Breaking New Ground

There is an air of anticipation. I have already picked out our clothes and have them hanging, ready to put on in the quite of the morning. One last night of rocking and rolling with the promise of sweet stillness just hours away. One last sunrise at sea. After thriteen days on the Atlantic Ocean we finally glimpsed land on the horizon. Back in Africa, where our hearts beat to the rhythm of the djembe and the laughter of the children. Back in Africa where the dust sticks to your legs and the smell of garbage gives way to the scent of the jungle and the sea. Back to the rains and the dry, the poverty of the people and the richness of character and culture. Home at last.........but a new home! For many, many years it has been the dream of Mercy Ships founder, Don Stephens to take the Africa Mercy into Central Africa. So we were very excited to be making history as part of the first Mercy Ships crew to sail into, and complete the first ever field service in Pointe Noire, Republic of the Congo, Central Africa!

The crew wave to onlookers as we approach our berth in the Port of Pointe Noire 

The pilot boards the ship from deck three, ready to guide us safely into port.

Josh, the ship's videographer jumps aboard the pilot ship to film some awesome footage of our arrival, from the sea.

Our deckies man the lines ready to tie the ship up next to a small fishing fleet and a rusted out shell of a shipwreck.

I love this about Mercy Ships. Everything we do is covered in prayer. Every single patient is prayed for right before they go into surgery, standing in their hospital gowns bewildered and afraid and our only long term surgeon, max fax surgeon, Dr. Gary Parker lays his hands on each anesthetized patient and prays over them before he begins his surgery. Each department begins the day in prayer and each Monday morning the community gathers and we are directed in specific prayer points. Perhaps my favourite ship prayers are those that the captain makes over the PA system at the beginning and the end of each sail to thank God for his protection and provision as we sail. It is always a very moving experience, as the crew stop where they are and what they are doing to close their eyes and join the captain in prayer.

Berthed! Tied up alongside, the berth is adorned with tents splashed in the colours of the Congolese flag. The gangway is lowered to solid ground. Terra firma at last!

Touchdown!

The crew wave at the advance team who have paved the way for our arrival, already clocking up five months in Pointe Noire, before the ship's arrival.

 

Some of the West African crew wave bonjour!

The elementary kids wave their homemade Congolese flags, excited to be in a new country and ready to feel dry land again! Sailing can be tough for a kid!

Jess all dressed up out on deck with the Academy.

A poignant moment indeed; Mercy Ship's founder Don  Stephens and his wife, Deyon stand on the dock, waving in the Africa Mercy. After 38 years at the helm, they had yet to see a Mercy Ship sail into port. They purposefully chose this historic moment as Mercy Ships breaks new ground into Central Africa, as their time.

Congolese buglers play as crew begin to make their exit.

Captain Tim had first honours to walk down the gangway.

Followed by the Africa Mercy's managing director, Donovan Palmer and his lovely wife, Mae.

Congolese military sit on the dock in full regalia

The media surround a VIP Congolese guest.

The media hang on every word of Mercy Ship's founder, Don Stephens

Captain Tim makes his way back on board assisted by the ship security officer.



The AFM hospitality team shine, ready to welcome on board a boatload of VIP's and dignitaries.

Head Chef Ken encourages the visitors to sample his finger food.

The Africa Mercy proudly displays the fluttering flag of the Republic of the Congo. For the next ten months we will endeavour to bring our best to the nation of the Congo, offering free, live saving surgeries to the poorest of the poor, while delving into the culture of this land, to form long standing relationships with locals and the government, to ensure a future for Mercy Ships in the region of Central Africa.