Tenerife has been good to us, and we have been blessed by our time here. We have made the most of the reliable public transport system, visiting all over the island by bus and tram. We have also been blessed by our three Sundays worshipping at Silencio Church. This last Sunday, after the service, Pastor Bill and his wife took Candace and I out for a lovely Lebanese lunch. It was so great to spend time with such an amazing couple, on fire for God!
And thus it was with some sadness that the
Africa Mercy, serenaded by Theodora's faithful trumpet, sailed out of the protection of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's sheltered harbour this past Thursday. (16th August.) Theodora is a Mercy Ships legend, having played his trumpet on almost every occasion since 1991 that the Mercy Ship has entered and departed Tenerife. He was absent from our arrival here some six or more weeks ago due to ill health, but he was back to see us off on our way to Guinea. It certainly meant a lot to many crew members, and there were a few teary eyes.
As we headed out, the tunes of some well-known hymns drifted over the waters.
Amazing Grace,
Great is Thy Faithfulness,
How Great Thou Art and
Onward Christian Soldiers reminded us that we are marching off to a very real spiritual battle that awaits us in Guinea. But it is also an exciting time as there is plenty of potential and lots to be done in the nation of Guinea. Please continue to pray for this nation and our time there!
We did some magnetic compass tests in the waters off Santa Cruz de Tenerife, before offloading our pilot and sailing south, down the east coast of the island. We spotted landmarks that we have visited on our excursions, including
the lighthouse at Punta Abona, and of course
the magnificent Mount Teide, standing high above all else.
And so we are now sailing a six-day sail to Guinea, hoping to arrive early on Wednesday morning. (22nd August.) I hope Guinea is ready for all that God has in store for it!
It was a beautiful morning on the day of our departure.
Theodora farewells us with his trumpet.
Heading out into open water.
Many friends were there to wave us off.
Thank you Theodora for your lovely music! It has blessed this crew!
Looking towards the opera house.
The main plaza in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The Auditorium of Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The city skyline.
View towards Playa de Las Teresitas.
Pilot boat approaches...
Stands by...
And heads back to port with the pilot onboard.
Heading down the coast of Tenerife, leaving Santa Cruz behind.
Interesting patterns on the hills.
Mount Teide overlooks everything.
The lighthouse at Punta Abona, where Candace and I were a couple of weeks ago.
Wind turbines.
Candace and I.
Tenerife behind us. Bring on Guinea!
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