Togo Bound

The day has finally come...when we pull in our mooring lines and head back out again...this time to Togo. I had a few nice relaxing days with some work while enjoying Tenerife before we left. One afternoon I was able to go out with a friend on a 35km bike ride along the coast, up a steep mtn/hill side and down again to a little village. It was so beautiful. Tried to get out and get some exercise a little bit before we were locked on the ship.

We left Tenerife this afternoon (Jan.31) despite a little bit of weather delay. The captain warned us we would hit choppy water right off the bat, and he sure was right. Not only do we get the rocking back and forth this time, but even the bouncing in the front of the ship which is new to me. I am still at the stage where I am enjoying it...but I will keep you updated on that. Sure hope those seasickness pills work!

I enjoyed some time on deck 8 as we sailed away and then went downstairs to work a few hours and help get all the paperwork ready for the week of orientation for the new nurses. There are many new faces around so I have enjoyed getting to meet them.

Here are some things you can pray for:
-Safe traveling and healthy crew at sea
-Smooth transition of new leadership and all the new nurses as we do a week of orientation
-Youth group and leaders as it starts up again with a few new kids and leaders
-My relationship with God and the Bible study I am joining...that God will grow me
-Preparing the crew as we get ready for Togo-screening and surgery...and wisdom in decitions as well as unity with crew as we do this
-That I am able to raise the support that I need (I am at about 25% at the moment)

Praise:
-Able to spend time with Mark and Krystal in Switzerland and safe travels
-The advance team in Togo has really been struggling and fiding obstacles but has made much progress this past week
-For the relationships/good friends on the ship who are still here that he has blessed me with.
-The ship was able to leave on time and got everything taken care of in Tenerife that needed to be
(Out for crepes with 2 of my good friends/ youth girls -Emma and Kim Anna)

Heading back once again

So I have to apologize again for my lack of posts. I am sure you all are used to my blogging defeciencies by now.:)

The 12 day sail from Benin to Tenerife, Spain was incredible! I have pictures on my facebook acct. if you are interested. The last 2 days were incredibly rocky, but sure made life interesting. I have enjoyed some time home seeing family and friends while the ship is getting the usual maintainance. It was so good seeing many of you! I sure got to enjoy lots of snow while I was away from the heat and humidity of Africa.

I am just finishing up spending a week with my brother and sister in law who moved to Switzerland in November. I head back to the ship Tuesday, Jan. 26 and we sail back to Togo on an 8 day sail Jan. 31st. I am really looking forward to meeting all the new crew, enjoying the ocean, and sleeping under the stars!

Please pray for safe travels, smooth transition into Togo, wisdom as we screen the patients for the next outreach, and fun/smooth time as we train all the new nurses during the sail. I am so excited to be going back. Many of my good friends have left, but some are still there and I am looking forward to meeting all the new crew!

Here are a few highlights from Switzerland...more on facebook if you are interested:):