Yes, I know, we are about to depart Cameroon, but in the interests of keeping my blog coffee table book to a certain standard, one simply cannot be all non-chronological! Our arrival must come before our departure! You must hear the beginning before you jump to the end of the story. :)
Our August arrival into Cameroon was much anticipated, after spending years securing a protocol with the government. After a successful shipyard and a time of rest for our family and other crew, we arrived in Douala. The skies were overcast but our spirits were high. We heard the beat of the drums and the smell of Africa in the air as the dockside morphed though the mist, the blood red of the Advance Team’s matching outfits, clearly visible from a distance. Jubilation was in the air and even the light rain that escalated into a torrential downpour could not dampen the occasion!
Our August arrival into Cameroon was much anticipated, after spending years securing a protocol with the government. After a successful shipyard and a time of rest for our family and other crew, we arrived in Douala. The skies were overcast but our spirits were high. We heard the beat of the drums and the smell of Africa in the air as the dockside morphed though the mist, the blood red of the Advance Team’s matching outfits, clearly visible from a distance. Jubilation was in the air and even the light rain that escalated into a torrential downpour could not dampen the occasion!
It is
hard to describe the torrent of emotions that were rushing through us as we
pulled alongside: joy, sadness, expectation, nostalgia... This was the last
time we would pull into a host nation. Tear pricked my eyes and a lump
caught in my throat as I tried to savour every sight, sound, smell and
sensation, soaking them into her soul.
I always
say a picture is worth a thousand words, so please enjoy this pictorial of our
historic arrival into a new nation for Mercy Ships…..
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The Africa Mercy, escorted by the Cameroonian Navy, arrives at last to the shores of Cameroon. |
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Just a really cool pic by one of our talented Communications photographers, taken from our Cameroon berth, as the AFM is approaching. |
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Port of Douala workers looking on with curiosity, as we get closer. (PC: Kirsten Jack) |
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Almost in, all decked out in her flags! |
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The Advance Team get a close up glimpse of their home sweet home! |
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Pilot boat pulling alongside our pilot door on deck three, ready to guide us in. |
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The Cameroon flag flying proudly from deck seven. |
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Crew gathering to wave to those dockside, bearing the flags of our nations. |
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Crew jamming up a storm to celebrate our arrival. |
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Jessica and classmate Elliot. Their last arrival into a host nation, for this season! |
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Academy kids (including Jess), teachers and Academy alumni gathering to watch our arrival. (PC: Unknown) |
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The Advance Team! |
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New day crew and crew celebrating with singing and dancing on our new dock. |
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Our new day crew proudly displaying their nation's flag! |
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Jubilation! |
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Local port workers securing the lines. |
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Gangway coming down! |
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Touchdown! |
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Africa Mercy Managing Director, Warrie Blackburn and Captain John Borrow beginning the procession of senior leadership, down the gangway, bearing the Mercy Ships flag. |
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Warrie giving her welcome speech. |
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Africa Mercy Senior leadership (including Andrew) gathering under a marquee, to shelter from the rain and watch the arrival ceremony proceedings. |
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The band playing on in the rain, right next to the sewage truck! |
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Local VIP's and AFM Senior leaders gathering in midships. |
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These guys, they had it rough, looking back with almost ten months hindsight! They did a sterling job, under adverse conditions to bring the Africa Mercy to a new country. (PC: Suzanne Veltjens) |
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Home at last...... |
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Our dock! (PC: Anne McClary) |
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