From Reception To Communications...

Since I last posted I am no longer a Receptionist. I am just a Fire Panel Trained Communications Writer. The long-awaited transfer to Communications has occurred. And I am so happy.

I have already been put to work gathering interviews and writing a couple of crew stories. Once they have been completed and uploaded to the Mercy Ships Navigator site then I will be able to put them here. The one is on my good friend Jenn Carrol. She is from Canada and has a wonderful blog at http://jenninafrica.blogspot.com/. She is a very talented writer and had been here since the 8th of February. She worked as a Ward Nurse and left this past Friday. Jenn will be sorely missed by many.

This past week we had Washington Redskins NFL rookie receiver Malcolm Kelly visit the ship on a vision trip. He has named Mercy Ships as his charity of choice. I was heavily involved in this, as this was a very important Public Relations and Communications event. It was such a privilege to spend time with Malcolm, his father Moses, and his coaching staff. Him and his coach trained the Liberian athletes and taught them about correct training techniques across all sporting codes. It was inspiring to see Malcolm's faith and what a mature young man of God he is. He is certainly going places in this world, and has made a lasting difference in the lives of many Liberians here.

Last Wednesday Malcolm and his group were given the opportunity of visiting Tenegar, one of Mercy Ships projects an hour from the ship. It was also my first time to Tenegar. Tenegar is where Mercy Ships Community and Development Services are rebuilding a clinic, destroyed in the civil war. We are also teaching sustainable development and implementing correct agricultural practices. It was a real eye-opener to see what our outgoing teams do. It is also great to see that at any one time there are only two or three Mercy Ships representatives on site. Most of the work is being done by the local community, taking ownership of this project. Tenegar is also a primarily Muslim community and thus through building relationships and literally building this clinic, the light of Christ is able to shine brightly.

This past Saturday we had a “Christmas In July” evening. There were Christmas trees and decorations up around the Town Square area, and even the children were able to experience the joy of unwrapping presents! And while this was happening, some of the older ones reflected on the greatest gift that could ever be given: the gift of Jesus for all mankind. Our Hospitality department did a wonderful job of organising and catering for this event.

Anyway, being in Communications has so far been an incredibly busy time. But it is a good sort of busyness. It is good knowing that what I write may have an impact on people on the other side of the world. It is certainly a change from Reception. A change for the better. A change that has been orchestrated by God.