Las Palmas and beyond

 Hi loved ones,

After one week in Santa Cruz we sailed for a few rocky hours early on Monday morning for the island east of Tenerife, Gran Canaria. We arrived in the city of Las Palmas around lunch and that afternoon proceeded to be lifted out of the water and pulled by three earth movers into our spot for repairs. Please give thanks to the Lord for a safe voyage to Tenerife, safe entry into the Las Palmas dry dock and the smoothness with which operations aboard are occurring. 

That evening I went out with two friends, Elbert and Manon. We walked for about 25 minutes before reaching the city central. We then took a bus- after many minutes and confusion- and went in search of a few groceries. I bought yoghurt after investigating the main street and noting that it lacked KFC. 

The week in Tenerife was wonderful! I will not explain day by day what I did but I went to some interesting restaurants, shops and areas by running and tram. I met a wonderful Indian man who, unlike all the large supermarkets, sold sushi rice and nori (seaweed sheets). I have been searching for these two ingredients to make my own sushi and finally I found them. 

I went to the renowned Meter Bar where sangria, beer, pizzas and sausages are served by the meter- a novel concept and perfect venue for friends’ farewells. Last week many friends went home or on holiday. Juan, a good friend and long term crew member, has allowed me to cabin sit for him. I now have a single berth to myself for over a month! And plants to water, fish to feed. 

I watched the semifinal and final of the Euro Cup of in town, both of which Spain won. The celebrations were largely humorous including swimming in a large public fountain that, by day, looked most undesirable. I don’t imagine though that these celebrations were comparable with those on the Spanish mainland.

While in Tenerife I managed to receive a camping permit for my dad and me to go camping when he arrives on Wednesday. We don't have any concrete plans and I am not even sure where the ship will be when he leaves! That depends on how long we will remain in ship yard- once finished we will return to Tenerife for further repairs which are not as intensive as those we are undergoing here in Las Palmas. 

On Wednesday I worked for the first time as galley team leader and will be until next month. The galley has been relocated to the far inferior crew galley. This is because the galley is undergoing some large repairs and replacements. So at least until the end of dry dock we will be cooking out of the room far smaller than the galley we are used to. Please pray for me to lead and manage the constraints well and to create good food. The first meal I had to cook was simple BBQ chicken- the ribs that were on the menu had gone off due to the intermittent power the previous two days. The next night was turkey breasts. For lunch we are serving a variety of delicious salads. 

While in the Canary Islands we are blessed with a large variation of quality fruit and vegetables. I have had fresh figs, grapefruit, plums and apricots this week. I was satisfied with the fruit from West Africa but am now having a bit more luxury in that regard. 

Yesterday evening four friends and I made sushi and then set off for the beautiful beach 3kms away. It drizzled as we walked but once there enjoying the sushi we had some spectacular views of the sun set. 

I wish to thank the Lord for some clarity regarding next year. Although I am still unsure of where I will be studying what, the Lord has closed one door for me. May I ask that you please pray for encouragement and further clarity. 

I would also like to once again thank the Lord and those who have directed funding to my crew account. I am well looked after and incredibly blessed to have people like you in my life (some of you I am unaware of due to anonymity).

Lastly, I am glad to inform you that my eczema has gone! Praise the Lord!

Thank you for reading this. I will blog again once I return from my time away with my dad!

Love Benjamin 

 Africa Mercy at present

Tenerife's 'best looking building'- a theatre and event facility.

 The sunset that accompanied our sushi

 Being pulled into our first dry dock position- we have since been moved.

Meter Bar meal for friend Ioan's goodbye dinner.

Hola!

 Tom, Ohini, me and Yao at the Dayworker Thank you function 3 weeks ago.

Hello from the Spanish island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands! Africa Mercy docked on the cruise ship dock at about 1600 yesterday. I hope to blog quickly so that I might explore this city more in my time off between now and Monday- when we leave.

The sail was pleasant, so much so that we were able to arrive in Tenerife a day early. This week here on the more touristy island is to lose the weights of the Landrovers and containers so that when we go across to Las Palmas we can move straight into dry dock. Also people under 18 (and their parents) are not allowed in the dry dock and will take the cars on ferries across to Las Palmas where they will stay in hotels.

During the sail we had the Nepalese security crew cooking a few delicious curries (including peeling 400 boiled eggs!)  on one night as well as the South Africans cooking bobotie and melktert on another. Both were a pleasure to help with and it just so happened that I was working on both days. I also had the privilege of eating a Korean meal prepared by a friend. Two friends and I also hosted a waffle breakfast with just about every topping one could desire. How lucky I have been in trying all these new things. Bobotie was also a first for me!

Thankfully, perhaps with the aid of sea sickness meds from which I was slowly weaned as the 10 days progressed, I was not sea sick. That was an answer to prayer- when I used the pills for fishing they were no help! From the bow of the ship we were blessed with sightings of flying fish, sunsets and dolphins. I was even able to spend one night on deck in my hammock!

The sail was largely relaxing and I managed to plough through a 500 page Bourne novel when not working or taking part in the activities such as Bingo and the pirate dress up party (for which I felt rather unprepared!)

 On the bow with a Dutchie, Elsa, on a particularly calm day

 Our Bobotie being served                                                                Milo milkshake while making waffles!

 Durbanite Ryan and myself in the dishroom

As for our arrival late yesterday afternoon, we had a briefing on the area from the director of the Spanish office. We were the free to go into town- a pleasant 15 minute walk away. Some rules regarding our time ashore have been relaxed, for example, the curfew. Now we may return as late as we wish. Last night most of my peers headed to the McDonalds. When in Spain! I settled for a bread roll instead. We then wandered around the main street looking at shops and for a Tapas bar with enough seats for all of us. Unsuccessful, we settled for ice cream followed by a sit in the gardens higher up in town. Just before heading home a friend, Elsa, and I shared Sangria at a restaurant we had been recommended. It was delicious!

This morning I went for a long run north along the coast and after the Siesta I will go and explore the town further! Tomorrow I will work again.

 The dock and tenerife- was rather misty

 Leaving the ship for the first time in 10 days. The port is a dream compared to those we are used to!

Thank you all for your prayers for our safe passage and my health.

Love Benjamin

Ahoy!

Blog 17

Ahoy from M/V Africa Mercy as she sails towards Tenerife. I am in the PC café being regularly distracted by the passing ocean to my right. What a blessing to be sitting here.

Yesterday we left Lome after a 5 month field service there. As the last days cantilevered into moments, I felt sad to be leaving. Gladly, I had done all that I wished to do, bar one item, before leaving.

Last Saturday evening, a friend and colleague Tori, organised a party at the beach as a farewell. We prepped fruit skewers, salsa, and guacamole and hot dog dressings and set off for the beach with a few pallets ready to be burned! Using straightened metal hangers we grilled our Viennas and marshmallows (for smores!) I set up my hammock which was wonderful even if it meant I spent a fair amount of time policing it. Around ten pm Tom, a friend from the galley, and I left for his house where I would spend the night.

Tom had a single bedroom house in a nice neighbourhood in Lome. Going to bed soon after arriving I was awoken by his rooster. It would be his last cry at dawn. I offered to make breakfast with the brinjal I had bought the day before. It has been a long time since I have had sliced, floured and fried eggplant for breakfast and was glad to cook for Tom. It is another of Betty’s foods that I miss. I was amazed at the closeness of the community. Borrowing items at 11 o clock at night, coming uninvited for a bit of breakfast the next morning- without any animosity.

After breakfast we made some calls to colleagues and friends inviting them for lunch. Then he took me to the hairdresser for a much needed cut- our hairdresser aboard was leaving and had been fully booked the week before leaving!  We bought coal and firelighters necessary for our lunch prep and then returned home for the chicken. I held the chicken down as Tom slit its throat and drained the blood- a valuable life skill to learn. He then put it into boiling water, removed the feathers and put the body on the hot coals. After this Tom skillfully cut apart the chicken with no waste. After peeling and cutting the yam we left it to boil while we blended the onions, chilies, tomatoes and garlic. Removing the yam we cooked the spices with the chicken pieces in the pot, making a spicy stew. Tom’s friends then began pounding the boiled yam making fufu, the most popular starch in Togo. A friend, Ohini then arrived and we enjoyed cheap Sangria and ice. We sat down and ate the ‘curry’ and fufu- with our hands of course. I need not even taste it to know it is hot- my fingertips begin stinging immediately. But I love it!

Ohini and I had planned to have dinner on Wednesday night so after working Monday and Tuesday and making Betty’s rusks in the morning, I prepared to leave with a few last gifts for Tom and Ohini. As I walked out the front door to the gangway I saw the newly posted captain’s notice- no leaving the port. The overhead announcement had not even been made yet.  This was due to the political riots happening in central Lome. I quickly emailed Ohini but also learnt that a car was meeting Tom at the port gate to give some things to Tom. I was thankfully able to meet up with Tom and also receive some last tailored items for friends. The Lord is good! Sadly I was not able to see Ohini but I have no doubt that we will meet up again.

The following day, Thursday, the ban was in fact revoked but meeting up with Ohini didn’t work out. That meant that Sam and I were able to go out to dinner with Thomas and Ma- our wonderful hosts from Benin. Walking to the port gate I saw Yao, another friend, for the last time. On Monday we had said out goodbyes but I was glad to see him again. I met Sam at the gate and we went to Ma’s house via her beautiful tailoring shop. I have not seen such selection in so small a place. Ma’s house is beautiful. So great to see how people can live – Captain just announced a slight change in direction this evening, leading to more ship movement, make sure those cabins a safely secured!- how people can live such dignified and fruitful lives in spite of their past and the current economic situation of their state. Again we had fufu, this time with a seafood sauce, and of course we ate with our hands. It was, as every meal in West Africa has been, delicious. I had seconds and cleaned my plate well, even eating the half a crab. It was a sad goodbye and suddenly the reality of leaving the place I had spent the last 5 months dawned on me.

The next morning we had an early pirate drill and then prepared to leave. The last of the cars was lifted; the gangway as well and we were ready. After working in the morning we had a 45 minute break before returning to ensure lunch was prepared. We watched from decks 7 and 8 as a small group waved us off and we maneuvered out of the port.   Returning to work we could feel the ships rocking immediately. Galley work has to be very careful and well-timed during a sail. I have yet to feel sick, praise the Lord! After work last night we took the last brown bags of food waste and threw them off the side of the ship. They make a satisfying slap as they hit the ocean below. I am now on a one day on, one day off schedule.

The Internet appears a bit up and down but I should still be able to keep in contact.

Please pray for a continued enjoyable sail and that if there is a diet related cause to my eczema that it may be revealed to me!

Keep well all

From a content Benjamin

 Ohini and Tom

 Eating fufu and chicken

 A Landy being loaded

 A few of the 20+ cars presently atop deck 8

 View from the aft

 Sam and Ma laughing at a joke during dinner

 Two of Tom's friends pounding yam for fufu.Notice the hat on the right. I don't think he was realy a Bok fan

Lunch

Odds and ends

Blog 16 05.06

I managed to take screen shots of the Africa Mercy Chopped film so that you can see what I created for the cooking competition a few weeks ago. Sadly the quality is not that great but I think you will get the idea. I could not manage to get the dessert but thats ok, I was happier with my main!

Last weekend there was a South African braai at the land based team house. The braai was organised by South Africans but we were certainly in the minority. Michelle, a fellow SAn, and I spent the afternoon making Braai broodjies, salad and condensed milk/mayonnaise potato salad- a new experience for me! We left the ship in terrible downpour and then sat in traffic for half an hour. Luckily we had a bag of Lays for company.

The team house is pretty perfect for a braai. It has three stories and the top is very cool to braai on and look out over the city. The rain did stop so we were able to leave the shelter of the roof. We braaied some focaccia that I had made the day before and sirloin which had been marinating overnight. For dessert we even had peppermint crisp pudding (the chocolates brought from SA)!

On Saturday I went to Lake Togo with friends Brian, Josh and Tom. We were ferried across the lake to Togoville where everyone tried to get money from us. Most keen was a man at the rather large and impressive Catholic Church. Thankfully our host, Tom, was just as reluctant to support the grabbing hands and the day turned out to be rather inexpensive.

Later that day I went out with Yao, a galley day worker, to celebrate his 30^th birthday. After taking me for a tour of Lome on his motorbike we eventually found the Mercy Ships favourite restaurant, Cote Jardin. I know that Yao is incredibly wise and hardworking which is why I wanted to take him out to commend him. However, just talking to him I was inspired by how he made a decision to rise above his impoverished circumstances at a young age, acquiring a masters in English and a good job in the port. His circumstance was well illustrated to me when I discovered that our waiter was Yao’s class mate at university. While Yao was diligent, he was not.

On Sunday I ran to the Ghana border and back- a total of 20kms. I was pretty exhausted after that! The president, who was due to visit at some point during the day, cancelled as he was out of the country! I was not surprised at all. I met up with Abdulai, a day worker who I work with in the dental sterilizing room, and he showed me where he lives and his neighbourhood. I unfortunately had to rush back to meet up with my friends to do something together before Elise, a very good friend, left the next day. We ended up watching the Bourne movies.

On Wednesday I went to the last day of dental treatment for this field service. I felt privileged to attend on this day but was nonetheless very fatigued as it was the week where I work 6 days out of 7. During this service the team managed to see over 4000 patients- one and a half thousand more than the target originally set at the beginning of the year!

Seeing as in two weeks’ time we will almost certainly be sailing, I would like to inform you of my plans and duties during the time in Tenerife and Las Palmas. When we sail the galley shift changes to one day on - one day off. This allows for fairness of days worked during the sail. Arriving in Tenerife around the 25 of June, we will revert to normal shifts. We will be in Tenerife for about one week and many people will leave during this time. Following this we leave Tenerife for Las Palmas, another island in the Canary Islands, where we enter dry dock. This is expected to last 10 days or so day but there are rumors of delays. Before we are due to exit dry dock I have been granted personal time off (the 11 July). This is also the same day that my dad will arrive in Las Palmas following time spent in Spain. Amazing how it works out! We will then have 9 days of touring the two large islands, Las Palmas and Tenerife. Very exciting! Apparently when I return to the ship it will be in Tenerife where it will undergo more maintenance work.

I have been told that I will be required to team lead in the galley for a few days/weeks while Rachel has left and we await the arrival of the new team leader. I am a bit anxious but also excited for this position- should it happen that is.

I have been checking my balance in my account versus the money spent ofver the last 4 months and am aware of exactly how much has been consistently added to my account. Sadly there is no way of me knowing who the money came from and when- other than in a 15 day period. Therefore withdrawing random amounts irregularly makes it difficult to know how much was added each bi-month. I would therefore like to thank my donors who gave once and the ones who have kept giving as my time here progressed. I hope I am aware of who each of you is so that I might thank you in person when I return.

As for prayers, pleased continue to pray for my eczema which simply oscillates between terrible (while working) and not too bad (when I am off). Please also keep praying for peace in my heart regarding my studies next year.

 on the way to lake togo

 our first 'at sea' fire drill!

 A thai prawn curry and red onion/mango chutney i made last week when there was to be no crew dinner due to a function

the dental sterilisation room :)

Love Benjamin

After a short while

Hello loved ones

It has been a while since my last blog--- I was waiting for content and time!

Monday past marks exactly my halfway mark of my time aboard! Four months have gone so fast J I have secured a flight home and will arrive on September 24 via Brussels and London!

Last weekend I was planning to return to Kpalime, the town 2 hours north of Lome. Some of us wanted to enter Ghana and visit the popular Wli Waterfalls. I was told that there was a legal arrangement whereby we could pass the Kpalime border and stay 24 hours in Wli at a hotel responsible for us and avoid paying for a 30$ visa. Closer to the time I discovered that this was in fact an illegal arrangement. I know that it is very important that we do not put ourselves above the law or abuse the hospitality show to us in Togo. Also it is important to maintain a good witness to the people here. I am also dead against any form of bribery and seek not to pay an undue cent! For these reasons I decided to spend last week on the ship.

This was, nevertheless, an exciting weekend to be aboard. The annual short film festival was being hosted on Saturday. This is a black tie event. For the first time I felt that perhaps the smart clothes I was told I would need and subsequently brought with me are not totally useless here.

 There were strict requirements regarding length, lines and even characters in the films. There were one or two music videos, horrors but the majorities were comedies. Following this there was a buffet and then a dance party. I am glad that I was not working during this weekend.

On Saturday I relaxed, watching the Formula1 and final game of the English Premier League season. It was absolutely heartbreaking but nonetheless very exciting. I hosted two friends of a day worker that afternoon. Visitors are only allowed on Sundays which means I can only host every second weekend. I have left hosting too late since next week no visitors will be allowed due to a function and the following week (which I work) will be the last for visitors in Togo. It is sad because there are some day workers who would really like to have their loved ones aboard and I would like to host them.

Last week I took part in a cooking competition. It was kind of like a Masterchef challenge where we had a pantry of ingredients and then 4 mystery items which HAD to be used. For the main course they were cinnamon bark, walnuts, chicken breast and a cassava (a staple root). Seeing the pantry before I had decided to make a curry (there were tinned tomatoes!) fortunately the mystery items were all suited to my curry! I included the cassava in the curry and when it was soft enough I crushed it or mashed it against the side of the pot which thickened the curry :) I put some cinnamon in the rice which gave flavour to the rice! I also put it in the curry of course! I put the rice in a ramekin, turned it onto my plate and spooned the curry on top of that. Then the roasted, crushed walnuts and oregano for colour and a swirl of cream and oregano around the plate :) I was very happy with it!

We then introduced the meal to the crew in the cafe area 45 minutes after we began and the judges tasted and gave feedback. They then judged the best two and I was one! So I progressed to the dessert making round (joy). I was content with not being 'chopped' but I didn’t actually want to go on and a make dessert. My competitor on the other hand was most keen. This time our ingredients were lemon juice, molasses, pumpkin pie mix and hazelnuts. I had minimal inspiration! I began the half hour by melting butter, lemon juice, sugar and oats together with the hope of making a crust or base. That sadly never had enough time to harden in the oven. The pumpkin pie mix was ready to eat (which stumped me) but I added cinnamon sticks to that (seeing as they had faired me well so far!). The mix was VERY sweet and in hindsight I should have added the lemon juice to that! I then roasted the hazelnuts with the molasses. I began with honey and then the loose oat base on top of that, then pumpkin mix and the nuts which had been rolled in cream. This time I went for a square shape since that was the only shape I could find!

I ended up coming second to a far superior and better planned pumpkin biscuit and lemon/molasses icing. I won 5$ :) I was glad I entered and was calm throughout the cooking which I was happy with. I also learnt from the comments of the judges. It was the first competition of its kind but is likely to become an annual event. I am trying to find some images and will try update the blog or preferable post them next time.

Also, in my free time last week I managed to walk along the Boulevard Circulaire- an arched road through central Lome which has many interesting restaurants such as KFG and Al Donald. In total I walked 14km that afternoon. I also visited the University of Lome, a news house and TV broadcasting center. I was privileged to see where three day workers live and share a meal with them at one of theirs’ houses. I also tasted Degue- a treat of couscous, yoghurt, sugar, milk and ice in a bowl. It is considered a drink but was a filling as a meal!

Much of this activity is inspired by the Run/Walk to Guinea Competition. The challenge is for a group of 6 to run or walk, during the next 2 months, a total of 1600km (the distance from Togo to Conakry, our next destination.) My morning runs and afternoon walks are amounting to something J

At my mum’s request, I am also applying for medicine at University of the Free State as well. This application has to be posted and received by the end of this month. Ideally I would not like to have the additional expense of living away from home while studying which would burden my prospective student loan all the more. Can I ask for you to pray that the Lord’s will be done with regards to my applications and that He would make it clear where He wants me.

Please could you also pray for safety and smoothness in our last few weeks of service and subsequent sail to the Canary Islands. We will be sailing in less than a month. Lastly please also pray that this course of cortisone tablets I have had to resort to would eliminate the eczema from my arms and now behind my legs for good. Thank you

 After the Film Festival (Sam, center, had to borrow my suit reluctantly to attend a dinner at the Swiss Embassy a few days later- he describes suit wearing as aweful)

 A US ship which shared the dock for a few hours. This Hish Speed Vessel 2 can reach 50knots- pretty fast for an ocean vessel!

 Al Donald Fast food

 Eating Degue with Damaris, a German nurse.

 At Armand (far right)'s house. I met Armand while visiting Moukaela in the ward. He is a translator. The meal with mashed cassava which we made and ate inspired my use of cassava in the curry later that week :)

Peeling a cassave

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