Isn’t it funny how and when God chooses to intervene? For example…Friday afternoon of a VERY long week. I am exhausted, a little stressed, and slightly overwhelmed by all that has to be done in the final month of school before Christmas. Lunch is almost over, the kids are waiting at the door and I am just not mentally prepared to teach for the rest of the afternoon. The door opens and the lessons begin.
Science- the human body.
Social Studies – cultures.
God intervenes...
At this point in time, God begins to stir something inside of my students...my small, 5-7 year old students, to get on their knees and pray for people around the world. Hearing their small voices pray absolutely huge prayers was by far one of most humbling and encouraging moments I have had in the classroom so far. These children have an awareness and compassion for people around the world that is so rarely seen. How I so desire to have their child-like faith.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
No excuses....
There is really no excuse I can give for not having blogged since September 22!!! I cannot even explain how fast time goes when your entire life is contained inside a 500 ft floating ship! There have been days where I come to realize that I have not seen the sun in over 3 days….yet I have gone to work, done laundry, gone ‘home’ to sleep, eaten all meals, socialized with friends, gone to the bank, bought toothpaste and other necessities, and gone to church….without stepping foot outside.
Although this has the potential to sound quite depressing, it has been the most fulfilling and rewarding experience so far. I am still so excited and honoured to be serving here! I’ve never been more aware of the fact that ‘God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness’! There are definitely highs and lows, ups and downs, but God continues to be a constant source of strength, energy and joy. I feel so blessed in my area of ministry with the school and although it does get time-consuming and
exhausting, I have never felt more motivation and desire to do the work God has called me to do here. We actually had an Academy Open House the other week for any crew member to come and see what we do in the school. The captain and many other crew members came for a visit (see picture). Also, having just finished our Space unit in Science, we had a Costume Space Party to celebrate the end of this unit! Here comes Ms. Frizzle!
Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to participate in some of the land-based outreach opportunities. One experience was going to a local deaf school! This was an incredible experience. The French/Fon language barrier often makes it difficult to communicate with the local children and adults. Being able to use basic sign language or my ‘attempts’ at sign language was actually quite effective with the students! We all had a wonderful time together with face paint, balloons and streamers!
Although this has the potential to sound quite depressing, it has been the most fulfilling and rewarding experience so far. I am still so excited and honoured to be serving here! I’ve never been more aware of the fact that ‘God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness’! There are definitely highs and lows, ups and downs, but God continues to be a constant source of strength, energy and joy. I feel so blessed in my area of ministry with the school and although it does get time-consuming and
exhausting, I have never felt more motivation and desire to do the work God has called me to do here. We actually had an Academy Open House the other week for any crew member to come and see what we do in the school. The captain and many other crew members came for a visit (see picture). Also, having just finished our Space unit in Science, we had a Costume Space Party to celebrate the end of this unit! Here comes Ms. Frizzle!
Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to participate in some of the land-based outreach opportunities. One experience was going to a local deaf school! This was an incredible experience. The French/Fon language barrier often makes it difficult to communicate with the local children and adults. Being able to use basic sign language or my ‘attempts’ at sign language was actually quite effective with the students! We all had a wonderful time together with face paint, balloons and streamers!
As well, there is a building called the Hospitality Center close by where many patients go to wait for surgery or recover from surgery. Some patients need to gain weight before having surgery so they will spend time at the hospitality center in preparation. Various activities were planned for the patients on the weekend and so a few of the girls from the ship and I biked to the hospitality center to help out. It was so rewarding to see the joy and excitement in the patients eyes as they challenged each other to water races and Jenga building contests! The children were so beautiful and were eager to learn new games like Frisbee and really…just play! I was even able to hold a small baby who had been awaiting surgery for months as she needed to gain weight before having her cleft lip surgery. Annisette has finally had her surgery and is just a beautiful chubby bundle of joy!!
We are now nearing the end of the outreach here in Benin and will be going to Tenerife for part of December/January. We will then sail to begin a new outreach in Togo! In the upcoming weeks we will be ‘securing’ our classrooms and the rest of the ship to avoid disasters during the sail! The rule of thumb is ‘it can’t fall any farther than the floor, but it can always slide’! I am excited for what the next few weeks will hold! I will try my best to get better at blogging. Please hold me to this!!!
We are now nearing the end of the outreach here in Benin and will be going to Tenerife for part of December/January. We will then sail to begin a new outreach in Togo! In the upcoming weeks we will be ‘securing’ our classrooms and the rest of the ship to avoid disasters during the sail! The rule of thumb is ‘it can’t fall any farther than the floor, but it can always slide’! I am excited for what the next few weeks will hold! I will try my best to get better at blogging. Please hold me to this!!!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Bed Ridden.....again
Last night while playing soccer out in
Although it sounds odd, I found it uncomfortable to be the one ‘hurting’ in
Isn’t that why I came? To relieve suffering, to show compassion for the hurting, to bring hope and healing? At this moment, my eyes were opened to two very significant realities that are an inevitable part of being human.
Suffering and Compassion.
They co-exist, within everyone.
Yes, I can be the one ‘suffering’.
Yes, they can be the ones showing compassion.
In that short hour, I realized that I am much more comfortable with giving compassion, then receiving it. How humbling…to have those who I have ‘come to help’, be the ones who help me. Perhaps that is the lesson God wants to teach me in all of this…how to receive compassion.
It didn’t end there either. The crew on the ship have continued to show endless amounts of compassion….really showing love in each and every action. From getting ice, to bringing food and chocolate J, to finding the doctor, to giving up the bottom bunk, to teaching my class for me, to carrying me up and down stairs, to visiting me and praying with me. I could go on. They have a true understanding of 1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”
Thank you for your actions of love….I am truly humbled.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Is this normal?
It amazes me how fast a total change of life can become 'normal'. I realized as I was driving through the sand-roads of Benin in a Landrover filled with people, dodging zimijans (motorcycles by the trillion) and waving to people as they yelled out 'YOVO YOVO! (white-person)....that life in Africa has already become what seems, a 'normal' way of life. I know that my journey here began with me trying to figure out if I was moving to Africa for an adventure in my own will... or if this was actually the path God had chosen for me thus placing a desire in my heart to leave my comfort zone and go.
After now being here for six weeks and having never felt more 'in' God's will than before, I can say with all confidence that God has led me here and I couldn't be happier! I will definitely admit that it took me a while to adjust to the fact that I am in Africa, living on a ship floating in the ocean.....and I am likely still adjusting. What I find amazing is that being here actually feels normal. I think it has alot to do with that 'peace that passes all understanding'....but every now and again I like to have little reminders that God has led me on a road less travelled (as I wrote about before).
Tonight was a reminder. I finally had the chance to take part in a program on board called Adopt-a-Patient. This program allows crew members to choose a patient in the hospital and visit them, play with them, talk to them (through translation) and really, just love them. I was nervous about doing it and I'm not really sure why. Walking into the ward and seeing my smiling little 5-year old was one of my favourite moments so far. Jenga with my patient....soon turned into Disney Memory with 4 other children, a mother and a room full of laughter and cheers. I have never enjoyed 'Disney Memory' so much! I got to see joy tonight....I got to see evidence of lives transformed....I was reminded tonight, that life here does not have to become normal. And that a life with God, is the complete opposite and farthest possible thing from 'normal'. In fact, it is really the only way to have and live 'life to the fullest'.
After now being here for six weeks and having never felt more 'in' God's will than before, I can say with all confidence that God has led me here and I couldn't be happier! I will definitely admit that it took me a while to adjust to the fact that I am in Africa, living on a ship floating in the ocean.....and I am likely still adjusting. What I find amazing is that being here actually feels normal. I think it has alot to do with that 'peace that passes all understanding'....but every now and again I like to have little reminders that God has led me on a road less travelled (as I wrote about before).
Tonight was a reminder. I finally had the chance to take part in a program on board called Adopt-a-Patient. This program allows crew members to choose a patient in the hospital and visit them, play with them, talk to them (through translation) and really, just love them. I was nervous about doing it and I'm not really sure why. Walking into the ward and seeing my smiling little 5-year old was one of my favourite moments so far. Jenga with my patient....soon turned into Disney Memory with 4 other children, a mother and a room full of laughter and cheers. I have never enjoyed 'Disney Memory' so much! I got to see joy tonight....I got to see evidence of lives transformed....I was reminded tonight, that life here does not have to become normal. And that a life with God, is the complete opposite and farthest possible thing from 'normal'. In fact, it is really the only way to have and live 'life to the fullest'.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Maomai Dangbenon: Salvation Has Come
Maomai Dangbenon: Salvation Has ComeIt was the middle of the night, and Perlagie couldn’t sleep. The image of Maomai, her three-month-old baby girl, flashed through her mind every time she closed her eyes. A huge tumor the size of the baby’s head was jutting out of Maomai’s neck. Perlagie looked over at her daughter, peacefully sleeping in her hospital bed, and began to cry.
For over a week, Perlagie had stayed in the hospital, waiting and praying for a doctor to help Maomai – but no one came. In the morning, they were being sent home. Perlagie didn’t know what to do.
When Perlagie finally fell asleep, she had a dream. 
“In that dream, I saw a person, who told me I should be quiet and pray – that salvation shall come.”
The next morning, Perlagie felt confident and peaceful. She didn’t know where help would come from, but she knew God was going to take care of her baby.
***
Maomai was born with a teratoma, which means monstrous tumor. It started out as a small, golf-ball sized lump on her neck, but within three months, the tumor had grown to the size of her head.
Everyone in Perlagie’s village was afraid of Maomai. The grotesque tumor was difficult to look at, and the villagers thought they could be contaminated by it. No one would touch or play with the small baby.
“One time I was in the bathroom, and the baby was crying. People were around the baby, but they would not touch her because of the tumor. They left her crying, alone. Even the members of my family,” said Perlagie.
Perlagie was alone. Maomai was a precious, beautiful baby girl, and she could see that, but others simply couldn’t see past the monstrous tumor. In a country where perceived physical differences mark people as outcasts, Maomai was treated like a monster instead of a baby girl.
“I was very, very, sad. I was not able to sleep,” said Perlagie. “Every day, I was crying. Also, I was not eating. I had no appetite because of the condition of my baby.”
Perlagie and her husband wanted to get Maomia help. They took her to a local hospital, but there was no surgeon to perform her surgery. Perlagie didn’t become anxious or fearful. She confidently left the hospital, trusting God to bring healing and deliverance from the tumor.
When Perlagie returned to her village, her sister-in-law told her about the Africa Mercy, a hospital ship filled with doctors and nurses, which had come to Cotonou. She had just returned from the ship after being treated for an eye problem and thought they could help Maomai.
Perlagie brought her daughter to the Africa Mercy and was screened by the medical team. It was obvious that she needed immediate surgery. But the tumor had made it difficult for her to feed, and Maomai was very underweight – too underweight for surgery. The Mercy Ships medical team placed her on a feeding program and scheduled her for surgery in one month. Mercy was on its way. The salvation Perlagie had dreamed of was becoming a reality.
A month passed, and it was time for Maomai’s surgery. The morning of surgery, Peralgie worried it would not be successful.
“I started crying. Some nurses and translators told me the operation was possible with God. The doctor will be successful with surgery, the tumor will be removed, and the baby will be healed. They gave me that hope,” said Perlagie.
After six hours of surgery, Maomai’s tumor was removed. It weighed 375 grams, 15% of her body weight. The monstrous tumor was gone, and the beautiful baby girl remained.
Maomai spent over a month recovering in the hospital. Still struggling to maintain her weight, she had to be fed through a surgically placed feeding tube.
The nursing staff encouraged Perlagie to use the feeding tube. At first, she was hesitant. Perlagie distanced herself from Maomai. But as she grew more comfortable in the hospital, things changed. The nursing staff taught Perlagie how to use the feeding tube. As she took ownership of Maomai’s care, their relationship thrived.
“Initially, we were worried about her,” said pediatric nurse Ali Chandra. “But now she’s been here for over a month, and she’s blossomed. Perlagie has completely bonded with Maomai in the time they’ve been here. And it happened as we started teaching her [to use the feeding tube]. She’s doing really well,” says Chandra.
Maomai has continued to grow stronger since her surgery. Not only has she gained weight, she’s gained vibrancy.
“Maomai used to be this kind of listless baby, and now she’s bright. She’s doing more age-appropriate things than before,” says Chandra.
Psalm 13:5 says, “I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation” (NKJV).
Perlagie knows this to be true. She trusted God to take care of her baby, and He brought her salvation. Perlagie is rejoicing in His mercy.
“I thank God, and I thank each of you, for all you have done for me. God is healing and still working. I have seen my salvation in this child,” she concluded.
Written by Megan Petock
Edited by IOC Editing Team
Photography by Debra Bell and Megan Petock
“In that dream, I saw a person, who told me I should be quiet and pray – that salvation shall come.”
The next morning, Perlagie felt confident and peaceful. She didn’t know where help would come from, but she knew God was going to take care of her baby.
***
Maomai was born with a teratoma, which means monstrous tumor. It started out as a small, golf-ball sized lump on her neck, but within three months, the tumor had grown to the size of her head.
Everyone in Perlagie’s village was afraid of Maomai. The grotesque tumor was difficult to look at, and the villagers thought they could be contaminated by it. No one would touch or play with the small baby.
“One time I was in the bathroom, and the baby was crying. People were around the baby, but they would not touch her because of the tumor. They left her crying, alone. Even the members of my family,” said Perlagie.
Perlagie was alone. Maomai was a precious, beautiful baby girl, and she could see that, but others simply couldn’t see past the monstrous tumor. In a country where perceived physical differences mark people as outcasts, Maomai was treated like a monster instead of a baby girl.
“I was very, very, sad. I was not able to sleep,” said Perlagie. “Every day, I was crying. Also, I was not eating. I had no appetite because of the condition of my baby.”
Perlagie and her husband wanted to get Maomia help. They took her to a local hospital, but there was no surgeon to perform her surgery. Perlagie didn’t become anxious or fearful. She confidently left the hospital, trusting God to bring healing and deliverance from the tumor.
When Perlagie returned to her village, her sister-in-law told her about the Africa Mercy, a hospital ship filled with doctors and nurses, which had come to Cotonou. She had just returned from the ship after being treated for an eye problem and thought they could help Maomai.
Perlagie brought her daughter to the Africa Mercy and was screened by the medical team. It was obvious that she needed immediate surgery. But the tumor had made it difficult for her to feed, and Maomai was very underweight – too underweight for surgery. The Mercy Ships medical team placed her on a feeding program and scheduled her for surgery in one month. Mercy was on its way. The salvation Perlagie had dreamed of was becoming a reality.
A month passed, and it was time for Maomai’s surgery. The morning of surgery, Peralgie worried it would not be successful.
“I started crying. Some nurses and translators told me the operation was possible with God. The doctor will be successful with surgery, the tumor will be removed, and the baby will be healed. They gave me that hope,” said Perlagie.
After six hours of surgery, Maomai’s tumor was removed. It weighed 375 grams, 15% of her body weight. The monstrous tumor was gone, and the beautiful baby girl remained.
Maomai spent over a month recovering in the hospital. Still struggling to maintain her weight, she had to be fed through a surgically placed feeding tube.
The nursing staff encouraged Perlagie to use the feeding tube. At first, she was hesitant. Perlagie distanced herself from Maomai. But as she grew more comfortable in the hospital, things changed. The nursing staff taught Perlagie how to use the feeding tube. As she took ownership of Maomai’s care, their relationship thrived.
“Initially, we were worried about her,” said pediatric nurse Ali Chandra. “But now she’s been here for over a month, and she’s blossomed. Perlagie has completely bonded with Maomai in the time they’ve been here. And it happened as we started teaching her [to use the feeding tube]. She’s doing really well,” says Chandra.
Maomai has continued to grow stronger since her surgery. Not only has she gained weight, she’s gained vibrancy.
“Maomai used to be this kind of listless baby, and now she’s bright. She’s doing more age-appropriate things than before,” says Chandra.
Psalm 13:5 says, “I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation” (NKJV).
Perlagie knows this to be true. She trusted God to take care of her baby, and He brought her salvation. Perlagie is rejoicing in His mercy.
“I thank God, and I thank each of you, for all you have done for me. God is healing and still working. I have seen my salvation in this child,” she concluded.
Written by Megan Petock
Edited by IOC Editing Team
Photography by Debra Bell and Megan Petock
Monday, August 31, 2009
My African Birthday
We are now into our 4th week of school here in the Mercy Ships Academy! I can say for the first time ever that I celebrated a birthday while in school :). After years of celebrating a summer birthday with water balloons, pool fun, summer carnivals ...and 'back to school' just days away, my African birthday changed all that!
Now I'm not usually one who would blog about my own birthday...as it seems quite selfish...but my reason for writing is to show how absolutely thoughtful and selfLESS the community here is. Little to my knowledge, Christina had been planning all week to throw a surprise karaoke birthday party for myself and another lady on board!! Somehow, beautifully orchestrated, we walked into the midships lounge full of people singing Happy Birthday with food and some karaoke ready to go! It was such a memorable and super fun night!!!
The festivities continued on Sunday as a group of us got to take a trip to a village on stilts! This village is completely built on water and as far as I could understand, was a result of the slave trade that was prevalent in Benin. In an attempt to run from the slave trade, this village was built and now is the home to nearly 30,000 people.
This was an amazing experience....and definitely far beyond any way I could have ever imagined celebrating my 22nd....
Now I'm not usually one who would blog about my own birthday...as it seems quite selfish...but my reason for writing is to show how absolutely thoughtful and selfLESS the community here is. Little to my knowledge, Christina had been planning all week to throw a surprise karaoke birthday party for myself and another lady on board!! Somehow, beautifully orchestrated, we walked into the midships lounge full of people singing Happy Birthday with food and some karaoke ready to go! It was such a memorable and super fun night!!!
The festivities continued on Sunday as a group of us got to take a trip to a village on stilts! This village is completely built on water and as far as I could understand, was a result of the slave trade that was prevalent in Benin. In an attempt to run from the slave trade, this village was built and now is the home to nearly 30,000 people.
This was an amazing experience....and definitely far beyond any way I could have ever imagined celebrating my 22nd....
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time Flies
After having a discussion with another crew member last night, I came to realize that on Monday, I will have already been here for 1 month. It is absolutely crazy how fast time goes when your entire life is lived within a 500 ft area! I have found this to be very convenient at times. Who ever thought I would be able to do laundry on the lunch hour between Language Arts and Social Studies? In fact, one of our Social Studies projects this week was mapping our community. Within only two 45 minute periods, we were able to find and map the park (jungle gym on deck 8), the nearest pool, our entire school, the library, the laundry room, the church (international lounge), restaurant (or as some people call it, the dining room), each of our homes, the nearest shopping center (ship shop), the nearest Starbucks (across from the ship shop), movie theatre (mid-ships lounge), the hairdressers, convenience store (snack bar), and the best lookout areas of our community which just happens to be an ocean! We had a very fun map-making adventure!!
I really can't believe that two weeks of school have already come and gone. Most of my friends from Gateway training in Texas (the Gates family:D) have finally arrived as of Thursday! It has been such a great week getting to hear all about their mission to Dominican Republic before coming here.
School has been going very well! I had quite a few "I just LOVE being a teacher" moments this week :). Unfortunately there is a bug literally ripping through the entire school....well entire ship...which has left our classrooms a few students less throughout the week. Please pray for the health of the students and teachers! This bug really is not a fun one!!
Thanks for following my blog :)! I'd love to hear from you!
I really can't believe that two weeks of school have already come and gone. Most of my friends from Gateway training in Texas (the Gates family:D) have finally arrived as of Thursday! It has been such a great week getting to hear all about their mission to Dominican Republic before coming here.
School has been going very well! I had quite a few "I just LOVE being a teacher" moments this week :). Unfortunately there is a bug literally ripping through the entire school....well entire ship...which has left our classrooms a few students less throughout the week. Please pray for the health of the students and teachers! This bug really is not a fun one!!
Thanks for following my blog :)! I'd love to hear from you!
Monday, August 10, 2009
First Day of School
Early this morning, I was WIDE awake at 6 am thinking....wow....first day of school....I am a real teacher. These are words that I have always looked forward to saying someday. I have officially survived the first day as a real teacher and loved each and every minute of it. After today, I had to laugh at some of the words I never thought I would say/hear a student say on my first day of school.....
ie.
1. When discussing classroom rules...."Be safe....means that we keep both feet on deck so we
don't fall into the water".
2. When spinning the globe in social studies....."Raise your hand when you see the continent you were born in pass by" and seeing hands go up at very distinct intervals.
3. When introducing myself and what I like to do, being corrected that I do not enjoy soccer...but rather football!
4. When filling in the weather chart, needing to look outside for the weather as our 'walk' to school was down the hall, up the stairs and to the right!
5. Hearing the response to my question "Why is it important to be kind to those in need" - "Because God tells us to love them...because He loves them. That's why we're here isn't it Ms. Danae?" (wow...thank you for being in Grade 2 and understanding something so much bigger than yourself)
and of course.....
6. Saying "See you at dinner" to my students as they were leaving the classroom.
Greatly looking forward to Day #2!!!
ie.
1. When discussing classroom rules...."Be safe....means that we keep both feet on deck so we
don't fall into the water".
2. When spinning the globe in social studies....."Raise your hand when you see the continent you were born in pass by" and seeing hands go up at very distinct intervals.
3. When introducing myself and what I like to do, being corrected that I do not enjoy soccer...but rather football!
4. When filling in the weather chart, needing to look outside for the weather as our 'walk' to school was down the hall, up the stairs and to the right!
5. Hearing the response to my question "Why is it important to be kind to those in need" - "Because God tells us to love them...because He loves them. That's why we're here isn't it Ms. Danae?" (wow...thank you for being in Grade 2 and understanding something so much bigger than yourself)
and of course.....
6. Saying "See you at dinner" to my students as they were leaving the classroom.
Greatly looking forward to Day #2!!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Africa Mercy....Home Sweet Home!
After 4 months of planning, 5 weeks of training, 4.5 day stopover in Paris and a 7 hour flight from Paris to Benin....I have walked the gangway of the Africa Mercy and made it my home! I am still trying to adjust to walking straight on a moving surface! If you'd like to know how it feels to be on the ship, here is a fun experiment. Step 1 - Spin around 25 times. Step 2- Immediately try walking in a straight line down a narrow hallway.....Welcome to the Africa Mercy!! :D
In all honesty, it is absolutely surreal walking around on the ship I have only seen in pictures and on Youtube for the past few months. My bedroom really is as small as it seemed in the online tour! And....I am sharing a bunk bed with the only Danae I've ever met....and she is from Canada! What are the chances of THAT!?
We had a tour of the whole ship today and got to see the hospital waiting room and got to peek into some of the recovery rooms. I think this was the moment I realized where I was, why I am here and how excited I am that God brought me here. It hit home that this is more than an non-profit organization....this is a place of people who have come together to see the lame walk, the blind see, and those who have been cast out of society, healed. This is a place where the heart of God is being lived out by ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
In all honesty, it is absolutely surreal walking around on the ship I have only seen in pictures and on Youtube for the past few months. My bedroom really is as small as it seemed in the online tour! And....I am sharing a bunk bed with the only Danae I've ever met....and she is from Canada! What are the chances of THAT!?
We had a tour of the whole ship today and got to see the hospital waiting room and got to peek into some of the recovery rooms. I think this was the moment I realized where I was, why I am here and how excited I am that God brought me here. It hit home that this is more than an non-profit organization....this is a place of people who have come together to see the lame walk, the blind see, and those who have been cast out of society, healed. This is a place where the heart of God is being lived out by ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Basic Safety Training
After 5 weeks of training here in Texas, I have finally reached the end of the course! My time here has gone so fast and I've met some incredible people that I will be serving on the ship with! 13 of these people left for an outreach in the Dominican Republic and will be coming to the ship within the next month.
This past week was Basic Safety Training. We were trained on how to fight fire on board, first aid/CPR as well as basic survival at sea (using life rafts, cold water immersion suits etc.). After taking this course, we were certified to be able to work on board any marine ship according to the US standards. Here are some pictures!!
Top: Haley, Terri and me using a fire hose
Bottom: Gearing up in our water immersion suits
Though I'm hoping to never have to use these skills, the training was very fun and I feel very prepared for helping with an emergency on board the ship!
I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity to have a stopover in Paris for a few days before going to Benin. I will be travelling with my friend Christina and we will be staying with a missionary family that she knows in Paris! We are so blessed to have our accomodations taken care of while staying there! We will be flying straight from Paris to Benin on July 27 to start orientation for the ship as well as with the school and will spend the next week preparing our classrooms and lessons :D!
Thank you so much for all of your prayer so far. I am so excited to put everything I've been learning this past month into action!!
This past week was Basic Safety Training. We were trained on how to fight fire on board, first aid/CPR as well as basic survival at sea (using life rafts, cold water immersion suits etc.). After taking this course, we were certified to be able to work on board any marine ship according to the US standards. Here are some pictures!!
Top: Haley, Terri and me using a fire hose
Bottom: Gearing up in our water immersion suits
Though I'm hoping to never have to use these skills, the training was very fun and I feel very prepared for helping with an emergency on board the ship!
I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity to have a stopover in Paris for a few days before going to Benin. I will be travelling with my friend Christina and we will be staying with a missionary family that she knows in Paris! We are so blessed to have our accomodations taken care of while staying there! We will be flying straight from Paris to Benin on July 27 to start orientation for the ship as well as with the school and will spend the next week preparing our classrooms and lessons :D!
Thank you so much for all of your prayer so far. I am so excited to put everything I've been learning this past month into action!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Road You Walk
I have been broken.
Mentally – I have come to realize that my view of the world has been shaped completely by the fact that I have been born in
Emotionally - The only thing that separates me from any other person in this world is the fact that “I” have been born into this body in this particular country into this particular family...Why me? Why wasn’t I the one who was born into a tribe where the value of human life is so small that human sacrifice is justified? Why wasn’t I the one who was sold into the sex trade so my family could afford to eat? Why am I not the one who picks through trash daily, in hopes that someone has thrown out a valuable item or extra food?
I am now facing the question “what will you do with the privilege you have been given?”
We were asked to write a reflection of what we have learned this week….here it goes.
The Road That You Walk
If I walked a mile in your shoes
I’d soon realize that our shoes are the same,
Though we walk a different road.
I would realize that the potholes and dust you face daily
Sometimes make it difficult for you to see your destination.
If I walked a mile in your shoes
I’d soon realize that the steps you take look small,
But in the face of your reality are really quite big.
I would realize that the size of your step is not as important
As the energy and willingness you put into each and every step.
If I walked a mile in your shoes
I’d soon realize that though your shoes are tattered and torn
They are valuable because of the mere fact, that they are shoes.
I would realize that they have the potential to carry you through an endless number of roadblocks that I may never face.
If I walked a mile in your shoes
I’d soon realize that though the soles and laces may look dirty, you aren’t asking for new shoes.
I would realize that giving you new shoes would not help.
Instead, I can walk beside you and hold your hand and be with you on the road that you
walk.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Silence
We had a silent retreat yesterday....silence meaning we couldn't talk for about 4 hours. I've heard of silent retreats that last for a few days and I've learned, through these few hours, how much you can hear when you are simply silent. All of the sudden birds actually sing, and trees actually whisper and children actually laugh...its beautiful.It's amazing how long it takes to become 'silent'. The thought of 'I need to be silent' even becomes a distracting noise. Pushing past that all though, it is in silence that God speaks. Sittin
g in a shady, grassy area in a gorgeous State Park in Texas, I read the words, "What a lovely, pleasant sight you are, my love, as we lie here on the grass, shaded by cedar trees and spreading firs" (Song of Solomon 1:16-17) It was in this moment that I remembered that my identity is found in God...the One who tells me I am lovely...that I am beautiful because He fashioned me. The one who whispers to me in the trees, and sings to me in the birds, and laughs with me through children. It was in this moment that I remembered to whom I belong.
g in a shady, grassy area in a gorgeous State Park in Texas, I read the words, "What a lovely, pleasant sight you are, my love, as we lie here on the grass, shaded by cedar trees and spreading firs" (Song of Solomon 1:16-17) It was in this moment that I remembered that my identity is found in God...the One who tells me I am lovely...that I am beautiful because He fashioned me. The one who whispers to me in the trees, and sings to me in the birds, and laughs with me through children. It was in this moment that I remembered to whom I belong.Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Living by design
Today was not our official first day of the Gateway course but it was really the first day of content. Today we focused on the question "Who am I?" We discussed the intrinsic value we have been given by being made in the image of God. This value is unchanging and no matter what circumstances or challenges we have faced in the past, our worth is defined in God alone. We were all asked to take the DISC personality test online before coming and today was the day we were able to look at them indepth and apply parts of them to both "who I am" and also "what I think others expect me to be". It was great to have the opportunity and tools to self-reflect and to learn what areas I need to be broken and rebuilt. I really feel that the next month will be a major time of growth and change in me...a much needed change. My goal is to become someone who lives according to how I was designed to live...using the full potential God has given me, knowing that it would be a diservice to Him to ignore the potential He has placed within me.
"Unmeasurable are my limits for I call you Father
Unimaginable my potential, for you have called me daughter"
"Unmeasurable are my limits for I call you Father
Unimaginable my potential, for you have called me daughter"
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Down in the South
Wow....day one of the adventure is now complete!
I boarded the plane in Buffalo this morning, said a tearful good bye to my dalhouse girls and set off to Dallas. I had only one moment of hesitation the entire time...I spilled coffee all over my lap on the plane. Its crazy how I almost said "God is this a sign?"....a little spilled coffee...I got over that quick.
I boarded the plane in Buffalo this morning, said a tearful good bye to my dalhouse girls and set off to Dallas. I had only one moment of hesitation the entire time...I spilled coffee all over my lap on the plane. Its crazy how I almost said "God is this a sign?"....a little spilled coffee...I got over that quick.
Christina, another teacher who will be coming to the ship with me, picked me up from the airport...instant bond! It was beautiful! We had a big welcome dinner with all of the participants from the training and then had a chance to get settled into our rooms and bond with the other girls here :D! Kinda feels like Uni all over again...only a bit older, knowing a bit more, and you can tell by the sound of the accents that I'm one of the only northerners haha!! But all is great...I'm a little eerie about the bugs and poisonous things but I'm sure with time, I will conquer yet one more of my fears :D! Thanks for all your prayers for safe travelling...God is so faithful.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Road Less Travelled
25 days.
It's very hard to wrap my head around the idea that in 25 days I will be leaving to start my journey serving with Mercy Ships. I will be volunteering as the Grade 2 teacher aboard the Africa Mercy Ship, the largest charity hospital ship in the world. This organization has converted a train ferry into a state-of-the-art hospital ship to provide free surgeries and health care for the poor of West Africa. I am so honoured and excited to be a part of the work this organization does!!
I have realized how interesting life can get when you surrender your future completely to God. I was approaching, what I referred to as 'the big question mark', as my predictable life course of "elementary school, high school, post-secondary school...." was nearing the end. It was at this point that I really started praying about where God wanted me for the next year. As one thing led to another, I found myself moving in a direction I never thought I would go. Africa? A boat? A year? Wow....sounds great!!
I am remembering a poem I learned about in high school called "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (http://www.online-literature.com/frost/755/ in case you're curious).
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference"
Yes, this road is less travelled. But I beleive it will make all the difference....
This is my journey. This is the road I am choosing.
This is my life.
It's very hard to wrap my head around the idea that in 25 days I will be leaving to start my journey serving with Mercy Ships. I will be volunteering as the Grade 2 teacher aboard the Africa Mercy Ship, the largest charity hospital ship in the world. This organization has converted a train ferry into a state-of-the-art hospital ship to provide free surgeries and health care for the poor of West Africa. I am so honoured and excited to be a part of the work this organization does!!
I have realized how interesting life can get when you surrender your future completely to God. I was approaching, what I referred to as 'the big question mark', as my predictable life course of "elementary school, high school, post-secondary school...." was nearing the end. It was at this point that I really started praying about where God wanted me for the next year. As one thing led to another, I found myself moving in a direction I never thought I would go. Africa? A boat? A year? Wow....sounds great!!
I am remembering a poem I learned about in high school called "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (http://www.online-literature.com/frost/755/ in case you're curious).
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference"
Yes, this road is less travelled. But I beleive it will make all the difference....
This is my journey. This is the road I am choosing.
This is my life.
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