In an earlier blog post I stated that "I don't usually have foods out at the end of a meal that were different at the beginning of the meal" if I could help it, and if it wasn't a 'leftovers' meal.
BUT what I failed to mention is I was ONLY pertaining to dinner/supper NOT lunch. Lunch is a great way to use up leftovers, recreate new dishes from cooked foods we already have, or even use multiple items of small quantity to 'push thru' so to speak. So in that aspect yes, you will get different foods from time to time at the beginning and ending of lunch.
Thats the way it is...but what food is actually considered 'the best' is purely speculation, now isn't it? I have complaints both ways...I got something so/so or that I hate at the start of dinner only to have something better come out at the end, and vise versa. But hopefully we are moving along for others to eat and not eating in the dining room during the whole time...prefering others!
Crew Galley is still open to all!
Many families come to the line and pick out what they want for dinner and then take it back to the Crew Galley and recreate something they like, or use it in another dish...thats initiative!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Open House Fun on the Ward
Tonight we had about 20 different activities set up on the ward for the crew to come down and participate in. We had a photo booth to have your pic taken as a surgeon or patient, you could learn to suture, intubate...etc. There was also a really funny relay in which the crew could pretend to be a nurse and had to complete some tasks to graduate from the Africa Mercy School of nursing the pics are of the clowns part taking in the relay.
Africa Mercy Hospital
Here are some pictures of our lovely hospital. It is now nice and clean and ready for open house tonight and for patients next Thursday.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
relationSHIPs
One of my favorite things about living on the ship is the relationships. I am so incredibly blessed to have friends on the ship that have known me for a long time, people that knew me single and wild, and know how much I have grown. My friend that I have mentioned before from Brazil is so good at reminding me how much I have grown in the past 4 years. She knows a different side of me that my new friends don't know. But, I relish connecting with people and I have found in the past month I have made some real connections that I truly treasure. Sometimes I just feel at peace with certain people and truly connect after a short time of knowing them. I really think this is God. I think He puts people in our lives to help us along with our journey and to grow closer to Him. Praise Jesus!!
This weekend I spent a lot of time with my friends. On Saturday a bunch of girls went out to this nice Lebanese place that had excellent food, but the best part was being on the ship with my friends and hearing their stories and learning more about who they are.
Today I went to the beach, but you can't really tell. I was wanting to work on my tan, but I put on too much sunscreen and I reapplied it too often. So I sweated like crazy, but there is not much to show for it. The beach.... in one word is dirty. Yes, the water is mighty grimy and obviously dirty. But the whole experience was super fun!!!
This weekend I spent a lot of time with my friends. On Saturday a bunch of girls went out to this nice Lebanese place that had excellent food, but the best part was being on the ship with my friends and hearing their stories and learning more about who they are.
Today I went to the beach, but you can't really tell. I was wanting to work on my tan, but I put on too much sunscreen and I reapplied it too often. So I sweated like crazy, but there is not much to show for it. The beach.... in one word is dirty. Yes, the water is mighty grimy and obviously dirty. But the whole experience was super fun!!!
My head is Foggy
This weekend has been very busy, wonderful, and meaningful and has left me feeling like my head is full of fog. This weekend I went to the market with Tyrone and 5 other Mercy Shippers. I am still processing all of that. The tremendous amount of noise alone was overwhelming in itself. There are an incredible number of taxis that are obsessed with honking their horns about every 3 seconds. And there is music playing and so, so many people (ranging from very young to very old). There "market is this sunken in sand pit/ mud pit/ cess pool of sorts that has stand after stand of African necessities. This market sells fabric (which a lot of girls buy then have clothes and bags made), cooking products and utensils, clothes, shoes, etc. At one point we were looking at a guys stuff that was in wheel barrel and all of the owners of the stuff started to yell and move very quickly. I turned around and saw the Liberian police officer coming very quickly and he was kicking all of the stands down that were to close to the road. We skedaddled out of the way.
I have spent so much time researching what it would be like in Africa. I think I was as ready as I would ever be, but I am still recovering from the mass amount of sadness I felt for these people that live in such epidemic poverty. A we drove down the road you could see the bullet holes from the not so distant civil war. And it is so obvious the pain that the Liberians have experienced even by the fine lines on their children's faces.
Since the ship has been here just 2 months ago, a lot of roads have been paves ( by the Chinese), street lights have been put up and many gas stations have been put in. So , yes, Liberia is progressing and rebuilding. Thank you Jesus.
I have spent so much time researching what it would be like in Africa. I think I was as ready as I would ever be, but I am still recovering from the mass amount of sadness I felt for these people that live in such epidemic poverty. A we drove down the road you could see the bullet holes from the not so distant civil war. And it is so obvious the pain that the Liberians have experienced even by the fine lines on their children's faces.
Since the ship has been here just 2 months ago, a lot of roads have been paves ( by the Chinese), street lights have been put up and many gas stations have been put in. So , yes, Liberia is progressing and rebuilding. Thank you Jesus.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
AFRICAN NIGHT!
Whether you love it, or dread it...back by popular demand is the African style food every other Monday starting this Monday the 11th!
(On a health note, as much as possible I will try to keep the oil saturation low)
(On a health note, as much as possible I will try to keep the oil saturation low)
Friday, February 8, 2008
Response #6
No sticky rice...because our rice is parboiled when we receive it...that means: (following definition edited from Wikipedia)
Parboiled rice is rice that has been boiled in the husk. Parboiling makes rice easier to process by hand, improves its nutritional profile, and changes its texture.
Parboiling rice drives nutrients, especially thiamine, from the bran into the grain, so that parboiled white rice is nutritionally similar to brown rice.
The starches in parboiled rice become gelatinized, making it harder and glassier than other rice. Parboiled rice takes less time to cook, and the cooked rice is firmer and less sticky. In North America, parboiled rice is generally partially or fully precooked by the processor.
So that is the main reason we do not have 'sticky' rice. According to Russ at the IOC this was a major donation given to us...so I think this rice will be around for awhile before we will explore other options once we free up space from this present rice quantity. Which by the way is a lot.
I received a comment about food at the beginning of meals not being the same as food at the end. I personally can't say I experienced that much since I have been here, or have I done this myself. Maybe a couple of times if necessary OR if it is a day to get rid of all the leftovers...its just one of those things that needs to be done and sometimes theres just no way around it.
In addition to that the comment also suggested the food that came after was more 'kid friendly' or kid oriented. I don't know how to address that comment. I cook for people, mostly I think of all of them as adults. If by chance you are referring to fish sticks or something else I do not know about yet then I am afraid you will be disappointed in me because I will use fish sticks as the main meal from time to time...ketchup, tartar sauce, mmmm delicious.
Maybe that was in the past? Not sure.
Thanks for all the great comments and suggestions! Please keep encouraging the crew!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Signs
On Wednesday I was officially in the Medical department. I left crew services and instead of cleaning the common living areas, I am now cleaning the ward. We are unpacking the wards from the sail. It is a large task. I have really enjoyed spending time with some of the nurses. I haven't really gotten to know many of the nurses up until now. Sometimes it is really a blessing to be able to connect with other women about personal things and sometimes even help calm some anxieties. I am really enjoying it.
Today I helped unpack the ward this morning and then in the afternoon I made signs for the open house (of the hospital) with Karoline and Sarah. We chatted and laughed and made some signs too.
After dinner I went for a walk on the dock with Megahn. We have this really nice long dock and we walk up and down it and sown to the gate, although there are a lot of men doing their version of a cat call. Anyways off to community meeting.
Today I helped unpack the ward this morning and then in the afternoon I made signs for the open house (of the hospital) with Karoline and Sarah. We chatted and laughed and made some signs too.
After dinner I went for a walk on the dock with Megahn. We have this really nice long dock and we walk up and down it and sown to the gate, although there are a lot of men doing their version of a cat call. Anyways off to community meeting.
Response #5
On the lighter side of things:
Some of you say 'more potatoes' some say 'more rice' I say, "I must not be doing enough pasta if I can't get anyone to complain about it!!!" hahaha, it's just a joke.
On a more serious note:
Fresh & Raw Vegetables:
The direct answer is: Hope you enjoyed the variety of the salads & produce in Tenerife because it's not going to be the same here in Liberia. Mostly cabbage, onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots...anything else is probably a pure bonus.
Reasons:
The country does not support the variety and/or bulk we would like.
Some of you might say, 'I saw this and that, here and there (like a store or market)' I would encourage you, to buy it for yourself and enjoy it. At this time I can't foresee more variety of raw/fresh vegetables/produce, because they can't sell enough of it for us to feed more than a fraction of the crew. And realistically it would not be feasible to have someone running around the country gathering here and there for just one meal of lettuce or celery (for example). I am not being sarcastic, I am just explaining as direct and forward as I can. (Perhaps maybe if the UN could bend their rules a little to let us use their supplier, but that is purely speculation on my part.)
Several of us have been here before (my first time in 2005) so we have a pretty good idea of what's out there and how much we can get comparing notes from each return visit.
So please continue to give the galley crew (cooking crews, salads, baker, dishwashers...) encouragement and support so they can continue to feel good about the job they are doing with the limitations they have (that is no one's fault).
I am happy/pleased to say that I have overheard several of you complimenting and encouraging our crews for the hard work and excellent meals they have been putting out. Of course, I enjoy your compliments but I am very happy to see you pass them along so I can reap the reward of joyful kitchen/galley workers by your kind words to them.
Some of you say 'more potatoes' some say 'more rice' I say, "I must not be doing enough pasta if I can't get anyone to complain about it!!!" hahaha, it's just a joke.
On a more serious note:
Fresh & Raw Vegetables:
The direct answer is: Hope you enjoyed the variety of the salads & produce in Tenerife because it's not going to be the same here in Liberia. Mostly cabbage, onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots...anything else is probably a pure bonus.
Reasons:
The country does not support the variety and/or bulk we would like.
Some of you might say, 'I saw this and that, here and there (like a store or market)' I would encourage you, to buy it for yourself and enjoy it. At this time I can't foresee more variety of raw/fresh vegetables/produce, because they can't sell enough of it for us to feed more than a fraction of the crew. And realistically it would not be feasible to have someone running around the country gathering here and there for just one meal of lettuce or celery (for example). I am not being sarcastic, I am just explaining as direct and forward as I can. (Perhaps maybe if the UN could bend their rules a little to let us use their supplier, but that is purely speculation on my part.)
Several of us have been here before (my first time in 2005) so we have a pretty good idea of what's out there and how much we can get comparing notes from each return visit.
So please continue to give the galley crew (cooking crews, salads, baker, dishwashers...) encouragement and support so they can continue to feel good about the job they are doing with the limitations they have (that is no one's fault).
I am happy/pleased to say that I have overheard several of you complimenting and encouraging our crews for the hard work and excellent meals they have been putting out. Of course, I enjoy your compliments but I am very happy to see you pass them along so I can reap the reward of joyful kitchen/galley workers by your kind words to them.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Woo stinkin Hoo
Today at 0830 we arrived to Monrovia, Liberia. As we arrived they were setting up for a ceremony and we all stood out on the decks and waved to some Mercy Shippers and local Liberians. As I stood there I was quite overwhelmed for a moment. I started to think about what this country has gone through in the last decade and all the help that is needed for it to recover. I also pondered on the idea that I get to be a part of the solution. They need health care and more particularly they need surgeries. During the civil war, almost all of the Physicians left the country. Now there is a big white ship that offers some of the services they require. As I am standing on deck 7 pondering all of this my hair is frizzing up by the minute and rivers of sweat are running down my legs that are covered by a long skirt that is covering my knees (knees in Liberia are considered "rude bits" are never to be shown in public) and I recite my mantra "I will prevail" . I also know that I will be a part of bringing hope and healing to those of Liberia. Woo stinkin hoo!!!
The pictures are of the crew and some of the people on the dock that was a part of the celebration.
The pictures are of the crew and some of the people on the dock that was a part of the celebration.
Flip Flop-a-liscious
Woo hoo!!! We are not sailing anymore and can wear flip-flops again. My feet were so happy to be free again!!!!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Liberia, Cocaine, Piracy
[ edit Feb 5th - below is the Blue Atlantic captured with 2.5 tons of cocaine on board in barrells. It sits right across from us at our port (already emptied of its cargo and crew but now with guards on board, the cocaine was removed and disposed of already)...you see it here in this picture where our arrival ceremony set-up is in progress with the white chairs]
We are currently sailing far off the coast of Sierra Leone due for arrival in Monrovia Liberia Monday or was it Tuesday? Just in case we failed to mention that...
Things are still exciting in and off the coast of Monrovia Liberia such as the following news report: Liberia in record cocaine seizure
In other news, we had a combination *drill of fire, lifeboat, and pirate. Yes, Pirate! Piracy is still very real and present and it's not the funny 'laugh-out-loud' adventure from Disney. Here is a current link: Rise of modern-day pirates
Guess who already has Gurkhas onboard (for years now)? You only get one guess.
Yes, things are pretty exciting around here...
* During our drills we had a real-life man overboard (MOB) procedure and had to turn the ship around to check and see, everybody was mustered and accounted for BUT ANYTIME someone reports something of that nature and are not sure exactly what they see we treat it as very serious.
The above pic is the actual cocaine boat that Tyrone was talking about, it is parked next to our ship on the opposite side of the dock.
We are currently sailing far off the coast of Sierra Leone due for arrival in Monrovia Liberia Monday or was it Tuesday? Just in case we failed to mention that...
Things are still exciting in and off the coast of Monrovia Liberia such as the following news report: Liberia in record cocaine seizure
"Barrels containing about 2.5 tonnes of cocaine have been seized from a ship off the coast of Liberia." ~ BBC NEWS
In other news, we had a combination *drill of fire, lifeboat, and pirate. Yes, Pirate! Piracy is still very real and present and it's not the funny 'laugh-out-loud' adventure from Disney. Here is a current link: Rise of modern-day pirates
"Mr Singer, of Securewest International, says it is now commonplace for ships to take on security staff if their course crosses pirate territory - his own company provides teams of ex-servicemen, including former Gurkhas." ~ BBC NEWS
Guess who already has Gurkhas onboard (for years now)? You only get one guess.
Yes, things are pretty exciting around here...
* During our drills we had a real-life man overboard (MOB) procedure and had to turn the ship around to check and see, everybody was mustered and accounted for BUT ANYTIME someone reports something of that nature and are not sure exactly what they see we treat it as very serious.
The above pic is the actual cocaine boat that Tyrone was talking about, it is parked next to our ship on the opposite side of the dock.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
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