Ben in Benin

Hello Hello! This weekend, as Facebook and my previous blogs mentioned, I went to Benin. Benin is Togo’s eastern neighbour and only an hour from Lome.

Besides organising Visas the week before for the 7 of us going, we were very disorganised on Friday when we left. We were blessed to find two taxi’s willing to take us to Cotonou, a three-hour trip and then again as our French speaker, Sam, managed to find a reasonable Catholic hotel in Cotonou. The border crossing was typical: slow, painful, unnecessarily complicated and with the policemen telling the girls they could not pass through as they had to stay with them. I was in fact informed that I did not even need a visa with my SA passport!

The trip was pleasant; our driver was pacing the other. Probably to compensate for the regular bribe stops and pot hole slow-downs. We arrived in Cotonou after dark and after finding our hotel. We met an American man involved in water projects who has been visiting the country for 15 years (glad to be staying in the same hotel as he). He advised a Chinese restaurant across the road where I had a calamari that I have been craving, which is odd because I rarely eat it at home. I even had leftovers!

The rooms were hot and thankfully had fans. Even so under the mosquito nets the fan was largely ineffective. Sam and I chatted until 3. I couldn’t believe how quickly time went. When our alarm went off at 7, we were so tired that it went on for about three minutes. We had breakfast downstairs and my Nutella was very handy with the plain baguettes. A day worker Antoine met up with us a bit later and we went to the stilt village, Genvie. This is a community of 30 000 living in wooden houses above a lagoon. We took a boat that was meant to be propelled by men with long sticks but this turned into one with a motor. The village was different, not that spectacular. I’m glad we went though.

Afterwards, while waiting for our taxis, I ate my left over calamari, rice and vegetables… with my hands of course. After much discussion with the drivers, we left Cotonou for Bab’s Dock. It’s difficult to describe this place. It was as though the Swiss family Robinson had landed on a lake that was never deeper than 2 meters and uninhabited and then built a house, guesthouse, bar and small zoo. The pictures will probably show it best. I had a homemade Bissap juice, which was delicious, while others ate. We played some volleyball and generally relaxed. After a few hours we took the motorboat away from luxury, across the lake, through mangroves and back to West Africa. Its crazy how far from Africa the place felt.

We arrived at our host and day worker Thomas’ cousin’s house in Cotonou. This was the best part of the weekend. We were unfortunately late and got there after dark. Before dinner we were offered palm gin. This was so potent. It probably would have evaporated out my cup if I didn’t drink it fast enough. The family had prepared chicken, fish, fufu and gravy. This is the most satisfying meal I have had. It was very special sitting there, feeling so blessed by the family who had prepared this special meal.

We were offered the bed inside but it was so hot that we all slept outside. I was wearing long pants, had insect spray and mosquito nets around me buy I still managed to get bitten rather badly on my legs.

On Sunday we woke early to meet up with Antoine againso that we might visit his church. We had coffee and bread (with Nutella, of course) for breakfast before catching a bus, taxi and two motorbikes to church. Hmmm, church. The preacher taught money and took 4 offerings. Sam walked out! It is so sad to see how the congregation just lap up every word. The service was two and a half hours long but not all that boring. It gave me a good time to pray! Afterwards, while we waited outside, we could hear children screaming inside. Exorcisms.

We were told we could get a lift home in the priest’s bus and only cover the cost of petrol. While we waited we played soccer with some children in the street and then ate some coconuts that we had with us. 

We went back to our hosts for another good meal, lamb curry with rice or fufu. We were unfortunately hurried as we wasted much time after church. We left in the bus that took us back to where we’d been earlier where we were transferred to Peugeot car. No surprises the bus could not, in fact, take us home. They did, however, try and extort the same amount of money from us as they had earlier predicted would be necessary to cover petrol, only without actually doing us any favours. It was cramped in the car and we still managed to fit in a random person. So there were ten of us in this car and it was probably the fastest on the road. We got through the border and arrived back at the ship at 9pm for a very late but tasty Mexican dinner. It was a mixed weekend but I am definitely glad to have been.

Otherwise, I am trying to save some money for my holiday with dad in the Canary Islands in July. I would like to visit Ghana but would need an expensive visa.

I received a package of vitals from home yesterday, which was wonderful! Thanks for the things, mum and Grandma. I also attended my first South African evening in the Marx’s family cabin where we watched Funny People. I had watched it with the Semples a few years ago but it remains a hilarious film. It was good to meet together. We have been asked to sing and pray at Easter, representing southern Africa. So we planned that as well.

Moukaela has now been here 3 weeks and is thoroughly enjoying playing Sorry!, a fun game. He now has a balaclava type thing on to aid in his healing- he hasn’t recovered as hoped but he remains a strong boy. I look forward to visiting him most evenings.

Will go swimming later and hopefully finish my book! There will also be a fire drill: (

 Stilt village restaurant

 Bab's Dock with Antoine

 Thomas' extended family

 Leaving the mangroves

 Leavings Thomas' cousin's home in the church van.

 Taken on the way to Cotonou, i was rather impressed to have got the sign in

 Genvie, stilt village

 Bab's Dock

 Dinner at Thomas'

preach it brother!

Love to you all

busy busy!

Blog 8 13/03

Last week I attended dental sterilisation for the first time. The dental team is based off ship in a 3-storey compound about 10km away. This makes it a hotter work environment than I am used to. Nevertheless, I was able to wear scrubs! I worked with a lady called Rosemary and Abdullah who taught me as we went. It gets confusing, some things are bleached and others go in the autoclave! I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it next week. When the last patient was on one of the six beds, the generators or the compressor ceased to work. This meant the saw could not be used in a molar extraction. The patient returned to the ship so that the extraction could be completed and save him the pain and trouble the following day. Mark, a retired London dentist, invited me to view the extraction in the crew dentist practice. He was so good at explaining as he injected local anaesthetic, took an X-ray, sawed the tooth in half and then extracted it and sutured the gum. I felt privileged to have been invited and educated somewhat by him.

I also got up early to do a 10km run one morning last week. I went under the pace of a marathon runner who ensured a steady run. We returned in 52minutes, which I was pretty happy with. My painful feet and ankles that remained that morning reminded me that my shoes are at their two-year lifespan! I will prefer not to exceed 5 km runs in future.

On Friday my roommates and I were surprised to learn of a new arrival the following day (normally a few days notice is given). Hospitality had made the only free bed and also the best on in the cabin (Darren had only just vacated it to his couples cabin).

This meant the bed, with all its creative and welcoming adornings, was moved twice. Thankfully I ended up on the top bunk of the end of the cabin. This has a lot of space, which I need. I will no longer be moving to a four berth! The communal space in those does not appeal to me and I would be on a top bunk there as well.

Due to there being minimal work to do in the galley on Friday, Matt and I were tasked to bake 600 muffins for the crew to take for their packed lunches the following day. We found a basic recipe and then made three different kinds; Choc Chip, cranberry (or craisons as I have heard them called) and then nuts. They went down very well and it was good fun making them.

On Saturday there was a late pool party to say goodbye to two crewmembers - Emma and Emily. There was an underwater camera so hopefully some pictures will materialise soon. I have also been visiting Moukaela most nights. His wounds have not healed well and I gather that the surgeons are waiting for healing before contemplating further surgery, perhaps to widen his small mouth. He has been aboard two weeks today and it is good to see how his keenness to run around and his confidence increase daily.

Yesterday three others and myself went to the Benin embassy to get visas for 8 others and us. This was a long and painful process, which didn’t surprise me. Thankfully we had a French speaker with us. We had to add in, change and even invent many details! Our passports will be ready for collection tomorrow and we will leave for Benin on Friday afternoon for the weekend.

So my workweek went by without any trouble and on Sunday afternoon I even felt fresh and energetic! My moustache is getting to the gross and unclassy point… luckily I saved some face by having my bushy and previously-unevenly-cut hair cut yesterday- for free! Still 17 days before the ‘tash gets a cut!

Tonight, Matt and I made butter chicken for 15 people and it went down very well! There are even leftovers J again, this would be near impossible without access to the galley spices and other ingredients. We also went up to the pool and played what began as water polo. Until my mini soccer ball went overboard L then it turned into ‘ultimate Frisbee’ with a stress ball that proved more successful.

Please pray Moukaela’s wounds to heal so that the doctors can make a decision and that his spirit does not grow weary. Amen

 Dental sterilisation packed lunch

 Making good of an almost empty Nutella jar

 An interesting coffin shop we passed on the way back from the Benin Embassy

 A chilli pepper coffin!

Matt stirring the butter chicken

Love ben!

Mustache March

 Mum always had a thing about her Villeroy & Boch crockery. This terrible toilet was apparently made by the same people as her highly valued plates. i found it hard to believe

 Sunsetting from deck 8

 The Freezer container with meat  for the next few weeks arrives.

 Friends and colleagues Tom and Ohini

 The braai with the dayworkers last week.  sadly we had to leave early for cleanup.

Togo's ANC gathering

Hello,

I feel I should let many of you know how my and your prayers regarding my life have been answered. 

I have prayed for a few things, none of them simple and none of them beyond the ability of out God. As a result of prayer, reading and conversation I believe that my somewhat harsh view of God is beginning to change. I believe that this is vital to progressing in relationship with God. I am by no means finished this reconstruction and continued prayer, emails of your experiences and wisdom are and will be very appreciated. I believe that my issue is almost like a bad habit that needs to be broken through repetition. For this reason I have stuck prayers and helpful verses above my bunk so that I read at them when I sleep and wake.

The words of encouragement that I received regarding my next year were most encouraging. I feel I need to constantly pray, committing these fears and anxieties to God in order to keep them from flooding my mind at certain undistracted times. I believe God has a great plan for my life and I need to constantly remind myself of his promises when feeling overwhelmed. Prayer support is always appreciated and felt!

Lastly, my eczema that I reported on last week seems much unchanged. I did resort to cortisone as it prevents the aggravation of my skin. I will continue moisturizing my hands and being grateful that I don’t work 5 days in a row. Since it only surfaced recently, it is conceivable that it may not be due to the soap so I will see the crew physician ASAP next week.  Please continue to pray that a solution is found!

Last Friday I was kindly invited to a friend Jenneke’s (the Dutch girl who couldn’t believe my eating with my hands) birthday dinner at a popular French restaurant. Having spent most of that afternoon in front of the deep fryers I felt like something fresh and simple and had vegetarian couscous that was pretty decent. The atmosphere outside was fairly casual but there was something unnerving about the place. It was the older men around the bar who were, in my opinion, sordid, that made me feel uneasy. Seeing one man with a local prostitute epitomized the exploitations of Africans by others.

This week I had my blood sampled so I hope to be called to donate sometime soon. Being O-Negative, I can donate to anyone but a perfect match is preferred so I may not be asked. Apparently after your blood is taken you can walk it to the operating room!

I also attended a bible study for the first time this week. It was very diverse which I enjoyed. It was the bible study leaders’ last one as they are leaving the ship next week. There were brownies, cake and snacks… I’m sure I will continue to go! ;)

‘My’ new patient arrived this week and I visited him before his operation. His name is Moukaela and he had Noma, which destroyed his lower lip. His operation went well and thankfully his mother is with him (a family member is able to sleep on a mattress below the hospital bed). I visited him on Friday again, the day after his OP and then last night.  He is not in pain but has a tube in his nose through which he is fed. We play Jenga, match cards and with his toy cars. He has just turned 8 years and will probably be discharged in about ten days. He is really such a sweet child, possessing patience and understanding. Prayers for his speedy healing and for his body to accept the food he needs are welcome!

For fun, some of the guys and I will be growing (or attempting to) moustaches this month (watch out Simon). I’m quite looking forward to it. The girls are generally against facial hair but this is one FTB. Let Moustache March begin!

 I will be working a 7-day week starting Monday, as a friend in the other team wants to go to Benin for the week. I will also work my first day as a dental sterilist on Wednesday, which I am exited for. I hear from Josh, whom I alternate weeks with, that it is a good experience and fun. The best part is that I get to don scrubs! I will hopefully get my chance to go to Benin in 2 weekends time but sadly neither passport will get me in without a visa.

Yesterday I spent much of the day at the beach with two day-worker colleagues. There was a political gathering on the beach for a fairly new party- the ANC! So I bought a very bright orange party shirt J

Some friends and I also made Chinese garlic turkey (we had no chicken breasts in the meat fridge). This was the first meal I have made since arriving and we hope to do it more often- it really helps having very many ingredients in the galley that I am welcome to J next is butter chicken!

Please pray for diligence and rest going into this long work week J

Love ben

Grumpy

Blog 6 (23/02)

This blog is a difficult one for me to write as I have had much enjoyment this past week but I also received the moving news of the passing of my grandfather.

Grumpy- as he had most of his grandchildren call him- was a Godly man of generosity, faithfulness, wisdom, humility and hard work. I have much admiration for such attributes and thus I respect Grumpy immensely. His stern but never unreasonable persona appeared to be overtaken by a more jovial and mischievous one, as he and I grew older but not before he had given me, without effort, reason to be reverential of him.

Synonymous with the sound of jingling coins or crunching Rice Crispies, Grumpy is a man who will surely be missed by more than just his family and friends. I will certainly miss being described as “civil” by him after just the smallest favour and having my at times bushy eyebrows compared to his!

He and my Grandma are sponsoring a considerable amount to my eight months away and I will not forget such generosity. Thank you Grandma and Grumpy for affording me the opportunity to serve the Lord in West Africa aboard Africa Mercy.

Thank you for your lessons that you taught me by your example, Grumpy. I will see you again.

Following my last bog, I delivered a French letter to Komla. He had left the hospital that day. I was able to leave the letter in his portfolio so that he would receive it when he comes for a scheduled appointment. I have since been told that a young patient, an 8 year old boy who is likely to be aboard for more than 10 days, is needing ‘befriending’. I will meet him on the 28 of Feb!

I was offered a cabin upgrade this week. From my six berth to a 4 berth. It’s the idea of portholes that grabbed me most. The room is essentially the same except the last cubicle contains a lounge instead of bunks. I will, unfortunately, almost certainly be on the top bunk. I am likely to move in next month sometime.

As I mentioned last week, I spent a night in Kpalime this weekend. I went with a colleague Emma, Julie (a nurse) and Josh (dining room service). It seems to be the most popular up-country tourist destination, which is great since it is only about a two-hour bus trip. The police pulled our taxi over about half way there and no one could speak English and explain why. About ten minutes later we were going again and I understood that the driver had paid a 2$ bribe, for what reason I couldn’t comprehend.

We walked around the town that afternoon, deciding to go hiking the next day. I found a pretty good man united away shirt and pants and ate some spicy street meat! We investigated a large, open church and I even found a “Bafana Bafana Hotel”. Unfortunately we didn’t have time for the waterfalls, which are a definite attraction (I’m sure I will return).

We then came south to an YWAM (Youth with a mission) base that hosted us for the night. We walked around that afternoon finding fruit on trees and a dilapidated outdoor Catholic church. It was sad how unused it looked but nevertheless beautiful. We ran back to the 120-year-old wooden house as it began to pour down- the first rains I have experience here. The storm resulted in the power going off. I was worried about being short of water so I left my bottle on the floor outside to catch the rain. We ate fish and sweet-potato chips with a spicy onion sauce for dinner. Very satisfying. We then played many card games before going to bed later than we would have liked!

The next day we had some fresh mango and pineapple (which we bought at the market the previous day) as well as Granola bars. I could not find my Mercy Ship water bottle. I was told that the dog had probably taken it, however, after looking around we could not find it. We set out for the hike along an initially rather indiscernible path, me praying for my bottle’s safe return. We passed through two villages on the way and in both since it as a Sunday morning we could hear beautiful worship! It was a privilege to experience.

Trying to navigate our way out of the second, we attracted the laughter of many young boys. Apparently we were heading to the bucket toilet dump.

When we arrived at the top of Mount Agou we could not see too much. On a clear day we would have been able to see neighbouring Ghana! We had a snack break at the top and about an hour later we were back at the house. My bottle, somewhat scratched but otherwise perfect, welcomed me!

We got a lift to a small town on the highway to Lome. We were so blessed to have a private taxi lift us back for the same price as our lift there (4$)! It even had electric windows! Our driver had probably taken someone there and we were a bonus. So he spoilt himself and his family with 16$ worth of rodent! I’m still not sure what it is but he was picky when choosing. We were so aware of the Lord’s blessing upon our time away, with things going very smoothly.

Yesterday I went into town on a ZimiJon motorbike. That was fun. I found more fabrics, sat a chatted to a friend I have made in the market and bought Phil Collins double disc album! I’m so chuffed! I also managed to play soccer last night. The one dayworker is really good; he was granted a trial at Sundowns but unfortunately never got to SA. I have encouraged him to apply at more clubs and welcomed him to stay should he come to CT.

I have been the minor job of a dental sterilist! I’m so excited to begin! I will only be able to work one day a fortnight, alternating weeks with Josh, but I think it will be an excellent experience.

I have decided not to give anything up for Lent this year since it would be, as I have normally done, a religious act for me. I haven’t felt the Lord ask me to sacrifice anything and feel content not to.

Working in the galley means washing hands regularly with soap that my skin does not much like. I have developed a few eczema type rashes on my hands and arms and they are not given the time to recover due to my schedule. The rashes itch and become further aggravated. I have asked that an alternative, more skin friendly soap be employed as another option and it looks possible. Could you please pray for my skins recovery and that I would not have to resort to cortisone. Thank you,

 The Ship Pool

 Church in Kpalime (Emma, Josh and Julie)

 Bafana Bafana Hotel (apparently not a very comfortable stay)

 Two children walking past the YWAM (Jeunesse en Mission) sign

 View from the base before the storm

 The 'inside' the outdoor church

 Along the mountain path, Julie and Josh

 Taken from the taxi on the highway on our return

 Our driver and his dinner

 The Africa Mercy yesterday afternoon

 My Toms!

My very fake but good value album

Love ben

A rushed blog by BG Goble

Blog 5 (15/02)

Hello Hello!

What another fun week it has been :)

Despite working this weekend it was rather fun. On Saturday evening the ship paid for the Screening Advance team to go out for dinner! We went out to a wonderful pizza place called Greenfields. The tables are all outside in a courtyard with large trees overhanging. I had a calzone, it must be 6 years or so since I had my first and it was satisfactory but I did regret not having a pizza rather. Again it was great to get off the ship and socialise informally with fellow crewmates.

I received my tailored shirt (see photo) and pants back! I love them  :) il be sure to get more shirts made!

On Sunday I worked the morning shift and then had the afternoon off. Obviously I much preferred getting work over with and reading in the sun even if I had to rise at 5 30. I researched the topic of ‘corruption’ from the books I brought with me, as that was the Sunday evening meeting topic. This was helpful to get my head around the topic within the context of Africa. The talk confirmed my conviction of not wanting to pay a single bribe/coffee/gift while in West Africa.

After the service many gathered around a TV in mid ships to watch the final of the African Cup of Nations. This was between Zambia and Ivory Coast. There was one poor Ivorian and the rest were rooting for Zambia, even though not one crew member was from there! After 2 hours of no goals the resulting penalties were super tight. In the sudden death Ivory Coast missed and Zambia converted, winning their first AFCON and making many semi-supporters happy.

On Monday I jumped at half a chance and joined some nurses in going to town. It turned out to be very successful as I did a few things I had been wanting to. We went through the market (see Photo), to the Supermarche (which has an excellent selection of imported things, some of which are not even available in CT) and to the Artisan market. I found ‘Toms’, which I had been looking out for, while in the market. Toms are very well made and comfortable shoes that are sold in Europe and America for around 50$. When a pair is purchased, one complimentary pair is sent to Africa of South America for a poor child. I turned out to be that child, for 15$ :) they now appear slightly too big so I will take them whenever I am going past and hopefully change them. The Artisan Market was good because it is away from the madness and hassling of the streets! I would like to return there for gifts.

That evening I waited on the dock to play soccer but again it was not happening. So me and 3 other guys went up to deck 7 on the starboard (right) side, aft(back) to where there is a netted outdoor area. Fortunately I brought my mini ball so we could play 2 on 2. It was such a crazy workout even though it was only about a 12 by 4m pitch.

Yesterday I relaxed at the pool (which has been filled!). Its so nice and quiet up there. Because of the ships sway, the water moves to and fro, more than one might think.

Last night I joined a team that were heading out to a local church to show the Jesus Film. Its incredible how the team just sets up a generator, speaker, screen, mics and projector from the Land Rover. The air is such a good temperature at that time of the day where one is quite comfortable in a shirt and pants. The audience sat on the opposite side of a fairly used dirt road while neighbours walked and bikers scootered back and forth between the screen and us. About ten or more people gave their lives to Jesus! It is so great how we would applaud every one of Jesus’ miracles or wise words against the Jewish priests. Something I couldn’t see happening in our traditional churches at home. The film had the local language of Ewe as a voice over but it was obviously still clear what was going on.

Tonight I have returned from my first ward visit! The ‘Befriend A Patient’ program paired me with Komla. Komla is a Togolese man who had a tumour in the back of his throat removed last week. He doesn’t speak English so there is a translator present to help the conversation along. He really wanted to stretch his legs so we ended up walking up and down the corridor for about an hour! He did have a breathing pipe coming out of his neck, which has since been removed but he would hold the bandage as though it were sore when he spoke. Even though he said it wasn’t. The tumour had been blocking his windpipe at times so it is a great thing that it was removed when it was. I’m not sure when he will be discharged but he does say that he needs to get back to work (as a taxi driver) so that his family receives money. None of them have been able to visit these past ten days since his house is about 60km away. I will try and see him as often as possible and promised that I would write him a letter tomorrow night which would be translated, either by PC or I’ll ask someone to :)

This weekend I hope to go NorthWest for a night, to Kpalime (pronounced Palimay). There is a YWAM (youth with a mission) base there and good hiking! I’m looking forward to my weekend off!

This is rather rushed as it is late and it has been a long day (I ran after work as well!)

Love ben

Blog 4 (09/02)

So much seems to happen in just a week that I have taken to making notes on my ipod as I go. Luckily and surprisingly much rest and peace making has been achieved!

The weekend-off allowed me to finally choose a fabric for my tailored suit as well as play some sport. I was quite particular in my fabric taste; I was looking for a mixture of African design and colours with Western symbols. Even the girls I went with were tiring by the end of my second visit to the market! As for the exercise, on Friday night about three Land rovers full will go to a near field for Ultimate Frisbee. It was seriously fun… I enjoyed it more than I did when I’d play on camps and such years ago. I did end up on the losing side but it was close!

On Saturday morning I was lucky enough to join in a group going to an orphanage. The 40 children there just want to be held or to sit on your lap. They were so entertained by the disk that turns around my watch as well as the backlight. I enjoyed spending time with them and will definitely try and go again!

I went out for a local meal on Saturday night with two friends and a West African crewmember. Fufu is a starchy white and sticky lump that you dip into your selected curry-like stew. I had fish but there was also beef, goat and what looked like spinach with a snotty texture.  I enjoyed the sauce and the Fufu to begin with but I ended up just eating the sauce alone as the texture and taste of the Fufu became to much. We ate with out hands so we were given soap and a bucket to wash our hands! I enjoyed this part. It was also only about R20 a head.

On Monday night some of us walked to the popular Seaman’s Club- my first time. It’s a chilled-out bar area and hotel just outside the port. We were celebrating a friend Bronte’s 19^th birthday. A Georgian (the Eastern European country) sailor asked me if he could join our group and I asked the birthday girl who said it was fine. This guy was a real sea dog. He barely spoke English but insisted on buying wine for the table and toasting every few minutes. First to God, then to female health and lastly to Bronte, whom he called beautiful because he simply kept forgetting her name. I felt bad for being the one who said he seemed like an alright guy and that he would keep good company. Thankfully after my insistence that he quietens down and doesn’t smoke he left for the bar where he sat alone. He did return, however, with a bunch of flowers about 60cm tall for Bronte so I didn’t feel too bad anymore!

This week the first patients arrived for surgery so the galley began preparing African meals. The day staff make these and the galley becomes a bit more hectic! The food is really good. Most of the galley team opted for this lunch over ours.

I had two of my best meals aboard this week. The first was Mexican night which meant tortillas- with all the toppings! And the other was a Thai green curry. There is a fair amount of spicy food, which I really enjoy.

Last night, yet again, soccer practise did not happen. All the players were seated around the Ghana v Zambia match (Ghana’s loss hopefully means soccer will now happen again). I did manage to go on an unofficial engine room tour last night which was quite amazing. It is really hot and loud down there, I prefer the galley!

Today, after being sick of remaining on the ship due to the lack of people to go out with (the downside of weekdays off), I managed to eek out three people to join me on a cycle along the coast. The ship has a couple of really bad bikes but we managed to find four that could hold air. Breaks were a luxury. I thought I had fixed the front ones on Elise’s bikes but apparently not. While being aware of this she unfortunately could not avoid riding into a young girl carrying sugar and doughnuts for sale. Both Elise and the girl fell to the ground and all the goods scattered the sandy pavement. This and our slow pace somewhat ended the hope of trekking 10km to the Ghana border. We found a cool place, with colourful birds in cages, for cool drinks and then headed back. There was a nice breeze so it wasn’t too hot. I’ll include a picture I took along the way so you can get an idea of the landscape.

Otherwise I am reading in the lounge or on deck in my ample time off. I am determined, however, not to waste any and will jump at any opportunity to explore the city.

I also talked to my family for the first time since arriving this past week. I really enjoyed that; my two hours talk time just flew!

Tonight in our community meeting we watched a film about corruption. I found it quite emotional seeing how bad it is but also the potential for deterioration at home. I am looking forward to hopefully contributing to the discussion during part two of the talk on Sunday evening.

Thank you to those who contributed wisdom, advice and prayers to me over this past week. I have recently started reading a book by Joseph Prince that is most timely and so far very helpful. Thank you aunty Les and uncle Trevor for this last minute gift!

I do have a new request! I have been feeling pressure, uncertainty and fear regarding my studying next year and beyond. Before leaving, medicine, God-willing, was my first option. Now I feel as though anything else would be a disappointment but also that I might not meet the requirements. The long wait of uncertainty (until January 2013) also causes me anxiety. Please pray peace over this matter.

Thank you again for your prayers and support. And for reading this as well!

(this hasn't been proof read)cLove ben

Togo 3 (02/02)

Hello friends!

Just finished my two-day week, Thank Goodness. I need some rest

On Monday I had the day off and me, two girls and Tom, a day worker from the galley, went to the market in search of fabric. Unfortunately I couldn’t find what I was looking for- I don’t know exactly what that is but il know it when I see it. After that we took another taxi, to the tailor who lives near Tom. The girls were measure for dresses and skirts and since we were there I had myself measured as well. Tomorrow, which begins my weekend, we will return to the market for fabric finding! I also hope to play ultimate Frisbee in the evening.

On Tuesday I slept in and missed breakfast… trying to get max sleep before the Screening Advance leaving that afternoon. The Advance is a cautious security strategy which resulted after someone was trampled during Sierra Leone’s screening. Screenings being the process whereby thousands of people are seen by doctors or nurses to determine whether or not the Mercy Ship can help them. We left the ship at 14h0, travelling in convoy along with some nurse and technicians setting up for the following morning. We constructed our Control at the top of some stairs overlooking the outside area of Lome Stadium. After helping construct queues using plastic “caution” tape, we split into pairs. I was with a very nice Lithuanian an, Dennis. Dennis reminds me of Allan Garbaccio. He too is an engineer, is loud, funny and has a refreshing outlook on life. We two were posted at the main gate for the first two hours. This basically and unfortunately meant that all we had to do was make sure that the Gendarme, the local trained riot police, did their job of ensuring no one entered during the night. A bit demeaning, I thought. I slept fro about half an hour on a step at Control and a very short while in a hammock that some genius decided to bring. Dennis and I also manned the ‘Patient Gate’ where potential patients waited since that night to be seen in the morning. At 22h00 two nurses arrive to ‘preprescreen’ the waiters so that they could spare some the night out by sending them home if they could not be helped. We ‘escorted’ the nurses as they did, more to keep us from being bored than for security- the Gendarme were outside as well. By the end of the night there were about 120 people waiting. Conversations, my book (despite poor lighting), takeaways from KFG (not KFC and it took about 90mins to prepare!), chocolate chip biscuits and water (we were sponsored 4000 bottles- a treat to have such good water!) sustained us until the first convoy arrived at about 06h00.

I didn’t even feel tired when I arrived back at 07h30 to be at work at 8! I had a very good ‘2minute’ shower. During my lunch break I went up to the 8^th deck to read and devotion in the sun… I fell asleep with my bible open and woke up half an hour later sweating, a lot. Just as well… on Sunday the stand in chef woke me at 6 15 when I overslept. Once was enough. I finished work, ran 18 times of the pier, showered and went to bed at 20h30. Slept brilliantly.

I really enjoyed The Advance. Despite thinking it was perhaps over cautious, the screening did run smoothly with about 4000 people arriving. We each had a radio and code names. Mine was Legolas, the elf from the Lord of the Rings. It was heaps better than some of the other guys’. The radios provided much laughter and were no doubt useful. It was a real night for the boys. It was sad that I couldn’t be there for the day itself. We were told NO CAMERAS so I didn’t get any pictures. I regret not taking mine because that order seems to have been aimed at people attending the actual screenings. I will try to get some pictures from those who did take and put them up.

For prayer, I am struggling with feeling distanced or far from God. I really wish to end any such feelings as soon as possible so that I might get the most, spiritually, out of this year. I have been chatting with the chaplain, whom I met at the Plumstead MS office before leaving, and he is a wonderful man. It is good to have someone such as him to open up to. So please pray that God may reveal Himself to me powerfully so that this stress may be removed and so that I may grow!

I was asked this week to be a cabin checker during the fire drills. The cabin I must check are three floors up and toward the back of the ship! We had a drill on Tuesday, while I was trying to catch a good mornings sleep. I jumped out of bed super quick and ended up waiting on the dock for about 40 minutes. I was starving!

Tomorrow night I plan to make Panzerottis, the crest shaped dough with tomato and cheese, since there is a good tomato paste in the fridge, which is deep fried (thanks Rocco!).

I am looking forward to my visiting an orphanage on Saturday morning, my first outreach. Hopefully I will be able to attend a local church on Sunday. Also, Man united versus Chelsea on sunday. I am told it is also the Superbowl...

 As for the Pictures, I took them shortly before my impromptu nap… I am continually surprised by the amount of ships at the sea here, all waiting to come into port. I took this at port side (left) aft (back).

The beautiful ones of the screening were all taken by my roommate, JJ. He is clearly a very good photographer :)

Also there is a picture of a friend having a 'surgery' at the Hospital open house. It was really fun and involved games of emptying drips and throwing items into bed pans!

Thank you for reading this, I enjoy relaying my experiences.

ben x