At the end of the day......

For those of you that are interested I have no idea how the time got set on this thing.... but it is almost 11:00. A bit late and I have got a full schedule tomorrow as well. Today was all over the place. I spent the morning mostly in meetings. I have a great team over here and it has been my pleasure to get to know each of them. It is funny tho.....half a world away concerns are the same concerns as we have at home. They are an interesting and most amazing group of volunteers. I can't even begin to explain! You will have to hear those stories when I get home.

The day started off learning that I have actually sailed on the Africa Mercy. Very few can say that -- but we did! We sailed 31 feet! (Actually we were asked to move the ship a little closer into port to allow for one of the busiest ports I have ever seen get another ship in.......But I did actually sail!! And that sounds really cool!) I woke up and looked out my cabin window to once again see folks line up for their scheduled surgery. (photo) Then after lunch we went with a videographer to do a follow up patient story. We traveled thru the city and to their home. The city is truly like nothing I have ever imagined. Extreme poverty is everywhere --- people are everywhere. It has all the noises and activities of a big city it would appear, but the people are so desperate. When we arrived at their home we were greeted by great smiles --- and unbelievable hugs. The hearts of the African people are so warm, so loving. I played chase with some neighbor girls and they giggled so loud and hard it was precious. They would reappear just so that I would chase them again. I got more hugs and kisses today! (Photo) We went to visit a family with twin boys who had surgery on the Africa Mercy to correct their cross-sighted condition. You would never know looking at them for sure. They were a tad shy.....but trust me I got them laughing!

Then we topped off the evening with a great dinner on the beach in West Africa. (photo) And when I arrived at the ship we were greeted at the same time as the drivers got here from the airport with our luggage....and more importantly the medical supplies we were bringing. To be honest, I found myself more concerned about the loss of thousands of dollars worth of medicine that was so desperatly needed than I was with my the loss of my luggage........I kindof wonder at this point why I needed all this stuff anyway. I was told that I would not come home the same person, I think I have just scene my first sign. At the end of the day........what really matters?