Safe onboard the Africa Mercy

We have arrived safe on board the Africa Mercy and what an amazing and warm reception we have received. It is like coming home. We are settling in to your room and getting to know our way about the ships 8 levels and 500 ft length. The ship is amazing. I know I will never get board here, not with so many things to explore and amazing people to talk to, who have lived and seen more than many can ever claim.

Our flight was long and arduous but worth every bit of it the moment we stepped on board. It is so amazing to see so many nationalities, denominations and people with such loving hearts all in one place and with one goal. Christs mercy is truly surrounding as we are able to witness and be a part of lives changing before our very eyes.

We were taken to town and shown around getting a feel for the diversity in wealth in such a small area. The streets are reminisant of Guatemala's streets filled with vendors and people approaching your truck to sell you a wide range of items from phone cards, sheets, fruit, to radios and irons. Motor bikes consumed the streets and weaved throughout traffic. Our senses were teased by exhaust fumes and various odors of many different natures ( some good and some, well, different).

We also went to an Mercy Ships outpost was setup to house the perspective paitents and were able to see some beautiful patients. Some of them were awaiting there first surgery and others were waiting on additional surgeries. One little girl we saw, with a beautiful smile that would warm even the coldest heart, is recovering from burn wounds. Her arm was completly useless to her after her burns and was retracted with no mobility. She came to Mercy Ships for surgery and smiled shyly as she stretched out her beautiful little arm all the way and turned to us triumantly and turned her arm around so that we could witness her new found freedom. Thank you Lord for this beautiful girl!

Until we meet again, Giles