Seventy times seven

Whenever you work closely with any government or country, your eyes become open to a new reality. The strengths and weaknesses of the government become known and any corruption is exposed.

The corruption has been the hardest for me to digest; to fully accept. Naively, I wasn’t expecting it; nor prepared to work through it.

I can’t help but feel angry when the paperwork we need processed or the supplies we need cleared keeps getting “delayed.” We are told that if we pay “so and so” or “this and that” we can get what we need. Not only are we here to help, but we are going to be providing thousands of free surgeries to their people, and their still trying to get money illegally from us! I can’t help but feel a little violated and used. Or discovering that the food from the world food program somehow “goes” to certain people first. Disgusting.

Then it makes me very, very sad. The sin--the corruption--has imprisoned this nation. They are trapped in this never-ending cycle. I have only lived in Africa just shy of two years now. I don’t, nor will not, claim to know everything about this dear continent. But, I believe part of their poverty as nations, even as a continent is in part due to the roots of sin and the corrupt ways of those on top. I use the word part, because there are of course many factors contributing to the poverty. I guess what I am feebly trying to say is that God honors honesty and casts his judgment on sin. He will bless righteousness. We see it all over the Old Testament. He loves righteousness and hates the wicked (Psalm 45:7). One reaps what one sows. And I am seeing it in a new way here.
(Please, don’t misinterpret. I am by no means, making a generalization. Not all of Africa’s leaders are corrupt. There are those in leadership positions who are desperately working to reverse this cycle. I know the USA isn’t entirely innocent either. )

I mentioned it in my last post…within our first week here we got fuel siphoned out of our generator-- by our security guards. Yes, the ones who are supposed to be watching over our house to prevent theft. Ouch! Even though theft is a big problem here, I didn’t see that one coming. I will admit my flesh wanted us to fire the guys then and there. We didn’t. But it got me thinking. What does it mean to really love? To truly forgive? God doesn’t call us to love and forgive when it’s easy. No, instead, He commands us to love when our whole being wants nothing but.

So, what does that look like for me? Even though it sometimes takes everything in me, we continue to bring them tea in the morning and our left-over dinner in the evening. I greet them with a smile and ask how they are doing.

Seventy times seven.

first impressions

We have [only] been here a week and a half, and in some ways it seems like much longer! :) I guess that what happens when you go from one meeting to the next. :) I had intentions to post sooner, but we haven’t been able to get internet connection at the house until today.

There is so much to share. I wish I could show you its beauty; introduce you to its friendly people; and share with you all the other things that are quickly capturing my heart for Sierra Leone… but due to time constraints and poor connection I have briefly summarized our first couple weeks with a list of our first impressions. The highs (blessings) far out weigh the lows. Glory to God!!

Lows

Inconsistent and VERY slow internet
Exposure to high corruption practices
Theft--Tim and Tracy both caught pick-pocketers trying to steal their flashlight and cellphone in the market, but - to the assailants' surprise- the two former Marines made their attemps unsucessful :) We also got fuel siphoned from our generator. :(
Waking up to the call for Mosque at 5am (high Muslim population here)
Minimal availability of fruit
High traffic—it can take up to an hour to drive anywhere


Highs

Safe arrival
Air conditioning at the house!
Eating plaintains again (our fave!)
Green, tropical climate/landscape (in contrast to the more desert climate of Benin and Togo)
Beautiful warm beaches
Donating blood at the AWC for a laboring momma
Vehicles cleared
Meeting contacts
Lead on off-ship sites
Better driving practices
Mandatory seat belt law
Very friendly people
Learning Krio words
Mercy Ship friends at the AWC

Thanks for all your prayers! Please keep them coming. :)

S.L. Prayer Requests

In just a few short hours, we will be flying to Sierra Leone! We need, depend, and value your prayers for our success with this great task ahead of us. For all you prayer warriors, we would like to share with you our prayer needs over the next four months...

1. Safe arrival to Freetown, S.L.
2. Release of the containers with our needed supplies
3. Open doors
4. The right contacts in all areas to liaise with who are willing, eager, and honest.
5. Good relationships with local systems
6. Communication will be clear and smooth, speaking in truth and love.
7. Health (protection against malaria, food/water diseases, etc.)
8. Protection
9. Unity and teamwork among our team of four
10. Completion of the ship's projects
11. Timely arrival of the Africa Mercy
12. Renters for our home in the states

Thank you... Merci beaucoup... or Tank-ee, as we will soon say in S.L :)

P.S. I will blog updates once we have internet access. I don't know how consistent our internet will be over the next few months, so blogging will depend on our connection. Keep checking in, though, for updates and prayer needs! :)

Q: What is the ship doing in South Africa?

A#1: Africa Mercy Generator project Update

Mercy Ships state-of-the-art hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, has recently entered dry-dock in Durban, South Africa. Built in 1980, it had become essential to replace the onboard power generators in order to provide the vessel with a reliable supply of power and enable it to remain in service. The ship is receiving four 5L21/31 type MAN engines, each with an output of 1,000 kW (1,360 hp). The new generators will be mounted in such a way as to cause minimum vibration, as any vibration transmitted to the operating theaters could make the surgeons' task more difficult.

The Africa Mercy entered dry-dock on Saturday, September 25^th. Approximately 40 shipyard employees are working on the ship. Senior VP of International Operations, Jim Paterson, believes the project timeline is on track,“The shipyard is confident that we are on schedule for our completion date.”

At this stage in the project, the workers have cut a hole in the side of the ship and removed the old generators: four Frichs diesel generators and two B&W Alpha diesel generators. Currently, the foundations are being prepared before the workers lift the new generators into the ship.

Other than the project manager and project supervisors, the Africa Mercy crew is not working directly on the generator project. They are, however, providing ample support for the ship yard during the project. There are roughly 80 Mercy Ships crew members still living on the ship working simultaneously on other projects. The ship being in the ship yard created an opportunity for the crew to repair areas that cannot normally be worked on when the hospital is in use. Projects include replacing the Main Engine Control System, doing a Main engine overhaul, and painting the dining room. There are also some hospital modifications being done.

When the project is complete, Mercy Ships will be able to reduce its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20%. It will serve as a substantial cut of annual fuel costs. Founder Don Stephens is pleased with the amount of money that will be saved, and ensures those savings will directly benefit patients onboard the Africa Mercy in the future.

The Africa Mercy enters dry-dock in Durban, South Africa.

The ship sits on these little blocks. Propped up so the shipyard workers can begin removing the generators!

Above, the hole cut in the port side to remove the old generators. You can see the Frichs generators inside.

The remains of one of the harbor generators being removed from the Africa Mercy . It was moved inch by inch onto a platform outside the hull, and lifted onto a waiting truck by the shore crane.

One of the four new MAN generators awaiting installation. The shipyard workers are currently making bases for them – The three red structures on the right.

A#2: Mental Health Training Seminar

“This helped me to understand people's problems, but first it helped me to understand myself,” said Beatrice Nhleko, speaking of the Mental Health Training Seminar led by Dr. Lyn Westman, Mercy Ships Mental Health Program Administrator. Mercy Ships partnered with the KwaZulu Regional Christian Council to offer 45 hours of training in basic counseling skills and mental health assessment to help pastors assess the problems of their parishioners. Beatrice, a pastor and hospital chaplain from the far north village of Ubombo (close South Africa's border with Swaziland), attended the week-long seminar in Pietermaritzburg recently with 31 other northern area pastors.

In the far north region, people commonly seek their pastors' help with all their problems – partly because they trust them, but also because they lack funds to seek help from health care professionals. Many people are victims of human rights abuse caused by a lack of understanding of mental problems.

The Mental Health Training Seminar offered a better understanding of the symptoms that separate physical, emotional and spiritual problems. Dealing with people holistically provides a better appraisal. Beatrice noted, “This was an eye-opener! Sometimes the problems we deal with are only medical, and we are casting out the devil when the devil is not there. Sometimes we don't need to pray and overload God when we can refer the problem to a professional and then pray.”

Beatrice founded a non-governmental community health organization to assist the terminally ill, orphans, and others with social and health problems. She has recruited ten volunteers to work with her to get government funding and access to government grants by documenting community members with personal information, such as birth certificates, which are required for such funding. In addition to the valuable training Beatrice received, the seminar began the process of networking with pastors to work toward mutual goals.

Beatrice admitted she would love more training of this kind, adding, “Sometimes we think we know something, but we don't. Sometimes, we think people are stubborn, when it's us who are stubborn.”

Pharla Gumede is a pastor from the Assembly of God church in a small village near Sondwanaby in northern KwaZulu Natal. He has lectured on theology at Parousia Bible College for the past three years. In addition, once a week he makes a seven-hour visit to a nearby prison where he teaches a course in theology and prays with 73 inmates. He says he must teach about forgiveness before he can begin the theology lessons. The prison students get assignments and take tests just as college students do .When they complete the course, he gives them diplomas and documents their study for credit. Two of his prison graduates are now pastors of large churches.

According to Pastor Gumede, “God can heal psychologically, mentally and socially… but it will start with their heart. First they must change their mind before their spirit can be changed. Then they can accept Jesus. They must then apologize to their victims and ask for forgiveness, even if they are in jail for life.”

He has found this training seminar extremely helpful for dealing with members of his congregation and the prisoners – especially in dealing with trauma and conflict. He is hopeful that additional training will be offered in the future.

Pastor Mezrom Mbonambi, who leads a congregation in the northern village of Kosibay, heads a team of volunteers that go into schools to teach students the importance of education and sexual purity. He said. “I've been longing to have this information for so long, and I see no reason why we shouldn't take this training to our team.”

He cited a case he had dealt with during the previous month – a young girl who was thought to be possessed or mentally ill. He observed, “Now I recognize that this girl was molested. If I had known then what this workshop taught me, I would have recognized it right away.”

Pastor Mbonambi said that the pastors had been looking at all problems as spiritual problems. Now he knows that all problems are not spiritual problems. “Dr. Lyn has helped us to see the signs leading to social and mental problems. Now we can look to the symptoms and address them accordingly, with the help of the Holy Spirit,” he remarked.

He is aware that more people will be coming to the pastors for help, and they must be equipped to handle the problems. Their mission now is to share their new knowledge with others inside their churches. He is very grateful to Mercy Ships and Dr. Westman for the training.

Over the next few weeks, Dr. Westman will conduct this seminar in several more locations in South Africa, thus enlarging the network of trained mental health counselors.

Story by Elaine B. Winn
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by John Rolland

Dr. Lyn Westman teaching during the week-long Mental Health Training in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Dr. Westman and her students involved in activities designed to reinforce the information being taught

31 area pastors attended 45 hrs of Mental Health Training, offered by Mercy Ships in partnership with the KwaZulu Regional Christian Council.

cozy cottage

This past weekend we spent a few nights at a very, very old farmhouse in Pretoria at Anne's Guesthouse. We went to accompany and assist a friend who was having surgery at the hospital there. Although it was work-related for Hannah, it was a relaxing get-away for us before we hit the ground running in Sierra Leone. I love how God provides! He knows just what His children need and WHEN. Rest, movies, and games mixed with a little chocolate is always a good time. :) I especially loved the thatched roof in our room. It thundered quite loudly one night; I was half-expecting to feel a drop or two. :) The old doors were pretty cool too. Hope you are having a good week! Love and hugs. -h

Sierra Leone

One week from tomorrow, we will be arriving in Sierra Leone to begin the prep work for the ship's arrival in February. Just months ago it seemed so far away... Now it's here! We are both looking forward to returning to West Africa. We are excited for this next adventure and what God is going to do.

I thought I'd share a few "quick facts" of this next country we'll call home for a little while :)...

-Bordered by Liberia and Guinea.

-Ranked one of the world’s poorest country by United Nations’ Human Development Index.

-Recovering from fourteen years of civil war.

-Relies on mining, especially the diamond for its economic base.

-English is the official language, 97% speak Krio.

-Not one hospital has running water!

-Predominately a Muslim nation—Islam 60%, Christian 30%, Indigenous Religions 10%.

(From Wikepedia dot com)

This will be our home for the next 4 months!!

finer things :)

In complete juxtaposition to my prior post, last Saturday we enjoyed a fab day out with friends, no kids, enjoying some of life's 'finer things'... like wine tasting, cheese, and chocolate of course :)

reality

Life isn't fair.

An age old truth that we simply grow up hearing. We've all heard it. But then there are the rare moments in time when you see glimpses of it. You actually feel it - the sickening sensation in your heart when it recognizes wrong; that something is not right.

Tim and I have had two of those moments in the last couple weeks.

We are staying in a region where water is scarce. At least twice a week for the last couple weeks, we have no water. The showers may or may not have water. And laundry can be a half day's work... like the last time, when I poured bucket after bucket of water into the machine because the water wasn't flowing from the pipes. And it is such a dry season this year that when we went on our safari, we saw that all the river beds were dry. I don't know what the animals were drinking or how they were even surviving. Lord, bring the rain.

I say all this not to complain or to impose guilt, but to illustrate the reality that so many around the world live in each day. The people around us here struggle with the lack of water every day. As Tim expressed, for the first time in his life he's turned on the faucet and no water came out. Its a little weird. Never have I wondered if water will come out when I turn on the faucet. I just know it will. "No water today," were not words I'd ever heard before. And to know that there are people who struggle with getting water daily; who walk miles just to get clean water.

This is something I take for granted. Each and every day.

Last weekend something happened. I don't know all the details, but our driver was discriminated against because of the color of his skin. It happens in the states, I know. I guess my naive mind didn't expect racial tensions in Africa. I admit ignorance. But apartheid has left deep scars in this country and her people. It made my heart angry and sad to hear his hurt. And he's not the only one. He's certainly not the exception.

Here in South Africa you will see tin houses made of metal scraps right off the road. Look beyond, and in the same neighborhood, your eyes see beautiful homes. The contrast is huge. Yeah, I've seen poverty in West Africa. I've also seen it back home. But in West Africa, its a way of life. Dare I even say the standard of living. Its life, and its accepted. I know this doesn't make it right. But here, because of the drastic difference, the poverty is magnified. It feels more wrong in a way.

Yes, we are privileged. And yet why am I considered "privileged" because I have the bare necessities? Water should not be a luxury. And the color of your skin/ nationality, should not determine your value, worth, or privilege.

But it is, and it does. And its not fair.

dry dock

The other day Tim and I went to the ship with our departments to take care of some needed business ship-side. We got to see the ship out of water and in dry dock for all its repair work. The men are working hard and progress is being made! I took photos, but I liked our friend's photos better. :) He captured the ship so well...

(Photos by Murray Crawford)