250th

This is the 250th post on our blog since beginning our journey with Mercy Ships back in February 2008, and joining the blogger world for the first time with the start of this blog. Kinda of cool, eh?! :)

I spent a couple hours the other day reading through all my posts from the beginning.

A few years ago we had become quite comfortable in our lives, settled in our home and jobs and enjoying its pleasures - the exact state that stirred our hearts to want more out of life, and the desire to give back what God had so generously given us. To live a life of service.

Now as I read over our journey, I am amazed. In my "giving," I was the receiver of some of life's greatest blessings... in the experiences, the people, the emotions, the love, in the memories.

True treasures in jars of clay.

I see God's touch in each and every post. Oh, how I love Him.

I give You, Lord, all the glory.

the Spring in our step :-)

Appelsbosch, Republic of South Africa

Hello from South Africa!!

We have safely arrived to South Africa and have been settling in over the last week. My absence is largely due to the fact that we just got internet up and running around here. :)

First of all, we, along with the rest of the crew, are so THANKFUL for our accommodations. We seriously couldn't ask for better! We are staying at an old college campus that had been abandoned for several years. The grounds are huge compared to what we are used to. :) The children are running wild around here, just loving it! :) We are staying in dormitories and eat our meals in the mess hall. There is even an indoor gym for sport and a canteen. The first several days really felt like we were at camp or at a retreat/ conference. :)

Second, it is SPRING here! I can't tell you how excited I am that it is a change in season; so refreshing from the dry and wet seasons of West Africa. But with that, it is COLD!! Everyone's in hoodies and sweaters and shoes; quite a change for us. :) Oh, I can't forget the FLOWERS! And the colors of purple and red that the flowers bring to my eyes; a wonderful sight indeed.

We are tucked away in the rural Zulu village of Appelsbosch in the countryside, surrounded by rolling hills of green and brown plots of farm land. The view and scenery is truly breath-taking. I love the mornings when the dew is still on the grass and over the hilltops. We wake up to the sound of birds chirping and the rooster cock-a-doodling. Because of this great rural location, we are one to two hours from any decent grocery store and three hours from the ship (docked in the port of Durban). Our first Saturday here, everyone was eager to go to the nearest mall just over an hour away. So most of the crew piled into every land rover vehicle we have and did just that. A day at a big Western mall was an exciting event for us. :)

We have spent our first week here settling into our "homes" and work spaces. It will be a change in pace and work for us during the six weeks we are here. Tim is still working in the Purser's office. But he will be responsible for the "Purser" side of things for both the ship and the campus here. He will be making trips back to the ship one to two times a week for business. I, on the other hand, will be sitting at a desk in front of the computer most days. I will be working with a handful of other nurses standardizing our Hospital's policies/procedures, with the goal towards accreditation in the next couple years. This will be a little challenging for me as sitting behind a desk eight hours a day is not my cup of tea.

As I mentioned, we are neighboring a Zulu village(s). The first Sunday we were here we were invited and welcomed to attend their church. We walked there as it is literally across the street, or a "dirt's road away." The members knew we were coming, so the service was held in another building next to the church, in the church hall, to accommodate all of us. It was quite the cultural experience...

We were greeted to the sound of several singing aloud in their seats as we entered. The service was very liturgical, full of rituals such as incense burning, processing up and down the stage and aisle with a large wooden cross, and memorized responses from the congregation. We shared in communion. The most memorable experience was singing familiar songs such as "It is Well With My Soul" and "Take My Life and Let it Be." We sang them together, us in English and them in Zulu. It was absolutely beautiful. The walls echoed with our voices. It reminded me a little of what Heaven will be like. I especially enjoyed hearing them sing, the South African style of a cappella choruses was beautiful. I was in awe of their ability to just bellow out any song in perfect tune and harmony! Such music to the ears.

While we are here at Appelsbosch, living and working on land, several of our crew are left behind working on the repair project (the reason why we are in South Africa). Please pray for the technical crew staying and working on the ship over the next few months. Right now is particularly extra challenging as it is extremely warm on the ship, they are not getting all the food and supplies they need, they are short-staffed, and have had some minor injuries already.

Pics to come of the campus and surroundings... but for now I will close with the verse from this morning's devos in Lamentations 3:24

The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait on Him.

miracle tree

(Story from our most recent newsletter, August 2010)

Thousands of years ago in India, the special qualities of the moringa tree were discovered and put to use. This tree grows rapidly – up to 20 feet in a year – and grows naturally in West Africa. The leaves, seeds and flowers are edible and nutritious, and they can also be used to make a wonderful tea. The leaf powder has seven times the vitamin C found in oranges, four times the vitamin A in carrots, three times the iron in spinach, four times the calcium of milk, and three times the potassium of bananas. Loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein, the powdered leaves make a solid food supplement. Nursing mothers in Africa use it to increase milk production. Animals thrive on it. It's possible to survive by eating only from the moringa tree.

The Mercy Ships Food for Life program has been growing moringa trees for the past six or seven years and promoting its use in communities. Nutritionist Kelly Dahl and Agriculture Program Administrator Ken Winebark, who have been working together to use it in the Infant Feeding Program, have seen remarkable results.

In Liberia, a malnourished baby named Joseph was left by his parents on a banana leaf to die. At 17 months of age, he was the size of a three-month-old. Agriculture Program Facilitator Jean Claude Mouditou and his wife, Anastasie, a community health worker, rescued the child and brought him to a clinic in Monrovia. They were told nothing could be done for the baby. Jean Claude and Anastasie put the child on a regimen of moringa powder which they made. In just 2 ½ weeks, Joseph went from a weak, tiny boy who could not stand up to a pudgy, healthy baby. When Joseph returned to his village, people could not believe it was the same child. “You switched babies on us,” they said. But the baby's mother recognized him and declared, “No, this is Joseph!”

This Field Service is the first time the moringa powder has been used in the Infant Feeding Program onboard the ship. The program was started to help babies who were malnourished due to cleft lip or cleft palate. Marius was such a baby. Weighing only 6.7 pounds at 4½ months, his skin hung loosely over his tiny body. Because he was not strong enough or healthy enough for surgery, he was the first child to be given the moringa powder in the Infant Feeding Program. He and his mother were admitted to the hospital ward on the Africa Mercy , where the moringa diet and caring volunteer nurses nurtured him to a healthy 10.5 pounds in just 3 weeks!

Hettie Hiemstra, Infant Feeding Program Coordinator, reported, “Marius has had an increased weight gain compared to the other children. He is not only fatter, but stronger, too. Now he looks like his skin can't hold him anymore….his countenance has brightened, he is a lot more alert, and he is doing remarkably well.”

Marius' mother, Chantel Aligbo, was excited about her son's progress, saying, “The moringa makes him more strong … and he became very fat. I thank God for bringing Mercy Ships to help him.”

The moringa leaf powder used in the Infant Feeding Program was grown and produced at the Mercy Ships International Operations Center in Texas. The mild winters there and the summer climate allow experimentation with many new crops which might prove valuable for the mission field. But because the moringa can only be grown during the summer months, there is not enough to supply the needs onboard the ship. The additional supply, therefore, is coming from the Centre for Ecological Development (CED) in Togo. This is one of three private organizations partnering with the Mercy Ships Food for Life training program during this Field Service.

In addition to a natural energy boost, the moringa has been credited with significant benefits to overall health – including reduction of inflammation and arthritis pain, healing of ulcers, stabilization of diabetes, control of blood pressure, clearing of skin conditions, and strengthening of the immune system. For this reason, it is referred to as the “Miracle Tree” in many parts of the world.

Story by Elaine B. Winn
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos courtesy of Ken Winebark

in transition

17 days.

That is how long we've been sailing the wide open waters of the sea. Long enough to get bored at times. And yet wondering if its enough... enough time to process all that has happened. First, the six months in Togo, then the quick month at home, and now all that lies ahead.

I wasn't expecting to return from my trip home and feel a sense of disclosure, for the lack of a better word.

The sort-of "last-minute" decision to go home, left the last month in Togo a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts turned toward home. Excitement and anticipation overcame the need to say good-bye. Goodbye to nurses that I've worked alongside and supported over the last several months; many who became friends. Goodbye to our local translators who interpreted for me and brightened my day with a smile or greeting, or just their joy. Their love for life brought much laughter, music, and dancing to not only the wards, but to my heart as well. And the patients. Oh, the patients... I didn't get to see them go.

Now I'm back, and I feel like I was cheated in a way. I left the hospital bustling full of patients. I returned to find it quiet and empty, eerie in a way. Where there once were beds lining the walls, are now boxes stacked high atop another. The patients are gone. The translators are gone. And there is less than half the crew remaining. So many left while I was away.

Its taken me about 17 days to articulate this state of mind and heart. To give it a name. I don't have closure. Last year, at the end of our time in Benin I helped discharge many of the remaining patients; saw them off to a local hospital or clinic with all their supplies for their follow-up. I got to attend the good-bye celebration for the Day Volunteers, appreciating their service. And the end of outreach reception, presenting an overview and summary of the outreach. All these things to help bring conclusion to the last six months.

Back from our visit home, I now find myself trying to find perspective. A healthy and realistic perspective of the world we have called home for so long. And the world halfway across the globe that we have lived just shy of two years. I wonder where we fit? There is a battle going on inside my heart. We've been asked over and over what's next, what's after our advance work? Truth is, we don't know. I find myself wondering for the first time in my life where home is. Shoot, that's a little scary. I know we still have several months to figure it out, but I guess the trip home magnified the unknown even more for me, for us.

Today, alas, we have finally arrived (Yay!!). We are going to be in South Africa for six weeks before heading on to the next adventure. I have to admit, I feel like we're in transition. In fact, we've been in transition for the last couple months. Even while visiting home -- next was the sail and then South Africa. Now we are in South Africa. But only for a few weeks. In a far off sort-of way I don't feel like I completely belong anywhere.

And then I look ahead... we have so much to anticipate. We are anxious to start our advance work in Sierra Leone. This overwhelms me at times. There is so much to do in the months ahead. I'm trying to remotely prepare my mind and heart for what I think it might be like or what to expect. Truth is, I don't have the slightest idea.

Thankfully, God knows all these things. :) He also knows my heart, and where I've been and where I'm going. The words of the prophet Jeremiah ring true,

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.

Plans to give you... a hope and a future.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me with all your heart.

I will be found by you, declares the Lord.

AMAZING Cause!!

These people GET IT!!!

Seriously, check it out here.

Mission Statement

To reduce the occurrence of maternal and infant mortality by providing sterile birthing kits, holistic childbirth and development centers, and sponsorships of mothers in East Africa.

*On a side note: Sierra Leone launched a free health care initiative in April of this year, giving free health care to children under 5 years, and pregnant and lactating women. Way to go Sierra Leone for making steps to improve maternal health!!

Fearless Friday :)

Life at sea.


(Images from a couple of our roughest days earlier this week. It has since calmed out :)

Photos by Murray Crawford

Farewell, Togo!

Last glimpse of the dock/ port...

Tim waving down from Deck 8...

Goodbye, Togo...

Sail away, sail away, sail away...

The Togolese Navy followed us out!!...

We are 1.5 weeks into our approximately 2.5 week sail to South Africa. Thankfully the seas have been calm for the most part. We are, however, expected to pass through some rough parts over the next week as we get closer to the cape and then the coast of South Africa. And two nights ago brought us just that... the beginning of the large swells/ waves, and loud noises as the waves crashed against the bottom, sides, and bow of our ship. Sleep is restless as we are literally rocking and rolling. The simple act of walking takes concentration, and showering is not for the weak! Thank the good Lord for drugs! :)

On a side note, last week we crossed the equator into the Southern Hemisphere whilst sailing, pretty cool. :)

Sailing is a slower time in our departments (not so for those in deck and engineering). Lots of time to reflect on what we left behind, and what lies ahead...

Thanks for all your prayers regarding the seas and seasickness, but we still have a ways to go... please keep them comin' :)

For it is in the middle of the sea that we experience and witness God's power and majesty.

He is THE King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!

final moments

In keeping with the tradition we started last year in Benin, my friends (Allison, Becca, Hazel) and I spent our last day in Togo walking the streets for one last time... taking in all the sights, smells (hard not to) :), sounds, colors, vendors, and, inevitably, the dust that soon fills our shoes and covers our faces from walking along its dirt roads.

First stop, the fishing village.

This "beach" village sits alongside the water's edge on the other side of the port. These people fish to feed their families and their community. To survive. I, alongside many of the crew, have come to know this village through their church. Many of us attended at one time or another throughout the outreach. My amazing friend, Becca, taught community health education twice a week to the mommas in the church. She did this on her own time and initiative, on her days off too. She came up with her own lessons and materials. That girl inspires me!:)

When we entered the village, and even before, we had children following us and running up to us. My heart just melts by their curiosity and accepting and trusting spirits. We spent most of our morning here under the overlay of the church, praying for the people of this village and playing with the kiddos. Did I mention how much I love them? They are joy givers, these precious ones.

The heart of Togo.

Next stop, the beach at Crystal Plage for a soda and view of the ocean. Check out our nifty creation in the sand :) ... our deepest sentiment as we leave.

And lastly, our outing wouldn't be complete without the purchase of Fanmilk (frozen chocolate milk in a bag)! It is delish! Not to mention, refreshing in the middle of the day. I didn't capture this one on camera, so you'll just have to trust me on this. :)

This photo captures the day so well.

And this one.

And lastly, my personal fave.

:)

visit home *Blessed*

I thought I'd take advantage of the extra time I have now that we are sailing the wide open seas and finally sit down to post about our visit home... :)

As I reflect upon our time, can I just say that Tim and I are extremely BLESSED!!! Looking back I am SOOO glad we made the decision to go home. God knows what we need long before we do, and the trip home was just that for us. :) I thank God for the people He has put in our lives who have encouraged us, mentored us, challenged us, LOVED us, prayed for us, and seriously the list goes on...

We were both so overwhelmed by the love poured out on us by others while we were home and the generosity of so many! We are humbled.


Thank you for taking the time out of your lives to let us share with you the last year and a half and what God has been doing in our lives.

Thank you for speaking into our lives.

Thank you for all the sweet memories we created together.