a week on the ship without going outside or at times even realize it is raining out. It was a definite much needed time of rest. Thanks God for making such an incredible creation for us to enjoy!

"Priceless..."

2011-08-29T06:00:00.002Z

Tamba, one of our plastic surgery patients, after months of physiotherapy is released to go home...PRICELESS!!!!

"Teachers Needed..."

2011-08-27T06:00:00.001Z

If you are a qualified teacher and are looking for a unique teaching experience

please contact: academy@mercyships.org or call (903) 939-7183

"The Sad Reality..."

2011-08-25T06:00:00.002Z

A few days ago, one of the guys on the ship posted this article on his Facebook. It is a sad reality that we face here when a fast growing cancer is seen as demon possession, a sin or in this case witchcraft. This article was published in the Freetown newspaper...(Sorry for the poor quality)

"It turned out; she was never a pig or a witch. She had a fast growing cancer. This despicable article went all over Freetown. When Mercy Ships found her, she was locked up in a chicken coop by the chief of the village. He was trying to protect her from her neighbors that wanted to kill her for being a witch. Her entire family had rejected her. On the bright side, her cancer was fast growing and chemo reacted very well to her. After a few treatments on the ship, we sent her to a local hospital to continue treatment. Meanwhile, Mercy Ships volunteers returned to her community to educate her neighbors about cancer and to assess the risk of returning her to the community. The people in the community had only heard of breast cancer, and the lesson of educating the community has brought positive results. On the up side, her fast acting cancer reacted very well to the chemo and she has done well enough to be released from the hospital. She is now on the chemo treatment plan and has been seeing positive results. Prayers for the precious child."
From the Facebook of Lewis Swan

"Around Freetown pt. 2..."

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000Z

While we were walking around some of the side streets, there are so many pictures I would love to take. But, I try not to be abusive with taking pictures the local people. Many of them do not want their pictures taken, and when I take pictures of "things" I show them they were not in the pictures.

There are so many pictures that are missed-the chickens in the coops, the goats, and ducks. These are just a few that I took and a friend of mine also took...

Rice for sale....

Chicken's feet anyone?...

Smoked fish...

Toothbrushes...

"Around Freetown pt. 1..."

2011-08-21T06:00:00.002Z

My friend and i love to wander through Freetown. The other day, we decided to explore some new territory and move off into some of the side streets.

We discovered a whole new world beyond the main streets we normally walked down. As we meandered down the maze of side street, never quite sure of which way we were headed, we discovered wonderful gems of the "Salone" culture.

People selling their peppers, chicken feet, rice, ground nut, group cassava leaves, live chickens, ducks, guinea fowls... Most people were all to eager to greet us, talk with us, and answer our questions.

An old church that is now used to pile garbage in and a back drop for the sales stalls.

A house advertising the local "Megacola" soda.

The view over Siska town.

Stairs that go down to the river and then back up.

The "pig pen" is the river at the bottom of the stairs.

This gentleman was hand carving these wooden spoons with his knife. One spoon cost 1000 Leons...which is about 25 cents.

"Amazing!..."

2011-08-19T06:00:00.002Z

About a month ago, I went to the ward to start my daily routine. I checked the surgery schedule and saw one patient had been removed from the list. Then one of the nurses came up to me and asked: "Did you hear about the girl who swallowed a nail?"

Apparently this little girl had swallowed a nail and now was scheduled for surgery to have the nail removed. Then to all of our surprize, she passed the nail. Yes, you read that right...there was no internal bleeding...it just passed through. To us...that was a God thing...AMAZING!

"Job?..."

2011-08-17T06:00:00.001Z

For anyone who has complained about their job...this is a bit of a reality check. I believe this is one of the more difficult jobs I have seen people do. It certainly is not something I have ever seen someone do, or even thought about someone doing.

In a country where there very few, if any factories, all things require people to do the work-even if something is imported, someone still needs to move the cargo.

This job requires breaking and sorting...rocks. Yes, you read that correctly...rocks. There are no fancy machines in Sierra Leone to break the rock and sort it into neat piles. This is back breaking hard, hot work. I am unsure how much the rock is sold for or even for that matter how often the rock is sold. But these people have made it their job to supply different sized rock to their customers.

"On the Way..."

2011-08-15T06:00:00.001Z

Last Sunday we headed off to church, as normal. Someone asked me if the direction we were going we would encounter traffic. My response was: "Usually going this direction, no we move along pretty good." Boy, was I wrong this time!

About 25 minutes from the church, we encountered a slow down in traffic...then an absolute stop. We waited about 20 minutes and then moved on.

The problem was, it had been raining that day. At home this is really no big deal. In Africa it is. The roads are narrow, mud often slides onto the roads, vehicles are terribly overloaded, and tires generally have little to no treads. All a recipe for disaster.

On Sunday, this was the mess. A truck was turned sideways on the road with its front wheels sunk into the soft mud along the side of the road. Creating a virtual impasse.

In my naive thinking, I thought: "Well this should be cleared up by the time church is over" (which generally is about 2 1/2 hours)...Truly I should have known better!!

Traffic was already starting to back up on the other side of the truck...

2 1/2 hours later...

Traffic had completely backed up-added to that were the large truck which could not go around the stranded truck...

The police moved us off to the side of the road because we had four wheel drive land rovers...

My concern was, once we were moved out of the line of traffic, we would be left there and never get back into the line when it started to move. Fortunately, the police man was watching out for us and when traffic started to move, he quickly directed us in.

As we passed the truck, again, I wondered how they were going to move it. There are no large cranes available here-just pure man power...

It will be interesting to go by next Sunday and see if the truck has been moved or disassembled...

"I Need Africa..."

2011-08-13T06:00:00.000Z

I have often stuggled with being able to express what I have experienced in the last two years being aboard the Africa Mercy. There are many things I will never be able to express - how I have been impacted and how they have changed my view of life. Some things are just to hard to process being here...maybe in time.

About a month ago this video was played at community meeting. It begins to describe some of my thoughts that are on the surface...

....Food for thought.... click here

This is the text to the video...

I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me

When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. "I am needed here," I think. "They have so little, and I have so much." It's true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa everyday. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and even then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in those same people. It's a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day.

The images spilling out of my television showed circumstances that could seemingly only equal misery, and I was fooled. I bought into the lie that circumstance defines happiness. The truth is, in Africa I find hearts full of victory, indomitable spirits. In places where despair should thrive, instead I find adults dancing and singing, and children playing soccer with a ball crafted of tied up trash. Instead of payback, I find grace. Here, weekend getaways are not options to provide relief from the pains of daily life. Relationships and faith provide joy. Love is sovereign.

My new reality… I know now that my joy should have no regard for my circumstances. I'm ashamed by my lack of faith, but at the very same moment I am excited by my new pursuit. I'm forced to redefine the meaning of having much or having little. I'm uneasy with the prospect of change and of letting go, but just the thought of freedom is liberating. I want what I have learned to trickle down from my head into my heart - I no longer want to need the "next thing" to have joy.

I'm not saying that Africa does not need our efforts. It absolutely does need our partnership. But for me, I've come to understand that I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME. Why? Because it is Africa that has taught me that possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart. I've learned that I don't need what I have and that I have what I need. These are just a few of this continent's many lessons. I came here to serve and yet I've found that I have so much to learn, and Africa, with all its need, has much to teach me.

https://www.themochaclub.org/i-need-africa

"Back to School..."

2011-08-11T06:00:00.003Z

Well after two long months...for Mike and Deb-certainly not for the kids! Alisia and Joshua head back to school on Tuesday.

Alisia spent her summer working as a receptionist on the ship. She also was working on an online in American Government.

Joshua spent most of the summer playing. He was involved in the Summer program for most of the summer. Doing all sorts of activities with the group from going to the beach, exploring Freetown, and playing with the patients on the wards and at the Hope Center.

Going back to school here is very different than in Canada or the United States.
*There is no back to school shopping for clothing or school supplies
*The kids already know who is in their class
*They know their teachers
*They know their classroom
*School is in the same place where you eat and sleep and is only steps away from your cabin
*Your class and teachers can be all different nationalities
*You know everyone in the whole school

The first day of school is always a blessing. The teachers and families all meet in the International Lounge for a time of prayer and applaude the children and they head off to school for the first day.

Alisia 11th grade.

Joshua 7th grade.

"Joshua's Treat..."

2011-08-09T06:00:00.003Z

Joshua received a real treat the other night. One of the families returned to the ship from San Francisco. Ethan, who is Joshua's ship best friend, brought him a Krispy Kreme donut. For Joshua, this was a taste of heaven. One of his favorite foods is donuts...

Now this is no ordinary donut. This donut made it on journey of over 30 hours enduring the ride of buses, planes, taxis, ferries and land rovers to make it to the ship....only to be devoured by Joshua in seconds....

Thank you Ethan for thinking of Joshua and giving him this amazing blessing of a donut!

"Food For Life Graduation..."

2011-08-07T06:00:00.001Z

On July 9, 2011, Mercy Ships held the Food for Life graduation ceremony beside the St Clements Junior Catholic School in Waterloo, a suburb of Freetown, Sierra Leone. Sixteen trainees graduated from the Agriculture and Nutrition Project. The event was attended by a representative for the Minister of Agriculture and the Mercy Ships Food for Life in-country partners – City of Rest, Heifer International Sierra Leone, Hope of Glory, and Sierra Canadian Humanitarian and Development Organization.

The Food for Life program focuses on long-term sustainability of organic food production using conservation-oriented methods supported by dietary health benefits. Its train-the-trainer approach will have far-reaching effects across the nation for many years to come. To reap the optimal yield per harvest, the training utilizes natural, practical, low-cost, non-invasive farming methods taken from the Scriptures. It also provides fundamental nutritional advice about creating a healthy balanced diet by using the food grown in each crop. This knowledge will help reduce common illnesses by increasing the volume and variety of vegetables and by improving nutrition.

Corn crop

Each partner in the project recruited farmers to participate in the four-month Food for Life course. The trainees were selected from a wide area of the Western Province so they can support each other as they set up their own training sites.

Upon arrival, each trainee was allocated a garden plot for implementation of the new techniques. Each day started with a Bible study. Then farming methodology was taught by Mercy Ships Agriculture Program Facilitator, Jean Claude Mouditou. His wife, Anastasie, provided training in nutrition – the nutritional content of specific foods and methods to create a healthy balanced diet – thus supporting long-term health care in Sierra Leone.

Jean-Claude and Anastasie

Bambay Sawaneh joined the program with his wife and baby despite a physical disability he suffered during the war. Rebel soldiers chopped off both his hands. A compassionate nun arranged for him to have a surgery that split the stubs of his arms to allow him to grasp things. Without that surgery, farming would have been impossible. His dedication to farming comes from a family history in agriculture. In comparing the Food for Life methods with the traditional ones, he said, “Through this form of training, I came to learn that we have been wasting our time and wasting our energy. It’s like we’re working like an elephant and eat like ant…We destroyed everything out of ignorance.”

Bambay receieves his graduation certificate

Traditionally, African farmers brush and burn the land before scattering seeds, followed by fertilizing with bought products and watering. The organic methods, which do not use brush and burn techniques, produce a high yield of a greater variety of well-formed vegetables three times a year. The investment of money and labor is reduced, while optimizing natural materials to conserve the environment. For example, farmers produce their own compost, rather than purchasing harsh chemicals. Bambay expressed the hope and enthusiasm the farmers have received from the training, saying, “It’s wonderful! I never knew that we are destroying what God has put on this ground to bless us…Now my eyes are open, we can do it the organic way.”

On the day of the graduation, many guests gathered to celebrate the success of the Food for Life Program in Sierra Leone. As they took their seats, they were entertained by the vibrant choral songs of the Women’s Empowerment for Self Development Association. Mercy Ships Programs Administrator, Keith Brinkman, began the ceremony with prayer and worship. Then Bambay Sawaneh, representing the student farmers, gave a comprehensive summary of the knowledge delivered through the program. Next, Jean Claude addressed the trainees, saying, “In Africa, we are blessed from the West to the East. We are living in the blessing of the Lord. You’ve learned a lot, combining agriculture with nutrition. I’m very proud of you people.”

Gradutes guests

The final speech was delivered by Mercy Ships Off Ship Projects Manager, Tracy Swope. She emphasized the importance of partnering with fellow non-governmental organizations to ensure the new prosperous future.

This sentiment was echoed by a representative from Heifer International Sierra Leone, who stated, “It is very good training to improve knowledge and skills for organic farming from cultivation to harvest. People will have more fruits to sell, and have money, and have nutrition and benefits from the foods.”

Then jubilant celebration erupted as the student farmers officially graduated. Each one received a certificate presented by the Africa Mercy interim Managing Director, Kerry Peterson. They also were given wheelbarrows, pitchforks and seeds.

Graduation gift

After the ceremony, the newly-graduated farmers led the guests on tours of the cultivated garden plots at the Mercy Ships agricultural site. The plots were densely flourishing with an impressive array of shiny vegetables arranged in tidy rows. Hannah Nasu, one of the farmers recruited by Hope of Glory, confided that she expresses her new-found passion for farming in her spontaneous dancing as she sings gospel songs while watering her garden plot. She explained, “I love the work so much that I built my well to water the plants. This is farming God’s way. Everything God has done is perfect.”

Another farmer, 64-year-old Victor Tamba, impressed guests by energetically leaping around his garden plot. His life was filled with unhealthy living and alcoholism, but the training transformed his life by giving it a new purpose. He is delighted that he can share his new knowledge with other families, bringing joy into their lives. He confidently explained, “God opened my eyes. I have come and learned better things for the future.” In fact, he has already used his newly-learned farming methods to create a vegetable plot at home to start feeding his family home-grown vegetables.

Food ForLife Graduates 2011!

The Mercy Ships Food for Life Graduation Ceremony symbolically marked a new beginning, bright with hope for the future. In a country suffering a shortage of food and high import prices, there must be a radical change in food production. The Food for Life Program has the potential to develop the nation agriculturally as the trainees become trainers in their communities. In Victor Tamba’s words: “God gave this to me. I never dreamed of it. Now I’m an agriculturist. I know my future will be very good now. I can never, never forget it!”

Story by Claire Ross
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Liz Cantu

"Seriously?..."

2011-08-05T06:00:00.001Z

A friend of mine just returned from vacation at home in Tenby, Wales. She so kindly brought the kids a stick of "Rock".

Basically a stick of Rock is (much to Joshua's delight) a stick of candly-peppermint flavored. And the town name of Tenby runs through the length of the candy.

However, I have never seen a warning sign on candy...

Okay...so tell me...what is the adverse effect? Hyperactivity? Attention deficit?

Too funny!!

"Baby Barbara pt. 2..."

2011-08-03T06:00:00.001Z

Since I have been getting caught up on past patient stories, here is the follow up on Baby Barbara. For the previous article: click here.

Babies born with deformities in West Africa start life as victims of the West African superstition that abnormalities are signs of a curse. When Barbara was born with a cleft lip that extended up into her nasal cavity, her father pronounced that she was a “demon child.” He ordered his wife to take the tiny infant into the bush and leave her for dead.
Barbara’s brave mother, Aminata, refused to abandon her child. As a result, she was thrown out of her house and moved in with her sister. Without a way to support her family, Aminata was forced to separate her four other children and send them to the homes of other relatives.

By the time she was eight months old, Barbara’s weight was drastically low because her cleft lip prevented her from getting the nutrition she so desperately needed. In fact she weighed less than 4 kilograms (8.4 pounds), less than half of what a thriving baby her age should weigh. To make matters worse, she had contracted tuberculosis and was placed on a TB program at a local hospital. Of course, the lack of financial support since the abandonment by the baby’s father was another serious obstacle.

Broken and devastated, Aminata had reached her darkest, lowest point. Then God stepped in and brought a ray of light. One day Aminata met a woman who said that Barbara was not a “demon child.” She also said that Mercy Ships would arrive in Sierra Leone in just a few weeks. Volunteer surgeons onboard the Africa Mercy could fix the baby’s lip – for free! Desperately clinging to this fragment of hope, Aminata took Barbara to a Mercy Ships medical screening.

Aminata was delighted when Barbara was accepted for cleft surgery onboard the Africa Mercy. However, because the baby was below the acceptable weight for surgery, she was placed on the Infant Feeding Program. This program provided proper nutrition for the infant and instructed Aminata in a better feeding method. Barbara’s weight gain was monitored each week.

The baby girl gained weight the first week she was on the program, but lost weight during the second week. She developed a fever, and she struggled to breathe or keep her formula down. The nurses gave her nasal drops to open her nasal passages, allowing her to breathe more easily. The third week she regained some, but not all, of the lost weight.
It was beginning to look like Barbara was not going to be able to have her surgery. The doctors suspected she might have a cardiac problem, too, which would interfere with plans for cleft surgery. Those working with the program began praying regularly for Barbara, and slowly she began to gain the required weight. At the end of three months, despite all her problems, Barbara was cleared for surgery.

The volunteer surgeons repaired the baby’s cleft lip and palate, as well as the centerline of her nose. Because of her delicate condition, they returned her to intensive care where nurses guarded her recovery. Clinical Dietitian Jessica King, who supervised Barbara’s case for the Infant Feeding Program, said, “Barbara is a miracle baby. She had a rough time in the ICU, but she made it. She’ll bring her mom a lot of joy.”

Aminata’s love and sacrificial care for Barbara has been rewarded. Her tiny daughter may be fragile, but she has a strong will to survive. She will bless her family with a future of beautiful smiles.

“I’m feeling fine now,” said Aminata, as a tear of joy ran down her cheek. “I’m thanking God for what He has done for me.”
Story by Elaine B. Winn
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Tom Bradley, David Peterson and Liz Cantu

Baby Barbara when she first came to the ship.

Baby Barbara three months later after surgery.

"Namina pt. 2..."

2011-08-01T06:00:00.002Z

Awhile ago, I posted a blog(previous blog) on a young girl by the name of Namina. Here is the conclusion to her story.

Five-year-old Namina Yillah suffered from the life-threatening condition commonly known as noma. This malicious and aggressive bacteria destroys the flesh, and it targets children. The statistics are alarming for infant mortality.

Namina was born a healthy baby in Bilo, a village in Sierra Leone, West Africa. When Namina was only18 months old, her mother Wara first noticed symptoms of the savage disease. “At one time in the early morning, her face swelled covering her eyes,” she recalls. With a feeling of dread, she wrapped her baby in a blanket and rushed to the hospital.
The hospital offered daily injections for a week. Dutifully, Wara wrapped Namina onto her back to walk to the hospital each day, yet Namina’s facial tissue continued to rapidly deteriorate. The gaping hole in her face began to expose her bones and emitted a pungent odor. The disease was taking a firm grip on Namina’s life.

Wara and her husband were confronted with a desolate existence. They lived day to day on a meager income with every breath dedicated to providing for their seven children and caring for Namina.

Wara’s tenuous world imploded when her husband died from an illness. Grief extended its claws to grip the family. There was no money and no one to help . . . and Namina was on the brink of death.

Wara woke early each morning to go to the bush to collect firewood to sell. The few pennies she earned were insufficient to feed her family well, but provided enough scraps of food to barely survive. To exacerbate the difficulties, Namina was beaten by other children. Her deformed face made her a target for bullies. Wara lived in a bleak, dark world that was devoid of hope.

During these difficult days, Wara’s younger brother, Alie, came to her rescue. He drove Wara and Namina to Lungi hospital. The doctors were unable to diagnose the child’s condition, so they transferred her to Aberdeen clinic in Freetown. At last, the first glimmer of hope emerged when Mercy Ships funded the transportation and medical care.
Wara nods for emphasis when she recalls, “Doctor Sandra always encouraged me to wait for Mercy Ships. Without Sandra, if she never come into my life, I give up on life.”
Several years passed. The intensive treatment provided by Dr. Lako had saved Namina’s life, but the little girl still needed surgery to reconstruct her face.

Finally, the Africa Mercy docked in Freetown. Upon seeing the ship, Wara was beset with fears of the unknown. This vast floating metal bowl was likely to devour any living being. So, Wara did what she always does in times of stress. “I always looked to the Almighty to help me,” she explains.

In the ward onboard the hospital ship, Mercy Ships nurses greeted Wara and Namina with warmth and gentle kindness. Overwhelmed by the strangeness of their surroundings, the mother and daughter remained silent.

Accustomed to ridicule and mistreatment, Namina instinctively withdrew to protect herself from the harsh realities of her life. It would take time to understand and trust this new environment. In the meantime, her eyes were determinedly fixed on the ground, and she remained unresponsive even in her native language. On the rare occasions when she glanced up, her burning stare was accompanied by an angry pout. It was evident that she was guarding against any threats to her life.

Finally, it was time for Namina’s surgery. The complex medical procedure involved cutting a flap on her scalp in order to gather tissue to pull through to her cheek to fill the hole in her face. Wara watched anxiously as Namina was wheeled into the Operating Room. She sadly recalls, “During Namina’s surgery I felt so discouraged. I felt Namina will never make it. I wondered if I had a reason to live.” But the compassion and love of the crew members broke through her wall of silence. “Nurse Dan played a great role to make me feel fine,” she shares with a smile.

Through the compassionate and skillful hands of maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Gary Parker, Namina received a life-changing surgery. And Wara’s hopes and dreams are emerging once again.
Story by Claire Ross
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Debra Bell

"Shop Keepers..."

2011-07-29T06:00:00.000Z

I have written a lot about the different types of jobs that people have in Freetown. one I have not written about is the shop keepers. Since there is no local mall or Wal-Mart, people specialize in items. For example, some shops will just have sports t-shirt, others will have personal hygiene products-while others will just have snack foods.

This lady specializes in used fabrics-old curtains, bedsheets, etc...

Ever wonder where the old analogue TVs and cassette stereos end up?...

This shop is specifically for the tailors-threads, linings, lace...

This one specializes in beads...just the plastic type...

"Sweet 16..."

2011-07-27T20:24:00.000Z

Well, it is very hard to believe...but today Alisia turned 16. Never did we think sixteen years ago, when this tiny little girl who was born 10 weeks early, 16 inches long and only 3.5 pounds, would she grow into this amazing young woman.

She had quite an incredible day.

I got up early this morning and did the ship tradition of decorating the cabin door in honour of her birthday.

At lunch time she opened the presents from the family....

I baked cupcakes...

Her friends baked a cake....

Presents from friends. Being in a third world country, makes a person be creative with presents and wrapping. Comics, napkins, and colored paper a great for wrapping. Chocolate, gum, fabric, bracelets,socks, and hot chocolate make great presents.

HAPPY SWEET 16 ALISIA!!!!

"Karaoke Night..."

2011-07-25T06:00:00.002Z

Friday night was a great night for Alisia...and some of the crew. Alisia's
"ship board sisters" invited a bunch of the crew to pre-celebrate her 16th birthday with a Karaoke night.

Carmen made 4 wonderful cakes for her.

Some of her ship board sisters...

Jesse and Allison..."A Whole New World..."

Singing along with the songs...

The youngest crew singing...

"We are the Champions..."

A great time was had by all. Thanks gals for making her 16th a memorable time!

"Bambay's Story..."

2011-07-23T06:00:00.002Z

Bambay is an extraordinary individual, whose life’s goal is “not to be a beggar.” This reflects the reality of life in Sierra Leone after their brutally violent ten-year civil war. The conflict devastated the people and left the country in shambles and poverty.

During the war, Bambay, his mother, and two younger siblings fled from their village and hid in the bush for a month. When they ran out of food, Bambay went back to his village to find something – anything – they could eat. He planned to return to his family that day, but it was late. So, he accepted an invitation to stay until the next morning. It was a disastrous decision.

During the night, the village was attacked by rebel soldiers. “You voted for this president!” they shouted. Bambay tried to explain that he was only 15 and couldn’t vote for anyone. But they wouldn’t listen. They chopped off both his hands and left him for dead . . . along with the other villagers who had been mutilated.

Later that day, he was found by a roving seller of goods and taken to a nun at a nearby church. She took him to a hospital and then nursed him back to health. While Bambay was in her care, she asked him what he’d do if he ever found the man who cut off his hands. “I would kill him!” said Bambay.

The nun began to plant the seeds of forgiveness into Bambay’s thinking. She told him how important it was for his future to relinquish the hate and anger that fueled his unforgiveness.
The nun also did what she could to prepare the young man for life on his own. She arranged a surgery that would split the hacked ends of both hands, allowing him to grasp things.

One day Bambay was out with his friends when he saw “Sewer Poison,” the nickname given to the man who had cut off his hands. He went after him and caught him, but couldn’t bring himself to kill the man. The seeds of forgiveness had been well-planted. His friends offered to kill the man for him, but Bambay wouldn’t allow it. The man pleaded for his life, and Bambay forgave him.

That forgiveness enabled Bambay to move on with his own life. He eventually met and married Mary, and today they have a seven-month-old baby daughter, Ann.

Today, Bambay is a trainee in the Food for Life Program that was started in Benin by Mercy Ships and Bethesda, another non-governmental organization. The goal of the program is to train people in organic farming methods and in leadership principles. These trainees will, in turn, teach others in their communities. In this way, the program is duplicating easily in Sierra Leone. It has the potential of transforming food-growing in the country, as it improves the financial status of those involved.

The Food for Life program is also partnering with City of Rest Rehabilitation Center’s Agriculture Therapy and Skills Training program. Bambay wants to be involved in using the program’s biblical concepts to help rehabilitate the mentally ill, as well as drug and alcohol addicts.

Bambay is, indeed, a remarkable man who is achieving much, much more than his goal to “not to be a beggar.”

Time for notes...

Time to learn...

Time to plant...

Story by Elaine B. Winn
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Tom Bradley and Ken Winebark

"Dress Shopping..."

2011-07-21T06:00:00.002Z

A few weeks ago, one of my "ship daughters" asked Alisia, Heather, and me to go with her to find a wedding dress. Becca, will be getting married here in Freetown at the end of November. She wanted to get an idea of how much bridal dresses are, if they can be rented, where to go, and what is available.

Little did we all realize what an adventure we would be going on. Now, in the US/Canada one would go to the phone book and look up Bridal shops, make an appointment, and eventually purchase a dress. In Sierra Leone it is a lot different. Becca asked a day volunteer where a dress shop would be, he the name of the road and "generally" where it would be found. Becca had arranged for a person to come with us to translate and guide us on the roads.

This is a picture highlight of the 3.5 hour adventure...

The first stop....

Don't think we will find any bridal dresses here...but they did refer us onto another place...

We thought this was the place, but no...it might have some promise though...

Dress in the window a good sign...

However, they only had 3 small dresses to rent. They did tell us another place to go...

Asking for directions...

Is this the place?...

Only had a few dresses...way too big...

But hey...you can get deodorant, shampoo, and soap...

This place had no name not too sure how we found it, but they were very friendly...especially since it was dumping buckets of rain outside. They did refer us onto another place...

Does this really look like a street that would have a dress boutique?

Asking again for directions...

Nice parking job Becca...

Another shop...

Yes, it has great promise...David's Bridal donations...

Wow...where do we start?....

Stress break!....

How much to rent? $100 US? WOW!!!

Traffic on the way home...sat in the same spot for an hour...only 1.6 km from the ship!?!

The Jacobsens' Journeys

"Menus..."

"Instrument..."

"Shoes..."

"RETURNING..."

"Open Hospital..."

"Screening..."

"A Day In The Life..."

"The Results..."

"Too Cute!..."

"T I 's' A..."

"Student Life..."

"Snail Mail..."

"Getting Ready..."

"They're Back..."

"Starfish..."

"Our Neighbourhood..."

"Togo..."

"Masquerade ..."

"Country Next...Togo..."

"Retrospect..."

"Christmas Day..."

"Merry Christmas..."

"Chris-Myth Busters..."

"The Cedi Bead Factory..."

"Ghana..."

"Review..."

"Mercy Shippers..."

"Sailing..."

"Youth Leaders..."

"Ordination..."

"Cookie Bake..."

"What I See..."

"It's Time..."

" A Tale of Two Daughters..."

"Need A Job..."

"Poda Poda's..."

"School Update..."

"Lasts..."

"Deck 7..."

"If You Did Not Know..."

"J.J's Pizza..."

"Royal Visit..."

"Love About Africa..."

"Before and After pt. 2..."

"Before and After pt. 1..."

"O Canada..."

"Evangel Baptist Church and School..."

"God's Artistry..."

"My Helper..."

"The Saga..."

"Teenage Thoughts..."

10 Reasons why Living on a Ship is Better Than Living on Land by Alisia Jacobsen

"Tithe..."

"Ship Kitty..."

"Try Again..."

"Abdel's kids..."

"Sahr Dauda..."

"Saturday..."

"Ferry..."

"80's Day..."

"Loaded Up..."

"A Treat..."

"Alberta..."

"Shabbat Shalom..."

"Friday Night..."

"Strange Day..."

"Another Job..."

"Priceless..."

"PIZZA..."

"Dr. Bruce Steffes and PAACS Residents...."

"Priceless..."

"Presentation..."

"An Acrostic..."

"The Beach..."

"Priceless..."

"Teachers Needed..."

"The Sad Reality..."

"Around Freetown pt. 2..."

"Around Freetown pt. 1..."

10 Reasons why Living on a Ship is Better Than Living on Land
by Alisia Jacobsen