Hi'yall....
So two weeks have flown by! It seems like an age ago since I left wet and windy England and landed here. It's difficult to put into words all that has been going on, the atmosphere of the place, the different people i've met and the stories of hope and healing that have gone on through all that Mercy Ships has done over the past number of decades.
In short, week one was an intro to who mercy ships are, what they are all about and the things that they have done, are doing and want to do in the future. There were some incredible stories of people's lives who have been completely changed, both from receiving medical aid but also from those who help to distribute it.
There were around 40 people here for week one, from all over the world. However, only 24 of us are staying on for Gateway - which is a 6 week training programme for all those who are going to be serving on the ship long term. It has been great fun meeting all these new people, most of who are from all over the States, but there are four of us brits here, one kiwi and one dutch girl. The group is a real good mix of personalities and we've been having a lot of fun this week.
We've also spent a lot of time in the classroom, discussing and sharing some of the Biblical principles of what we are doing and why we are doing it. It has been really interesting and eye opening to listen to different peoples experiences and life stories, and how those things have impacted their world view and outlook on life.
Along with the 'classroom' stuff, we've also made plenty of time to play!! Spending time in the pool, going on for food, road trips and also going to some amazingly funky church's. Like today we went to a Cowboy church - which was one of the most fun, lively and enjoyable places i've ever been to! Any church that has a banjo, harmonica and 'yee-haa's' in their worship is top of the pile for me!!
Well i'd best start drawing this to a close! In short, things here are going great. The weather is Hot, the food is plentiful, the pool is refreshing, the bugs and spiders are big, lives are being changed and God is Good!
Thank you all for your continued support in this adventure,
Love and peace - Alex
