5 posts in 1 - back home, Aunt Amy, Shipyard, Ebola & Benin

There seems to be lots to share -- returning home, Aunt Amy's visit, shipyard, thoughts on Ebola, heading to Benin.  Just for fun, we'll put 5 posts into 1. 

Returning home:  We flew back into Gran Canaria July 18 - originally we had planned to return directly back to the ship but because of some delays, we were housed back in the hotel for an extra week (we didn't hear any complaints about the amazing breakfast, icecream availability, fabulous pool facilities, etc. from the Cash Kids).  

We were allowed back on the Africa Mercy on the evening of July 24.  We were welcomed back with the traditional AFM Thursday night icecream (complete with icecream cones this time!!!).  We spent our first night in our new cabin 6318 (everyone was just a little excited and had quite the time falling asleep in their new beds!).  

Here are a flew glimpses into our new cabin: 

Front door of 6318 

We have a bed!! ( a bed that doesn't have to be folded up and used as a couch during the day!!!!)

Our "Wall of Love" (so many of you are on it!  If you're not sure if you are or not - send us a picture, we're happy to add you!) 

We are settling into Cabin 6318 and enjoying the space immensely!  We've always felt that we've had plenty of room in each of our cabins....this one is just especially roomy and full of windows.  We think we might keep this one for a while :)  We'll share some more pictures soon. 

A random sidenote: one fun-incredible-amazing-helpful aspect of this community:  when we arrived to this ship from the hotel, all of our luggage was scooped up by others and carried up the gangway for us. Even this past Friday, when returning to the ship with a few IKEA purchases, a kind crewmate grabbed the boxes and bag and insisted on carrying them all the way to our cabin.  Reminder for the day: taking the opportunity to be thoughtful and generous in everyday moments = beautiful gifts from God

Aunt Amy's Visit

My (dianna) lovely sister came to visit us!  She arrived the same day that we did and spent the week at the hotel with us and then had nearly a week with us on the ship.  We had so much fun and shared so many wonderful moments!!  Here are pictures of a few: 

Rendezvous at the airport

Playing at the Park

Teaching her nieces a thing or 2 

Holiday World

It was so good to have Amy with us!  It's one thing to share pictures and stories - we hope we do a good job of that - BUT it's another thing entirely to experience the ship for yourself.  We know it was just a taste for Amy (she's going to have to come back during a field service to get the full experience!) - we're so thankful she made the effort and came to see our home.  It means more than words in a blog can express.  (sidenote:  we'd love to host any of you who would like to come visit....the invitation is always open!  You can come visit...or you can apply and come serve for a while with us!)(planting seeds, can't hurt, right?!)

Shipyard

This shipyard time has been extremely important (an understatement, at best).  The projects completed and improvements that have been made these past 6 weeks will allow the Africa Mercy to operate more effectively and efficiently in the months and years to come (just realized that 2 different meanings of the word "operate" fully apply here).  It may not seem like maintenance work has much to do with offering hope and healing -- but this vessel couldn't do what it does without being taken care of and worked on during the time between field services.  

Floors have been redone.  Pipes have been replaced.  Major work was done on the ship's tailshaft. The alarm and sound systems have been improved. Wish we had a complete list of all the work that has been accomplished by the crew that's been onboard - maybe we can find that and share it.  It's amazing what all has been done!    

These 2 pictures give a very vivid look at a significant "before and after"  (this is just one major project....there were dozens and dozens of others - we just don't have  the "before and after" pictures of them):

Ebola 
For those of you who may not know, West Africa is dealing with a horrific outbreak of the Ebola Virus.  

There are plenty of articles, opinions and ideas out there about the Ebola outbreak.  We'd like to encourage you to research it and read as much as you can/want to about it (preferably from reliable sources...).  Here's one place you could start: article about Ebola

Here are just a few of the questions we've been asked:

Has the Ebola outbreak has affected you? Simple answer: YES, it has affected us.  One of the main reasons we are going to the country of Benin is because of the Ebola that is present in Guinea - so, in essence it has affected the entire course of our lives.  More importantly, it affects many of our crewmates who are from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.  It also affects many of our crew who have served in these countries.  Hearts are certainly breaking and hurting.  This outbreak is devastating. We need to pray for it to END.

Are you in any danger? Another simple answer: NO.  The leadership of Mercy Ships has a close eye on the outbreak and is very aware of where we're going/what we're doing and the best practices for keeping us safe from Ebola.  Is it possible that a case of Ebola will show up on the ship?  We suppose it's possible - but consider it very unlikely.  We're not afraid or fearful - but understand how and why others may be (or how/why others may be concerned for us).

What do you think of the missionaries being transported to Emory?  Isn't that endangering the US?  One phrase comes to mind: put yourself in their shoes (or put Nick in Dr. Brantly's shoes if you need to).  If one of us was battling with any type of disease/medical condition, Emory would be THE PLACE we would want to be.  And no, we don't think it's endangering the US.  The standards and practices at Emory are excellent. We probably don't have a clue about all the infectious diseases and viruses and such that are dealt with on a daily basis in our country (in safe and controlled ways).  It makes us sad for the hundreds who don't have the support and resources to get the same kind of care and treatment....but so so so glad for these 2 and their families that they are getting the absolute best care possible.  We're praying God's best for the Brantlys and Writebols - and for ALL the families affected by Ebola.

Heading to Benin
Soon and very soon we'll sail to Benin!

The Advance Team has been hard at work in country preparing for the arrival and work of the Africa Mercy.  Please pray for a fresh burst of energy and strength for them as they finish strong.  Pray that God will bind them together in perfect peace and unity as they prepare for our arrival and for all the incredible work that is going to be done in Benin in the next 10 months (and beyond!).

One major prayer request that has been answered (in the way we were hoping it would!) has to do with the dock space that we've been assigned.  At one point it was questionable if we would be able to set up the tents that we use on the dock -- the last time the ship was in Benin the dock space was pretty much non-existent.  The Advance Team let us know that we've been assigned a berth that will allow for our tents.  As our Managing Director shared with us, this makes a life-changing difference for HUNDREDS of people.  It's amazing how one decision/assignment/determination can make such a profound impact...

So lots to report on...lots to pray for....lots to think about...lots of thank God for. Please keep on praying for us...please keep on praying for God's work in, on, through and around the Africa Mercy.

Surely there will be more to come.