It is so nice to get off the ship for various activities in the city. Sometimes it takes a lot of planning to make it happen with the transportation. If the event is sponsored by the Global Mercy, then we have a driver and vehicle from the ship.
We were able to visit the local Blind School and Home one morning with Mercy Ship crew. The home houses the blind students and provides school at the elementary level. The secondary students go to school in the community. The students were very excited when they heard that Mercy Ships was there to visit. Koffe, an African pastor, serving on the ship led the event. We met all the students in a meeting room and were introduced to each one. There were approximately 30 boys and girls in the room. Koffe led several games, so we could interact with the children. It was a humbling, but rewarding visit. No photos were allowed.
A group of four of us ventured to Lakka Beach to go to a well known restaurant, Paul’s, to have their famous fish. The highlight was not only the yummy shrimp and barracuda, but the amazing location right on the beach. We were the only guests. Several venders came and shared local items they were selling.
At this time on the ship, June 1, the field service is nearing the end. Because we will be saying goodbye to the local day crew in the galley, our team lead planned a lunch at the beach. We went to a favorite restaurant called Gigi Bontas. They are known for their pizza and ice cream. It was a fun time and good food.
We took advantage of another day off, June 5, to go out with our friends, Ruth and Christine, both nurses. We had heard great things about a place called The Oasis, that had great smoothies. We braved it on the street by hailing a Keke all on our own. The driver took all four of us, but it is only legal to take three. A policewoman pulled him over. But as she started talking to us, she told the driver to continue to drive us to The Oasis and she was not going to charge him because we were with Mercy Ships. The Oasis lived up to its reputation. The mango and basil smoothie was delicious and the setting very relaxing surrounded by flowering trees and a variety of singing birds. Our next stop was to The Aurora Foundation that did pottery workshops and sold local goods to support various artists.
We all work hard on the ship to support the crew and the patients, so when we have a day off, it is very nice to get off the ship, relax and enjoy the community.
Tim & Kathy Simonsen 