This week has been fairly uneventful but when you are on a ship, that means lots has still happened. A public statement was made to announce our return to Madagascar for the next field service. That is a great blessing in many ways: we can take advantage of the infrastructure investments that have been made here for the Hope Centre (long term recovery centre) and dental clinic, retaining some of the 200 day crew will be a great help because the hiring/training process will be far more simple, we can really make a great effort to learn Malagasy well and know it will be helpful for another year, and Mercy Ships can make an even stronger impact by having a continued presence here in 2015-2016. All of these things are wonderful but part of me is disappointed. West Africans are still suffering because of Ebola. The teams that are try to help combat Ebola are being seen as the cause. Think about it: people in these crazy looking suits come to get your friend, mom, sister, brother, dad, uncle, and a few days later they bring them back in a coffin. It is hard; hard to understand, hard to manage, and I cannot even begin to imagine how hard to live through. Even though it is not international news anymore, please keep these countries in your thoughts, and prayers.
The ship is a little quieter than usual. Many people have departed the because their service is over, but many more left to go away for Christmas and will be back. People have been asking me if I am going away over the holiday (we have the 24-26 off). My standard response has been "No, I am going to revel in the quietness of the ship". That usually gets a smile and a head nod, because people know how great that can be.
The container that left Texas in June finally got to the ship! It went to Benin first and then had to get re-routed to Madagascar. That means I now have sunscreen! That is great news in and of itself but I also have enough toiletries to last a very long time, my huge Canadian flag, extra sheets, travel mug, and picture frames.
One of the nurses was commissioned to decorate the door of the HR office. She is absolutely amazing, as you can see. We all have our own elves! I'd just like to note that I hold the naughty/nice list; how appropriate.
The upcoming week will provide far more blog worth information that the last. I am going to a seniors home on Tuesday with Mercy Ministries and we have lots of Christmas festivities. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone. I hope that you can find the joy wherever you are, in whatever you are doing!
Hi Marina!
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