Hello!
I am sure that this blog will, on the one hand, take much time since there is much to write about. On the other hand it is largely factual which I find much easier to communicate. I think I will handle my busy past few days chronologically.
LAST Sunday, as I mentioned in my last blog, myself and three friends rose early to take to the deep seas for a fishing trip. We hired a boat for the day at a reasonable price and were confident of catching fish. We went out 20 nautical miles, amongst some rather large and ugly container ships that reminded you that you were a fair distance from shore. As we went further out myself and Matt, a former colleague in the galley, became progressively sea sick. We had prepared for this with tablets which proved ineffectual in this regard. None the less, in between moments of sickness we had many laughs. I was so knocked out by the tablet that I was dosing at times! We caught dolphin fish (Dorado), kingfish and mackerel. Nine fish in total. All were large enough for 4 or more people to eat. Pierce, a galley worker on the other team, caught two very large fish. It looks as though he showed us up but in reality it was a matter of luck as to who was next in the queue when there was a bite in the line. We were disappointed to turn back around 12 30 but also somewhat relieved, having already caught some fish and all of us still feeling nauseous.
Arriving back at the ship we set to preparing our fish for the braai that we had invited friends to that evening. I decided to do the fish in 3 ways: garlic butter, dill and lemon and lastly, my favourite, bacon, red onion and soy sauce on either side of the fillets. We set up drinks and disposable cutlery on the dock and, after much effort without petrol, lit a fire. Michelle, a fellow South African, had the idea of making braai-broedjies (forgive the spelling). These are like toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches with onion that are put into the sandwich braai cage and toasted on the flames on either side. I also had a pot of tomato salsa (Betty’s recipe) on the grid which added some variety. It was like feeding the five thousand and as people came and went we still had fish remaining. We invited the people waiting to visit patients, who wait under a gazebo on the port, to partake. It was special to see that everyone was well fed. I even managed to save and eat a fish head! Not too bad. Afterward Josh and I, whose birthdays we were celebrating, were blessed with many hands willing to help to undo all that we had created out on the dock.
Last week I decided to go the week without eating any sugar or deep fried food. Just to reassure myself that I could do it following a somewhat less than healthy diet aboard. I am so glad I did this! I proved that it wasn’t too difficult, that there are some things (deep fried foods) that I really don’t want and can certainly do without and how to make things such as granola (and many varieties thereof) that I love! Now for breakfast I have granola with honey and cereal or oats. Absolutely delicious!
Last week I finished another book, No Future Without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the TRC and in turn talking to people who were interested (and even apposed) to the book and that period of SA’s history. I am glad to have read that book fairly quickly since I am a slow reader. Following this I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I had this book recommended to me before I left and I can say that it did not align to my spiritual beliefs. I found it described a romanticized, unbiblical and non existent spiritual world. I did, however, enjoy reading it, perhaps in the same way one enjoys a fantasy novel.
On Wednesday there was an introduction lesson to a French course that will be had weekly for the next 7 weeks. Only 20 people will be able to attend the course and preference goes to those who are long term or staying through the Guinea field service, which I am not. I am praying that I will be allowed to attend and improve my small French that I have lost over the last 3 years, encouraging me to speak and practice with French speakers.
On Friday night the Not so newly Weds competition was hosted in the international lounge. Basically it tested how well the married couples aboard knew each other. This meant for many comical and often awkward moments. Dr Gary and Susan Parker, a wonderful couple and long term servants with Mercy Ships, won the competition.
After coughing for two days last week I went down to the crew doctor. He diagnosed me with mild bronchitis and I swiftly received my medication. Thankfully I never needed to take off work; but unfortunately I still have a slight cough. I think I will go and see him again tomorrow if I do not improve.
Tomorrow morning I will be observing surgery for this field service. I am excited but also know that it may be difficult to observe. I hope I will be medically inspired seeing something like that. After lunch I will return to the Ghanaian embassy to collect passports and visa’s for this weekend's journey west. I am looking forward to visiting Accra, the hub of Pan Africanism. We will leave on Friday morning and don’t have too much of an agenda other than to watch The Hunger Games which will be in cinema’s from Friday! We have a group of 5 going and we are are excited to go, hopefully I’ll be able to put my hammock up somewhere.
Last blog I asked if people had questions whose answers might help them understand better how life aboard Africa Mercy works or anything else about Mercy Ships that I might know.
I had a question regarding my expectations of the ship and how it is different to those. Firstly, I was surprised at the comfort of the cabins. I expected less privacy and space. Thankfully I was wrong and the cabins are certainly not ones to complain about, even though the 6-berths’ (which I am in) have the least space of the cabins.
Secondly, there is not as much compulsory spiritual input as I had imagined. There is certainly no lack of spirituality but it is largely, except for one meeting a week, optional. This works well considering the different denominations and even absence of faith aboard.
Another thing which surprised me is the variety of ages and countries which are represented. There are always at least 30 nationalities and people of all ages. Thankfully there is a large group of people my age!
Before leaving, I was warned about the food not being great. I was pleasantly surprised that, once I had my appetite back following being sick on arrival, there was very little I would not eat. We have fresh fruit and vegetables everyday. Delicious mangos and pineapple included. Also the new apples (imported from SA) are a big hit. One girl has been challenged to eat 24 in as many hours. Ought to be easy ;) I have started taking tomatoes (one of my few eating dislikes) from the salad line. Already they do not taste as bad as before and I’m sure I might even enjoy them soon.
Last night my Laptop died after playing up the last few weeks. Please pray that it fixes itself, as it has done, or that I can make another plan! Sorry, no photos this week :( (unless my laptop is resurrected)
Please also pray for my younger sister, Anna, as she leaves to attend school in Wales for the next three months. Please pray that the Lord would help her settle in and grant her good riends, protection and life changing blessings. She will be staying with my mom's sister and her family.
Thank you for reading,
Love to you all
Benjamin
I am sure that this blog will, on the one hand, take much time since there is much to write about. On the other hand it is largely factual which I find much easier to communicate. I think I will handle my busy past few days chronologically.
LAST Sunday, as I mentioned in my last blog, myself and three friends rose early to take to the deep seas for a fishing trip. We hired a boat for the day at a reasonable price and were confident of catching fish. We went out 20 nautical miles, amongst some rather large and ugly container ships that reminded you that you were a fair distance from shore. As we went further out myself and Matt, a former colleague in the galley, became progressively sea sick. We had prepared for this with tablets which proved ineffectual in this regard. None the less, in between moments of sickness we had many laughs. I was so knocked out by the tablet that I was dosing at times! We caught dolphin fish (Dorado), kingfish and mackerel. Nine fish in total. All were large enough for 4 or more people to eat. Pierce, a galley worker on the other team, caught two very large fish. It looks as though he showed us up but in reality it was a matter of luck as to who was next in the queue when there was a bite in the line. We were disappointed to turn back around 12 30 but also somewhat relieved, having already caught some fish and all of us still feeling nauseous.
Arriving back at the ship we set to preparing our fish for the braai that we had invited friends to that evening. I decided to do the fish in 3 ways: garlic butter, dill and lemon and lastly, my favourite, bacon, red onion and soy sauce on either side of the fillets. We set up drinks and disposable cutlery on the dock and, after much effort without petrol, lit a fire. Michelle, a fellow South African, had the idea of making braai-broedjies (forgive the spelling). These are like toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches with onion that are put into the sandwich braai cage and toasted on the flames on either side. I also had a pot of tomato salsa (Betty’s recipe) on the grid which added some variety. It was like feeding the five thousand and as people came and went we still had fish remaining. We invited the people waiting to visit patients, who wait under a gazebo on the port, to partake. It was special to see that everyone was well fed. I even managed to save and eat a fish head! Not too bad. Afterward Josh and I, whose birthdays we were celebrating, were blessed with many hands willing to help to undo all that we had created out on the dock.
Last week I decided to go the week without eating any sugar or deep fried food. Just to reassure myself that I could do it following a somewhat less than healthy diet aboard. I am so glad I did this! I proved that it wasn’t too difficult, that there are some things (deep fried foods) that I really don’t want and can certainly do without and how to make things such as granola (and many varieties thereof) that I love! Now for breakfast I have granola with honey and cereal or oats. Absolutely delicious!
Last week I finished another book, No Future Without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the TRC and in turn talking to people who were interested (and even apposed) to the book and that period of SA’s history. I am glad to have read that book fairly quickly since I am a slow reader. Following this I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I had this book recommended to me before I left and I can say that it did not align to my spiritual beliefs. I found it described a romanticized, unbiblical and non existent spiritual world. I did, however, enjoy reading it, perhaps in the same way one enjoys a fantasy novel.
On Wednesday there was an introduction lesson to a French course that will be had weekly for the next 7 weeks. Only 20 people will be able to attend the course and preference goes to those who are long term or staying through the Guinea field service, which I am not. I am praying that I will be allowed to attend and improve my small French that I have lost over the last 3 years, encouraging me to speak and practice with French speakers.
On Friday night the Not so newly Weds competition was hosted in the international lounge. Basically it tested how well the married couples aboard knew each other. This meant for many comical and often awkward moments. Dr Gary and Susan Parker, a wonderful couple and long term servants with Mercy Ships, won the competition.
After coughing for two days last week I went down to the crew doctor. He diagnosed me with mild bronchitis and I swiftly received my medication. Thankfully I never needed to take off work; but unfortunately I still have a slight cough. I think I will go and see him again tomorrow if I do not improve.
Tomorrow morning I will be observing surgery for this field service. I am excited but also know that it may be difficult to observe. I hope I will be medically inspired seeing something like that. After lunch I will return to the Ghanaian embassy to collect passports and visa’s for this weekend's journey west. I am looking forward to visiting Accra, the hub of Pan Africanism. We will leave on Friday morning and don’t have too much of an agenda other than to watch The Hunger Games which will be in cinema’s from Friday! We have a group of 5 going and we are are excited to go, hopefully I’ll be able to put my hammock up somewhere.
Last blog I asked if people had questions whose answers might help them understand better how life aboard Africa Mercy works or anything else about Mercy Ships that I might know.
I had a question regarding my expectations of the ship and how it is different to those. Firstly, I was surprised at the comfort of the cabins. I expected less privacy and space. Thankfully I was wrong and the cabins are certainly not ones to complain about, even though the 6-berths’ (which I am in) have the least space of the cabins.
Secondly, there is not as much compulsory spiritual input as I had imagined. There is certainly no lack of spirituality but it is largely, except for one meeting a week, optional. This works well considering the different denominations and even absence of faith aboard.
Another thing which surprised me is the variety of ages and countries which are represented. There are always at least 30 nationalities and people of all ages. Thankfully there is a large group of people my age!
Before leaving, I was warned about the food not being great. I was pleasantly surprised that, once I had my appetite back following being sick on arrival, there was very little I would not eat. We have fresh fruit and vegetables everyday. Delicious mangos and pineapple included. Also the new apples (imported from SA) are a big hit. One girl has been challenged to eat 24 in as many hours. Ought to be easy ;) I have started taking tomatoes (one of my few eating dislikes) from the salad line. Already they do not taste as bad as before and I’m sure I might even enjoy them soon.
Last night my Laptop died after playing up the last few weeks. Please pray that it fixes itself, as it has done, or that I can make another plan! Sorry, no photos this week :( (unless my laptop is resurrected)
Please also pray for my younger sister, Anna, as she leaves to attend school in Wales for the next three months. Please pray that the Lord would help her settle in and grant her good riends, protection and life changing blessings. She will be staying with my mom's sister and her family.
Thank you for reading,
Love to you all
Benjamin
