Here I am

I'll spare you the long journey details and just leave it with the fact that I have arrived safely in South Africa.  It actually was a good trip as several friends were with me and that helped the long flights pass quicker.  

The ship has been in dry dock getting refitted for several months.  As I've learned with anything that happens in Africa, the estimated time isn't always what it ends up being.  Since there is no ventilation, or sometimes electricity on board the ship the crew is being housed at a old college about 1.5 hrs from the ship.  On Saturday we were brought here to what is called Applebosch.  It was a wonderful reunion seeing people I have worked with in Benin and Togo.  There has been many hours already of laughing.  It is hard not being on the ship just yet and to be waiting to sail knowing that the people of Sierra Leone are waiting for us.  There is an amazing team there preparing for the ship and starting the screenings for the patients.  We don't have an exact day to sail but I'll keep everyone updated.

The best thing for me about being stuck here in South Africa is that I've always wanted to visit South Africa.  This coming weekend I'm able to go on a Safari and next weekend attend a futbol (soccer) match at the stadium that held the world cup. 

 Every day we are driving to the ship to work to get things ready for the sail and outreach.  I have to admit i'm excited to move back on board.  I've missed the ship.  

There isn't much else to report just yet.  I know that everyone was looking to hear patient stories, but settle in for a wait since it will be about a month before we reach Sierra leone.  Thanks for keeping up with the blog and I'd love to hear from all of you.