Heroes!

Last month I blogged about our volunteer divers and the great job that they do for the Mercy Ship. Well, I think this picture taken earlier today sums up that blog post pretty well! They have to put up with some pretty horrendous diving conditions!

Photo snapped by Charles Davies.

Sunset from the dock...

Last week there was an amazing sunset. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me at the time, and the next day when I was out with my camera the sunset was rather disappointing. But these are the photos I snapped anyway. I was more interested in trying to capture the birds flying low over the water, heading home to roost. I'm blown away how God times everything - from the sunrise to the sunset - and how he is in control of every event on this planet we call Earth. I'm also so inspired by how much of a creative genius our Saviour is!

The sun slipping slowly into the West African sky.

Coastal birds fly home with the setting sun.

Freetown at dusk.

Freetown Waste Management...

Several times a week the Freetown City Council come and remove our rubbish from our dumpster at the end of the dock. We really appreciate them coming down and helping us in this way. Freetown is a beautiful city and has such potential for more and I really hope that the public take the words on the side of the truck to heart - "Keep the city clean".

Royal Wedding AFM-style!

The crew of the Africa Mercy joined the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations in celebrating the Royal Wedding held earlier today. We were able to watch the service live thanks to the BBC and our DSTV satellite system and the Town Square area was the place to be throughout the morning. In the evening the British crew onboard hosted a street party in the Midships area where we had quintessentially British cupcakes and chocolates.

Crew from many different nationalities watch the service live.

Union Jack-decorated cupcakes.

Close-up of the cupcakes.

This says it all...

In Community Meeting last night we had a focus on prayer for Sierra Leone as they celebrate 50 years of Independence from Great Britain. This is the large map of Sierra Leone in the Town Square area of the ship where we could share our prayers for this great nation.

Celebrating 50 years of Independence!

Sierra Leone celebrates their 50th anniversary of Independence from Britain today.

Over the last months people have been painting some streets in the national colours (green, white and blue) and there is festive bunting draped across many of the main roads in the city. There have even been cleaning days on Saturdays in which the whole population are encouraged to take pride in their city and clear the streets of rubbish and other pollution.

I didn't see any of the festivities as I was on the ship working the whole day, but I believe that there is quite a party atmosphere out on the streets. Happy 50th Independence Sierra Leone!

On a side note, South Africa also celebrated 17 years of democracy today. It is Freedom Day back home - commemorating the first democratic elections held back on the 27th April 1994. Happy Freedom Day in South Africa too!

Diving for Mercy...

So often at Mercy Ships we focus (and usually justifiably so - since this is what we are all about) on those who do the amazing work down in the Hospital, but I want to cast some light on those who ensure that the Hospital is kept running through their selfless acts. This includes those who give up their free time (even on ship holidays - like today) to ensure that the intakes for our engine room cooling systems and air-conditioning are kept clear of debris.

The divers take to the water at least once a week to do this important task - and it is really appreciated! Some are nurses, receptionists, electricians and workers in our transportation department - but all sacrifice their time to ensure that the Mercy Ship continues to reach those who need hope and healing most!

Thank you divers for all that you do!

The divers on the port side have to be lowered down in our Man Overboard (MOB) Boat - because the currents at the harbour here are so dangerous.

Nearly at the water level.

Getting ready to start diving to clear the intakes.

The blue rope is attached to the ship and to the MOB boat and thus allows both divers and boat to remain alongside the vessel.

Looking forward from the port side.