~ Day 148 ~

Saturday, October 29, was Blessing's wedding.  He works with us as a translator in Admissions.  Such a fun experience to see how they do weddings here in Sierra Leone.

The happy groom, patiently waiting for his bride to arrive.

I think this was the ring ceremony.  If you see the aerosol can in the bridesmaid's hand...we tried to figure out what it was.  It was somewhat like artificial snow or feathers, but evaporated pretty quickly.  She sprayed it after each one said their vows, etc.  Guess it's possibly the equivalent to silly string :)

Re-entering after signing the "register," otherwise known as the marriage license. 

Florence and I :)



Day 136, 137, and 138

Day 136.
Just got back from a very refreshing worship time out on Deck 7.  I have really missed singing a lot of old familiar hymns, but some were brought back tonight.  So nice!  "Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away..."  It's been stuck in my head, now it's in yours as well!  At least it's a good song to have stuck in your head.  You're welcome.

And now it's Day 137. 
We are heading into week #33 of surgery here in Sierra Leone, with 4 weeks remaining before the pack-down. I literally just turned in my paper for where I want to work while the hospital is closed during the sail.   Crew Services, Galley, Dining Room, or Your Suggestion  are the options.  I'm not sure when I'll find out where I'll be, but soon I'm sure.  Time is really going very fast.

Positions are currently being filled for Togo as well.  I and several of my fellow Gateway attendees will be assuming leadership roles in Togo.  The past several weeks I have gradually been learning the ropes for Admissions Team Leader.  When I left home, I never would have expected to be in leadership, but God had other plans.  So as I learn, I'm sure I will fall flat on my face a few times.  Or a thousand times.  Please pray for me as I learn to lead, that I will have the wisdom and strength to carry out the tasks to be done. 

And I thought my dedicated blog followers might be interested in seeing what seems to be the subject of many conversations on the ship recently.  We even had our own paparazzi during dinner the other evening.  They were very sneaky. 

Day 138.

Typical working day.  With the exception that it's Friday!! : )   As a general overview of the day:  We start at 8:00 by buttering bread for the patients.  8:30 is team devotions.  9:00 we start seeing patients who then see Dr Ann (the Hospital Physician).  11:30 pass out the buttered bread for lunch.  12:00 is our lunch break.  1:00 back to work-Phebe the Phlebotomist comes and draws the vial(s) of blood from each patient.  Around this time is also when the photographer comes and takes all the necessary pre-op photos. When things are wrapping up, one of the Day Workers does the "Big Talk" about what to expect on the ship, what to do and not to do, etc.  Since today is Friday, that means the patients today won't actually have surgery til Monday.  Therefore, rather than take them into the wards, we make sure they know to come back on Sunday at 2:00, then away they go and the day is complete!

Now I'm just waiting on my telephone date with Lisa and Amelia from home! : )  So excited to talk to them!!