Sailing the Seven Seas

You haven't really fully experienced the Africa Mercy if you have not sailed on her. It is hard to describe being at sea for lengths of time. There is the overwhelming beauty of  the sunsets and sunrises and storm clouds gathering overhead. The spectacular shows put on by sea life and the sun glittering off the ocean on a flat day like a billion little diamonds. The camaraderie of the crew and the feeling of total isolation like a toy boat bobbing about on the huge Atlantic ocean. Nothing but ocean as far as the eye can see.

I love sailing! The is that precious moment when we enter open seas before I start to feel incredibly nauseous when the ship starts to roll and things that have not been secured reveal themselves by crashing and smashing around the decks and cabins. We had some amazing calm days where it barely felt like we were even moving. It was incredible. Above I am standing on the bow. Below Jessica does the same.

Jess and her friend Zodi play on the bow.

It wouldn't be an Africa Mercy sail without abundant sea life. Tourist around the world pay millions of dollars to go to theme parks to see dolphin shows and we see it live and all natural for free!!

 Doesn't matter how many times you have seen them, the dolphins never cease to delight and amaze.

Gorgeous little flying fish. They are actually very small but this photo shows them off very well.

Andrew and I took a trip up to the bridge during the sail. This is the view down to the bow.

Andrew learning how to navigate our position at sea with Charles, the AFM's navigational officer.

Francis, an AFM deckie behind the wheel.

Another glorious sunset at sea looking out over one of the smaller life boats.



Sail Olympics-an odd collection of random games and challenges situated around the ship and usually utilising something from the sales department that we have an abundance of! This year-potato chips! One challenge was to see how fast your team of four could all eat one bag of chips each. For the record, slat and vinegar is not a good flavour for this challenge! Above Jess tries to drop a pen into a container using a string tied around her waist with no hands.

Open Mike Night in the Cafe-Jess and her grade six mentor teacher and friend, Miss Kelly.

Always a favourite-Pirate Day; the lighter side of the very serious issue of piracy. The cutest pirate on board!

To finish off Pirate Day-a pirate dance party of course! Jess amongst some of the crew.

The most outstanding event of the sail-Worship on the Bow. This was the night before we arrived in the Canary Islands and we were running well ahead of schedule so the Captain allowed the ship to be turned in the opposite direction so we could avoid the headwind and see the sunset. What an amazing time to reflect on our smallness and God's greatness!

Some of the ship's talented musicians and singers led us in worship.

A little while into the worship our West African crew  picked up the pace and an all out African dance party erupted.



Love this photo!

Jess and Zodi in their African pants on the bow.

Jess and I have some cuddle time on the bow.

A crew member reaching for the heavens into the amazing sunset.

My wonderful friend Dara and I enjoying worship on the bow.

Now we are sailing again! This time we are headed for Conakry Guinea in West Africa where we will be for the next eleven months. More on that to come......