The Gold Coast

Blog 14 (01/05)

Greetings all!

I was blessed to be able to spend this past weekend in Ghana, Togo’s western neighbor.

After filling in all the paperwork and officially disembarking Africa Mercy, myself, Josh, Elise, Juan and Bronte made for the border. We got through, changed our CFA and dollars for Cedis and then deliberated between taking an air-conditioned bus or not- the prices being 8 and 9 Cedis. After jumping in and out of Tro Tros as they are called, we settled for the cheaper and hotter bus. 3 Hours later we arrived in Accra, the jewel of West Africa.

We had planned to watch The Hunger Games- a new film based on a novel that is taking the US by storm. The cinema’s website declared it would be showing from the Friday we arrived. We were VERY disappointed to arrive and find out that it would only screen 2 weeks from then.  Juan had in fact only come for the weekend in order to watch it!

We skimmed the other films and headed for the food court. I had fried chicken. From Accra Mall we walked across a few highways- crossing one, all four lanes came to a complete halt to let us j-walk. I was embarrassed. We got to a market but had no energy to convince the sellers that we were just looking. We took a rest and I bought some water. The cheapest way is in 500ml plastic bags which cost about R0.30. I bit a whole in one corner and began squeezing it into my water bottle. Apparently I squeezed to hard as it exploded from one sealed end, all over my shirt and pants. Despite cooling me down, it was rather embarrassing.

Determined to find the KFC in Accra we caught a taxi (with a driver who actually had no idea of where the place was). He dropped us off and we sauntered through a market and decided to give up the search. We were now headed for Ryan’s Irish Pub. Juan has been to Ghana a few times so he knows the good spots. This was one of them. I was most pleased to find a genuine pub! A Stormers hat even hung on the wall and Super15 rugby was playing on the TV. I had a Savannah Dry and a disappointing chicken and mushroom pie. It was a good evening.

We then got to a bus station around 8 30pm. God graciously provided us with a Tro Tro bus at a tenth of the price as were going to pay for a private taxi due to it being fairly late. We were heading for Elise’ friend’s house in northern Accra. At 10pm we were welcomed into this large, three storey house which is used as a leadership training venue.

A good thing about the humidity in West Africa is that one can travel very light. I think half of the weight in my bag was food! Also one only needs a pillow and a mattress to fall asleep- so no hassle of sheets.

Awaking on Saturday, we drove to a stall and bought pawpaw, coconut, mango, avocados and bread. We sat on the roof of our accommodation from which we had a good view of the neighbourhood and ate our breakfast with tea. Those were the most delicious pawpaws I have ever eaten. After our late breakfast, the lady with whom Elise had organized the house came around to meet us. After chatting with her about the work they do and our travel plans, we caught a tro tro to a bus station. We then split up with Juan who had already been to the slave castle we planned to visit. He was heading straight for the beach. We then travelled to Elmina Castle, 3 hours away. We went in with one of the last tour groups at about 4pm. It was a pleasant time of day in that it was not too hot and the sun was good for photos. The castle is really spectacular. It is the largest European building in Africa and the oldest south of the Sahara. It was where slaves were kept by the Dutch and British before they crossed the Atlantic. We were really glad to have gone.

As dusk dawned, we found a taxi willing to take us the 3 hour trip to Tema, from where we could go to Ada Foah, the beach camp. As it was late and there was no rank, the tro tros were not a viable option. Due to traffic, we only arrived in Tema around 10pm. Our driver did not know our final destination so he left us on the side of the road. We asked another two taxis but they too did not know the place we sought. We walked to a petrol station which was closing but there was a man leaving who offered us a lift to the taxi rank. He told us that he was a king in his tribe. He was heaven sent.

As we walked into the rank the first man to approach us knew where we were going and offered us a good rate. He also offered us his phone to call Juan since Bronte’s wasn’t working. He was also heaven sent. Sadly we still couldn’t get hold of Juan. Some spent the hour assuming that Juan had given up waiting, turned off his phone and gone to sleep. Some even saying what we were going to do to him when we found him. Having faith in the man who claims to be my father, I bet Elise that he would in fact, be rather waiting anxiously for his friends. Usually the camp is located by boat but due to the hour, no boats were traveling the last stretch. We woke a sleeping man and he walked us through a sleepy village and some sheep on the way to the camp. After passing one of the villages he told us that he would need to be escorted some of the way back since the community we had walked through offered sacrifices of human blood!

Around 12 am we arrived at the camp and heard these beautiful words “You friends with the afro guy (Juan)?” We found Juan sitting at the fire with some new acquaintances. And I made a dollar. After refreshments and recounting our day, we went crab hunting on the beach. The camp manager, however, insisted that we go back to the camp and leave the sea since people had made sacrifices to the water god that day and she might take one us. Some of the beliefs we encounter here are truly surprising. The boys set up our hammock and the girls investigated the palm branch hut with sand floor. I had an excellent sleep in my new hammock.  

We woke up to an invasive rooster crowing below us. After dozing indefinitely we climbed out of the hammocks which had not dropped at all and then went for a swim in the river. The water was clean and refreshing. We ordered breakfast which took a rather long time to arrive. I had a banana pancake which really made me feel as though I were on a relaxing holiday- which I was. We played Frisbee in the river which was good fun and then I had a midday nap. We had a delicious late lunch- mine was chicken, spaghetti and African tomato sauce and then we hurried onto a boat up the river. We had left later than hoped so we could not find a tro tro. Much to the surprise of Ghanaians, we got a lift on the back of a flatbed bakkie. About two hours and a tro tro later we arrived at the border and passed through without any issue! The Lord is so good at looking after us when we travel, sending us cheaper or free lifts when we could not find public transport. I really see the love, care and provision of God this weekend.

This is a picture i took from the internet. At this week's dental sterilisation, the team saw the 3000th patient this field service. I am priveledged to have been there on such a day. I am half in the back, middle.

Last week Anna arrived safely in Wales where she will spend 3 months with my aunt Mandy and my uncle Stuart. Could you please pray for her time of growth and learning there.

View from Elmina Castle

The Castle courtyard

Me, Josh and Bronte outside the tourist centre

Elmina town, a quaint and beautiful place

Josh and me in our impressive hammocks. Juan's was below mine!

The huts at Maranatha  beach camp, each with a different flag on the door

The camp itself from the river side. Absolutely beautiful!

Love Benjamin

Fish Braai!

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

Blessed Birthday

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 19^th 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

 Sorry TopGear, you clearly never tested the 'Indestructible Toyota Hilux" in Africa

 A dayworker, Tom, and myself when i went to collect my latest tailored clothes.

 My big crunchy (can you see the image on it?)

 My roommate's humorous poster outside my room (Guess who turns 14[crossed out] 19 on Thursday?)

 Biscuits and cupcakes!

 Easter cheese and fruit display (grapes and apples from South Africa!)

 The card from my friends

 Chicken Roulade

Half an Apple Pie :) 

Run across Togo!

Yesterday morning a few teams attempted to run across Togo. The width of the country is only 53km wide so in a relay is was definitely do-able. We left in a convoy at 5 am and arrived at the Benin border at 6. After a few photos and many stares from locals, the first stint runners were away. I ran the second 5km in a sub 25minutes- my target. It was nice to get it over with and then relax in the back of the Landrover. We played music into a portable speaker and then put that to a megaphone, allowing the team member running to hear songs pumping out of the open back door of the car! It was such good fun, moving at about 12km/h. To make up a few extra kilometres and to encourage Justin who was running 15km in mid morning heat, I got back on the road for another 6km and felt privileged to be the one to arrive at the Seamen’s centre where some ship supporters were. From there, two other team mates shared the last 8km to Ghana. The remainder of us then got a lift to the border and waited for other runners and cyclists to come in.

One marathon-running crew member, Jeroen, ran the entire distance. The national guard- Gendarmerie- was at the border when we began ended up stopping traffic for Jeroen and preceding him on big BMW motorbikes so that he had a fluid run. I spoke to him this morning and he did not support this as the locals were inconvenienced. A humble man.

We also invited the navy to have a team run it. They ran 5km each at a speed of 18km/h. Very impressive. They finished before us by an hour or so.

After that I went to Coco beach with the South African family. The current in West African beaches is very strong with rip tides so most are not safe to swim in. This beach has a road turned breaker due to the building of a harbour that lead currents to push the sea beyond the existing road. So here I could swim J it was very salty and I was rather hungry so I didn’t stay in long.

Last night a friend Justin played guitar and sang for us. He is excellent at Mumford and Sons and even performed a song that has not been released yet! It was a welcomed relaxing evening listening to him.

Otherwise I have spent my time off on my Stellenbosch university application and other odds and ends. On Friday night three of us went to the nearby German restaurant for a snack and to enquire about the deep-sea fishing that they runJ we are hopefully going in two weeks time.

Every afternoon the patients are taken to deck 7 where the elderly relax and the young cycle up and down unceasingly. Moukaela, who has been here over a month now, and I went to the other, quieter side of the ship where we played soccer in the net. When he tired of that he went up and down the slide about 20 times. He is such a gracious child. Last week when I was in the ward he made play dough cell phones and then gave one to me and called it. It was so sweet. Please pray for his healing! He needs to be healed enough to attend school without dribbling on his books, which is due to his lack of a lower lip.

I also went to my second ward service this morning. It was packed and lively as usual and Moukaela was in high spirits, it was wonderful to see. The day workers lead it so it has a nice African flair. Afterwards we were jiving to “Oh When the Saints”.

Later I will cook some fresh beetroots I found at the market yesterday and also continue my applications… UCT’s opened today!

Love benjamin

 much needed mustache close-up

 Justin playing for us

 my oat bars turned oat pie

 looking in on the photobooth hosted by my roomate, JJ (who took the excellent photos of the screening)

 Me, Michelle (the SAn), Sam and Alisia

 The mustache men with Juan in the middle. Matt's in the background is drawn on!

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