Blog 12 (13/04)
Blessed Birthday!
Last Tuesday night I went down to visit Moukaela. Sadly, I
discovered that he had left. I was made aware that he had gone home that
morning. I am disappointed that we did not get a chance to say goodbye. I was
saddened thinking that he had not sufficiently healed to return to school.
This morning I attended a weekly meeting that I rarely
attend due to work or sleep. The theme of the talk was maxillofacial surgery
and a ward co-ordinator was speaking. She highlighted 3 cases of this field
service thus far. One of which was Moukaela. For one, I learnt much about his
situation that I had not previously been told. Secondly I learnt the nature of
his second operation. Dr Gary Parker, his surgeon and maxfax surgeon for more
than 20 years with Mercy Ships, operated a second time with the aim of cleaning
Moukaela’s recovering mouth. While doing so he prayed constantly for Moukaela’s
healing. A few days later when Dr Gary Parker and the nurse were evaluating
Moukaela, they noticed a small lower lip that had grown very recently. Dr Gary
Parker could not explain this other than an answer to prayer Moukaela was able
to return home with this small lip that prevented him from drooling. Amen!
Thank you for your prayers, they have been heard and answered!
Last weekend I was blessed to work, cooking for the big
Easter brunch. The whole week was centred on Easter with different things to
take part in which commemorate Jesus’ last days. There was an Upper Room with
communion, the Garden of Gethsemane and feet washing. These certainly helped to
not allow the special weekend to pass without consideration. On Easter Sunday
there was 5:30 sunrise worship on the top deck of the ship and following that
we had coffee and pastries, an excellent start to the day.
We then worked from 7 until brunch at 10 30. Thankfully we
had volunteers and help from the other team. We put out so much food and had
such variety. We had a long lunch break in which to eat and relax, allowing
myself to get over my lethargy. In true religious feast fashion, dinner was
leftovers.
On Monday I went to the beach and Tuesday I spent at
Sarakawa Hotel, a top quality hotel about 1.5km from the ship. There is an
Olympic size swimming pool there! I managed to attain my goal of doing one
underwater. Thanks for the goggles mum! It was so relaxing. Unfortunately I
forgot to take pictures but I will return!
I have also managed to almost complete my Stellenbosch
University application. Thank you to my
parents who have helped with paperwork on that side.
Yesterday was my 19th birthday. My prayer was
that I would feel God’s love through the people I was blessed to spend it with.
I was working which meant my boss, Rachel, could spoil our team by making us
Chicken Roulade for lunch and Apple Pie for dessert. I am so grateful for that.
Also, three of my friends put a card on my door, obviously including those
prime pictures from when I was 13 and my roommate, who is convinced I am not
yet 19, placed a rather comical picture which I have included in images.
To celebrate my birthday, myself and a friend Josh, who
turns 24 next week, we will have a fish braai on the dock on Sunday. This
follows our deep sea fishing trip that morning. The nice thing about this is
that day workers will be able to come and also, that it is not expensive for
those attending. Please pray for good conditions, good health and fish on
Sunday! If all goes well I promise to take many photos.
Other than that, I will begin my UCT application tomorrow.
Prayer over my application is more than welcome.
I realise that if one has not visited the ship, it would be
very difficult to comprehend how it all works aboard Africa Mercy. I would like
to invite you to email (Benjamin.goble@gmail.com)
or facebook questions regarding
the work we are doing here, the ship itself or anything else you might want to
know. I will record them all and do a Q&A in my next blog.
Thank you for your prayers and reading
Love benjamin
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