This entry is a few months overdue...nonetheless thought I'd throw it in, not like everyday you get a visit from the President. President Faure Gnassingbe was re-elected as president March 6th. He came for a visit to the ship March 31st. It was an honor for him to visit the ship. Security was present with many soldiers around the whole port area, every area surrounding our ship -tops of buildings and shipping containers, and navy ships covering the waters around the ship...felt like the movies.
The founder/president of Mercy Ships Don Stephens & his wife Dion welcoming President Gnassingbe to the ship.
The presidents main interest in visiting the ship was to see the hospital. He was given a tour by Don Stephens and Dr Gary Parker (our chief medical officer and surgeon) to see the ward, OR, etc. He also got to meet some of the patients, below is one of our maxillofacial tumor patients. Alot of Togolese people are unaware of these health conditions existing in their country. Most people in these conditions have been ridiculed and shunned by their community and go into hiding, not associating with the outside world. The ministry of Mercy Ships is to reach the forgotten poor. Many do not have the money or accessibility to receive these services in the country, or these specialties don't exist.
Don Stephens addressing all the dignitaries and Mercy Ship crowd. He was explaining what we do and why - because we love Christ. His boldness was admirable.
President Gnassingbe giving his response. He spoke of how he felt blessed by being on the ship and felt humbled because of how politics has it's limitations.
A USA congressman Louie Gohmert from Texas, also visiting the ship at the time & our Captain Tim.
Kathy (Louis' wife) and Louis greeting the American Ambassador.
Togo elections
During elections security was upgraded on the ship for like a month with a no shore leave at one point. Demonstrator groups were out in town with the army needing to assist the police. During the previous election there were many deaths in Lome from demonstrators (300-500, depending on who you talk to). Because the same family has been in power for over 40 years there was alot of controversy regarding the ligitity of the vote count, etc.
Talking to the locals, there's not many jobs available, which they blame the government for. It's funny because on the way to Kpalime, where the president's Mother lives the roads are good...even paved right up to her house for when the president visits her, even though he usually flies in.
Random conversations with honorary people
It's amazing the people you meet here. Over Easter, we had not only Louis, a US congressman, but also a former vice president of Congo. I was up on one of the decks after our sunrise Easter morning service and I ran into this gentleman wearing a suit & tie, and a visitors badge. He was asking me where our International Lounge is, and I was thinking...why is there a dressed up visitor on the ship at 7AM looking for the international lounge when church only starts at 10AM? I found out later, it was the former vice president of Congo I was talking to. Who'd of thought? How random.
Later in the day, while standing in the buffet line at brunch I got to have a conversation with the former vice president, as well as Don Stephens, the founder of Mercy Ships. Amazing the people you meet here! It's so encouraging to see men of God in these leadership roles.
Happy 50th Birthday Togo!
April 27th, 2010 marked 50 years of Togo's independence from France. Large celebrations were held around Lome. I was working that day, but we made some flags with the patients, our little celebration on the ward. The day volunteers had a big party in our dining room with African drumming, singing, and dancing.
Today Ghana won their first soccer game in the world cup. All the patients, translators, and locals of course couldn't be any happier. The soccer spirit is strong...and it's only begun - I love it!
Talking to the locals, there's not many jobs available, which they blame the government for. It's funny because on the way to Kpalime, where the president's Mother lives the roads are good...even paved right up to her house for when the president visits her, even though he usually flies in.
Random conversations with honorary people
It's amazing the people you meet here. Over Easter, we had not only Louis, a US congressman, but also a former vice president of Congo. I was up on one of the decks after our sunrise Easter morning service and I ran into this gentleman wearing a suit & tie, and a visitors badge. He was asking me where our International Lounge is, and I was thinking...why is there a dressed up visitor on the ship at 7AM looking for the international lounge when church only starts at 10AM? I found out later, it was the former vice president of Congo I was talking to. Who'd of thought? How random.
Later in the day, while standing in the buffet line at brunch I got to have a conversation with the former vice president, as well as Don Stephens, the founder of Mercy Ships. Amazing the people you meet here! It's so encouraging to see men of God in these leadership roles.
Happy 50th Birthday Togo!
April 27th, 2010 marked 50 years of Togo's independence from France. Large celebrations were held around Lome. I was working that day, but we made some flags with the patients, our little celebration on the ward. The day volunteers had a big party in our dining room with African drumming, singing, and dancing.
Today Ghana won their first soccer game in the world cup. All the patients, translators, and locals of course couldn't be any happier. The soccer spirit is strong...and it's only begun - I love it!
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