Finding the Balance

Recently I heard the term "finding the balance" with regards to our lives on board the ship and it really resonated within me. At some undefined point in time we begin to think of our lives are "normal" and we become desensitised to the poverty, corruption, disease and illness around us. No longer are we shocked by the sight or a face destroyed by the flesh eating cancer, Noma, on the way to drop off our garbage, no longer do we notice the rubbish and the human excrement on the sides of the road, no longer do we see the torn and dirty clothes on the children. No longer do we bother about sitting for hours in traffic that does not move an inch, no longer do we expect to receive our mail or packages at any set time and no longer do we flinch at the smell that rises up from the ocean as we go down the gangway.

What are our coping mechanisms? Yes we are desensitised but we also laugh a lot, we play a lot and we have FUN! The ship is in a constant state of social activity and with the huge number of nationalities represented on board we are in a constant state of social activity from all over the world!

The Mercy Ships Academy also offer time out for the kids to participate in various activities each Friday afternoon. This program is called Student Life and offers the kids all kinds of options from painting to woodwork to the "Blessing Others" course which visits the wards and the Hope Centre and helps out other departments on the ship with their daily work. Above Jess is participating in "Blessing Others"-assisting the dining room staff.

Jess in the Student Life painting class

Another fun thing the Academy does is Spirit Day. I have posted about this before. It is a nominated day approximately every six weeks where the kids can dress to follow a certain theme. One of the latest Spirit Days was hat day. Jess is sporting her Aussie fly swatting cork hat.

Special occasions are not forgotten even if family and friends back home are not around to help celebrate. Above Jess and I at fellow Aussie crew member Leah's engagement party. Never mind that her fiance is home in Canada, we partied on none the less!! It was great girl time. I took the photo if you are searching for me!

The American tradition of welcoming in the new harvest is celebrated each year on board with the Fall Festival. It is like a fete for those back home minus the pony rides! Jess decided to Google how to make sewless bags and she found these bags made out of t-shirts. Shhhh-I helped make most of them! Since then I have helped some of the patients make them down on the wards and they are very popular! Jess sold eight out of ten bags.

The Fall Festival also featured something that is always a hit at anytime of the year, on board-the photo booth!! We love photo booths! Above Andrew and below Jess break out their inner photo booth persona's!

 

There is also a strong youth group on board which the chaplains run alongside some other younger crew. We are extremely grateful for this opportunity for Jess! They participate in all kinds of activities from sightseeing day trips, ministry events, small groups, worship times, games, movies, dinners and overnight trips. Above the youth enjoy a visit to Dubreka Falls about an hour and a half outside Conakry.

Okay, okay-this may not be everyone's cup of tea but I look forward to my once per field service "observe a surgery" day with great excitement and it sure beats the daily grind. Above I observe an ortho surgery and below a max fax surgery. Cool!!!

 

Happy 39th birthday to me!

 Birthday lunch with friends at local hotel "The Riviera"

Each year the Africa Mercy chaplains organise a weekend of Spiritual Retreat. They put a great deal of effort into this weekend and offer all kinds of activities and areas of reflection and retreat around the ship. This year's theme was "Spiritual Armor" and of course there had to be a photo booth. Love this one of Jess and friend Savannah.

One last fling in Engineering-a dinner with the Africa Mercy electricians. We were invited as honourary guests to local restaurant Le Refuge. Andrew having a good time. Below our bill for twelve people-over one million Guinea Francs.

 

A few weekends ago Andrew and about 40 other male crew attended a men's retreat at Roome Island, a leisurely 40 minute boat ride away. Promising lots of BBQ meat and male bonding, the retreat delivered and Andrew had a great day out!

Andrew climbing out of the boat/oversize canoe.

Once again the crew/day worker BBQ's and community meetings have proved to be a big hit. After several in Togo we had our first one in Guinea in November. If you want peace and quite this is NOT the place to go!!!



As we are in one port usually for ten months we see many ships come and go. Everything from huge container ships to cruise ships and navy vessels. Sometimes our crew are given the opportunity to tour these ships. Recently a French Navy ship came into port behind us and offered tours to our crew. Above I am standing on their bow, a little smaller than ours! Below, with a French sailor. No wise cracks girls!!

 

One of the most relaxing areas on board the ship is our very own Starbucks Cafe. Most definitely the only Starbucks in West Africa. Jess often works as a barista so she will be well trained for a job at McCafe on our return! Starbucks in located in what is referred to as Town Square. It is the hub of the ship and very often the centre of many of the ship's events. Every Thursday night after community meeting ice-cream is served to the crew in Town Square and on New Year's Eve the crew welcomed 2013 in.

 This is just a small window into some of the dozens of activities and events that take place both on and off ship. We are very fortunate to have so many outlets to help us find the balance!
 

Out of the Mouth's of Babes

One of the jobs that Andrew has inherited in the past six months is giving tours of the engine room. He has given tours to Mercy Teams, guests, crew and Academy classes. It is something he really enjoys and something he is really good at. It gives his dry sense of humour a real workout! Above Andrew gives my parent's a tour on their recent visit to the ship. As you can see it gets pretty loud down there so everyone on the tour has to wear ear protection and enclosed footwear. The bowels of the Africa Mercy are huge and it is fascinating to see what goes on to make the ship tick from our fresh water to our fuel. 

Andrew and Dad in the engine control room where the ships watch keepers can keep a close eye on everything 24 hours a day.

Andy going up through the funnel. It's a bit of a climb and quite steep too.

Andrews' favourite tours are the Academy elementary kids. He says they ask lots of good questions. Above are Andrew and second engineer Anthon with the first-third graders. Andrew was chuffed to find our hallway adorned with thank you cards after the tour. Here are some priceless quotes from the cards.......

"My time in the engine room was hot but fun.........P.S I learned that even deck 3 is under water"  Eli

" Dear Mr Rothwell My favourite part was the control room. Can I come back? Your friend Luke"

" My favourite part was everything.God bless you" Isabella

" My favourite part was the control room. I learned that you should not touch the buttons......" Alex

"I like Mr Rothwell" Unknown

For more fun quotes see a blog post from fellow crew members the Cash family:

Cash Family Blog! Serving with Mercy Ships: Tour de l'Africa Mercy: ...


 

Hello Mr President!

Two hours notice until the President visits!!! Chaos reigns. Orderly chaos. The ship became a hive of activity recently when the President of Guinea, Mr. Alpha Condé made an impromptu visit to the ship. After visiting the French Navy vessel docked next door to us, the President decided to bring forward his visit, planned for several weeks later. With about two hours notice the management team, hospitality, crew services, security and the galley went into overdrive. It was fascinating to watch. Furniture was re-arranged, floors vacuumed, hor' dourves made, security sweepings of the ship took place, the International Lounge was prepared for the President to address the crew and seemingly instantly, people appeared dressed in their finest African dress.



President Alpha Conde shakes hands with the Africa Mercy Manging Director, Donovan.

The Guinean Navy Band plays up a storm.

Captain Tim, who was later heard to joke that the Presidents unplanned visit had now freed up the management team from dozens of meetings in the weeks to come.

The President makes his way up the gangway surrounded by his bodyguards. Security was intense with the presence of armed soldiers, holding hands to form a human barricade as the President walked from the French Navy ship to the Africa Mercy. In July 2011 President Alpha Conde survived an assassination attempt. It caused the country of Guinea to come to a standstill threatening it's first democratically elected government in it's fragile, early days. Guinea's government continues to be volatile with the sacking of the Minister of Health several months ago and just last week the shocking shooting murder of the Treasury Chief of Guinea, Aissatou Boiro whose zero tolerance towards corruption left her as a target.

The President adds his signature to the long list of officials, Presidents, Royalty and other dignitaries who have graced the hallways of the M/V Africa Mercy.

President Conde addresses the Africa Mercy crew in the International Lounge in his native language of French. Crew member Emmanuel translates whist the crew, whose ordinary day had ground to a halt, became a captive audience soaking in President Conde's words of encouragement.

After the President finished his speech his security detail was thrown into a spin as he began to work the room, insisting  on shaking dozens of crew members hands. Andrew managed to feature in the nightly Guinean news as the President's visit to the big white hospital ship made headlines.

 

A Presidential visit to the Africa Mercy would not be complete without a visit to the hospital. President Conde in the maxillo-facial ward.

Greeting long stay orthopaedic patient and one of my students, Yaya.

Speaking words of affirmation to another orthopaedic patient.

The Hospitality crew and Head Chef Ken surrounded by their hastily put together, but still professional hor'dourves.

Well done to all those involved in pulling off a last minute Presidential visit with finesse!



 

We are His Workmanship

4:00am Monday 3rd September 2012. Mercy Ships Mass medical screening. People's Palace Conakry, Guinea. 3,500 screened.  300 crew members, 100 day workers involved. 9:00 p.m Monday 3rd September 2012: 852 patients issued with surgery cards or plans for follow-up treatment. Guinea: 1.3 health care workers for every 10,000 people. These are the facts.

This is my fourth blog post on Mercy Ship's mass medical screening days in West Africa. If you want to know all about the facts this is not the post to read. This is about the people. A few days before the screening the crew were challenged to look in the eyes of the people and see God's image in each and every one of them, whatever their affliction or circumstance. Standing there with sweat dripping down my face handing out sandwiches and heaving heavy bottles of water I forgot all about this simple message. Then without warning it came to me......"Jodie, look into their eyes". A still small voice. I saw pain, confusion, uncertainty, shame, humiliation, joy, humour, love, hope, desperation, frustration, anger, gratitude. Isn't it true that Jesus felt all these emotions whilst on earth?

"So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them."

Genesis 1:27 NIV

 

"i am a reflection
of the one who loves me most
created in His image, on purpose
i'm supposed to be me
and no one else could ever,
no one else could ever take my place
after all, i was made in the image of God
in the image of God."

"Image of God"
Crystal Lewis

Just because I know you would like a little look.....Check out this clever little movie of the screening day in two minutes! FYI-Andrew and Jessica enjoyed their first screening day. Andrew worked as driver commuting between the ship and the screening site and also lent a hand with logistics. Jessica accompanied the Academy Junior High and High School and rotated through the stations of patient escorting, children's ministry and food and water distribution with grace and dignity!



A Beautiful Sight!

To many West Africa is smelly, dirty, overcrowded and diseased. To me West Africa is home. I see past the decay into the hearts of the people who smile through their circumstances, unwilling to be caught up in their poverty and desperation. It is a beautiful sight! It makes my heart sing!

After some welcome down time in Spain it was time to head back to our first calling; West Africa, to the port of Conakry Guinea where the Africa Mercy has never berthed, and it has been over ten years since it's predecessor, The Anastasis graced Guinea's shores. Above the rainy season is still making is presence known as we make our way into port on an early August morning.

After quite a roomy berth and dock space in previous countries it was a little bit of  a shock to see our "tiny" piece of concrete. Our berth begins on the right hand side and finishes at about the end of the yellow building but there is a fence that runs alongside our tent which makes the space quite narrow.

Lowering the gangway, ever the popular sight and always met with a rousing cheer after it makes contact with the dock!

Crew line the starboard decks to get a glimpse of the action. Arriving in a host nation, after many days or weeks at sea is cause for much celebration and emotion. Andrew and I are on the lower deck on the far right. I have my head turned.

The Mercy Ships Academy elementary kids wave their Guinean flags as we pull alongside. Every crew member is involved in our arrival from the youngest to the oldest, from those working in the engine room to those who are standing on deck.

Jess curled her hair for the occasion and is wearing her African dress she had made in Togo for the first time. She is growing up so fast. We pray that she will treasure each of these moments in time and look back at the very special life she has led with Mercy Ships.

Jess with new friend Abby who arrived while we were in Tenerife (her and Jess are only six days apart in age) and old friend Josie standing on deck 8.

Andrew decked out on deck!

It is customary for a crew member of the host nation to carry the flag down the gangway but we have no Guinean crew members! So the honour was bestowed upon the Mercy Ships Academy's three high school seniors (grade 12) from the USA, UK and South Africa.



A curious crowd of onlooker gathered marvelling at the big white hospital ship coming into their port. What a curious sight we must be!

Captain Tim welcomes Guinean President Mohamed Said Fofana on board after the arrival ceremony is over.

How does all this happen?? How do we sail into port with a reliable water source, tents and fences erected, security in place. the arrival ceremony organised complete with the presence of major dignitaries and media? How do we sail into port with the land rovers registered and given diplomatic immunity, candlers waiting to deliver us fresh fruit and vegetables, over two hundred day workers sourced, interviewed and TB tested ready to begin work? How do we sail into port with the Hope Centre, Dental and Eye Clinic buildings sourced, prepared and ready to open, with the location, publicity and cooperation for our mass screening organised. How do we do it???

We send out an amazing, efficient advance team, many whom are fluent French speakers, into a port six months before the ship's arrival. Thanks wonderful advance team (above) for all you do to get the kinks out and make it possible for us to enter a country and do what we do!

About a week after our arrival over 200 day workers met with their ship's department head at a meeting point just outside the port and accompanied them up the gangway to begin their orientation. Andrew has begun his third field service as the engineering day worker "mum". He was very excited to pick up his day workers and bring them back to the ship, many who have served with us in previous countries. It was wonderful to see old friends back again and so much excitement and anticipation in the faces of the day workers!

So that is our arrival back into the fray!


Fast forward seven weeks............ Fast facts!

* 25,000 km driven so far in ship's land rovers
* Received about 200 new crew and guests so far
* 6,720 watch keeping hours so far
* $190,000 in local currency brought to ship and processed
* Grew to 383 crew from 39 nations

Engineering
* 1505 Hours worked in tanks so far
* 198 hours of plumbing in September –emergency call outs , Saturdays, Sundays and Ship’s Holidays
* 220 Hours in September - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering* Engineering average for September - 187 hours

 Galley

* 90000 meals served
 * 17 special events
 * 2 luncheons
 * 28879 kilos of meat, chicken, and fish used
 * 16000 kilos lettuce
 * 16000 kilos tomatoes
 * 26000 kilos melons
 * 16000 kilos onions
 * 520 kilos tuna fish
 * 16800 eggs

The total number of people who have showed up to Mercy Ships screenings so far in Guinea.

 

11,500+
God is good, ALL the time!