Gran Canaria

Wow! Sorry! I can’t believe so much time has passed since we did a blog update.  We arrived in Gran Canaria, Spain on June 6^th.  After getting docked and having an orientation meeting  we were able to leave the ship, which almost everyone did.  We were all excited to be back in a first-world nation.  Many people walked to the mall which takes about a 45 minute which included Burger King and McDonalds which serve beer as part of the extra value meal.  We walked to the mall and wandered about.  The only thing we bought was a book entitled ‘15 Minute Spanish’ learn in just 12 weeks. We thought it may come in handy when trying to order out or get around on public transportation, and it does.  After the mall we continued walking and exploring, we came to an area we ship crew call the boardwalk which is restaurants and shops along the beach. It is about a 30 minute walk from the ship.  We finally made our way back to the ship.  In total we probably walked for about 4 hours. It was wonderful!  We saw and smelled green grass; there was no litter, trash bins placed around the city;  no one coming up to us and trying to sell us things. Nice evening.

Since then we have been out many times, done some shopping, enjoyed dinner or dessert on the boardwalk. 

Matt’s job has mostly revolved around trips to the airport. The trips are any time of day or night and everyone needs to go to the immigration office just before going to the airport.  Due to an immigration requirement a ship’s officer or ship security must escort people to immigration.  Lucky Matt, he has had the privilege of getting many of the trips.  I’m still in the dining room but about half the people to serve.

There is much construction and updating taking place during ship yard.  The old CT scanner has been removed and the new (to us) machine is now in place.  Quite the challenge, we hear, since the old machine was put in place and then ship renovations took place.  The floor is being replaced on the wards which means tearing out the old, which was placed over the train tracks (This ship was built to haul rail cars) from the old ship, meaning jack hammers.  Oh, and the galley is being renovated with all new refrigeration , so at this point the refrigerators have been removed and all cooking has been moved to the crew galley, (regular kitchen versus industrial kitchen).  This is difficult to explain but what it means is everyone needs to have patience and be flexible with what we have.  It is only for a couple months and then we are back to serve the African people.

One very cool thing is the number of people who come to serve Mercy Ships during this time.  People come to relieve the ship officers for vacation, technical people such as the electricians, plumbers and carpenters, cooks and dining room help.  Some come for two weeks others for a few months.  They all bring energy and help to revitalize those that are here.

The weather has been mostly cloudy and breezy with temperatures in the low to mid 70’s during the day. Not too bad.  Good for getting out.  Here are a few pictures from our outings.

 

 

In the village of Teror.

 

One of many cool doors we've seen.

 

 

 

Sailing

Loving it!!   We weren’t sure how we would like sailing but, here we are a couple of days into it and it is going well.  We are both taking the seasickness medication that was passed out.  Why risk being miserable.   We are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean headed toward the Canary Islands.  We are about 90 miles off the coast of Africa. It was interesting watching people get use to walking on a moving ship, at times we zig-zag our way down the hall or across a room.  Someone said we should just dance instead of walking and no one would notice our awkward walking.  We have enjoyed watching dolphins a few times, flying fish often the first couple of days, and a few whales.  The whales haven’t been very close but watching the water stream from their blow holes is fun.  Sunday evening there was a time of worship on the bow.  Very cool!  When it ended a whale was spotted. Perfect way to end!   Watching stars at night is amazing. The sky and ocean are so immense. They seem to go on forever. Everything is at a more relaxed pace.  Everyone has a job to do but we all seem to be free of the usual stresses of work.  For those who had been working in the hospital they have been reassigned in many places: galley, dining room, crew services (cleaning), human resources, reception, etc.  There are many things to do during the sail;  movie night (Star Wars), scavenger hunt, Gotch Ya! (a sneaky elimination game), open mic night, and a few Bible Studies to choose from, and of course just sitting on the decks watching the ocean, listening to the waves and watching the sunset.  Easy to see God’s marvelous handiwork here.  Today is my kind of weather.  A light jacket or sweatshirt is preferred if planning on being outside in the wind for long.  Out of the wind and in the sun is perfect for sitting and reading.

Matt enjoyed his birthday at sea.  He slept off and on throughout the day because he has been working some partial overnight shifts.  Matt was happy  I was able to bake him his traditionally requested Boston Cream Pie even though we were at sea and we celebrated with our Gateway family.

One more thing, the ship is in a constant side to side motion that kind of feels like a slow rocking chair.  It is great for falling to sleep!

Enjoy some pictures!

Land rovers on deck 8

 

Sunset during worship

                                                             Dolphins-photo by Rueben