Au Revoir!

Here we stand on deck seven of the Africa Mercy upon completion of our second field service with Mercy Ships; this time in the nation of Togo in it's capital Lome. Leaving a host nation brings with it mixed feelings of sadness and excitement. After so many months in port the crew, a big bunch of adventurers really, are ready to tackle the next country with gusto. Ready to make new friends, have new experiences, eat new foods, see new places and bring hope and healing to thousands more in the name of Jesus!

While we were sad to leave yet another country that has left an imprint on our heart we were excited to be heading to the Canary Islands, Spain. Visions of McDonald's and Ikea danced in our heads, fresh stone fruits, new clothes and tapas enticed, decreased humidity, beautiful scenery and ice cream flavours drew us!

The gangway is lifted high into the air up to it's resting place on deck 8.

The dedicated deckies man the lines.

Captain Jon radios from the bridge.

The crew bids farewell from the decks including many of our new West African crew leaving their motherland for the very first time.

 Our wonderful Port of Lome security bids us farewell. Thanks guys for your diligence in keeping us safe for the past six months! We appreciate you!

Some of my favourite photos of all time with Mercy Ships-Pastor James Adoukpo who served as a deck day worker with Mercy Ships in Togo 2010 and 2012. Pastor James was so much more than day worker, always with a ready smile and a servant heart he welcomed dozens of Mercy Shippers into his home and into his church. He would joke and say, "Come to my office" which of course, as a deckie, was wherever he could be found up painting, washing or sweeping the decks.

 The photo below almost brought tears to my eyes. This is why we do what we do. This is why one day God placed a dream in our heart to go to the nations of Africa and serve best we knew how. Down on his knees, Pastor James gives thanks to the almighty God for the work that Mercy Ships has done within his country and those around. The blessing is all ours Pastor James!

Getting a little too close for comfort to an overhanging container!

Tug boats assist us out to the open sea.

The pilot boat brings out the pilot to guide us out.

Jessica on deck 7 about to go to her tenth country at the age of 12!! Spain awaits!