Nathanael In The Summer Program

Since we have been back on board Nathanael has been able to participate in the last 2 weeks of the summer program that they hold on board for all the kids. During their school summer holidays we have a team that apply to come and run a summer program for 6 weeks. This is Sam & Bethany who have been running the pre-schoolers group. They have lots of energy and enthusiasm.

It has been a time packed full of fun stuff, whether it's stories, songs, crafts, baking, messy play, treasure hunts, field trips, you name it, it's probably done. Each morning Nathanael stands at our door asking to go, usually he needs to wait at least an hour before it starts and he doesn't like to wait because he loves it so much.

(Craft time)

(Baking with his friend Zaden)

(How to eat a cup cake by Nathanael Tretheway)

Today we sailed. Or maybe I should say we did a harbour tour. We moved the ship over to the other side of the harbour to the fuel terminal so we could take on some more fuel for 24 hours and then move back. This is the view from our window!

Nothing like the smell of fuel to start your day.

We're Back on Board

Sorry for the the quietness on our blog over the last few months, we were finding that the dial up connection that we had in the USA was not up to speed for blogger, but we're back on board now and so hopefully we will be back with more regular news.

This label seemed to be a common theme on our luggage when we flew to Benin, we just couldn't help stocking up on some of those little luxuries in life: teabags, Nathanael's clothes up to age 4, DVD's, toys and of course that one essential in life, glycerine, so some of our friends here can make a Christmas cake in December with icing that doesn't need a sledge hammer to cut it like last year (and you think I'm joking!)

Meanwhile, thank you for all your prayers concerning Tim's license. It arrived the morning we left the USA so we were able to pick it up on the way to the airport. How about that for timing. So he is now qualified for another 5 years...Thank you GOD!!!

We're On Facebook!

We've finally joined facebook!...Look us up, we'd love to connect with you all.

There is also a box on our facebook profile which will have our blog posts so you can view our blog entries and keep up with our blog news whilst facebooking, how great is that.

Our Little African Boy

We just had to share this photo of Nathanael wearing his African outfit for a church talk we were doing.........he is such a good sport!

Nathanael is 2

This year Nathanael got to celebrate his birthday twice in two different countries with all of his family

UK Birthday-with a Thomas Cake!

USA Birthday-with a Winnie the Pooh Cake!

Happy birthday Nathanael

(Click play to sing along)

Our Handsome Pageboy

At the moment we are currently in the UK to enjoy Sharon sister's wedding. Nathanael was also the ringbearer/pageboy and he looked so cute in his outfit, alongside his Aunty Sally who also looked stunning. It was a beautiful day, with some even taking shade to avoid burning in the sun. For Sally it was a day of tears, getting your hair done, more tears, dressing up, and again more tears as her and Dave said their vows to each other, fortunately they were tears of joy! The reception was held in the beautiful location of Lakeside Manor at Dunkerswell and a good time was had by all. It was great to connect again with all our family. Here are a few photo's from the day as there are many out there dying to see little Nathanael in his outfit.

Welcome to the family Dave!

From Hot to Cold

Sorry for the brief silence in our blog. We were busy packing up the cabin so it could be made available to crew whilst we are home for a short while and then we were travelling etc. The trip is mainly for Tim to renew his masters licence in the USA with a stop off on the way through in the UK to attend Sharon's sister's wedding. We figured they were pretty important!

Sharon and Nathanael embarked on the trip a little earlier than Tim so Nathanael could be fitted out for his wedding suit as he will be a page boy. Tim followed the week of the wedding, just in time to fly in, buy a suit and throw confetti!

After enjoying the hot heat of 106 degrees in Benin it was quite a contrast to have snow on the following day of our arrival in the UK. We just couldn't let the chance go by for Nathanael to build his first snowman. We must, however, thank Lena and Andrea from the ship who had both given Nathanael clothes that came in extra handy to keep him warm (THANK YOU!!)

Awards

Last Tuesday, Tim and Sharon were part of an awards ceremony presented by our founder, Don Stephens. Tim received his Long Service Recognition Award for nearly 23 years of service in Mercy Ships, having joined Mercy Ships in 1986 starting as an Able Seaman! He received a print of a picture that was commissioned for Mercy Ships. Sharon received her 5 year service Anchor Award, having joined Mercy Ships in 2001 as a Technical Administrator (Tim's secretary!). She received a silver anchor that can be placed on a necklace. It was great to see so many receiving awards and see how much experience we have on board.

Screening

(Screening in the North) On our arrival, as soon as the crew had been cleared by customs it wasn't long before we had a small team taking a long journey and heading up to the North of Benin in Parakou for a smaller screening week. During that time we had 115 that were seen by a doctor and 65 were scheduled for surgery on the ship. A further 18 were referred for speciality screening. (screening at Cotonou) The following week was the big one! The nurses and doctors did an amazing job of making things run smoothly. Eye patients were sifted out and refered to the field eye clinic sites which helped reduce the flow of people and meant they didn't have to wait in line for ever only to be told to go somewhere else. Here's a run down on facts and figures for those who like that:

2550 came for screening (and that's not including the family members that came along to help them on their way). 765 were seen by a doctor 443 were scheduled for surgery 267 were refered to the ship for speciality screening 600 were refered to our field eye clinic (Dr Straus is going to be busy!) 330 passed through the prayer stations. This is for those we can not help and crew counselors will meet with them for prayer and sharing etc. As a result 42 decided to follow Jesus-Hallelujah!

We also had a screening with the Government Social Services where out of the 108 that came, 25 were scheduled for surgery, 15 refered for speciality screening and 5 to the eye clinic. A TOTAL OF 513 patients are scheduled for surgery! Click below to see a video of the screening day in Cotonou.

We continue to pray that many were touched by the hand of God that day, whether it was through compassion from a crew members hug or tears or a cup of water, our kids playing with their kids or an appointment card, being listened to by a doctor or a counselor-God was there during those days and he continues to be there throughout our lives, we just have to choose him.

We like this picture as it sums up screening days for many because here you see somebody who is conscious of his tumour as he tries to cover it up with his coat, yet he has a smile because he has an appointment card for surgery!

Hospital Open Evening

Last Friday the hospital on deck 3 had an open evening so all of the crew could get to see what they get up to on the medical side. It was really interesting and we actually spent a whole 2 hours down there looking at all the equipment etc. Kids could operate on a monkey, adults could get their eyes, bloodpressure and sugars checked, even try out the mobile ultra sound machine. We visited the sterilisation room, saw false eyes, went through the body maze, tried out our senses (yes we still have got some!) and guessed how many pills were in the jar in the pharmacy.

Click play to hear about the sterilization room.

(The ward ready and waiting for patients to arrive on the 23rd Feb 09)

(Intensive Care Unit)

(When lost in translation, pictures always help!)

(Hmmm, what is a toilet? Not all African's have encountered toilets and it can lead to some very inventive uses!)

(Standing room only, our very own African toilet)

((Blood Lab)

Tim tried his hand at suturing (stitches!), Nathanael chased bubbles and popped balloons and Sharon got her blood sugar checked (ouch!).

(Tim trying out his suturing technique)

(Sharon checking out the monkey eye operation performed by a, um, donkey ?!) (Nathanael chasing bubbles)

Screening Day 1

1952

people were seen today!

Each most probably had a family member with them so that means around 4000 were seen today!!

More tomorrow!

Liberia Achievements

Sorry it's taken us a while to post what was achieved in Liberia. On February 6, 2008 the Africa Mercy arrived in Liberia for a 10 month outreach. During that time Mercy Ships offered free specialized curative surgeries, health care infrastructure developmental assistance, and community based preventive healthcare programs benefiting thousands of individuals and many communities throughout Liberia. Here is a summary of what God did during that time:

CURATIVE SURGICAL INTERVENTION Mercy Vision (Ophthalmic Surgery)

17,610 patients received diagnosis & management of eye disease 1,638 patients received 1,659 eye surgical procedures. 8 eye health workers trained to perform eye exams and visual acuity. 2 local surgeons received ophthalmic training. 10695 Sunglasses & 5233 Readers distributed 8 Eye workers trained

Outlook of Hope (Reconstructive Surgery) 1058 Reconstructive surgeries 122 cleft lip and/or palate repairs 251 hernia repairs Mercy Ships doctors also held a 2 day conference on anaesthesia at JFK Medical Center

Hope Reborn (Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Surgery) Approximately 2 million women worldwide suffer incontinence due to vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF) resulting from child birth injuries. 63 women received 81 free fistula repair surgeries. All patients received a voucher for a free C-section at ELWA Hospital and a new dress! 41 other urogynecology surgeries 3 obstetric nurses trained for 2 weeks in VVF care. 4 VVF surgeons trained in VVF surgery techniques. - Orthopaedic Surgery Providing corrective surgical interventions focused on neglected or mismanaged orthopaedic trauma, childhood musculoskeletal conditions like club feet, and some joint disease.

198 orthopaedic surgeries provided for 159 patients 159 patients were cared for, 39 patients had additional procedures. Liberia Smiles (Dental Clinic) 4,994 patients received 11,081 procedures 717 patients received dental prophylaxis. 4,839 clients while in the waiting room and 663 students received lessons in oral health. 15 teachers received Dental Health Education. 3 trained as Dental Assistant/Sterilizer. Monrovia Prison Staff and Prisoners treated for 2 days.

Palliative Care The issue of death is not one that most Africans regularly talk about. Those who have sought our assistance and we are not able to assist surgically, we have referred to our Palliative Care team. The team made regular visits to the homes of the patients in and around Greater Monrovia. They taught basic health care to all their patients and families and for the five patients requiring wound care, they provided appropriate training. In cooperation with our mental health team and at their conferences, the team shared on compassionate care for the dying. 33 patients cared for 5 family members trained Counselors Counselors provided prayer, counsel, and comfort to thousands of our patients, those in the wards on the ship, at the dental clinic & field eye clinics and for the pre and post operative patients on the dockside. They were available to our patients 24/7. Weekly Sunday morning services were held for the patients on the ward along with various Bible studies. They provided our patients with spiritual and emotional support. HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Tenegar Medical Clinic Restoration Project At the request of the President of Liberia, Mercy Ships construction supervisors lead local residents in the restoration of one building and construction of the actual clinic building on the original footprint. In addition, Mercy Ships partnered with Living Water International for a deep water well. Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf came to the community for the official dedication on November 21st. The Ministry of Health & Social Welfare will be staffing and operating this medical clinic.

lick on the video to see the dedication of this building with the Tide of Mercy (HIV/AIDS Training) Using a three phase approach, 74 participants from 13 churches underwent intensive training over 6 days. Newly trained members are now at work in their communities. As churches were trained together, our hope is that they continue to work together in conducting ongoing HIV/AIDS awareness, training and care. 431 attended 2 three day conferences on HIV/AIDS Restoring Hope to Survivors (Mental Illness & Trauma) At the request of the Minister of Health & Social Welfare of Liberia, Mercy Ships recuited highly skilled personnel who trained church leaders and health care workers on issues of mental illness and trauma. 102 church leaders, 50 health care workers representing all 15 counties, and 60 health care workers received training in mental health. Biomedical Technician Training 6 people from 5 hospitals in Liberia received intensive training in biomedical skills. Electricity, electronics and medical equipment, basics of information technology were also added to the curriculum, including computer classes, internet searches for manuals and spare parts, plus about text editors and data tables. Each participant helped to repair and order spare parts for the machines in their hospital. Maintenance and repair, installation of new devices was also experienced. Workshops were held for university students to raise their awareness and to promote biomedical technology as a career choice. JFK Medical Center – 3rd Floor Consultation in regards to the -renovation of 2 wards at JFK in partnership with Balcraig Foundation. Mercy Ships monitored the progress of the project for the renovation and served as a link between JFK Medical Center and Balcraig Foundation.

Trinity Dental Clinic Provided supervision for the construction of a 125 m2 dental clinic connected with ELWA Hospital Mercy Ships provided site management for the construction of an addition to ELWA Hospital for a dental clinic. The clinic will be used to provide dental services and be a training facility for local dental professionals. Administrative Training with Ministry of Health & Social Welfare Mercy Ships was approached by the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare in Monrovia, Liberia with a request for training of Administrative staff employed at the Ministry. It was designed with 3 very specific goals and objectives in mind: To provide for the Participants to improve their skills and gain new skills; to personally develop themselves (character, attitudes, confidence) and the ability to become “change agents” and to use what they had learned to train others within their departments and the Ministry as a whole. 6 received training. Church Leaders’ Conferences 750 pastors attend Unity & Partnership in Ministry conferences. The Church Empowerment Team held two 3-day conferences on the subject of ‘Unity and Partnership in Ministry’. The events were planned and executed in conjunction with steering committees of local church leaders 117 attended a leaders of leaders seminar A follow up conference is to be held by a Mercy Ships partner COMMUNITY BASED PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE Strategic Health Initiatives (Community Health Education) Community health volunteers from the Tenegar area, Royesville and Northern Royesville were trained in ways to prevent the most common illnesses in Liberia. Strategic Health Initiative places a strong emphasis on clean drinking water, adequate sanitation, treating diarrhea, basic hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding and nutrition, maternal health, and malaria prevention. Teaching also included the root cause of malaria and the value of using insecticide-treated mosquito netting. Participants were given the task to teach these topics in their own communities. 108 received training in community health issues 1546 Mosquito nets distributed Oral hygiene & Health 5502 Dental health (patients) 663 Dental health (Students) 15 Teacher trained 3 Dental assistants trained Food for Life (Agricultural Training)

Participants were trained in organic agricultural principles with a strong Biblical World View in Tenegar, Royesville and Northern Royesville areas. Taught basic agricultural knowledge and practical techniques. In Royesville, Mercy Ships has introduced the growing of new and different crops in to the garden including cabbage, okra, and the Moringa tree. In addition, two community gardens were established by the community. In Tenegar, Mercy Ships came along an existing agricultural cooperative and provided further training in organic principles. Follow up was done more extensively in the Cheesemanburg area, site of our ’07 activity 163 farmers trained in organic agriculture practices Model garden established Model chicken house built Water for Life 8 new hand dug wells completed 10 wells rehabilitated 90 household latrines Built in conjunction with the villagers, the water and sanitation project provided safe water and sanitary facilities for the communities of Tenegar and Royesville. Mercy Ships used local technicians who we trained in ’05 & ’06. Participants from the villages in the area were trained in the efficient construction and maintenance of latrines and wells. Renovations were also done to the toilet block for the school in Tenegar. MERCY MINISTRIES Over 700 volunteer crew members were involved with 9 projects.

Mercy Ships volunteers often persued additional ministry opportunities during their off duty hours; primarily evenings and weekends.

During the Liberia field service crewmembers routinely visited: Missionaries of Charity Centre for the Aged Orphans and Abandoned Children God’s Children Orphanage Victorious Faith Ministries Refuge Home Francis Gaskin Refuge Home Monrovia Central Prison Mama Cooper’s Orphanage Cheshire Home for the Handicapped. In addition and in partnership with local pastors, the Jesus Film was viewed by 30,000+ Liberians in English and in local languages.

17 major projects Over $11 million total value of program services to direct beneficiaries. No organizational general overhead included Over $200 thousand of spending in local businesses Extensive participation in and with local churches

Prayer and support from around the world!