Alright it seems we (the Anastasis) will be sailing to Liberia in about a week, hopefully. We have all our parts crucial for the engine to work...so now I can actually plan my flight ticket and have it purchased. But now instead of going to the Dominican Republic the Caribbean Mercy has some further repairs itself...so perhaps I will be seeing 'sweet home Alabama' once again before disappearing on a sail to Barahona.
I am getting things prepared already because there is a 20 kilo weight restriction which means just one bag at 44 pounds. Not a lot I will be taking with me since my chef/culinary attache case weighs about that much...and since the most of the knives and equipment will not 'carry on' I will be giving away my OTHER possessions (What? You think I would actually give anything away in my attache case, thats ludicrous!) like Santa Claus in about 3 weeks.
But of course, I love it! I like to travel light and with only the essentials...like most though if given the choice I would probably take extra if I could. Most of the things I will be getting rid of are about used up anyway. My clothes (stained and weather worn) have been with me for years...actually I would probably be embarrassed by them except that #1 I'm a guy, #2 most other missionaries tend to have the same 'fashion' culture as me, #3 Being a guy most of the time I just don't care...I'm not here to impress anyone and my work clothes are usually taken better care of than the rest of my clothes, simply because that's mostly what I do, work.
So I am fixin' to leave this ship at the end of the month, I am fittin' to start 'cleaning house', and I am gettin' a plane ticket!
Thursday, March 3, 2005
Friday, February 11, 2005
Marinating
No, this is not going to be an article about food. I am the one marinating, in my own sweat. As I sit here thinking about the love I have for this small fan I possess it reminds me of growing up in the projects having no air conditioner for at least most of my childhood life (till 17). You take a shower at night and then run jump in bed and try to go to sleep while the fan blows cool on your wet body. Then wake up in the middle of night stuck to your sheets with a damp pillow slowly suffocating you....
Yes the air conditioner is out on the ship again...But let me reassure I live no luxurious life. The galley (kitchen) I work in on board has an air flow system, blowers and exhaust, but no air conditioner. This ship is over 50 years old and when they finally installed the system in the ship they didn't run it to the kitchen(can I get a sane excuse for this error?!?!). So after sweating all day in the hot kitchen (I have drunk at least four liters of fluid already today and that was just at work) I have to start all over again after my shower.
This is usually not the case for my room. This last week has had problems with our generators (we are on emergency generator now), boiler (that means no hot water or steam kettles I can use in the kitchen, dishes, cleaning, or showers for that matter!), and my refrigerator and freezer units have not come down to the proper temperature for refilling them with food. And even if they do, it has taken way to long...That's not a good sign. We also have containers of food that have arrived but its hard to store what you already have in rented storage on the docks.
Oh, guess what? We are supposed to leave in two weeks!
But I'm not worried a bit...This is how it goes and how it is sometimes. You can only do all that you can do, and pray some more. God does things on His timing, if He ever does something right on time by your standards then that is all the more reason you should praise Him!
Then again, maybe I do live a luxurious life...I love it.
Yes the air conditioner is out on the ship again...But let me reassure I live no luxurious life. The galley (kitchen) I work in on board has an air flow system, blowers and exhaust, but no air conditioner. This ship is over 50 years old and when they finally installed the system in the ship they didn't run it to the kitchen(can I get a sane excuse for this error?!?!). So after sweating all day in the hot kitchen (I have drunk at least four liters of fluid already today and that was just at work) I have to start all over again after my shower.
This is usually not the case for my room. This last week has had problems with our generators (we are on emergency generator now), boiler (that means no hot water or steam kettles I can use in the kitchen, dishes, cleaning, or showers for that matter!), and my refrigerator and freezer units have not come down to the proper temperature for refilling them with food. And even if they do, it has taken way to long...That's not a good sign. We also have containers of food that have arrived but its hard to store what you already have in rented storage on the docks.
Oh, guess what? We are supposed to leave in two weeks!
But I'm not worried a bit...This is how it goes and how it is sometimes. You can only do all that you can do, and pray some more. God does things on His timing, if He ever does something right on time by your standards then that is all the more reason you should praise Him!
Then again, maybe I do live a luxurious life...I love it.
Saturday, January 8, 2005
My Big Toe and other interesting things
As of lately I have been walking around with my sandal/flip flops on washing my big toe a couple of times every day, and wondering how many other people it will make flinch noticeably when they see it.
I had an ingrown toenail that was infected and had a kind of fungi in addition to other problems so in order to solve everything in one swoop...tada! No toenail! Nah, it doesn't hurt near as much as before and hopefully I won't bang it in to anything.
Its amazing how much pain you can be in every day and not even notice it. It comes to your attention one day that little by little the pain was growing stronger and stronger and you just realized by a stroke of genius that hey, maybe I ought to take care of this. OHHhhhh, the relief and happiness it brings from pain created to relieve the problem that has been constant...All worth it many times over.
Now the trick is to keep it clean and not let it get infected.
I wonder how many OTHER things in our life are like that? How long have we felt pain, put up with things, and/or ignored things so long that we didn't really know how much it was affecting us until we woke up one day and realized we had to take care of it. Yes sometimes things bring more pain in order to start the healing process but that pain should be nothing compared to the release/joy it should bring from being free of it.
Think about it. And remember the next step: Now the trick is to keep it clean and not let it get infected (again).
I had an ingrown toenail that was infected and had a kind of fungi in addition to other problems so in order to solve everything in one swoop...tada! No toenail! Nah, it doesn't hurt near as much as before and hopefully I won't bang it in to anything.
Its amazing how much pain you can be in every day and not even notice it. It comes to your attention one day that little by little the pain was growing stronger and stronger and you just realized by a stroke of genius that hey, maybe I ought to take care of this. OHHhhhh, the relief and happiness it brings from pain created to relieve the problem that has been constant...All worth it many times over.
Now the trick is to keep it clean and not let it get infected.
I wonder how many OTHER things in our life are like that? How long have we felt pain, put up with things, and/or ignored things so long that we didn't really know how much it was affecting us until we woke up one day and realized we had to take care of it. Yes sometimes things bring more pain in order to start the healing process but that pain should be nothing compared to the release/joy it should bring from being free of it.
Think about it. And remember the next step: Now the trick is to keep it clean and not let it get infected (again).
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Happiness, let me tell you what it is!
Happiness, I have the definition all wrapped up...right here on board this ship with me!
Even though I am not going to be 'home' for Christmas I have received some real good mail and anticipate a little more...because I was told it was coming, and that in itself is making me happy thinking about it being on its way!
First I have received great mail from several people wishing me Holiday greetings. I have a new Emeril cookbook called 'Potluck' which I will endorse right now on the spot (It is a great recipe/cook book, ingredients should be easy to find in the store and he does such a good job at making it simple but still 'gourmet'...I also sense its got that 'Southern' feel that I really love, check it out!). I read it like a novel...we in the South are always 'up' for a good potluck dinner. Thats good eats!
In the same box I also received some cards from family, some Christmas Blend Starbucks Coffee (yeah baby yeah) and a December/Christmas addition Food & Wine Magazine...that I will be readin' while I am sippin' on some Starbucks!
But don't stop there! There's more! If I wait long enough there will be pictures of my niece and nephew (to go on the door beside the card) coming in the mail with some stollen bread! How about a nice piece of that with coffee and magazine?! That's right! Food stains on the magazine...I will pause here to give you a little culinary food lesson: Definition: [STOH-luhn; SHTOH-luhn] Germany's traditional Christmas yeast bread, stollen is a rich, dried fruit-filled loaf that's often topped with a confectioners' sugar icing and decorated with candied cherries. It's shaped like a folded oval and somewhat resembles a giant parker house roll. My sister's mother-in-law (or my Brother-in-law's mother) is from Germany, so this is the real authentic stuff!!! Thanks Ursula!
I have another friend who has sent me a CD that just came out in the states that was the second part of 2(and also some specialty coffee and 'other' things!). I already have the first CD so this completes it! SO now a little new Music for my enjoyment during Christmas.
I won't go on and on...but as you see it doesn't take much to please me if you know my heart.
True happiness will be in celebrating the birth of Jesus, and I can celebrate that and enjoy these things this Holiday Season. What a blessing!
Even though I am not going to be 'home' for Christmas I have received some real good mail and anticipate a little more...because I was told it was coming, and that in itself is making me happy thinking about it being on its way!
First I have received great mail from several people wishing me Holiday greetings. I have a new Emeril cookbook called 'Potluck' which I will endorse right now on the spot (It is a great recipe/cook book, ingredients should be easy to find in the store and he does such a good job at making it simple but still 'gourmet'...I also sense its got that 'Southern' feel that I really love, check it out!). I read it like a novel...we in the South are always 'up' for a good potluck dinner. Thats good eats!
In the same box I also received some cards from family, some Christmas Blend Starbucks Coffee (yeah baby yeah) and a December/Christmas addition Food & Wine Magazine...that I will be readin' while I am sippin' on some Starbucks!
But don't stop there! There's more! If I wait long enough there will be pictures of my niece and nephew (to go on the door beside the card) coming in the mail with some stollen bread! How about a nice piece of that with coffee and magazine?! That's right! Food stains on the magazine...I will pause here to give you a little culinary food lesson: Definition: [STOH-luhn; SHTOH-luhn] Germany's traditional Christmas yeast bread, stollen is a rich, dried fruit-filled loaf that's often topped with a confectioners' sugar icing and decorated with candied cherries. It's shaped like a folded oval and somewhat resembles a giant parker house roll. My sister's mother-in-law (or my Brother-in-law's mother) is from Germany, so this is the real authentic stuff!!! Thanks Ursula!
I have another friend who has sent me a CD that just came out in the states that was the second part of 2(and also some specialty coffee and 'other' things!). I already have the first CD so this completes it! SO now a little new Music for my enjoyment during Christmas.
I won't go on and on...but as you see it doesn't take much to please me if you know my heart.
True happiness will be in celebrating the birth of Jesus, and I can celebrate that and enjoy these things this Holiday Season. What a blessing!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Understand
Recently I have found a lot of frustrations between understanding leadership (my boss or bosses) and the people that I am responsible for. There are several aspects that make it a difficult chore. First I would think that it is because I work with people from so many different cultures, Secondly so many different ages and religious backgrounds, and Third...Ah who am I kidding? There are so many different factors to consider that I don't think I could list them all!!!
What is, or used to be part of Gateway and Segue training (which is like teaching people for work in missions with Mercy Ships) is a training class called '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Franklin Covey, but it is taught from a biblical standpoint. I even have my card with the 7 Habits on one side and the 'work' quadrants on the other side...Its been washed and dried a few time but it is fairly legible. (Work quadrants would be another topic for later) I just want to center my attention on one of the 7 Habits that I believe is the key to a lot of my frustration... Seeking first to understand, then to be understood.
Combine that Idea of thinking with the aspects I cited earlier...In my opinion most people do not have time to understand and conveniently assert their way of thinking and how to do things because they do not have the time or patience to hear your thoughts. Why? Because they already know how to do things, they have already heard what you are going to suggest and it doesn't work, and/or most of the time they have already refused to accept any new options. One reason is because it could change so much, and (everybody say it with me!) thats the way 'we' have always done it.
How do you over come this? Most of the time its a long road of prayer, finghting battles, hours and hours spent listening to lectures, attending meetings, and listening to ideas that you have heard over and over again because repetition wears people out, or convinces them. Does this make it right? No. Do most people surrender when they realize the long road they may have to travel to make a difference or change? I don't know...
You really want the answer to this now that I brought it up? This is my opinion: Stay close to the Lord(Jesus, God, Holy Spirit) thru prayer, scripture, praise and worship and let the Lord speak to your heart...It will come. Maybe just one answer at a time, or completely for a whole situation. But be ready for the answer, its not always the one YOU think of...And it may not come as fast as YOU think it should.
One day I will understand all this...And then maybe it won't be so imperative that I be understood. Confused?
What is, or used to be part of Gateway and Segue training (which is like teaching people for work in missions with Mercy Ships) is a training class called '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Franklin Covey, but it is taught from a biblical standpoint. I even have my card with the 7 Habits on one side and the 'work' quadrants on the other side...Its been washed and dried a few time but it is fairly legible. (Work quadrants would be another topic for later) I just want to center my attention on one of the 7 Habits that I believe is the key to a lot of my frustration... Seeking first to understand, then to be understood.
Combine that Idea of thinking with the aspects I cited earlier...In my opinion most people do not have time to understand and conveniently assert their way of thinking and how to do things because they do not have the time or patience to hear your thoughts. Why? Because they already know how to do things, they have already heard what you are going to suggest and it doesn't work, and/or most of the time they have already refused to accept any new options. One reason is because it could change so much, and (everybody say it with me!) thats the way 'we' have always done it.
How do you over come this? Most of the time its a long road of prayer, finghting battles, hours and hours spent listening to lectures, attending meetings, and listening to ideas that you have heard over and over again because repetition wears people out, or convinces them. Does this make it right? No. Do most people surrender when they realize the long road they may have to travel to make a difference or change? I don't know...
You really want the answer to this now that I brought it up? This is my opinion: Stay close to the Lord(Jesus, God, Holy Spirit) thru prayer, scripture, praise and worship and let the Lord speak to your heart...It will come. Maybe just one answer at a time, or completely for a whole situation. But be ready for the answer, its not always the one YOU think of...And it may not come as fast as YOU think it should.
One day I will understand all this...And then maybe it won't be so imperative that I be understood. Confused?
Friday, December 10, 2004
Comparison
As life rolls by me (or over me) at a speed that I can not slow down (or the aging process for that matter) I find myself looking around to see who has made it all the way, or if in fact, I am the one who is behind.
We are by nature (or is it habit?) comparing people. But by being this way we bring on a much greater stress than is realized...It is probably the foundation for most stress we have today. How? Why do we strive so hard at work unless we are afraid of the person that may be better than us and take that promotion or raise? Do we really worry about our weight problem or physical attributes because of health reasons or because of our perception of ourselves in comparison to what the 'world' excepts? Why is it I (me personally) have so many problems at work when everybody is getting paid the same (nothing, we are all volunteers in this organization)?
Comparison, it can be a great tool for evaluation and growth (thru God's word [Bible] and his plan for us and recognizing the areas we need to work on/grow in) or a nagging, whining, 'I'm not being treated fairly' road to dissension, depression, and misery (at this point the old saying seems to be true, 'misery loves company' and so a few more people have been brought down with this contagious selfish attitude).
Many people cannot just mind there own business and hold their selves accountable for the work that they say they are offering or doing for the Lord (God).
People will say that, many people will believe it, but MOST people fail in representation of that statement at one time or another. Am I here to judge? I don't think so...I have often been guilty of that myself from time to time.
Which brings me to the parable of Workers in the Vineyard.*
Indulge me by reading these verses of scripture from the Bible (Matthew 20:1-16 or just click on the link in the above sentence). When I read them I have conviction (feelings of guilt) for the way I must have given others many a headache by constantly droning on about my own unfair circumstances or situations and on the other hand, I have had many a headache by listening to the same complaints day in and day out...
They say (scholars, historians, etc...) that most men did not even live thru the beatings and/or lashes of a whip before crucifixion. But Jesus did. And he did it for us. How is that for a comparison?
*[Workers in the Vineyard - What is a Parable? Parables are true to life. When you hear the story, you can relate it to your own life. It conveys its message of truth through analogy, through comparison or contrast. The power of a parable comes from the fact that you recognize that "That's the way it is in real life." Parables are great because they tell a story that is easy to remember.]
We are by nature (or is it habit?) comparing people. But by being this way we bring on a much greater stress than is realized...It is probably the foundation for most stress we have today. How? Why do we strive so hard at work unless we are afraid of the person that may be better than us and take that promotion or raise? Do we really worry about our weight problem or physical attributes because of health reasons or because of our perception of ourselves in comparison to what the 'world' excepts? Why is it I (me personally) have so many problems at work when everybody is getting paid the same (nothing, we are all volunteers in this organization)?
Comparison, it can be a great tool for evaluation and growth (thru God's word [Bible] and his plan for us and recognizing the areas we need to work on/grow in) or a nagging, whining, 'I'm not being treated fairly' road to dissension, depression, and misery (at this point the old saying seems to be true, 'misery loves company' and so a few more people have been brought down with this contagious selfish attitude).
Many people cannot just mind there own business and hold their selves accountable for the work that they say they are offering or doing for the Lord (God).
People will say that, many people will believe it, but MOST people fail in representation of that statement at one time or another. Am I here to judge? I don't think so...I have often been guilty of that myself from time to time.
Which brings me to the parable of Workers in the Vineyard.*
Indulge me by reading these verses of scripture from the Bible (Matthew 20:1-16 or just click on the link in the above sentence). When I read them I have conviction (feelings of guilt) for the way I must have given others many a headache by constantly droning on about my own unfair circumstances or situations and on the other hand, I have had many a headache by listening to the same complaints day in and day out...
They say (scholars, historians, etc...) that most men did not even live thru the beatings and/or lashes of a whip before crucifixion. But Jesus did. And he did it for us. How is that for a comparison?
*[Workers in the Vineyard - What is a Parable? Parables are true to life. When you hear the story, you can relate it to your own life. It conveys its message of truth through analogy, through comparison or contrast. The power of a parable comes from the fact that you recognize that "That's the way it is in real life." Parables are great because they tell a story that is easy to remember.]
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
Expanding my thoughts
There is a nice story I want to tell you that I remember from a section of a book by Swindoll. It will be a paraphrase since I can only remember so much, and, I am sure that these things are copyrighted...
A young boy fresh out of Sunday School class was running around ecstatic. After finding his father nearby, he started telling his father about Moses escaping from Egypt with the Israelites. He explained to his father that while he was making it to the Red Sea the Pharaohs army was catching up...so Moses got on his walkie-talkie and called in the Israelite Airforce to come bomb Pharaohs Army while the Israelite Navy built a pontoon bridge across the Red Sea where they escaped to freedom!
His dad was shocked, he demanded to know if this is the way they taught him the story in Sunday school. The boy said, "Well no, not exactly...but if I told it to you the way they told us, you would never believe it!!!".
Now in reading this and studying the implications it gives, it makes me wonder do we (society at large) really try to put Jesus death and resurrection, the story of Salvation, into what we perceive is a more 'real' or 'easier' story in order for it to be more believable to others?
1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
Does this verse imply that we are to plant the seed (God’s word, Jesus Salvation) and/or water (feed the word to, or encourage) the one who has been told or revealed the word of God, BUT it is God’s job to make it grow?
If the responsibility is not ours to convince the recipients it is true, then why do we have trouble sharing a two thousand year old story in its true historical form? And what can we possibly gain by distorting it besides further confusion?
Which is harder to believe:
1. Moses was led by God to complete a mission that was confirmed by God and God miraculously saved his people?
OR
2. There was actually an Air force and Navy capable of Jet bombing and Pontoon Bridge building on B.C. earth?
Just expanding my thoughts and sharing them with you as they come. I already have some other thoughts of study that are surfacing that I may take the time to write down tomorrow.
Have a great day, and think about it!
A young boy fresh out of Sunday School class was running around ecstatic. After finding his father nearby, he started telling his father about Moses escaping from Egypt with the Israelites. He explained to his father that while he was making it to the Red Sea the Pharaohs army was catching up...so Moses got on his walkie-talkie and called in the Israelite Airforce to come bomb Pharaohs Army while the Israelite Navy built a pontoon bridge across the Red Sea where they escaped to freedom!
His dad was shocked, he demanded to know if this is the way they taught him the story in Sunday school. The boy said, "Well no, not exactly...but if I told it to you the way they told us, you would never believe it!!!".
Now in reading this and studying the implications it gives, it makes me wonder do we (society at large) really try to put Jesus death and resurrection, the story of Salvation, into what we perceive is a more 'real' or 'easier' story in order for it to be more believable to others?
1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
Does this verse imply that we are to plant the seed (God’s word, Jesus Salvation) and/or water (feed the word to, or encourage) the one who has been told or revealed the word of God, BUT it is God’s job to make it grow?
If the responsibility is not ours to convince the recipients it is true, then why do we have trouble sharing a two thousand year old story in its true historical form? And what can we possibly gain by distorting it besides further confusion?
Which is harder to believe:
1. Moses was led by God to complete a mission that was confirmed by God and God miraculously saved his people?
OR
2. There was actually an Air force and Navy capable of Jet bombing and Pontoon Bridge building on B.C. earth?
Just expanding my thoughts and sharing them with you as they come. I already have some other thoughts of study that are surfacing that I may take the time to write down tomorrow.
Have a great day, and think about it!
Monday, November 29, 2004
Mondays
The Captains lunch went good...I went with the vinagrette, no sour cream and with the apple crisp and ice cream for dessert.
Tonight we are having leg of lamb (w/mint sauce), rice, and mixed vegetables...I think the lamb came out real good. But its time intensive cutting all the meat off of that many legs!!! (probably 20 from 2 1/2 kilo to 4 kilo apiece).
Later our small group will be meeting for a time of singing, praying, and studying the Bible...will be good to socialize a little outside of the workplace.
Right now I am enjoying two books, one by John MacArthur and the other by Charles (Chuck) Swindoll. I have their reviews under spiritual books in my X-tras section of my website. Most of the time I read the books first before reviewing them but these are more like devotionals or daily thoughts and are usefull to read more than once.
The first officer and the Captain were very impressed with the lunch we served...thank the Lord!
Tonight we are having leg of lamb (w/mint sauce), rice, and mixed vegetables...I think the lamb came out real good. But its time intensive cutting all the meat off of that many legs!!! (probably 20 from 2 1/2 kilo to 4 kilo apiece).
Later our small group will be meeting for a time of singing, praying, and studying the Bible...will be good to socialize a little outside of the workplace.
Right now I am enjoying two books, one by John MacArthur and the other by Charles (Chuck) Swindoll. I have their reviews under spiritual books in my X-tras section of my website. Most of the time I read the books first before reviewing them but these are more like devotionals or daily thoughts and are usefull to read more than once.
The first officer and the Captain were very impressed with the lunch we served...thank the Lord!
Things to come
Today was another one of those days when if you are caught anywhere around the kitchen they are going to ask you questions which always make you work because it is to hard to explain some things...and yes I was off. But of course I am well used to this, but I see no point in having to hide in order to enjoy a day off!!! People should just be more respectful since we live in a tight community (on a ship)...but they are not.
I am doing a little pre-prep work tonight while no one is in the kitchen since there is a special Captains lunch tomorrow for about 25 people outside of the regular meals for 400 people...usually these are local guests of the Captain (Jay) which usually include anyone from translators to dignitaries of our host country. I am anticipating having a little fun with that. I am told we usually have one lunch like this at every new port.
Starting with a salad, I am working on a smoked salmon, cucumber, dark greens, and a vinagrette with lemon zest sour cream dollop....needs a little more work in my head...maybe get rid of the sour cream and go with an oriental inspired sesame vinagrette and top it off with a few hot and sweet cashews?
As it stands (if nothing changes) I am looking at a chicken roulade with spinach and gouda, next we will have a whole baked onion stuffed with brown rice pilaf, and either carrots with dill or mixed vegetable with a light herb butter. A little sun-dried tomato sauce for plating the chicken (cream based). A bread of sorts?
For dessert maybe a warm homemade banana pudding, or an apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. Hmmm, we will see what happens.
Tomorrow will prove to be another interesting day as do most days around here.
I am doing a little pre-prep work tonight while no one is in the kitchen since there is a special Captains lunch tomorrow for about 25 people outside of the regular meals for 400 people...usually these are local guests of the Captain (Jay) which usually include anyone from translators to dignitaries of our host country. I am anticipating having a little fun with that. I am told we usually have one lunch like this at every new port.
Starting with a salad, I am working on a smoked salmon, cucumber, dark greens, and a vinagrette with lemon zest sour cream dollop....needs a little more work in my head...maybe get rid of the sour cream and go with an oriental inspired sesame vinagrette and top it off with a few hot and sweet cashews?
As it stands (if nothing changes) I am looking at a chicken roulade with spinach and gouda, next we will have a whole baked onion stuffed with brown rice pilaf, and either carrots with dill or mixed vegetable with a light herb butter. A little sun-dried tomato sauce for plating the chicken (cream based). A bread of sorts?
For dessert maybe a warm homemade banana pudding, or an apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. Hmmm, we will see what happens.
Tomorrow will prove to be another interesting day as do most days around here.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
A small luxury
Today I was able to borrow a TV/VCR combo so I could watch some of my food network video tapes…ahhh, what bliss. Hahaha
We celebrated a ship-wide international Thanksgiving to God last Sunday but had the traditional U.S. meal? Hmmm, I wonder how that works. Well, anyways the crew was happy and they liked the food…we even had a green bean casserole that had our own ‘french’ fried onions on top. And then Jennifer and I (she is a team leader in the Galley) argued about whether to mix some of the fried onions into the casserole or not because they get mushy. But the casserole was her ‘baby’ and she did a great job with the whole meal!
Tomorrow I am planning to go with a group to the ‘stilt village’, I think we have to have boat transportation to an Island where the whole village is on stilts…the dental team has already been to this village providing dental care. It will be a good chance to see all the different environments the teams work in.
We celebrated a ship-wide international Thanksgiving to God last Sunday but had the traditional U.S. meal? Hmmm, I wonder how that works. Well, anyways the crew was happy and they liked the food…we even had a green bean casserole that had our own ‘french’ fried onions on top. And then Jennifer and I (she is a team leader in the Galley) argued about whether to mix some of the fried onions into the casserole or not because they get mushy. But the casserole was her ‘baby’ and she did a great job with the whole meal!
Tomorrow I am planning to go with a group to the ‘stilt village’, I think we have to have boat transportation to an Island where the whole village is on stilts…the dental team has already been to this village providing dental care. It will be a good chance to see all the different environments the teams work in.
Monday, January 5, 2004
Intro
We met while serving/working with Mercy Ships and we later married on November 5th, 2006 not to far from the Mercy Ships International Operations Center in East Texas.
Mercy Ships is a global charity, that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the forgotten poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide, and serving all people without regard for race, gender or religion.
Tyrone was working as a Chef/Galley Manager in the galley (kitchen). Stephanie was working as a Registered Nurse.
In January 2009 we completed our commitment working in West Africa as volunteer staff/crew with Mercy Ships aboard the world’s largest Charity (non-government) hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. Sad to leave, but excited to move ahead, we left to pursue new goals in our married life.
Nowadays we are residing/integrating in Northern California. Stephanie is working as a Registered Nurse and enjoying catching up with old friends. Tyrone has gone back to working in the Beverage Industry and transforming his new kitchen into a ‘food lab’. We still love to pursue short term mission and charity work in our spare time and are visiting/attending a church we really like.
Our newest addition to the family, Tytus Nathaniel, was born March 2, 2010!
Life is good! God is great! Bon Appetit!
http://www.facebook.com/tyronebcookin
http://www.facebook.com/stephanie.w.barton
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