Shine!

" I'm gonna give myself permission to shine
I'm gonna shine so bright
gonna make every head wanna turn
you're finally gonna see me
Give myself
permission to shine
gonna light up the night
Shine a little of my light on the world."

(Permission to Shine-Bachelor Girl)

 That is what I think of when I think about Jess and her transition from life as a primary school kid in Australia to life as a high schooler on a hospital ship in West Africa. Any doubts we ever had of "what are we doing to our child" have long since faded, if they even had a chance to ever take root! From the minute Jess stepped out of the land rover at Applesbosch, our first land based accommodations in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa she has never looked back. Yes she misses her family and she looked forward to our trip home recently but on the ship she has blossomed and she has shone!


Take a look at a few highlights of the past few months in Jessica's world. Above Jessica dresses to play patient at the Hospital Open Night.

Jess (in green t-shirt) acts as carer to a "blind" patient, escorting them down the gangway as the Hospital Evacuation drill earlier this year.

Having some fun with fellow Academy students on deck 8.

With her 6th grade class having an engine room tour with fellow Aussie, 2nd engineer, Russell.

Jess and her best friend, Liberian born, Deborah in the lifeboat out for a trip around the harbour.

Above and below, at the Hope Centre. Jess always manages to make the patients smile, even the shy ones!

Jessica's "Mouldarama" Academy Science Fair presentation. She was awarded the "Audience Choice" award and the "Judges Choice" award for best biblical application. We are very proud of her and we were very relieved to get the mouldy bread out of our cabin!!

Jess went on a school trip to the Artisan Market in Lome to learn how to make an African batik. Above she is outlining her design in beeswax.

Her design ready to go with fellow Junior High girls, Iona from the UK and Josie from Ghana.

Jessica's gorgeous batik on display at the Academy Creative Arts Evening.Jess also played hand chimes beautifully at the this special evening.

Also on display at the Creative Arts Fair, Jessica's giraffe painting completed during her Student Life painting class.

Jessica has never been one to the follow the crowd and as she gets older her leadership qualities are really beginning to shine. So it is no surprise that while the rest of the kids stick to piano and recorders, Jess is continuing to pursue the trumpet. Above and below at the Mercy Ships Recital.

Jess and the Junior High girls, Josie, Grace and Iona at the Academy retreat at Lake Togo.

Jess doing a bit of African dancing at retreat to the beat of the djembes.

Catching crabs!

 Mercy Ships Academy Junior High and High School retreat.

End of School Celebration. Jess with her grade six class and her grade six mentor teacher, Miss Kelly. Yep-Jess is taller than her teacher!

At the celebration each of the students are given a character trait and bible verse by their teaches. Jessica's character trait this year was "Joyfulness". So very true!