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....