This here is our Crew Galley (there are six ovens available, along with cooking islands) where crew can go, and cook whatever they want...cookies (or biscuits as they are called here in England), perhaps a birthday cake, whatever their heart desires. This was one of the rooms that we didn't think we were going to have time to finish, but with the delays, it's actually worked to our advantage, as we were not only able to finish the crew galley, but also various accommodation areas. 
Not one of the most glamourous rooms onboard the ship, but definitely one of the most used and coveted ... these washer and dryers will help 'service' the 474 crew onboard as we book in our laundry slots once a week. The flooring is done (covered by cardboard to protect it). Next, the folding table is being installed ... another room, soon to be finished!! Woohoo!!
Just so you don't think it's all work here, and no games... think again! In order to strive for a balanced life in this 'foreign' country... we have had all kinds of 'theme' parties. This one was by far the best. Everyone went all out to dress up as a pirate and fairy (we even had someone dress up as a 'hairy fairy' which was 'VERY SCARY'!! (he knows who he is!!). Here I am pictured with two of my very dear friends, Pat (left) and Carrie (right). I'm the middle in case you haven't figured that out!! You are probably wondering why a 'fairy' would wear all black... well, I decided I'd wear black (cuz no one can be good ALL the time), but I also threw in hints of pink to show off my good side as well!)... (I know... those of you who know me well are asking 'what good side???')
Actually, in our case, you can never have too many cooks onboard a ship. This is only one PART of our galley. There's a lot of existing items from when the ship was a former rail ferry, but we've also added quite a few new items as well (See the big mixers in the back? Those are new). The Galley is just about finished; still needs a good cleaning. Now all we need are a few good cooks - anyone interested??? ;-) I always find it fun and challenging to cook for 25-30 people; 450 people is an entire different matter. When I was onboard the Anastasis, I helped out in the galley a few times cooking for Easter and Christmas, as well as helping to whip up a 'few' cakes (try 20-30 rectangle cake pans!!). It's one of the few times in life where I could have my cake and eat it too!
Onboard the Africa Mercy, our crew will have access to an email cafe that will accommodate 18 flat screen computers (through a generous donation in honor of one of our IT staff from the UK office who passed away this year). This is one area that will always be busy, and will keep our crew happy! When you are thousands of miles away from home, nothing puts a 'cap' on your day like sitting down at the computer, opening up your email (and possibly hearing that sound: You've Got Mail). Hearing from friends and family is what often keeps me going when I'm tired, missing all of you, and wanting to be somewhere else. Then I read a 'funny quip' from my niece, Erica, and I feel like a part of me got to share in what everyone else shared in even though I wasn't there in person!! (see Erica - I DO ready your emails!! Fortunately, I'll have a computer in my office so I won't have to queue up for one of these commodities, but nonetheless, I still love hearing from all of you!
This is a picture of Lorah Styer and myself. Lorah is a godsend!!! She has recently transferred from our Texas office and joined me here at the Africa Mercy as our Special Events Assistant. All of my other staff are currently on the Anastasis in Ghana, so I am grateful for Lorah. Since I spend most of my time moving furniture, installing furniture, giving tours, talking to outside folks who are interested in Mercy Ships, managing the communications aspect of what we are doing, etc...Lorah has jumped right in and is currently handling all of our Hospitality needs... which entails getting rooms ready for new crew and guests, as well as cleaning up after someone leaves. She's also blessed us with incredible cooking talents (that she didn't even knew she had!) as well as utilizing her skills as a hairdresser by providing hair salon services for our crew once a week. I couldn't do all that I do without her... She's a true blessing, and worthy of you meeting (through my blog!).
Here's the promised photo of the largest school room - the area you see in this section is the Computer Lab and the Library. I had a ton of fun putting this together with much help from our Deck Dept, and especially from Amy van Dyke (a deckie from Canada). Can't wait to see the school filled up with kids, teachers, and lots of creative learning! This picture, along with the 3 pictures below will show you some of the areas within the academy. There are other areas that are not posted here.
This is Amy van Dyke (one of our Deckies who hails from Canada). She was such a HUGE help in helping me put the school together. She did all the assembling of tables, cabinets, desks not to mention all the heavy lifting. She was great to work with on this project! This picture is our School Office which will house the Principal and a school secretary.
We will have 6 Operating Rooms onboards (they call them 'theatres' here in the UK). The one you see above is actually two ORs in one...In the center of the picture (back wall) is a white folding door that divides the OR into two ORs, but on occasion we may need to open up the door to make one room allowing for an extensive Orthopaedic surgery, or perhaps a film team, or if we are teaching other physicians...it has great flexibility for us. I can't wait for the day when I can show a picture of this same room, but filled with doctors, nurses, and a patient! Soon...very soon!
I figured since most of you probably think I'm living a 'cush' life that I should throw in a pic of me working a 'hard day's work'...yes, I get to make the fashion statement of the year by donning these 'cute' overalls, steel-toed boots, and a hard hat. I'm in the midst of setting up the furniture in the classrooms, as well as loading on some of the two-seater sofas. I'll put up some pics when I'm done with those rooms. Although it feels great to do physical labor, it doesn't feel so great being all sweaty in hot overalls, plus aching feet after going up and down stairs all day (don't you feel sorry for me??). But more than not, I enjoy it! Can't wait to show you the finished product...coming soon to my blog near you!
I think we all, at times, just need to 'sit' and contemplate life. It's good to stop and take 'toll' of where we've been, where we are, and where we are going. I have recently spent some time reflecting on my last 6 1/2 years in Mercy Ships. I am amazed at how time has flown. I am grateful for the people with whom my life has become entwined. And I am in awe of a God who has led and directed me even during times when I, myself, wasn't sure where I was headed. I have seen much - I've seen poverty, I've seen sickness, I've seen diseases that are horrendous, but I've also seen happiness from a child who has nothing; I've seen hope in the eyes of someone who once was blind, but now can see; I've seen people rejoice over the gift of a hug. I am forever changed by what I have seen and witnessed. And I am grateful to those that help me in experiencing this journey - my family, my friends, churches, my fellow crew members, and of course, the people we serve - the world's poor and needy.
Our hospital is really looking like a hospital! We have the CT Scanner as well as other x-ray machines in place. This picture is of the Medical Gas Piping ... since I'm not a medical person, I can't explain to you all that it does, other than...It's Important!! :-) Actually, the O2 System takes the oxygen out of the air by separting the oxygen from the nitrogen which will then be used in the hospital for patient usage.
The library is looking good! The shelves all went in yesterday. Today I spent the morning unloading school (Mercy Ships Academy) furniture. The little chairs for the children are just so cute (and little!!!). We are already getting quite a collection of books (and I've probably already read a ton of them as that's one of my favorite pastimes!). It'll be a great place to relax and enjoy a good book!
One of the things that I have grown to love here in England is SPRING TIME...the local councils take such great pride in their gardens. This is a beautiful garden that shows off how flowers grow so easily here in England.
After having just completed my Basic Safety Training, we soon had the arrival of our life raft. On our BST course, we used 12 person rafts. The one you see here is a 35 person raft. This will be of our safety equipment onboard the Africa Mercy. Just aft of the life raft, you will see the davits (painted white) that will hold one of our life boats. Much work has gone into this part of our ship by our own deck crew who are doing a great job!
