Farewell Freetown, Bonjour Lome!

After ten months in Freetown, Sierra Leone it was time to pull up anchor to head to Tema, Ghana for three weeks of down time before heading to the Africa Mercy's next field service location: Lome, Togo. Sierra Leone, home to one of the most challenging field services Mercy Ships has ever faced with its water shortages, debris filled waters, the desperation leading to mass casualties at the first screening, the unbelievable traffic amongst other things. Our first field service! A baptism of fire, no less! Sierra Leone, home to exquisite beaches, joyful and friendly locals where a hug and a smile are always quick, lush jungle and and thousands of locals healed and whole after free, life saving surgeries!

The Africa Mercy's departure was an understated affair compared to our elaborate arrival, the exact date and time kept under wraps due to security concerns. Above the wonderful deckies get busy pulling up the lines.

The gangway is raised.

Pulling out. The crew line the decks to bid farewell.

Looking towards the stern to Freetown. All the landrovers are lifted up by crane from the dock in the week before we depart a field service.

The pilot jumps on board. We always use a pilot to help guide us in and out of port. They are dropped off to a door that enters into deck three in the hospital and depart from deck eight via helicopter. It is always a treat to watch!

At sea! It is indescribable being at sea watching the sunset and the waves crashing over the bow. You feel as if you can almost reach out and touch heaven.

On the first night of the sail the crew were treated to a spectacular sight as a huge pod of dolphins swam alongside the ship for quite some time. Wish we could have been there to see it! We heard it was amazing! Flying fish and whales were also spotted.

Pulling into the Port of Lome, Togo after a quick one day sail from Tema, Ghana.

Tugs help to bring the Africa Mercy into port.

Lowering the gangway.

Clementine Tengue, our lone Togolese crew member proudly carries the Togo flag down the gangway. Carrying the host nation's flag down the gangway is the first thing that is done after the gangway is lowered, a mark of respect towards the country and a moment for our West African crew to shine!

The Africa Mercy docked in Lome, Togo....... ready for service!