Setting Sail

Today we set sail for Togo, leaving Tenerife behind.

All that surrounds us now is the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, land is no longer in sight.

The final rope is released

Theodoro bids us farewell to the hymn "How Great Thou Art"

Departing from the dock

Our last view of the volcanic mountains of Tenerife

Heading out into the ocean deep

καιρός

Kairos:
an ancient Greek word meaning "the right moment" or "the opportune".









I had the amazing opportunity to meet Theodoro, the Greek Argentinian trumpeter who lives on the island of Tenerife and plays his trumpet from the dock as the ship sets sail for Africa.

One year ago, I heard him play as the ship set sail for Benin. This year he came aboard and shared his life story with the Mercy Ships community. We hit it off right away over ice cream and then coffee where he shared more stories and his photographs with me. Never did I imagine I would meet the trumpeter who bid us farewell one year ago to the tune of "Amazing Grace". It was quite a moving experience, as we set out to sea. This year will be different, now knowing the man who plays his trumpet to send the ship out to sea from the dock every year.

Dirty Jobs

During my first week aboard the Africa Mercy Ship while docked in the Canary Islands, nurses were assigned to "special projects" in other areas of the ship as the hospital will not be in operation until we reach Togo.

I had the opportunity to work down below in the engine room, cleaning the 4 ship engines in preparation to sail and mopping up areas of oil spills. This was quite an experience, and I greatly appreciated being exposed to the secret world of Deck 2 where few have gone before and to work alongside the engineers who make this ship go.

and there is always time for dancing!

T is for Tenerife!

Arrived today in Tenerife of the Canary Islands where the Africa Mercy Ship is docked until setting sail for Togo, West Africa.

This will be my home away from home for 6 months while serving as a ward nurse, caring for patients following their surgeries onboard this hospital ship.

An Amazing Send Off!

Wow! What a send off! I am so grateful for the support and encouragement of my family and friends as I prepare to depart for England en route to the Canary Islands to reunite with the Africa Mercy Ship and sail onward to Togo, West Africa. I feel so blessed by your most memorable send off, words of encouragement and prayers. This adventure would not be possible without your support! Thank you! I am going to miss you so very much!










Amazing Bon Voyage cake,
complete with the flag of Togo!

Thank you Meg!

Meg, the hostest with the mostest!

A gourmet bon voyage celebration at her maison, with delicious Lebanese fare (check out the fancy rosemary sprig garnish!). Bon appetit!

Shannon & Dave

These armed and dangerous lyrical gangsters brought tears to mine and Snoop DoGG’s
(that’s D-O to the double G's) eyes.

I was so honored and blessed by their original sweet rhymes as they rapped to bid me a most righteous adventure.

and it goes a little somethin' like this:

"Ain't nuthin' but A C thang, baby,
Workin’ to help people in Africa like crazy,
Mercy Ship is the boat that saves me,
We’re so proud of the work that you do.”

Heidi, the inspired creator of an autographed blanket as a traveling gift for the voyage, which will cover my bed aboard the Africa Mercy Ship. Here Heidi and Tina are inscribing their messages.

Thank you so much to my dear family and friends!