Wednesday, May 31, 2006



Yesterday evening we had worship on the bow with a lot of the crew. It was an amazing time of thanking God for who He is and what He has done. While sitting on the bow, worshipping Him I was in awe of His creation…the vastness of the ocean, seeing flying fish and dolphins early in the afternoon, the blue sky changing into various shades of orange as the sun slipped under the horizon. Even later in the evening as it started to rain and the clouds moved in there were still bright stars to be found and marvel at! He definitely is the Lord of all creation!

Last night we also had a big farewell to long term crew who have served with Mercy Ships for 5 years or more. Sad goodbyes. Actually over the next month approximately 200 people will be leaving the Anastasis and new people will start arriving to start the Ghana outreach and eventually move onto the Africa Mercy.

This morning we found out that we should arrive at the bunker destination this evening…and depending on when the bunker barge arrives we will refuel. After refueling we have another 20 hours to sail before arriving in Tema, Ghana.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sandra, you don't know how much I wish I could be there. It makes me so sad that the Anastasis is being put to rest, but when I look back on its history, there's no need to be sad. It has accomplished so much. I should simply look forward to the future and the many more things that will come through the Africa Mercy.

Thanks for the blog and keeping us posted. Love the pics!

Cheers!
Phillip

JavaJ said...

Wow - Mom & Dad had told me about the decommissioning when they were here to visit at Easter. There is a sadness in my heart too... like a chapter of our lives that is closing and can never be opened again. I think in my heart I really wanted to get back to the Anastasis one more time as an adult. To see it through adult eyes and to experience the joy and adventure of outreach one more time.

That time in my life has passed now and it is a bittersweet passing in some ways.

Thanks so much for posting Sandra - it took me right back to those wonderful childhood memories. Of all the people that I met, all of the lives we touched. All of the good that God has done through so many people.

apologeezer said...

My mind is flooded with memories, kinda like our C-deck cabin after a toilet explosion. Heh.

Wish we were there to share that historic moment with you. Blessings to you and your mom and all our dear MS friends. Your posts are the next best thing to being there. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

I hear the Barnes are heading your way soon. Diane and Chuck are special friends and we look forward to hearing all about your adventures together. Who knows, maybe we can all take a trip to the Cotton Club together again, if its still there...

apologeezer said...

My mind is flooded with memories, kinda like our C-deck cabin after a toilet explosion. Heh.

Wish we were there to share that historic moment with you. Blessings to you and your mom and all our dear MS friends. Your posts are the next best thing to being there. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

I hear the Barnes are heading your way soon. Diane and Chuck are special friends and we look forward to hearing all about your adventures together. Who knows, maybe we can all take a trip to the Cotton Club together again, if its still there...

apologeezer said...

oops. sorry for the double post.

~ Act Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly. micah 6:8 ~