From Owatonna to Africa: And the Adventure Continues!

Well a lot has happened since we last posted. We sailed into Cape Town on September 29th. We were able to enjoy our time there. The ship was docked on the V & A waterfront which is very touristy. There was a huge mall and many restaurants within a 5 minute walk. We were also walking distance to the city bus tours bus stop and Two Oceans Aquarium. The elementary students of the Academy took a field trip to the aquarium, there were so many things to see. We were also able to visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The tour guide was a former political prisoner held there. It was an interesting tour. We also saw penquins, ibis, and an African oystercatcher. I am still quite amazed that we are seeing all of these things.

These are the African Penguins.

This was Nelson Mandela's cell for much of the time he was confined.

We worked a lot while we were there too. There were many tours of the ship. About 5000 people visited. Matt was very busy with all of that and I helped out on the weekend. We spent about 17 days in Cape Town.

We visited the lovely Cape Town Botanical Gardens.

When the ship moved berths in Cape Town as the start of the sail to Madagascar there was a problem with the exhaust system in one of the engines. So once again the ship was put in a waiting position this time, thankfully, it was only one day. Some of us began talking and realized that for the past 6 months the ship has made plans only to have them change in some manner, whether it has been the location we are heading to, or the time frame, along with the many smaller changes that have taken place. This has been a strain on many crew but we see the end in sight as we sail into Tomasina.

Matt needed to go ahead of the ship to sort out some security questions. He arrived in the capital on Friday the 17^th then Saturday took the 8 hour bus ride to the port. Things have gone well. Me, I sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Agulhas (the southernmost place in Africa) and up into the Indian Ocean. We were forewarned that it would be a rocky sail due to some storm systems. The Captain and crew did the best they could and navigated us through the calmest seas possible. However, it was quite bumpy and rocky. 10 degree lists were quite normal. Tuesday evening into Wednesday was about the worst. Some 20 + degrees. In the middle of the night many things came unsecure. I heard it hit 30 degrees. I am thankful this happened at night and no one was injured.

Another new experience -I’ve experienced Snow Days and all kids love them but I never expected to have school called off when we came on a ship to Africa. Wednesday came to be known as a ‘Swell Day,’ many meanings to that, no school the seas were too rough.

Any way by the time this gets posted we will be in the country of Madagascar. The excitement is building. There are patients to screen, appointments to be made, the operating rooms and wards to set up. So many people, specifically the medical staff have been reassigned the last few months while we’ve waited to get to our country. They are ready. Those of us who have had our regular jobs to do are feeling the energy of the others. We all know God is good and has His plan and His time frame. We just need to remember to listen and to trust Him.

The ship arrived in Tomasina, Madagascar or Tamatave as the locals call it. Matt was on the dock waiting along with the Advance Team. Then many were very busy getting ready for the President and Prime Minister to arrive for a welcome ceremony and tour of the ship. The ceremony was filled with music and dancers. This took place on the dock. There is great excitement in the country.