For I know...

A gift of wall art by Jen - my favourite verse!

Thanksgiving on the Africa Mercy

Arrival in Madagascar

A water display by one of the tugs to welcome us into port. 

Sailing

This is Pedro, one of the Deckies, standing up straight on the bridge as the ship rolls one way then the other.

Wave height depicted by colour - light blue is up to 2m, yellow is 4m etc.

Current strength and direction - what a busy ocean! 

My cabin was secure for sea, or so I thought. This is after the 25 degree rolls.

Happy in a Hammock! Sleep and Sanity! Thanks to Katie Stull for lending it to me.

A rainbow appeared halfway through the sail, a promise...

We had some fun sailing from Cape Town to Madagascar! A storm south of us generated some big swells, some of them 4m, that hit us on the beam as we passed. The ship has a flat bottom which means that as it has a rolling motion which then snaps upright rapidly. We frequently measured 20 degree rolls with some over 25 degrees! Things moved that we didn't know could move, including the coffee machine in the cafe which 'secured itself on the floor automatically'. Gratefully our Electricians were able to fix it though. I discovered why sailors like sleeping in hammocks - and managed to string one up from the bunk above me in order to get some sleep. Our last day of the sail granted us a reprieve and a beautiful sunset which let me remember how much I enjoy sailing. 

Community Gathering on the dock

Gathering on the dock with all the day crew under a beautiful sky

Easter brunch!

What does brunch look like on the Africa Mercy?

A beautifully decorated dining hall...

...a delicious spread, including a hot breakfast omelette bar, hot lunch buffet...

...and a table laden with fruit, cheese and dessert... (Thanks Chef Ken!)

...even hand made chocolate chicks!

All enjoyed in the traditional way of celebrations on the AFM: around the dining table with the Davies' family and good friends.

(Photo courtesy of Shelly Davies)

(We are concerned about Johan's methods of obtaining above mentioned chocolate however... Might need to send him to Marty!)

And to top it off, gluten free Hot (Cross) Buns, made by Leanne - toasted, buttered, devoured!

Thanks to the crew member who contributed these peeps and yummies, and to all those who served behind the scenes to make this a special day!

Easter on the AFM

5:45 Sunrise service - we welcomed in the morning with worship and thanks

Photo-bombed by our chaplain, Marty!

(Photo courtesy of Jen Peterschmidt)

After the early start we had coffee and pastries in the cafe...

...and mini eggs thanks to Esther!

8:30 Easter Service - Hand chimes performed by the Academy children onboard

'Christos Anesti' 

'Alithos Anesti'

A call to worship repeating 'He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!': a tradition dating back to when our first ship, the Anastasis, was in a Greek shipyard being refitted for service as a hospital ship.

Followed by Worship, songs by the Academy choir, communion, a message of 'Peace to you' by our MD, and a dance presentation by a few of our talented dancers to 'Build Your Kingdom here' by Rend Collective (an Irish band with a Mumford sound - my new favourite)

One of my favourite parts of this service is when our multinational crew line up to say 'Christ is Risen' in each language represented onboard. Krio from Sierra Leone is great: Christ done get up!

May

The Lord bless you and keep you

The Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious, and be gracious unto you

The Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you

And give you peace

And give you peace

And give you peace

Baobab

Weekend away upcountry in Dolosie. Apparently DRC refugees sheltered in this tree 

Gluten Free Garlic Bread!