Blogging dry patch...I'm back!

As I am sure you have noticed I have not blogged for a while - hard to believe but close to 4 months - sorry! I am still looking for August and September as I seem to have lost them... and when I looked at my diary today to discover that it is officially November I can add October to the list of missing items!

They say time files when you are having fun (and when you get older J) The last few months have had many moments of fun and also have meant the start of our school year. Even after 3 years I am not sure I am used to this starting the year in August thing. That is usually, or should I say for the 25 years I spent at school in South Africa was how it worked. I am sure at some point it will kick in soon.

This was my 3rd start of year onboard the Africa Mercy and I could not have wished for a better team of teachers! After the ruff start last year (short staffed and staffing leaving suddenly) is has been such an exciting process. We have a full staff of 12 full time teachers all full committed and pulling in the same direction and also another 4 part time teachers who are teaching within the Nursery and teaching Music to our students.

I have often sat back and watched been in awe of how each person on my team has been hand picked for this season within the Academy. Only God could have done this – to think that each person here comes only because they have been called and they pay to work! Even though that has been my life for the last 3 years I am still in awe of the quality and commitment of the people who I am honored to serve with.

450 people
35 different nations
One ship
One purpose
- to Jesus’ hands and feet to the forgotten poor of West Africa – all volunteering their time and paying for the privilege of serving.

There are often days when I loose sight of the ‘big picture’ of Mercy Ships as I focus on the lives of our students, but then I walk the 2 flights of steps down to the hospital and meet the people whose lives are changed forever by what the surgeons and nurses are doing!

Then there are the days that I hear a student talking to another student about what they have learnt in class that day and even more special the times I hear the prayers of our kindergartens as they pray for the patients so that they can be healed and that they can know that Jesus loves them. I would not want to be another place! IT is on those days that I remember my 'big picture' is the 47 students and 15 teaching staff God has asked me to serve!

It is truly a privilege and an honor to be a very small part of what God is doing!

The Mercy Ships Academy

For a glimps of my life teaching onboard the Africa Mercy in the Mercy Ships Academy...

Written by Megan Petock
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by PJ Accetturo and Esther Biney

Every morning, high school senior Emma Cole gets to school by taking a short walk down the hallways of the Africa Mercy. “It takes me two minutes to walk to school. My cabin is literally thirty yards away from the Academy,” she said.

For three years, Emma has attended the Mercy Ships Academy, a distinct educational experience provided for children living on the Africa Mercy. The Mercy Ships Academy was established over 25 years ago in response to the educational needs of children living onboard the Mercy Ships fleet of hospital ships. Educating children from pre-school to grade 12, there are currently 47 students from 18 countries enrolled in Academy classes.

“It’s quite a vast spread of nationalities, which can be challenging, but it’s something I love about the Academy,” said Principal Nikki Aldum. “There are differences amongst the students, but they’re accepted. As a staff, we look for the strengths of each nation and try to celebrate and incorporate them into our curriculum every year.”

On the Africa Mercy, a typical school day begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:20 PM. Parents of students in elementary school pick up their children at noon for lunch and return them to their teachers an hour later for afternoon classes. Classes on the Africa Mercy average 4 to 8 students, allowing more time for individualized attention.

“The Academy is very different than traditional school,” said Emma Cole. “One of the biggest differences is being in a class with only two or three students, in comparison to twenty or thirty. I believe having the one-on-one time with teachers really enhances our learning,” she concluded.
The diversity among the student body and the limitations of living on a ship create a unique and exciting set of challenges. Daily, teachers must utilize their creativity in the classroom. Flexibility is necessary for students, parents, and teachers. Ben Calvert, the physical education specialist, has enjoyed the challenge.

“Running a Physical Education Program on the ship is very unique. You have to be creative because there are very small spaces and small classes. But the captain and deck officers have been very helpful with finding spaces and equipment. It’s fun because it’s not ‘run of the mill,’” explained Calvert.

Academy Principal Nikki Aldum, previously a teacher on the Africa Mercy, understands this distinct dynamic. “It’s very different teaching onboard here, versus teaching at home. The smaller classes add a different dynamic, and it’s not necessarily a comparable dynamic. You have to be a little bit on the adventurous side to work here,” she said.

Teacher Christina Orman, who joined the Africa Mercy in August, was drawn to the varied educational environment. “I was looking to teach in a Christian environment that was diverse and different. When I heard about Mercy Ships, I knew I wanted to teach on the Africa Mercy,” said Orman.

Today, the Academy has a staff of 15 teachers, who come from five countries. With the start of the new school year, the staff is looking toward the future, continuing to find ways to improve the educational experience of the students. Currently, the Academy is being accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Middle State Schools. Aldum hopes the accreditation process will be completed by April 2011.

“Being accredited validates the courses we offer, making it easier for students to transition in and out of the school. Accountability all over the world is increasing in the field of education. Through this process, we are proving that we measure up to international standards,” explained Aldum. With the start of the new school year, Aldum has challenged the teachers and students with a specific goal for the Academy: “My heart’s desire is that God is glorified in all we do. It’s a part of our vision and mission statement and our goal for the year,” she said.

As Emma Cole begins her last year of high school, she is grateful for the positive impact the Academy has had on her life.

“Attending the Academy changes the lives of the students onboard,” said Cole. “If I had stayed in a mainstream school in England, I would not have the solid foundations of Christianity that I do now. The opportunities I’ve been given here have given me a great groundwork for the future. It’s been an amazing experience.”

Another Story of Hope in the Present

Hospitality Center

Approximately two blocks from the port of Cotonou, where the Africa Mercy is currently docked, is a warehouse. In the past five weeks, it has undergone a tremendous transformation.

Now referred to as the Hospitality Center (HC), it functions primarily as a non-medical, temporary housing unit for pre-and-post-op patients and their caregivers. It consists of two air-conditioned wards with room for 76 beds, as well as bathroom facilities containing showers and flush-toilets. The Center also houses the Dockside OP Eye and Physical Therapy Units.

Once patients have been screened and approved, they are generally admitted onto the ship the day before their surgery. However, sometimes patients are not strong enough or healthy enough to undergo a complex medical procedure. If this is the case, patients are admitted to the Hospitality Center to stay until deemed fit for surgery. During this time, they will be given three healthy meals a day, clean drinking water, and a comfortable bed – complete with a mosquito net.

Likewise, once patients are stabilized after surgery and no longer need immediate care, they are moved to the Hospitality Center. They are able to return to the ship for daily or weekly treatment and follow-ups. Mercy Ships provides the transportation – a ship vehicle fitted with a light and siren and with sufficient space to carry a stretcher and five seated patients. It is on constant standby in case of an emergency.

“The idea is for the patients to become more acquainted with Western systems,” said Hospital Manager William E. Martin. “If patients can be kept nourished, hydrated, and malaria-free, before and after their surgery, their recovery will ultimately be quicker.”

The major benefit of the Hospitality Center is that the beds in the ship’s hospital wards become available more quickly. This means that surgeons can perform more surgeries – and, ultimately, more people are helped. In other words, our impact is greatly increased!

Brandon Winebark, HC Coordinator, oversaw the construction process that got the warehouse to its current state. Walls were erected, roofs were constructed, and plumbing for bathrooms and toilets was installed. To make the area secure, a fence with security gates was put up around the property. Electrical wiring was laid for lights and air-conditioning. Because of regular power cuts in Cotonou, it was imperative to install a generator as a backup power supply.

All this was achieved with the combined help of the Electrical and Construction Departments of the Africa Mercy, as well as the hard work of Mercy Teams – particularly Mike Palmer, who sourced most of the materials from hardware stores in Cotonou. Dean Martin helped with the initial management of the site before Brandon took over full-time. The willingness of volunteers, both crew and locals, has sped the process along.

“We had 25 Mercy Ships volunteers that came out one weekend to assist us. That was a real blessing. They really helped us,” said Brandon.

Brandon’s job currently involves the management of 8 day volunteers, 4 generator operators, and 4 security guards, as well as the coordination of patients and supplies to and from the ship. Anastasie Nlemvo, an Africa Mercy crew member, is responsible for teaching the day volunteers basic nursing skills, as well as the overall care of the patients.

Still in its early stages, there are routines and procedures that need to be put in place. The HC is a relatively new concept for Mercy Ships. Brandon and his team are learning as they go.

“We are still trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t work,” he said. Brandon’s goal is to get the HC running efficiently and effectively. He added, “So far things are going well.”

The Hospitality Center is already proving its effectiveness by accommodating 20 women suffering with VVF who travelled from the north of Benin. Also, a 10-week-old baby is gaining weight before he undergoes corrective surgery on his cleft lip.

The Hospitality Center is already proving to be a valuable tool in delivering hope and healing to the world’s poor, and, if possible, will be implemented in future fields of service.

Another Story of Hope - To Be Someone Tomorrow

Sometimes you get focused on the 'Big Picture' and you forget about the ones. This story was a real reminder that God focuses on the 'ones' - making a difference and loving one person at atime. Enjoy reading this story and remembering that God has the same view of you. You are the 'one' that is important to him! - NA

Janviera can recount the afternoon with precision – it was a Thursday, the 23rd of October, 2008. She recalls how her children came home from school a little late, how they sat by lamplight with their tutor, and how the kerosene ran out.

Carole, the only girl in a family of five children, was always by her mother’s side. She helped take care of the other four children and helped clean the house. When Janviera needed things from the market, Carole would go and buy them. She helped cook – even the very difficult local cuisine, fufu. She helped with everything.

So that evening, as usual, Carole helped by refilling the lamp. She began to pour the kerosene, which they later guessed had been mixed with gasoline. Because Carole could not see very well, she called to her mother, and Janviera took over. Suddenly, the lamp exploded, and everything went black.

“I woke up on the other side of the room,” Janviera says. “I looked down and saw my arm was burned. Then I looked across the room and saw Carole. She was unconscious, and her school dress was still burning.”

She grabbed a blanket, threw it across Carole’s body, and immediately rushed her daughter to the hospital. Pictures taken there show Janviera disheveled and tired, holding her arm out stiffly. And they show Carole – lying on her back, her face swollen and blackened, her body covered in bandages and talcum powder.

“As a mother, I had to put my own pain aside,” Janviera recalls, glancing at the mottled scars on her left arm and hand. “I could only think about Carole. I was always crying, constantly asking God to save my daughter.”

It was three weeks before Carole was able to eat any food. Her mouth and eyes had been burned shut. Each day she received dressing changes, removing dead skin and applying ointment to the wounds. She was in extreme pain. Sometimes Carole’s wounds would stick to the sheets of her bed, and they would have to soak her in water and separate her from the fabric – agonizing bit by bit.

“We spent so much money for the treatment,” Janviera said. After three months of treatment, Carole’s arm was frozen, unable to extend past a right angle, with her palm turned out like a question mark. Her right cheek and arm, as well as her side, stomach, and chest were covered with raised scars of shiny, inflexible skin.

At school, her burns became an opportunity for cruelty. “If Carole did something that one of the kids didn’t like, they would say, ‘You have a burned face. You have a burned body.’” At home, she could no longer help her mother around the house because of her contracted arm.

Janviera heard about Mercy Ships through a radio advertisement, and she brought Carole to Cotonou for an operation onboard the Africa Mercy. The surgical team released contracted scar tissue and placed skin grafts at her elbow and wrist.

Kim Shankland, an occupational therapist from South Africa, worked with Carole after the surgery to help improve the range of motion in her arm and wrist. Kim says that without surgery, Carole would have struggled her whole life with basic self-care – “just eating, braiding her hair, brushing her teeth, and dressing would have been a huge problem.”

Later in life, she would have faced obstacles in supporting herself. Common jobs, like selling yams and tomatoes at the market or pursuing a trade like sewing, would have been impossible. She would have been forever dependent on family or a husband.

“As a mother, knowing what sort of difficulties your child would have – not being able to do the things you do – must be quite frustrating,” Kim says. She believes this has spurred Janviera in making sure Carole uses her injured arm and performs the rehab exercises. Janviera’s encouragement and insistence has been a major part of Carole’s successful recovery.
“I hope that she can be my helper again,” Janviera says. “But what I want most is for her to be able to use her hand, to write, to be someone tomorrow.”

Written by Carmen Radley
Photos by Debra Bell and Esther Biney

God's Faithfulness Proven once again!

Many of you are aware that the greatest challenge of the last year has been the lack of staff in the Academy and how at many times through out the year I have had to ask my staff to take on more than reasonable work loads to try and attempt to fill the gaps. This has meant at many times we end up running on crisis control mode juggling all the plates, hoping that none would fall.

Yesterday I had the final reply from the a teacher who will be joining our team in August and fill the final position! So the Academy will be start with all 12 bed spaces (number of position allocated to our department) filled! This means that we start the year in a very different place to where we did last year with only 7 bed spaces filled!

I am so thankful to all of you who have prayed throughout this year and once again God has proven Himself faithful as he has provided the perfect team. I have an overwhelming sense that God has hand picked this team and he is going to do mighty things through us as we serve the families on board!

Please continue to prayer for the team of teachers, many who are returning but also for the 5 new staff members who are preparing to come and are busy packing up their lives at home.

Another Story of Hope - Fortune's Reformation

Fortuné came into this world sooner than expected. The premature baby spent the first few weeks of his life in an incubator. Due to his underdeveloped lungs, Fortuné received oxygen through a tube in his nose. He gradually gained strength until he was healthy enough to go home with his parents.

Several months later, his parents noticed that there was something wrong with the appearance of Fortuné’s nose. A medical examination revealed that the cartilage in his nose had been damaged due to improper insertion of the oxygen tube. The doctor said that there was a chance that the problem would correct itself, but for the time being, there was nothing that could be done.

Six years later, Fortuné’s misshapen nose had become more noticeable, and it was causing problems. His nose would sometimes run uncontrollably. At times he had trouble breathing, which affected his level of physical activities. On the playground, Fortuné became an object of ridicule. The other children made fun of him, calling him names.

As a result, the little boy became very self-conscious and frustrated. Fortuné discovered that the quickest way to end the taunts was to respond with aggression. This led to frequent fistfights. Consequently, Fortuné’s parents were summoned to regular meetings with the school’s principal – giving the family a rather unfavorable reputation.

Abou, Fortuné’s father, understood the difficulties his son was facing. “Fortuné, being the age he is, is aware of the deformity of his nose,” he explained. “Many times he comes home upset and angry. As a father, I feel very bad. A son is supposed to resemble his father and mother, but because of his nose, people say bad things about our entire family.”

Over the years, Fortuné’s parents had sought help at several hospitals. Some doctors said that Fortuné was too young for the problem to be corrected. Other doctors stated that there was no possible solution. Abou, desperate to help his son, was even considering spending the family savings to seek medical help in Europe.

Then, one night, while watching television, Abou saw an advertisement about Mercy Ships. A few weeks later, Fortuné was examined by Dr. Tertius Venter, a South African plastics surgeon serving with Mercy Ships. The prognosis was positive – Fortuné would finally receive surgery, and his family was delighted.

The relatively simple and quick operation was a success. After his surgery, Fortuné lay in a hospital bed onboard the Mercy Ship, carefully examining his new nose with a small mirror. Despite some swelling and the presence of stitches, he could see a difference. The mirror also revealed the big smile on his face.

Though he will require further surgery when he is a teenager, the intelligent and strong-willed Fortuné will have some respite from the daily jeering at school. Likewise, his breathing will be easier, and he will be able to control the running of his nose. “Fortuné is old enough to remember what life was like before the surgery,” said Abou, referring to his son’s newfound appreciation for life. “That is good. I know that he will be happy.”

Mercy Ships has brought hope and healing to a father, a mother, and a son – all who were desperately searching for it. “I pray that God may strengthen the team of Mercy Ships and give you wisdom and more love,” Abou concluded.

Written by Richard Brock
Edited by IOC Editing Team

Nikki's News - June 2009

The School Year in Review
On Friday the 12th of June we officially closed the 2008/2009 school year with a teachers celebrations, we took time to share about the highs and even the lows of the past 10 months as we served God and the families on board the Africa Mercy. One thing that was the thread throughout each story or laugh was the fact that God was faithful. This past year started with some serious challenges but when we looked back we did not remember those as much as we remembers to moments where God touched the lives of our students and the moments when we laughed!

This has been a ground break year for our school!
The most official and important event was the fact that our school was accepted in the candidacy program for accreditation with the Association of Christian School International (ACSI). When we achieve this it will make it far easier for our students to return home to their home countries and have their schooling on board recognised and accepted. We are still at the beginning of a rather long process but we are excited about first few steps we have taken!
Another very special event that was significant in the life of the Mercy Ships Academy was that we adopted a new logo. This is the first time the Academy’s 27 year history that the school has had one. We share it with the students by giving them each a t-shirt. See the picture below. Something about having a school identify has made us all very proud!

Why is Nikki still on board, what happened to 2 years?
This past May marked my 2 year anniversary of serving with Mercy Ships and this summer should have marked the end of my commitment. I believe that this season is not complete in my life and that I should continue serving with Mercy Ships. The school is in a very exciting phase and I look forward to seeing it through the accreditation process and then I will see what God has in store for me. How long the entire process will take depends on many factors, so it is difficult to say how much longer I will be with serving on board but I know that is where God wants me to stay! Thank you to all of you who have so faithfully supported me during the past 2 years!


What do the next few months hold?
The Academy is officially on Summer Vacation but I have chosen to remain on board and work on the many details needed for accreditation and the beginning of the new school year in August.

At the beginning of July my Mom is coming to visit and will be staying on board for 10 days. This is a very exciting time for me as I can’t wait to show her my life here. Although I try to describe it , it is something that needs to be experienced. I look forward to spending time with her.

Last year I have the wonderful opportunity to attend a conference in New Year specially for missionary teachers. It was a wonderful time of growth and learning. This year I have been invited to attend the ACSI Leadership Academy in Colorado Springs from the 23rd—26th July. The Conference is aimed at Christian School leaders and provides an opportunity for teaching and networking. Although I have been given a scholarship to attend the conference I need to cover the cost of the air ticket. Brain Blackburn, my college in Texas has faithfully been raising support and I am both humbled and honoured by his efforts! One of the ways he is using a Facebook Cause: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/296396?m=6b07e9f9 If I am able to attend the conference I will also be spending sometime in Texas working with Brian on accreditation. I will let you know what happens .

It is always hard to know just what to write and sum up months of events in short newsletter. This year I have tried to blog regularly and included both the big and small things about my life as I serve with Mercy Ships—keep logging on to my Blog and you will be able to see more of the finer details!

love Nikki

Pray with Me!

Praise
· … for God’s faithfulness in calling an excellent team of teachers to serve on board!
· … for the good and successful end of a difficult year.
· .. God for providing a full team of teachers for next school year starting in August.

Requests
· For the team of teacher who are preparing to arrive on board in August, that God will make their paths straight.
· Continued support as I serve with Mercy Ships longer than the original 2 years I thought.
· Continued wisdom as I lead the school through the next school year.
· For the opportunity to attend the ACSI Leadership Academy in Colorado this July.

Another Story of Hope - Darkness Lifting

Sometimes there are stories that travel throughout the ship long before we read about their stories in offical communication. The story of this family is one of them. As a friend shared her experience with these little people as she cared for them the night before their surgery, brought tears to her eyes and my mine too! I share this as a glimps of what God is doing to bring His Hope to the people of Benin! I can ensure you, you will need tissues! - NA

For seven years, Genevieve has been the eyes for others. She gave birth to three children – two boys separated by a girl – all with cataracts in both eyes, preventing them from seeing anything but the most subtle shifts in light and shadow.

Going anywhere has been an exercise in patience and strength for Genevieve – tying one-year-old Ricardo on her back with a piece of brightly-patterned cloth, taking seven-year-old Alexis by the hand, holding three-year-old Nadege by the arm – then guiding them up steps, through thresholds, and around potholes.

For years, her eyes have been vigilant guards against danger – coal stoves sitting in the corners of rooms, containers of liquid that could scald or poison, and all the daily threats that could harm her children.


“Because of the blindness, I must be with them all the day,” Genevieve said. “Even if they are playing, I have to watch them. In everything, I have to be right beside them.”

Genevieve and her husband tried to get help for their children. They visited the hospital in Glazoue, the nearest city, but they had no means to pay for the expensive cataract surgeries. The physical toll of her children’s blindness was heavy for Genevieve to bear. But the emotional strain was even more difficult, for Genevieve wondered what would become of her children in a country that makes no accommodations for blindness.


Genevieve also struggled spiritually. “Why is it that all my children are blind?” she thought constantly. “What did I do to God for this to happen?”

To make matters even worse, she heard people cruelly whisper, “It must be witchcraft or a curse – because three blind children in one family is too unlucky.”

Then hope surfaced when a man in their village offered to help. André Affedjou, a civil servant in Benin, and his friends sometimes assist people who cannot afford medical treatment. When they heard about Genevieve and her children, their hearts were touched.

“Usually we find one blind child in one family or one handicapped child in one family, but three blind children for one family was too much,” André said. He knew that if they did not get help, they would have a very bleak future and would be dependent on others for their entire lives.

André said, “They will not have a chance to go to school because there is no blind school in the village. But if they receive their sight, it will be a great happiness.”

André heard about Mercy Ships on the radio and arranged for transportation to Cotonou and for housing for the family. They came to the ship the week before Easter – three happy children, laughing, using their fingers to “see” the toys the nurses handed them, and mimicking the foreign noises of the ship. Genevieve looked pensive – daring to hope, yet unsure that her solution had finally arrived.

“I hope that the children will recover their sight,” Genevieve said, “and they can go to school. I will be so happy if my children can see my face and my husband’s face.”

Kim Strauss, Eye Team Coordinator and wife of eye surgeon Dr. Glenn Strauss, said that the children arrived in very good health – good enough to be operated on immediately. Often, children have to be nursed for a few days before their operations, usually due to dehydration or fevers or infections. She gave Genevieve credit for the children’s good health and spirits.

“She is such a wonderful mother,” said Kim. “The kids are so happy. Even when they were blind, they were such happy little children.” And their innate joy was evident in their infectious laughter, their giggling chatter, and their dimpled smiles that wandered the room without focus. They seemed to be designed to experience life and happiness to the fullest extent.


The expectation for a successful surgery was highest for three-year-old Nadege. She hadn’t been blind long enough for permanent damage, yet her eyes were developed enough for the new lens to fit well. For congenital cataract procedures, children over the age of seven often have permanent damage because the optic nerve never develops, and the brain adjusts to blindness. This was a worry especially for Alexis. For baby Ricardo, the concern was that his eyes were not developed enough for the procedure and that the lens wouldn’t fit correctly.

The children all received their operations on the Thursday before Easter and spent a night with their eyes patched. The next morning, the surgeons, operating room nurses, and Kim assembled for the exciting moment – it was time to remove the bandages.

First they removed Nadege’s. “When we got the bandages off,” Kim recalls, smiling, “she grabbed the doll we were holding in front of her and said, ‘Bebe, bebe.’ So she knew what it was, and we knew she could see.”

Next was Alexis, who they feared wouldn’t see as well. They put the toys on the floor. He looked around, walked straight up to Dr.Glenn, and took something he had in his hand.

Finally, they removed Ricardo’s bandages, and then promptly returned him to his mother’s arms to calm him. For some time, he lay with his eyes squeezed shut. Finally he opened one eye and glanced around. Suddenly he saw something on his mother’s shirt, and he reached up and grabbed it.

“When he did that, we knew he could see, too,” Kim says. “It’s just a miracle! Even to Dr. Glenn, to see their vision come back is still a miracle. For him, every operation is a prayer that their sight will improve, for them to be able to function, to get around and get into things, like kids are supposed to do. And when it happens, it’s just fantastic.”

Now Genevieve’s hopes are realized. Her children will see her face, and they will know their father by sight. They will go to school. She will see them holding hands and walking outside to play on their own. The burden she carried so faithfully and lovingly is gone! The darkness has lifted!

“I am so happy,” Genevieve simply says. “I am so happy, I cannot tell you how happy I am.”

Story by Carmen Radley
Edited by IOC Editing Team
Photos by Esther Biney and Debra Bell

An Update of Nikki's News

So what have i been up to the last few months, as i have not been that good at communicating - sorry!

Monday marks a big day for the Mercy Ships Academy, it is our first Accreditation visit from ACSI. Although an exciting time it has taken huge amounts of preparation and planning getting to the point we are now. After this visit we have our work cut out for us as we aim to host a full accreditation team next May.

We are very excited that we almost have a full team of teaching arriving in July. At the moment we have 11 position confirmed out of 12, waiting the final response from the 12th member. After starting the beginning of this school year with 7 teachers - wow! Over the last few weeks we have been interviewing and finalising all this placements.

One of the biggest challenges we face as a school is have the right and enough resources available for successful teaching. Budget is always a challenge, but this year with more accurate budgeting and better understanding of our needs we are able to order the resources we need. Because of container delivering we need to place orders 3 -5 months ahead of time. Over the last 2 years we have been working accurate ordering and putting systems in place to make this happen. The past few months have seen the fruits of this plan as we have been able to place good orders and we are happy to say they are on their way and should be here in good time.

We only have 2 weeks left of our school year - i am still not used the concept of ending and beginning a school end midyear :) We have a few teachers and students leaving which is always sad but part of life in this community.

Over the Summer Holidays we have a team of 6 people coming to run a fantastic Summer Program for the students staying on board. The ship is still fully functional and parents need to work so the children will be cared for by this team. It is real blessing for the students and for the remaining staff on board or else we would have needed to do this! As much as we love our students it is good to have a break before we start the new school year - for us and for them! There will only be 3 teachers staying for the summer so we will have a chance to work on policy documents, handbooks and curriculum planning - to most people that sounds really boring but these kind of things work of my black and white brain so i am looking forward to having the time to focus on these projects.

Another thing to look forward to this summer is that my Mom is coming to visit! This is something we have talked about for such a long time that it is hard to believe that it is finally happening.

I'll try and be a little more detailed and faithful in blogging once schools out!

Maurel - gets his turn!

Three-year-old Maurel sleeps in a hospital bed onboard the Africa Mercy. His mother, René, sits calmly next to him, gently stroking his hand. Recently, Maurel underwent surgery to correct an unnatural outward curvature of his legs, more commonly known as bowed legs.

When Maurel was two years old, his concerned mother took him to a local hospital for treatment, where he was correctly diagnosed and approved for surgery. However, when it was discovered that René had a distant, wealthy relative, the hospital decided to increase the initially affordable medical bill to a sum exceeding $100, 000. Unable to afford this unreasonable amount, René and her little boy had no choice but to leave the hospital.

Months went by, and René heard rumours that a ship would be coming to Benin – a ship that offered free medical care. Hopeful yet skeptical, René was convinced when she saw a flyer detailing information about Mercy Ships. She was excited to see a photo of a child whose bowed legs had been corrected by a free surgery!

René made certain she was in the queue with her son on Screening Day. To her delight, Maurel was accepted for surgery. This time René was not questioned about her relative’s finances, nor was any amount charged.

Unfortunately, other obstacles arose. A close family relative was not willing to allow Maurel to have his surgery. He thought the offer of medical treatment was too good to be true. He feared that the surgery would not be done correctly and that Maurel’s legs would be completely crippled as a result. Why would doctors work for free? Surely their lack of pay was due to incompetence.

Such thoughts are understandable. In countries where hardship and struggle are a way of life and where nothing is free, it is hard to grasp the concept of love in action. But René held onto the hope of seeing her son walk properly, so she defiantly took Maurel to the big white ship for an operation.

René has no regrets. “Everything here is so good. I am really happy,” she says. Maurel is recovering nicely after a successful operation. Though it will be some time before the casts come off, he will be able to walk normally.

René’s dearest hope is for her son to be happy, healthy, and prosperous. “He will have a great future; he is very intelligent,” she says. “I told him before we came that he had to come see the doctor so he could get better – so one day he will be able to be a successful businessman.”

Thanks to Mercy Ships, René’s dreams for Maurel are quite reachable.

Story by Richard Brock
Edited by IOC Editing Team

Stories of Hope

Justine and Parra

The first dress ceremony during the 2009 Field Service honored two patients, Justine and Parra. Their smiles and their songs of praise were as bright and beautiful as the colorful new dresses they wore. It was a celebration of new hope and new life!

Justine and Parra received free corrective surgeries for obstetric fistula (VVF). This common injury is the result of obstructed childbirth with no medical intervention. In over 90% of the cases, the baby does not survive, and the mother becomes incontinent. As a result, these women are often shunned by their communities and even their families. They live in the shadows – hiding and suffering from overwhelming shame and trauma.

“Those who saw us laughed at us,” Justine said. “We were suffering.”

Parra’s journey to the Africa Mercy from a far northern region in Benin demonstrated both desperate need and immense trust. She sustained the fistula during the birth of her third child, who survived the delivery and is now almost a year old.

Parra speaks a tribal language unknown to any of the local volunteers that Mercy Ships employs as translators. Despite difficulties communicating, she trusted that God would watch over her. Her faith was rewarded when she received her free corrective surgery and was able to sing a song of thanksgiving to the doctors and nurses.

Justine’s fifth child died during a long, complicated delivery. A fistula developed, and Justine spent the next nine years closeted in her home. She sadly says, “Every day, I was very tired, ashamed, and people laughed at me.”

Justine’s husband tried to find a solution. He went to different hospitals in the nearest city of Porto-Novo. One – ironically called the Good Samaritan – wanted almost $200 US to perform the repair, an impossible sum in a country where the average income is only $50 a month.

Justine and her husband heard about Mercy Ships because her sister had surgery on a Mercy Ship a few years ago. So, Justine came onboard the Africa Mercy, and only a week later, she was healed and joyfully ready to go home. “I have so much to thank God for, that God has delivered me and that the doctors have worked very well,” she said. “I feel no pain in my body, and I feel happy in my heart.”

Who do I work with?

Staffing this year has been a challenge - thinking back to when we stared with 7 out 12 positioned filled and to now when although we only have 10 team members we are able to complete each and every task.

I am privileged to work with a dedicated and committed team of people and as we face the last 4 weeks of the school year I know we will be finishing well!

A Mother’s Hope for Maurel

Three-year-old Maurel sleeps in a hospital bed onboard the Africa Mercy. His mother, René, sits calmly next to him, gently stroking his hand. Recently, Maurel underwent surgery to correct an unnatural outward curvature of his legs, more commonly known as bowed legs.

When Maurel was two years old, his concerned mother took him to a local hospital for treatment, where he was correctly diagnosed and approved for surgery. However, when it was discovered that René had a distant, wealthy relative, the hospital decided to increase the initially affordable medical bill to a sum exceeding $100, 000. Unable to afford this unreasonable amount, René and her little boy had no choice but to leave the hospital.

Months went by, and René heard rumours that a ship would be coming to Benin – a ship that offered free medical care. Hopeful yet skeptical, René was convinced when she saw a flyer detailing information about Mercy Ships. She was excited to see a photo of a child whose bowed legs had been corrected by a free surgery!

René made certain she was in the queue with her son on Screening Day. To her delight, Maurel was accepted for surgery. This time René was not questioned about her relative’s finances, nor was any amount charged.

Unfortunately, other obstacles arose. A close family relative was not willing to allow Maurel to have his surgery. He thought the offer of medical treatment was too good to be true. He feared that the surgery would not be done correctly and that Maurel’s legs would be completely crippled as a result. Why would doctors work for free? Surely their lack of pay was due to incompetence.

Such thoughts are understandable. In countries where hardship and struggle are a way of life and where nothing is free, it is hard to grasp the concept of love in action. But René held onto the hope of seeing her son walk properly, so she defiantly took Maurel to the big white ship for an operation.

René has no regrets. “Everything here is so good. I am really happy,” she says. Maurel is recovering nicely after a successful operation. Though it will be some time before the casts come off, he will be able to walk normally.

René’s dearest hope is for her son to be happy, healthy, and prosperous. “He will have a great future; he is very intelligent,” she says. “I told him before we came that he had to come see the doctor so he could get better – so one day he will be able to be a successful businessman.”

Thanks to Mercy Ships, René’s dreams for Maurel are quite reachable.

Story by Richard Brock
Edited by IOC Editing Team


There are times when your own words are just not enough, and we are privileged to have gifted writer on board who put the stories into action!

15th of April - Marking our mark in Benin!

A group of us South African in front of the New South African Embassy on Wednesday the 15th of April after we proudly made our mark and voted. This was a proud moment as we were the first South African to vote in Benin. The SA Embassy staff have been a great support to us on the ship and they are very proud of what we are doing. A few weeks ago they came for a braai on board and next week we have been invited to the Embassy for Freedom Day Celebration on the 26th of April.



I even have the thumb to prove it. I was surprised to hear that no other countries 'mark' their voters. People think i have hurt my thumb, and when i tell they why they are very interested to find out. Even though it does not look very pretty - i wear it proudly!

23th & 24th of April - A weekend in Dassa

A few weekends ago we were invited by Daniel and Christian, two bother who work as Day Volunteers as Translators in the Hospital Ward. (Mercy Ships employs about 150 Day Volunteers in each country to serve along side us, as translators, deck hands, galley workers, trainers...) Kate and Suzie have gotten to know them well and they were keen to show us their home town Dassa, about 4 hours drive north of Cotonou. Dassa is known as the City of 42 Mountains.

We set out on Saturday morning all 11 piled into a mini bus and started our adventure. It was a beautiful drive through the outskirts of Cotonou and into the country side of Benin and a real privilege to be accompanied by Daniel and Christian who could tell us the ins and outs of what we were seeing.

On the road to Dassa, 200 km and 4 hours north of Cotonou, Benin

The town of Dassa, from one of the 42 hills (not quiet mountains).

We were invited by family of Daniel and Christian to share a local drink made from the mahogany tree - we all tasted it, but I did not manage the whole cup - very strong and bitter tasting.

Our faithful Mini bus that took us all the way with out breaking down. Every trip you take in Benin you expect at some point to break down or at least have flat tire - but we made it through the weekend with neither event taking place. In the background is the hotel we stayed at for the night. Before we started our adventure we booked at a hotel, but once we arrived and discovered a night club on the group floor and room could be rented by the hour we decided to look for somewhere else. We stayed at the very fresh and clean Ava Maria Guest House in the centre of Dassa.

Hippo Hunting at 7 am in the morning.... Suzie a Nurse from the UK was very excited that there was a village close to Dassa that was famous for it's hippos. So all of us joined in on her excitement and went with for a guided hippo hunt. After a 30 minute walk and much negotiating with the local village chief we sighted a hippo (we think).

The black spot in the middle of the river was the hippo, there were 4 of them but they were very happy to stay underwater and not show themselves. To be honest i was very happy to see them at a distance because the idea of being charged by a hippo was not appealing. Also i think as a South African I have seen plenty of hippos in my life time, and proudly boasted about our beautiful Kruger Park.

Before we headed home we needed to fill up with petrol (gas). In West Africa outside of the major cities there are very few gas pumps. Petrol is sold by the glass jar. It holds at least 10 liters many be more of petrol and is poured directly into your tank through a funnel. They do filter it through a piece of fabric as pour it. Petrol cost about 285 CFA per liter which is about R5, or 50 USc ( my very rough calculations).

Drive through shopping - as we entered the outskirts of Cotonou, we were strongly encourage by the street vendors to buy local products.

It was a very special week and a real treat to see the country of Benin through the eyes of Daniel and Christian and hear them speak proudly of their history and how far they have come as a nation over the last few years. A few short years ago Benin was ruled by a Marxist Government, but the new democratic government has made a big difference in Benin and process is visible and tangible for the people.

Saturday, 16 April - Bab's Dock

A few Saturdays ago a group of us piled in to a land rover and visited a very special place call 'Bab's Dock', which is a private dock on one of the fresh water lakes about 20 km from Cotonou. It was a day to take a break from the ship and get some fresh air and relax.

The last few months have been a very special time on board for me as there as has been a group of South Africans from Cape Town, although i never knew any of them well at home, I had heard of them or have mutual friends and can reminisce about the same places and situations. It was been a great support but also good fun. As all true South African are always game for an adventure or social gathering and we tend to take along whoever and go whereever there is something to do.

It has been so good to have some sort of balance back in my life after a season of 100% work focus last semester. I do not mind hard work, but it has been good to relax and get off the ship. I have found that it has help me gain perspective and keep the balance that is so needed when you live is community.

I share these adventures with you as they are part of my life as I serve with Mercy Ships. Enjoy!

A group of us waiting for the boat to take use to Bab's Dock. From left to right: Michal a Sterilizer, from Germany, Suzie a Nurse from UK, Sarah a Nurse from Australia, Kate a Nurse from South Africa and myself.

Traveling through the Mangroves Swamps to get to the lake.

Bab's dock with it umbrella's and hammocks was a very refreshing change from the day to day life on the ship.

Something you need to get used to in West Africa are the friendly lizards - they are everywhere! And they have not fear - they are harmless, but do look a little intimidating.

What lies beneath a smile?

Today while our was sitting having breakfast in the dinning room, i was reminded again about how much i take for granted - even the privilege of being here on board this ship and how each day God is radically changing lives!

As i was sipping my coffee at 6.30 am this morning still feeling a little fuzzy around the edges after a night spent coughing and spluttering ( I am recovering from a bout of flu) I was feeling very sorry for myself realising that it was only Monday and the whole week lay ahead. I decided to look out the window to distract myself and was faced with the perfect reminder of just how wonderful our God is.

The line of patients at the Gangway had been forming since the very early hours of the morning, long before i got to breakfast and people were waiting patiently to be seen or admitted. When a young man, most likely in his early 20s arrived on a zemijan wearing a smile that you could see a mile a way. At first i wounded why he was here, was he one of our day volunteers or a visitor, not thinking for a moment anything more.

When the motorbike came to a stop at the end of the line the driver got off and held the bike, while the young many carefully eased himself off. It was then that i saw his left leg was badly deformed and could hardly hold the weight of his body. (As i looked at him i was ashamed of my own self pity that i started the day with.) As he balanced with help from his friend he proudly unwrapped a small suit case and out of a side pocket produced a small pink card!

The smile on his face only grew - the card that he held was an surgery appointment card whihc he would have recieved at Screening Day! Today he was being admitted and would receive surgery that would restore function to his leg but more importantly would give him 'a hope and a future'

'For I alone know the plans i have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'

Jeremiah 29 verse 11

Please pray for this young man over the next few weeks as i am sure this journey will be very painful, but it will be life changing for him! I thank God for the privilege of watching a small part of what he is doing in this young mans life and seeing what lies beneath his smile.

Screening Day - a picture tour!