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...