Weathering Storms

During the initial time after we arrived back on the ship after our trip home in the summer, we experienced a pretty extreme case of homesickness. We really struggled with the blues to such an extent that it was difficult to get back to work and, frankly, I think that is the main reason there have been so few posts on our blog over the past few months. Now that we are less busy at the end of the field service and feeling better about things in general, I'm trying to catch up a little with blogging. I hope you will agree that late news is better than no news.

In the early fall this year, our community here experienced a period of difficulty. Three of our crew came down with malaria and spent quite a bit of time in the hospital on the ship under the care of our medical crew. All three recovered from their illness, but it was a very difficult time for them. Around the same time, Citra, one of our Gurkha security guards was out running in the morning with a good sized group from the ship. They had reached the usual turn-around point where our Gurkha friend was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the street. There was a doctor & a number of nurses in the group who tended to him. The physician in the group also insisted that the Beninese ambulance that arrived take Citra to the ship rather than to a local hospital. It took some convincing, but the ambulance driver ultimately agreed and they brought Citra to the ship. The medical staff suspected a head injury and probable internal bleeding. The cat scan and portable x-ray on board were very useful in determining the extent of Citra's injuries. He spent about a week and a half in the ICU on the ship and continued his recovery in his cabin. Despite his head injury, Citra made a full recovery from a situation that could have easily taken his life. Citra was thrilled to come back to work and has just recently gone home for his yearly scheduled vacation. We were all so happy here on the ship that he is doing well and we credit God and thank Him for taking care of our dear friend!

John

"One day Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let's go over to the other side of the lake.' So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Master, Master, we're going to drown!' He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 'Where is your faith?' he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, 'Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.'" Luke 8:22-25