My life is like a broken bowl,

A broken bowl that cannot hold

One drop of water for my soul

Or cordial in the searching cold;

Cast in the fire the perished thing,

Melt and remold it, till it be

A royal cup for Him my King: 

O Jesus, drink of me 

~Christina Rossetti

Most recently God has been personally revealing to me that my life, my experiences, what was and is, and what's to come has nothing to do with me. In fact, its never been about me.  It comes down to Jesus. Straight up. My life--past, present, and future--all of it, that He may be glorified.  Rossetti's verses speak my heart's prayer of late.

school for the deaf

Although surgery is the primary ministry of Mercy Ships, it is not limited to the walls of   the ship. Through Mercy Ministries, teams minister to the local community at off-ship sites such as a children's orphanage, a school for the deaf, and a psychiatric home for boys, as well as viewings of the Jesus film.

This morning I took the opportunity to go with a team to the government-run school for deaf children, one of the ministry sites off-ship. The team visits weekly and anyone can sign-up to go.  The children (6-10 yrs old) were excited at our visit and eager to interact with us.  We read to them the story of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" while another member signed. The story is about a caterpillar who is hungry for days, eating different foods until he ends up sick. A few days later he turns into a beautiful butterfly.  It was pretty cool to watch a room full of kids signing, laughing, and enjoying the story.  We related the story to our transformation in Christ and how God can take our ugly, sin-filled heart and turn it into beauty. We then gave them a cut-out of a butterfly for them to color and decorate as a reminder of how God can change them. 

This craft project was a challenge for them as they had to be patient with the limited supplies we had, and share. I found it refreshing and special to interact with them through my time and attention rather than my words--One, I did not need a translator to communicate that! :)  Two, for some of them, this school is where they get the most attention and interaction with others.

I'm so glad I changed my mind and got myself out of of bed this morning to go. Once again, I am the one blessed!  I look forward to visiting these beautiful and precious children again!

p.s  I would love to share pictures, but we did not bring cameras to respect and protect the children's dignity and privacy.

-h

ship shop

One-stop shopping!!

The basics for baking, cake mixes & frosting

African crafts/jewelry

Basic essential hygiene products

Snacks/chips/candy

Mercy Ship t-shirts/sweatshirts, calendars, DVD's

Meg & me

crew galley

We've slacked some on posting pics of around the ship...okay, a LOT!!  we had good intentions, really, and then i just haven't gotten around to posting them.  so today's feature is the crew kitchen. here, the crew can cook or bake anything, anytime. it has six small ovens/stovetops, and just about every gadget needed in the kitchen, even two kitchenaid mixers of which i've grown to love (i'm saving up for one of these:)!! its the happenin' place on the weekends--people cooking Saturday morning breakfast, mac n' cheese for lunch, or just dinner cuz they want something different. i like this place. particularly for baking chocolate chip oatmeal cookies from scratch. for that, Tim likes this place too:) 

Point of No Return

The point of no return.  The name the people of Benin call the place off the coast line where their ancestors were forced onto "big white ships" never to return again.  Slave ships.  It is here they were lined by the hundreds, their naked bodies shackled and chained together.  Many were beaten to comply or beheaded.  The lucky ones jumped into the sea to their death.  These ships were overcrowded and many starved to death.  
The slave trade boosted the economy of Benin.  Ironic. The very same act that caused such desolation and/or death to many, led to the wealth of the nation. Survival of the nation depended on this one export. The export of her people into slavery! (until it was later abolished in the early 1800's)

At the top of the tall arch, symbolizing "the passage," are carved slaves chained way too close together.  The monument in honor of all those who never returned is the shape of Benin, a keyhole.  You may be able to see the inscribed references to Scripture.

Some places I will never forget. 

God at work

    

This week was my last week in admissions...back to the the ward for now, where my heart truly is, until they need me again :) My experience in admissions has been unique--becoming familiar with another part of the process and meeting most of the patients before surgery, an opportunity I might not otherwise have. But I think, most of all, learning their stories has been an incredible privilege for me. I hope never to forget particular ones--vivid reminders of God's power...His mighty and yet loving power to change a life forever, and His compassion for us, His creation. Three stand out from this last week:    

I once was blind, but now I see!   

In the morning we bring-in our scheduled patients for admissions from the bottom of the gangway. Many of them have already been waiting a couple of hours. On this particular morning, we were there as the eye patients were being escorted up the gangway for their post-op appointments. What I saw, struck me profoundly, and for a moment time stood still...these patients were blind, and blindly fumbling with each step up the gangway. Each one had to be escorted; guided by the waist with every step. They looked awkward and almost helpless. And yet, here they were with a patch over one eye, symbolizing the hope of what's to come--sight!!  Their life and world will soon drastically change, a complete 360 degrees! How incredible for them to soon see color and the faces of their loved ones! For them, the birth of sight comes the death of rejection.  Most will now be deemed acceptable by their society and not have to beg on the streets again.

A young mother in her early twenties, after having her first baby.  

The long arduous labor created a hole, known as vesico-vaginal fistula, leaving her incontinent and leaking for life. Thus, at such a young age, she is respected by no one and scorned by many. As I was talking to her about the surgery that she will soon undergo, she was very somber and her eyes filled with tears.  Concerned, I ask my translator what is wrong, is she afraid? She tells me, "I never thought I could be fixed."   The tears continue to stream down her face throughout our entire conversation.

A little baby girl, a few months short of a year, sitting on her mama's lap. 

This beautiful baby girl was born with a cleft lip.  Again, I am describing to mama what to expect after her baby's surgery.  Her face immediately lights up and she is beaming; grinning from ear to ear. She begins chatting away. I ask what she is saying, oh how I wish I understood all their dialects!!  He shares with me that mom is so so happy!  She is so happy because now she will be able to present her daughter to a handsome husband someday!!  You see, in the African culture, girls are solely born to be wives and mothers.  It is an honor and they are respected for these roles.  To them, a cleft lip is a desolate and lonely future.  This was one very grateful mama!  

To God be the Glory great things He has done!

high tea

One of the special things about working and living on an international ship is that we have friends from all over the world!  One gal that I've especially bonded with is my neighbor and co-worker, Laura.  She is from England and she LOVES her tea!!  So for her birthday this last weekend I hosted a surprise tea party in her honor.  I had so much fun planning her tea party! Another friend and I had a blast baking from scratch typical desserts served at an English tea. We made scones served with whipped cream and lemon curd or jam; chocolate torte; and individual cheesecakes.  Not only did the desserts turn out well, but my friend was so surprised.  It was fun chatting around tea and scones.  And it was her first surprise birthday party too!! I thought I'd post the recipes because they were so DELICIOUS!! (and for anyone interested in putting on a tea party someday :)

"Tea is much more than a mere drink in Britain. It is a solace, a mystique, an art, a way of life, almost a religion. It is more deeply traditional than the roast beef of old England....This khaki-colored concoction, brewed through an accident of history from an exotic plant grown thousands of miles from fog, cricket and left-handed driving, has become the life-blood of the nation."

- Cecil Porter of Gemini News Service

CREAM SCONES

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place the rack in the middle of the oven. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. In a small measuring cup combine the whipping cream, beaten egg and vanilla. Add this mixture to the flour mixture. Stir just until combined. Do not over mix.
Knead dough gently on a lightly floured surface. Roll or pat the dough into a circle that is about 7 inches (18 cm) round. Then, using a 2 1/2 inch (6.5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut the dough into rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing a few inches apart. Brush the tops of the scones with a little cream. This helps to brown the tops of the scones during baking.
Bake for about 15 - 18 minutes or until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of a scone comes out clean. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve with Devon cream or softly whipped cream and your favorite jam.
These scones freeze well. Makes about 10 - 2 1/2 inch (6.5 cm) round scones.
2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup (76 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120 ml) whipping cream or milk

LEMON CURD

In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until blended. Cook, stirring constantly (to prevent it from curdling), until the mixture becomes thick (like sour cream or a hollandaise sauce) (160 degrees F or 71 degrees C). This will take approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately pour through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. Cut the butter into small pieces and whisk into the mixture until the butter has melted. Add the lemon zest and let cool. The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Cover immediately (so a skin doesn't form) and refrigerate for up to a week.
Makes 1 1/2 cups (360 ml).
If you want a lighter lemon curd whip 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy whipping cream and fold into the lemon curd.
3 large eggs
1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons) (do not use the bottled lemon juice)
1 tablespoon (4 grams) finely shredded lemon zest
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar
4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into small pieces

CHOCOLATE TORTE

Preheat oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line an 8 inch (20 cm) springform pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Separate the cold eggs, placing the egg yolks in one bowl and the egg whites in another. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand until they reach room temperature (about 30 minutes).
Melt the chopped chocolate and butter in a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Once melted, remove from heat.
Meanwhile place the egg yolks and 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar in the bowl of your electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream the yolks and sugar until pale and thick (about 2 to 3 minutes). Beat in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract. Fold in the ground almonds.
In a clean bowl, place the egg whites and whisk until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue whisking until soft peaks form. Gradually sprinkle in the remaining 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar and whisk until stiff peak forms. Fold about 1/4 of the whites into the chocolate batter to lighten it. Quickly fold in the rest of the whites and mix only until incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake has a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. The cake will rise during baking but falls during cooling, leaving a crisp and cracked crust. Once cool, run a spatula around the inside of the pan before releasing the sides. If not serving immediately, cover and place in the refrigerator. Serve cold or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar.
7 ounces (200 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped (I used Lindt Bittersweet)
11 tablespoons (150 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar, divided
4 large eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (100 grams) finely ground almonds (Ground 1 cup of blanched or sliced toasted almonds in your food processor)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

INDIVIDUAL CHEESECAKES

For Crust: In a small bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press about a tablespoon of crumbs on the bottoms of the 12 muffin cups lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate while you make the filling.
1 cup (100 grams) graham wafer crumbs or crushed digestive cookies
1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated white sugar
4 tablespoons (55 grams) unsalted butter, melted
For Filling: Follow packaged cheesecake filling box

vip visit

It's been awhile...we are behind in blogging... 

Last week the president of Benin paid a visit to the ship!  He toured the ship and the hospital and spoke words of thanks and appreciation to the ship and to God for its services to his people (he is a Christian!!)  Tim unexpectedly got to shake hands with him!  

The President of Benin

Don Stephens (founder of Mercy Ships) & the President

highlights

For one, like myself, who is addicted to change in hair style cut/color, etc--the hair salon services here on the ship is so appreciated!!  Not only that, but its cheap!!  Cuts are free and hair color/highlights is only a measly $8 (for any length)!! Can't beat that anywhere! So, last night, I spent the evening with Sarah.  She's not only highly talented, but has a sweet heart...I enjoyed our chat and getting to know her better.