Amazing Caregivers and Kids!

I just wanted to say a few words about our amazing kids and their fabulous caregivers. We truly could NOT have made this trip to Liberia without the cooperation of our kids and the wonderful care of some very amazing ladies!! I know that it was difficult for the kids to have both their mom and dad be away for 10 days, but they handled it with grace, and we are so proud of them!

My mom, Shirley Schasse, flew all the way from Seattle to stay with our kids for the 10 days that we were away. She did everything from feeding them, transporting them to their various activities, playing with them, loving on them, and even helping Bryant decorate his pumpkin for the Pumpkin Museum at school (that's Mike from Monsters Inc., cute, eh?).


And there were the nurses who helped with Bri's care...Susan Rumbelow did the majority of Bri's care while we were away. She even spent 7 nights at our house with Brianne.

Another dear nurse, Marquita Larson spent the other 2 nights. And then there were the nurses who covered the weekend shifts, Evelyn Moore and Cindy McEnturff.

We have truly been blessed with some amazing women to help us, and we just want to publicly thank them for their sacrifice on our behalf. Thank you! Thank you!!

Tenegar Community Development

We were privileged to be able to visit the village of Tenegar, Liberia. This village has been the focus of the Community Development teams on the Africa Mercy. The Liberian Pres. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf grew up in a village nearby, and asked the Mercy Ships teams if they would focus on this village during their most recent 10-month Outreach to Liberia. We were so impressed to see what has been done here.

The village once had a medical clinic operating here before the rebels destroyed it during the war. All that was left was the shell of the building with trees growing through the floor. The construction team comprised primarily of Liberian day workers tore down the old building, and constructed this amazing new clinic/hospital. They dug a clean well, and are in the process of digging latrines back behind the clinic.

Just across from the clinic is where the Agriculture dept. has focused their efforts. Not only has there been an amazing plantain farm planted and gorgeous garden to provide food for the entire village (as well as provide surplus for them to sell), but there also has been a large amount of time spent on training. Training has been focused on overcoming traditional "slash and burn" practices (that depletes soil fertility) and replacing it with organic methods and sustainable practices to improve nutrition.


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The final project that is nearing completion is the construction of a chicken coop to provide eggs and meat for the villagers. It is being built with mud, the same way that the people's homes are built in this area.

Each part of this project has involved the work of the villagers alongside the Africa Mercy crew. As the saying goes, "Give a poor man a fish and feed him for a day...teach a poor man to fish and feed him for a lifetime." The work that has been done here will live on long after the Africa Mercy has sailed away from the port of Monrovia, Liberia. What a blessing it was for me to see first-hand the "Sustainable Community Development" that has taken place in Tenegar, Liberia.

I Left Part of My Heart in Africa!

OK, that's not really part of my heart. It's a parotid gland tumor, but it got your attention, didn't it? As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was hoping to get down to the Operating Rooms on the Africa Mercy, and as you can see, I did. I am so glad that I did. Not only were the surgeries I observed interesting, but I am continuously amazed at how God can bring people together from so many different backgrounds to form a "team". In the above picture, there is a surgeon from England (who is Korean I think?) a nurse anesthetist from Germany, an OR asst. from Canada, a scrub nurse from America, etc...This "team" worked so well together, and it truly was a pleasure to be with them for an afternoon.


This dear lady's tumor is benign, but left untreated, it would have eventually killed her. As the tumor grew, it took up more of the space for her airway, and would eventually have suffocated her. This tumor started as a little lump on her parotid gland, and had been growing for 7 years. In Western countries, as soon as we notice a lump, we usually make an appointment to see a doctor. But in developing nations, such as Liberia,where they have little or no access to health care (and even if they do, they usually cannot afford it) they just have to watch it grow. Thankfully, the Lord sent a Mercy Ship to Monrovia, Liberia to save her life. It's every person's individual story that makes the ministry of Mercy Ships still so amazing to me after 20 years!!

Re-Java-nate the Crew!

One of the fun things that we were able to do in travelling to the Africa Mercy was present a gift to the crew in the form of coffee. You gotta love that! The staff at the International Operations Center (IOC) here in East TX took up an offering to provide a FREE beverage at the Starbucks Cafe for every crew member on board. As they are just weeks away from finishing their Outreach to Liberia, we wanted to give the crew a boost, and let them know that we appreciate them. We also took a poster signed with many encouragements from the staff at the IOC, and it was posted outside the Chaplains' office.

We're Home!

I didn't get a chance to update the blog for the last couple days, so I'll be adding more stories and pictures soon. But I did want to let you all know that we arrived home safely, and all of our luggage made it as well. Thank you Lord!! It was so great to be re-united with my mom and our kids!!

Our hearts are so "full"!! We truly did squeeze as much as we could into our one week on board! We made memories for a lifetime!!

More to come...

Starbucks Cafe in Africa

Yes, you read that correctly, there is a Starbucks Cafe in Africa right here on board the Africa Mercy!! I am sitting here drinking a Vanilla Latte while I write this post. Yummy!! Starbucks donates all of the coffee, flavors, etc...and they donated the coffee machines/espresso machine, etc... to begin this Cafe. It is such a nice treat for the crew but also for those missionaries who live in Liberia and come on board as visitors to have a "taste of home". I met a gal working with the United Nations here that said that she had been invited on board by a crew member several months ago, and was thrilled to see they have a Starbucks on board.



Last night, we had dinner with some African friends of ours. Right after Wade and I got engaged in the Ivory Coast, West Africa (17 years ago) we led a 2-month Outreach to Ghana. One of our team members, Lawrence Adjei was from Ghana, and so he was an invaluable part of our team helping us find our way around Ghana. Lawrence and his wife Gina and their son Daniel live on board the Africa Mercy, and they served a traditional African meal for us in their cabin last night. I had requested Peanut Sauce, as that was one of my favorites in Ghana. We also had chicken and fish, fried plantains, and Foo Foo (?sp). Foo Foo can be made with yams, potatoes, or plantains (much like a banana but not as sweet). It is formed into a ball of dough like substance, and you use your hands, take a piece and dip it in the peanut sauce. They did let Wade and I use our spoons, ha! You don't chew it, you just let it slide down your throat. It was such fun reminiscing with them. Another Ghanaian couple...Ebenezer and Comfort joined us. We had a wonderful evening!


This morning Wade led the Devotions for the Community meeting. The Capt. Tim Trethaway, got up and reminded the crew that there is a serious water shortage at the moment, and so there is no ability to do laundry until further notice. And everyone is encouraged to conserve water in any way that they can. This was a reminder to me of some of the challenges of ship life. When we were on the Anastasis in Africa we had many limitations in our use of water, and I still to this day take a very short shower because of what I learned in Africa.

After the meeting, a long-term crew member came up to talk to Wade and I. He has served with Mercy Ships on each one of the 5 ships that Mercy Ships has owned over more than 20 years. He said, "You probably don't know this, but watching you walk through your situation with Brianne has been a real encouragement to me." He shared how he has really struggled in the past with fear of relationships, marriage, and having children. He said that he feared the possibility of "something going wrong" if he should have children one day. But he said that the Lord "used us" to show him that even if his worst fears came true, God would give him the strength that he needed to not only "endure" but to "live joyfully". He has a beautiful healthy little boy now, but it was so encouraging to be reminded that God can use us even when we don't know that someone is watching.

We are having lunch with one of the Chaplains today, and then I am hoping to possibly visit the Operating Room. I haven't had a chance to get down there since we arrived, and since we are leaving tomorrow evening, I am running out of time. We are having dinner with one of the other Chaplains and his wife, and then Wade has a 2 1/2 hour training session with the crew this evening after dinner. We truly have packed as much into this week as possible, but we want to make the most out of every opportunity.

I pray that you have a blessed day!

Me Again!

Hi Y'all! I'm back again. I thought I would tell a little more about our days Saturday and Sunday. As I mentioned, we taught the Fund Raising Seminar on board, and nearly half of the crew in attendance were African. We were concerned that some of our ideas might not be relevant to them, but they all seemed to find it helpful. One thing I found interesting is that in the West African culture, not only do the home churches not support the missionaries that they send out, but they expect their missionaries to send money back to the church. These Africans definitely face many more challenges in their fund raising than we do.

Sat. evening we went to a Hotel near the beach where we treated the Chaplains to dessert. I was amazed to see that the only 2 desserts on the menu were tortes and they each cost $10. It seemed so strange to pay so much just for dessert in one of the poorest countries on the planet. Our African friend said that there are really 2 economies here...the local Liberian economy and and the ex-patriates/NGO's economy (non-government organizations) and the United Nations. Liberia was devastated by the civil war, and there is no electricity or running water even in the capitol of Monrovia, but those who have money build and use generators to power their businesses and homes. The power went out about 3 times while we were eating our dessert.

Sunday afternoon, we had the chance to see a dental clinic that is being built by Mercy Ships. An American dentist friend and his family are building a house and the clinic and planning to stay here with their 3 kids. I have heard that there is only 1 Liberian dentist in the entire country. It's difficult to imagine. We also got to visit the Hospital that is funded by a Christian mission organization, called ELWA. It is very different from the hospitals I have worked in, as you can imagine. I am hoping to post some pictures, but it may have to be when I return home.

Sunday evening we had dinner in the cabin of long-time friends Dr. Gary and Susan Parker. Dr. Gary is a maxillo-facial surgeon and he has lived on board a ship for 22 years. He and Susan met on the Anastasis, and their 2 kids have been raised on a ship. They are an amazing family, and I am amazed at the grace that the Lord has given them enabling them to live on a ship for so many years!!

Sunday night Wade spoke at the onboard church service. He spoke about "Heroes of Faith" and did a great job. After the service, I was able to give away some of the stuffed animals that my daughter Brooke had selected to give away. We gave some to the children of the crew, and also gave one to a 14 year old patient in the ward. You'd think that we had given her a very valuable piece of jewelry. She was so grateful. The crew here are able to "adopt patients" during their stay on board to get to know them and share the love of Jesus with them. Essie was "adopted" by our friends the Ecklunds. Brookie Doo, the children are all very grateful for you sharing your animals with them!!


This morning we went out to see a couple of the Program sites that Mercy Ships is involved with off ship...a medical clinic/hospital and a farming project in a community about 1 hour away from the port of Monrovia. It was so impressive to see how much these teams have accomplished during the ship's 7 1/2 month stay here so far. And this is a lasting gift that "we" are able to give to the people of Liberia that will carry on for years to come. Monrovia receives more rainful than any other city on the face of the earth...180 inches a year. Since this is the tail end of their rainy season, it is amazing to see how green and lush eveything is. All of this rain definitely helps the plants to grow quickly, and the Mercy Ships farming project will feed the entire community as well as provide vegetables for them to sell to provide income.

Well, I am going to close for now. More later...

Sunday Night

I am sorry that I missed yesterday's blog. We have literally hardly had any time to get on the computer. Yesterday, we taught in the Fund Raising Seminar from 9 am to 4 pm, and had dinner with some friends. Then we went out for dessert with the Chaplains Dept., and got home late.

This morning we went for a walk on the dock to try and get some exercise in. I don't know if I've mentioned how amazing the food is. The other night we had salmon with lemon dill sauce, and last night we had Curry Turkey...the chef on board is so gifted, and this wonderful food really boosts the crew morale, but I'm sure I'm going to bring a few extra pounds home with me.

The church we attended was Monrovian Christian Fellowship, and in some ways reminded us of our church in East TX with obviously more of an African flair. It was very good, and the Pastor called Wade out after the Worship, asking him to stand. We were 3/4 of the way back in a church with 300 - 400 people, and the Pastor saw something special about the way Wade was worshipping and wanted to encourage him in front of the whole church.

After church, we spent the afternoon with our dear friends, the Ecklunds, who are now living in a house on land in Liberia. They had planned to leave the ship and go back to CA, but the adoption of their Liberian little girl has hit many road blocks, and they don't actually know when they will be able to leave the country.



Well...this is going to have to continue tomorrow, as I'm falling asleep as I write.

It's Friday!

It's Friday, or at least that's what someone just told me in the Ship Shop (the ship's mini grocery store). I'm so confused! It seems like I missed a day somewhere. I guess that was my travel day, eh?

We had a nice morning visiting with some "old" friends, and this afternoon will be filled with 1:1 meetings. This evening we begin the Fund Raising Seminar with the first session. Please be praying for Wade as we have recently learned that approx. half of the crew attending will be African crew members. As you can imagine, their approach to fund raising can be quite different than those of us in Western nations, and Wade wants his information to be relevant to everyone.

Last evening's Community meeting was wonderful. Worship was led by a dear Ghanaian friend of ours, and it was so beautiful...such a mix of cultures. For those who don't know, there are approx. 40 different nationalities represented in the crew on the ship, and even more different denominations and church backgrounds. So, it is a "melting pot" in the truest sense of the word. I love to see so many of God's children worshipping together!!

Wade's message was very simple yet profound. He spoke on "Praising God in Difficult Situations" and I shared Brianne's story. There were not many dry eyes present in the International Lounge last night. So many have approached us and shared how our story has impacted them. I have been thinking of Rom. 8:28 "For God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose." God surely has used Brianne's life and our challenges with Bri to minister to others.

While visiting the Ship Hospital yesterday we saw a man in the "ICU" who was on a ventilator. He was very sick with an abcessed tooth...It was a reminder again of how blessed we are in America to have health care available to us. This poor man got an infection in his mouth that a simple antibiotic could have taken care, and it nearly took his life!! He is doing much better now, but had the Africa Mercy not been docked in Monrovia at this time, this man would probably not still be here. Yet again, I am reminded of the impact of Mercy Ships in the world, and so grateful to be a part of this amazing ministry.

We're Here!

Yes, it's true! We're on board the Africa Mercy in the Port of Liberia, West Africa!! It's so wonderful to be back in Africa!! And it is equally exciting to be on board the Africa Mercy, a ship that we prayed fervently for, but have never had the privilege of visiting. What a treat!!

Our travels started out a bit challenging, as we had to sit on the plane for 3 hours in Dallas before we ever took off. You know the story...slight mechanical problem...just 20 minutes...OK another 20 minutes...now 45 minutes...anyway, we made it to Chicago with just 20 minutes before our Brussels flight took off. I had pretty much accepted the fact that our luggage would probably not make it to Liberia with us. And imagine my suprise when all the suitcases were on the turnstyle. Thank you Lord!!

Our driver from the ship gave us a "tour" on the 1 1/2 hour drive to the ship, pointing out all the various points of interest. You couldn't help but notice the toll that 14 years of civil war has taken on this country. But we were very encouraged to hear of many of the wonderful steps forward that Liberia is taking forward. Under the leadership of Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf, there is much hope for the future of Liberia.

I have been suprised to see how many of the ship's crew have actually passed through TX at one point or another. There are more familiar faces than I was expecting...and so many hugs. The welcome has been overwhelming!! Today we are meeting many of the crew, touring around the ship, and tonight will be giving the message at the Crew Community Meeting.

Jet lag has not been too bad with a little help from some Ambien last night, ha! I'm sure the sleepiness will come in waves, but so far so good. Thank you to all who have been praying. Please pray that we will bring encouragement and blessing to the crew.

Just a note to let you know that Marge's ashes made it here with us without any problems. They had to check out our carry-on at each security check, but were very kind and respectful each time. I know that Marge's family will be so happy to hear that a part of Marge is back in Africa. There will be a ceremony on board the ship when they sail to the Canary Islands, and her ashes will be scattered at sea, so we will not be able to be present for that. But we were honored to be a part of making her wishes come true.

We will do our best to update our blog every day, and welcome any messages you might like to send our way!

With love, Sharon and Wade

An Addition to Our Mission

Ever since we started planning our trip to Liberia, Wade and I have had the sense that the Lord is going to use us in ways that we don't expect. One of these unexpected ways is to transport the ashes of a former crew member, Marge "Mom" Hilton. Marge's desire was to have her ashes scattered off the coast of Africa someday, and we have the opportunity to help make this wish come true for her and her family.

Marge "Mom" Hilton made invaluable contributions to the lives of so many people during her 26 years of service with Mercy Ships. Wade and I both had the privilege of living with and working with "Mom" on the Anastasis for several years, and then were able to continue enjoying her hospitality and wrap-around hugs after she relocated to the Mercy Ships International Operations Center, here in East TX. Just a few years ago, Marge moved to CA to be closer to family, but she continued working part-time for Mercy Ships out of her home.

Her death caught us all by suprise as she was one of the most energetic 87 y.o. ladies we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was told that she had gone picking peaches the day before she died, and she passed away in her sleep. Marge BEGAN her missionary service in 1982 at the age of 61. I think that she is an example to us all that there is no "retirement" in the Kingdom of God. God can use us at any age, if we're willing!!

Please pray with us that we will be able to transport her ashes without any problems.

Africa or Bust... 10/13/08

Hi Friends! I can't believe that we are leaving for Africa just one week from tomorrow. We are getting very excited, but I have also been a little apprehensive about leaving our children. The Lord must have known I needed some encouragement because in my daily devotional book by Max Lucado, "Grace for the Moment", today's entry is titled "Voice of Adventure" and it reads...

"Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry for what you don't try, right? You can't fall if you don't take a stand, right? You can't lose your balance if you never climb, right? So don't try it. Take the safe route. OR you can hear the voice of adventure-- Gods adventure. Instead of building a fire in the hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move (travel) overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Make a difference. Sure it isn't safe, but what is??!"

So we will choose God's adventure, and trust Him to protect us and our children!!

We want to tell you how overwhelmed we have been by the generosity of so many of you for this trip. We have received such encouragement from your gifts and notes, and all of our expenses have been covered. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

Getting Started

OK, I admit that this blogging thing is a little intimidating to me. I am technologically challenged, and therefore, tend to avoid things I don't know much about. But, as we prepare to go to visit the newest Mercy Ship, the Africa Mercy in Monrovia, Liberia, I want an avenue to allow people to follow our journey, especially our kids. So, here goes....