Sailing Olympics...

Yesterday afternoon (Sunday, 22nd August), a few hours before we hit the rough stuff we are currently experiencing, the Midships Lounge of the Africa Mercy played host to the first-ever Sailing Olympics. Teams of up to four participants were entered into the games that allowed competitors to test their skill in Hobnob tossing, Wii racing, Beanbag throwing, target practice, and many other fun events. Many of the events had a "Hobnob" theme since it is these biscuits that we use here onboard to alleviate the symptoms of seasickness.

My team was called North and South, because two of the team were from the Northern Hemisphere (USA) and the other two were from the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa). Nevertheless, we all wore South African football (soccer) jerseys.

It was a really memorable day that once again outlined the wonderful community atmosphere on this ship.

Team North and South.

The Dining Room team.

The Pepto Team.

The First-Graders even entered a team.

Trying our hand at Wii Racing.

Hitting the rough stuff...

As we sail further south we are beginning to hit some heavy South Atlantic swells, causing large waves to crash against our bow and spray over the decks. Every time we hit a wave it sends a bump and a shudder down the spine of the Africa Mercy. These waves may not look that large from these photos, but believe me, they are nasty!

Academy Sports Talk...

While we are slowly making our way towards South Africa, the Academy, the school onboard the Africa Mercy, have organised a number of South African presentations for the students. These have focused on facets of SA culture, from the flag and national anthem to the languages spoken and sports played in South Africa.

This past Wednesday I was invited to the Academy to give a talk to the elementary students on the sports that are played in South Africa. I brought my Springbok rugby jersey, my Proteas cricket jersey, and my Bafana Bafana soccer jersey, along with my rugby ball, cricket ball and cycling helmet and gloves. And of course I had my vuvuzela which the children enjoyed seeing and hearing!

The talk itself went very well and the children enjoyed hearing all about the various sports played within South Africa. They also enjoyed hearing how South African's great patriotism and common support for sports events hosted in SA have helped unify the nation.

It was a privilege to be able to share a bit with the Academy and to see the great work that our teachers do with the children. They really are a blessing to the crew!

Pollywog no more!

The Africa Mercy crossed the equator, for the first time in its career, in the early hours of this morning. It was also my first crossing of the equator onboard a ship, which means that I am now a Trusty Shellback, and a Slimy Pollywog no more! For more information on shellbacks and pollywogs click here.

Departing Togo...

At around 11h30 yesterday (Sunday, 15th August) the M/V Africa Mercy pulled out from the quayside in Lome, Togo, bound for Durban, South Africa.

The day started with the Deck department loading our four remaining vehicles on to Deck 8, followed by the lifeboat muster in which all crew were accounted for prior to sailing. Shortly thereafter we embarked our pilot, lifted the gangway, and headed towards the open seas. But prior to exiting the safety of the harbour we tested our starboard lifeboats and then sailed out of the Port Autonome de Lome. We were honoured to have a naval escort from the Togolese Navy for our first hour upon the open seas.

So we are now sailing a two-week journey upon the Atlantic Ocean (and then the Indian Ocean - when we round Cape Agulhas, the southern-most tip of the African continent) headed for Durban, South Africa. Please pray for safe travels and calm seas as the Africa Mercy heads into the southern hemisphere for the first time. And as we sail please also remember the country of Togo in your prayers. We were blessed by our time in Togo and may God bless this special country.

The boat muster on Deck 7.

Tug Lome stands by.

Pulling away from the dock that has been our home for the last six months.

Leaving our dock behind as we prepare for our lifeboat manouvres.

Testing the lifeboats.

The pilot boat approaches as we leave the tugs behind.

Clearing the breakwater and heading out to the open seas.

The pilot comes alongside.

Togolese Navy inshore patrol vessel P761 "Kara" follows us as we make our way along the open seas.

And escorts us for the first hour of our journey.

Fufu Dinner...

This last Wednesday the Purser and Reception team went out for dinner to honour our day volunteer and translator, Epiphanie, who has served alongside us throughout the Togo Field Service. We went out to a restaurant of her choosing and enjoyed a meal of fufu together.

Fufu is made of mashed yams and is eaten with some form of meat and a spicy sauce. I had goat's meat with fufu. It was my first time eating the traditional West African dish and it was really good, reminding me a little bit of a traditional South African dish, pap (similar to fufu, but made with maize) and wors (sausage).

It was great to get off the ship as a team and enjoy time away from the work environment. However, it was sad to say farewell to Epiphanie as Thursday was her last day at work. Here are some more photos of this fun evening.

James, Epiphanie, Annette.

Johan, Heather, Epiphanie, Ani.

Rob and I.

Ready for sailing...

The ship is fueled, the Hospital is closed and the wards have been packed away, the dockside tents have been stowed onboard, the vehicles are in the process of being loaded, the At-Sea muster lists are up and the drills have started.

Yes, the end of the Field Service is upon us. We sail shortly to South Africa - and it is a strange feeling. Bitter-sweet, would be the way to describe it. Of course I am over the moon about sailing to my home nation. But this feeling is mixed with a heavy heart as we say farewell to our friends here in Togo. It has been a pleasure being docked in Lome and I will miss this place dearly.

That being said here are some photos thanks to one of our Dining Room crew members, Sean Kerr, that give a glimpse into an important part of our sail preparation - loading the Land Rovers.

First the vehicle is driven into a support attached to the crane far above.

It is then secured by the Deckies and lifted up to Deck 8.

And up it goes!