Guinea and the sail

Blog 23

Guinea and the sail

Brenda van Straten (SA) on the radio, sending down the Guinean flag bearers Michelle, Carys and Lara.

the group that went to the island. The man in black is a friend sam met whose name i never learnt. Sam, me, Rox and Sandy.

Michelle and me before arriving in Guinea

A few SAn crew having a laugh

South African crew!

As scheduled we arrived in Conakry, Guinea last week Wednesday. It was a wet and welcome arrival where we were met by the Advance Team (a group of Mercy Shippers who left the ship 4 months ago to prepare many things in Conakry so that we can hit the ground running once here), the prime minister of Guinea and a Mercy Team (a group of short term servers from a church that come to help with certain projects). Obviously and sadly it is very easy to simply compare Guinea with Togo as I found people comparing Sierra Leone with Togo in my first few weeks with the ship.

Perhaps comparing to ideals is better. Conakry has a small peninsular and this houses many important state offices, popular sites and the port. It is wonderful that we can be walking distance from many things around town. There are many restaurants and markets around and many different things can be found. Last week I found the fish market and bought calamari for a very good price (I cooked some in garlic and the rest in a spicy tomato sauce).  The peninsular is much militarised due to the various departments and presidential palace here. Many roads are blocked to cars by spikes and armed bakkies! It is nice though to be able to run on these roads without fear of cars.

Our berth is rather close to the port exit and the port authorities are pleasant to deal with. We don’t, however, have the luxury of our own dock which increases the safety measures in place. There is a cholera outbreak in Guinea so our hygiene and enforcement thereof on the ship have also been stepped up. Could the health of all the crew and day workers be prayed for please? And, of course, an end to this outbreak.

This week the new day workers began work. The galley has been very full, having 8 extra staff. This will only be until they have all been trained, then they will divide between the two teams. As I’m sure you will remember I wrote about a friend/ day worker in Togo called Tom. Tom was told that he could come and work in Guinea as the ward (hospital) chef. He raised the 160$ from donations that he required to travel from Lomé. Upon arriving he was told that he was never promised a job and did not have the paperwork to prove it. Yesterday I met up with him outside the port gate where he waits, trying to get my boss to call him. I hassled my boss until he called Tom to explain the situation regarding Guinean worker/ non Guinean worker restraints. The galley has finished hiring staff. My boss said that he would speak to Human Resources today to make some sort of arrangement whereby Tom can work. Could you please pray that a solution might be found soon and that Tom is not left in the awkward position he is currently in.  

Thank you

I spent my second to last free weekend in Guinea relaxing and reading while it rained outside- enjoying the little of winter I might get this year. I also went for a drive away from the peninsular which was helpful in learning certain landmarks such as the Grand Marché and our screening venue for Monday and possibly Tuesday’s potential patient screening. I will be able to help with the overnight security the night before the screening and then will have a few hours’ sleep before swopping with a galley worker from the other team on Monday afternoon so that they might get to experience screening day as well. Around 4000 people are expected to arrive for the screening. Could you please pray for peace and safety during this screening as well as opens ears to hear the Gospel?

On Sunday morning 3 friends and I went to one of a few islands off the Conakry coast. We were fortunate in having a beautiful day and in attaining a boat willing to take us there. Owing to the culture here, shorts are not appropriate for wearing ouside. I am, as a result, wearing my tailored ones more often. Due to pollution we may not (and wouldn’t want to) swim at the beaches around the peninsular. The islands have beaches which are somewhat cleaner and not polluted with sewage. We did not have too much time on the islands but did manage a swim and to see a hotel of sorts that looked rather run down. Thankfully the sea was not rough- many people have drowned crossing over due to unsafe boats. I may return there to spend the night next weekend. That would be instead of going to Sierra Leone. Leone is looking like an expensive trip with visas being a reported 100$. We are still investigating though.

With less than four weeks to go I am fast wrapping up my time here.

Once again, thanks for reading!

The last of Tenerife

Taken at the Cross on the hill. Africa Mercy behind.

Im sorry there are few images on the blog, so far. The internet has prevented me uploading them. Il try and get the rest up asap!

Blog 22

At sea once again! What a privilege and surprise to look out the window in the morning (not in my cabin!) and to see the ocean. Sliding to and fro on the office chair while typing this is only a minor inconvenience of sailing. We did sail a day later than hoped but I gather that we are still due in Conakry on the 22 August, next Wednesday.  I am so looking forward to reconnecting with a few day workers from Togo and to enjoy West Africa!

In the past week I have become friends with a beautiful Tenerife family. About two weeks ago a couple stopped and talked to a group of us Mercy Shippers and expressed interest to be visitors aboard as they were 3 years ago when the ship went to the Canary Islands. I took Jorge’s email address and contacted him a few days later. Last Thursday I hosted him, his wife Candela and their young daughter Chloe.  We ate dinner and I showed them around the ship- they both speak English very well. I soon discovered that they are both doctors. Candela specialized in radiology and Jorge did translating instead- he speaks 4 languages! Before leaving on their bicycle and long board skateboard, they gave me a CD of Jorge’s old band, the first album of four. Thankfully it’s in English!

On Saturday they invited friends and me for breakfast at their apartment- about 3kms away. Sam, Michelle and I went and were treated to such a delicious and healthy spread of food. Scrambled eggs, organic bread and croissants, local preserves and goat’s cheese. These were followed by organic cakes.  We were so spoilt! We relaxed around their beautiful coffee table books- which I am now determined to find- and then hurried back to work at 1. 

On Monday I went to a fairly local black sand beach on the island’s north coast with this family. I was fortunate in having Monday and Tuesday off- before our Wednesday scheduled departure. As seems to be popular in Spain, visits to the beach are made in the late afternoon- after the heat of midday. I also met family friends Xavier and Ann, who speaks about 7 languages! We had to hurry home for Chloe who needed to get to bed and we said our farewells from their apartment.

I missed dinner that night as I had had a special and big curry meal for lunch. Friends Hannah and Michelle and I had heard of an Indian man who makes curries and serves them from his apartment. We went there and were the only ones, when we left there were about ten more patrons and a queue! We were served about   6 bowls of different curries, plus a started and dessert. All for a very reasonable 7 euros- especially considering that ‘menu of the day’s go for about 9 euros and Indian restaurants are in short supply.

I was very pleased that despite working the last weekend, I managed to do a fair amount. On Saturday night as Sam and I were walking out of the port- heading for a cross on the mountain, Juan’s taxi from the airport arrived. We accompanied him back to the ship and then headed out to the cross. It turned out to be quite the walk in the end and we arrived at dusk. It was beautiful up there and we had a good view of the ship. We then walked into town for ice creams/sandwiches/cool drinks/smoothies- depending on our hunger. 

On Sunday I was able to run to a pebble beach, have a quick swim and then run back for work. I actually ended up being team leader for a few more days since Josh worked on the other team for a few days. He worked with our team on Wednesday and Thursday.

On Monday and Tuesday mornings I enjoyed breakfast in town and going around historical sites and a beautiful public resource center as well as looking for a few last items. I also went out on Tuesday night for what was potentially our last night in Tenerife. With the Olympic closing ceremony on Sunday and other late nights such as these, I was pretty exhausted after working Wednesday and yesterday. Unusual for me, I slept in very late today, even missing lunch!

The last days in Tenerife cantilevered into farewells to friends, welcomes to returning or new crew and many good memories. The time in the Canary Islands was very special and a blessing. I am however, ready to return to field service, wanting to do my best and much in the four weeks I will have.

Thank you for your time in reading this. Could you please pray for the safe travels of all those to Conakry: the ship, day workers and crew.

Hannah, Michelle and me after curry lunch



Jorge, Candela, Chloe and me



Jorge's first album (still trying to add more photos!)




The Santiago Cross we walked to

Our Curry Buffet

Me, Jorge, Candela, Chloe and family friend, Ann.



Goodbye Tenerife!

Bollullo black sand beach



The dolphin show at Loro Parque

Breakfast at the Serrano family. they gave me a tub of goats cheese when we left!

Rox, Chris, Henry and me at Loro Parque

 Blessings,

Ben

Two weeks on

Blog 21

Two weeks pass so quickly aboard Africa Mercy. These past two weeks brought 40 new long term crew members from Texas, just finished with their Gateway course and great times inside and out of work hours.

About 12 days ago we returned to the galley which has new tilt skillets, stoves and other kitchen equipment. Although some work remained to be done on the deck heads (ceilings) we had to return to be able to cater for the increasing crew size. Our time in the crew galley was not unpleasant and often there was less work than there were people.

 Breakfast for dinner scones

 Brian's (center of bench) farewell at a Gelato Cafe. The photographer insisted we say 'Sex' instead of cheese

 Honey Orange walnut bread :)

 A monument on the way to the beach this morning

The group that I watched the Olympics opening ceremony (very good - I thought) with.  

Last weekend Chef Ken went on leave, leaving me with more responsibility and freedom. Sunday morning breakfast was fun as we were able to bake the bacon (not deep fry!) and see how well-done people like it. Turns out it is not, in fact, dark brown and fragile. We baked figs wrapped in bacon (thanks for the idea, Dad!) and fried mushrooms with garlic to go beyond the usual Sunday cooked breakfast.

On Monday I took a bus to Siam Water Park with some friends. Siam is a great water park with a variety of tube slides of different intensity. We went on one which allowed for four to share a life-raft-y tube and be propelled high up a steepening wall. I also went down a very steep one where the slide passes through the shark tank. Sadly due to the speed and the water, one cannot see a thing! It was a long and tiring day out, but very enjoyable.

On Wednesday a menu change meant that our team was to make pizza for dinner. Pizza, as I have mentioned in another blog, is a tiresome and time consuming task. Other than the crew favourites BBQ Chicken, Margarita, Ham and Olives, Pepperoni and vegetarian pizzas, I decided to add a Cajun Sea food and Pesto chicken on a mayo base to the menu. Both of these were well received  J On Thursday we had the interesting opportunity of serving ‘Breakfast for Dinner’.  As the day was winding down, our new team leader came and introduced himself. His name is Josh and he arrived with the Gateway group. He will be here for at least the next 2 years. I am looking forward to working under him.

This morning I ran 10km to a beach North of Santa Cruz where I had my packed breakfast, read and swam. Afterward I walked back to the ship. I am enjoying my running a lot, especially with the iPod running sleeve which arrived two weeks ago along with other items I had ordered online. I now know much more information about my runs.

On Monday the ship needs to undergo an Inclining Experiment so 90% of the crew is being taken to an animal park called Loro Parque. After that we are even being taken out for dinner. Essentially this means that I have a 4 day weekend. J

So far, despite being somewhat homesick after dad left, I am having a great time here. On the 15^th we should leave for Guinea. I do miss West Africa and can’t wait to return there and see a new country, new day workers as well as those from Togo who will be serving for this field service as well. Please pray that my last 2 months might be as blessed and enjoyable as the first 6.

Love Ben

There and back again

Blog 20

 A monument in Artenara

 Our Pensione in Santa Cruz

View from the campsite

The past 9 days were spent enjoying the company of my dad, Graham, in the Canary Islands. I was granted 9 days as time-off and began these after working last Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday I met my tearful father at Gran Canaria Airport. Dad had just completed the Camino de Santiago, walking 400km of the twelve hundred year old pilgrimage and would holiday with me before fetching Anna from London- she has spent the last 3 months in Wales with my aunt and uncle.

Other than the first two nights camping, dad and I had no plans. Even the plans we did have were thwarted. Camping was a 12km walk from a remote town called Artenara. The bus route-hitch hiking was unsuccessful- there was so infrequent that we only arrived after 8 at night. We were told that there was not one hotel in the town but a peculiar man moved about his tools and charged us to sleep in his spare single mattress room. Dad was slightly cautious but we accepted since we had no other options. Dad had had little sleep the previous evening and we both slept surprisingly well.

We bought coffee and supplies for lunch and began our walk. It was very pleasant under the pines of the meandering mountain road. It was a battle at the campsite to even use the 2 man hammock that we had with us. That night, the wind picked up and it was a very disturbed sleep- we wished for the single mattress of the previous night! Sleeping two people in a hammock is no easy task.

We speedily descended a steep dusty mountain path the next day to find no coffee shops in the town. We snacked and caught a bus to a larger town where we made great use of our 15mins on the internet, booking a hotel for the next three nights in the south of Las Palmas. We arrived at what dad called “time share deluxe” but had a great room- close to the pool, kitchenette and aircon. While in Maspalomas we sought an elusive KFC, swam, cooked and walked a fair amount.

On Monday we caught the Armas Ferry from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, to Santa Cruz, Tenerife. We had secured a car for the next three days but had to get to the south of the island to collect it. We hired a cute Fiat Panda which dad drove to Las Americas, remembering to stay on the right hand side. We rented a room that was in a complex highly populated with loud young Britons. They warned us about the night security man but we didn’t think he would have issue with us. Well at 2 am we were rudely awoken when the man came in with his torch shouting ‘NO’, ‘WATER’ and ‘BALCONY’. We tried to tell him he was mistaken but he yelled for us to keep quiet and then left. 2 minutes later he was at the door like a dog with his tail between his legs, apologizing.

After shopping and searching for another misreported KFC, we travelled north along the island’s west coast. We arrived at a quaint coastal town of Puerto de Santiago which had a fair in town that night. We dozed and swam on a beach with black sands and that night we could see the fire on the mountain which was becoming an increasing problem for the island of Tenerife.

We had booked to go up Mount Teide in the cable car the following day and then spend that night in the Refugio up top. The plan was to see the sun set and rise from Spain’s highest mountain. The mountain is in fact a volcano. After shopping for our curry dinner we planned to create, we arrived at the cable station where our view of the volcano was largely impaired by the smoke from the fire. Upon arriving we were informed that due to the fire the cars were not running for the rest of the day and perhaps longer. We were really annoyed particularly since we had asked to receive an SMS should there be any reason the cars don’t make the 1200m accent. We decided to follow a suggestion of going to a beach town we had not visited in the south of the island, seeing as we would have to return the car there the following morning. The drive should not have been more than an hour but once on the road we were prevented from going further due to the fire and had to go north, through the capital and then south again, taking about 2,5 hours. The town was worth it though and we had a delicious Rogan Josh with chips at a seaside restaurant. Unfortunately we couldn’t cook in the apartment.

After returning the car we returned to Santa Cruz by bus, found a beautiful old pensione with a balcony and high ceilings and began preparing dad’s bags for his flight the next day. After a shwarma lunch and semi siesta we walked to the port in time to see Africa Mercy returning from dry dock in Las Palmas. She left two days later than planned leaving dad and me anxious since he had some things in my cabin. Dad came aboard as my guest and we had dinner, a tour of the ship and even the engine room! So fortunate! After that we had Thursday night ice cream and dad met some of my friends on the ship and then it was time to leave.

Yesterday we went out for lunch with friends before saying goodbye to dad at the tram station. He has arrived safely in London.

I am so lucky to have such a father and to have had a holiday alone with him.

Thankfully I am off this weekend and I may get on with chores such as cleaning and emailing. Hopefully work will be in the galley once again when return on Monday.

I hope to get some more photos from dad and upload them soon.

As for prayers, could you please pray for peace and clarity over the uncertainty of what 2013 holds for me.

 The keeping our bags off the ground, while we still agreed the hammock was fun and convenient!

 Arriving at the dock at the same time as AM, the gangway was yet to be put down.

 We were very fortunate and were offered a tour of the engine room!

 Dads expression was appropriate.

 Peurto de Santiago with daddy

Before leaving for our trip.

Thanks for reading!

Love Benjamin

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