A Future Single Cabin

Below I show you a picture of a 6-berth family cabin. Here is a pic of a single cabin (for one person). This is the type of cabin that I will have (mine is actually across the hall from this one). As you can see, there is still some work to be done. Here you can see a kitchen unit (with no sink as there will be a vanity unit going in that has a sink). There will also be shelves going in above the kitchen unit. Next to it you will see a Buffet Unit where you can store food, your computer, TV, etc as this is where the computer hookups are located. And at the end, there is a wardrobe that will never hold all my clothes!! The beds will hopefully arrive in about 3 weeks, but first the carpet needs to go in... keep looking here for updated pictures!

A Family Cabin onboard the Africa Mercy

Thought you might enjoy seeing a pic of a family cabin. This is the kitchen section of a 6 berth cabin, Deck 7 - corner cabin. This cabin gets a lot of sun! Just forward of the kitchen, you can catch a glimpse of the living area. Hopefully carpet will start to be laid this week.

The Effects of War

I was perusing some of my colleagues blogs, and came across a link to a Photo Journal of one woman's experience in Sierra Leone where her hand was cut off by the rebels... here is a pictorial story of one woman's journey...

More Changing of Leaves

Ok ... the picture below (with me in it) is for my mom's sake :-) ... she's always asking why I have scenery shots and none of me in them!! But this shot really shows you the true colors of the leaves (that will all be gone in another few weeks!). Another one of those opportunities to 'seize the moment' as they will soon be gone (and you can't get them back)!

The Leaves are Changing Colors!!!

I love this time of year, even though it's starting to get cold here in the Northeast part of England.
The leaves are all starting to change color and with it comes the reminder of how cyclical life really is. Even though we sometimes want things to stay the same, nothing really does, does it?

But then I have to remember of all the exciting things that have happened in the past, and it reminds me that there is still a lot to look forward to ... life happens in seasons. For right now, I'm enjoying the season of Fall - and the changing of the colors all around - it sure is beautiful!

Here Today, Ghana Tomorrow!

In preparation for our time in Ghana, Gina Adjei (one of our ghanaian crew members) talked with our ladies and shared with them various Ghanaian traditions and customs. She, along with another ghanaian crew member, cooked a meal for us which was delicious!! All were encouraged to wear their african style clothing. We even had a bit of 'hat tying lessons' - shown in this picture. It was not only an encouraging time for the ladies of the Africa Mercy, but a time of excitement as we anticipate our time in Ghana. We all can't wait to get there!

Boots at a Closer View

These boots are made for walking ... well, not just walking, but serving as protection for the women in Ghana who will be part of the Bee Project!

New Addition to the Bee Project

Remember the Bee Project that I mentioned in my earlier newsletter? I showed a picture of some of us dressed in beehive headgear ... well, here's another donation to add to the project. Funky Wellie Boots!!

The women of Ghana will love this fashion style...here are a few of our female crew 'kickin' it' with the ship in the background!!

The First Official Crew Member

Well, here's the picture I promised. I'm now the first official crew member to sign on to articles for the Africa Mercy. It's been quite an ordeal since we don't quite 'fit' into any of the boxes that the UK Immigration Home office would want us to fit into...but the good news is I received a seaman's visa!

Pictured here with me is our Purser, Rob Cairncross who, along with Brenda Cole - HR Manager, has been working very hard at making sure we are complying legally, and helping us in the process of obtaining our visas.

Thanks, Rob and Brenda- great job!!