We have arrived!

We have finally arrived in the port of Cotonou, after a rocking and rolling night at anchor 2 miles off the coast, after our 10 day sail.

We were due to arrive yesterday morning but experiences some difficulties with our engines and were forced go to anchor while the engineers worked hard to fix the engines that we needed to enter the port. (Left: The M/V Africa Mercy docking in the port of Cotonou, Benin, West Africa)


The Cotonou Port is a very tricky port to enter with difficult currents and sharp turns. After many hours of hard work the engines were fixed and ready to go and we entered the post around 9 am this morning. Sadly the welcome committee had drastically reduced over night, but it was good to be met by our advanced Team and close to dry land. The port authorities are very strict and even though it is 7.30 pm and we have been in port for over 10 hours we are not clear to leave the ship and go onto dry land. (Right: friendly fisherman welcome us into port)


Even after just a few hours you realise how developed the nation of Benin is, compared to Liberia. Last night the city lights were clearly visiable from my port hole. Lights! A lighthouse on the harbour wall! These are things that you would not see in Liberia, at least not yet. In a strange way now that we have arrived in Cotonou, i am beginning to miss Monrovia. A place i called home for 18 months. I am looking forward to discovering what Benin has to offer and to see what God has install for our crew. It is a very exciting time. ( Left: The tug boat waiting to help us turn sharp right as we enter the port, in the fore ground is our Advanced Team and Mercy Team waving us in.)


The next few weeks will be a busy time. As we prepare for our mass screening day and set up the hospital and get ready for 10 months of service.



'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.' 1 Corinthians 10 v 31