There have been moments since we arrived here in Guinea where I've wondered about my love and passion for medical work in Africa. I haven't had opportunities yet to be intimately involved in the work that goes on here everyday and so, at times, I have had a clouded view of God's work here. I am so thankful for this time as a stay-at-ship mom and I wouldn't trade it for anything but I also know that I need moments like Sunday to remind me of the bigger picture.
Church was held in one of the hospital wards. It is a large room with patient beds along each wall. Chairs were set up between the beds and aisles. Some patients were occupying the beds and otherwise the beds were used as additional seating. The room was overflowing with patients, nurses, and other crew. Many of the patients had bandages covering their newly transformed faces and limbs. A group of West African day workers and crew played the drums and led us in worship. This was not your typical western Presbyterian worship (no offense :) ). This was loud, on your feet, shake your body, sing-it-like-you-mean-it worship. There was dancing, stomping, clapping, crying and full out praising. Man, I've missed that. I would say I had my first "moment" since being on the ship. A moment of total awe at what the Lord is doing here and complete gratitude to be able to be a part of it. As I scanned the "pews" of people of every color from all over the world worshipping God together I was brought to tears. I don't know the religious views of everyone there but I do know that it was something very special to come together like that to praise the Lord and I know he was pleased to see his children from many tribes and nations singing out to Him. It is obvious that he is at work in people's lives on this ship!
Dressed up for church!
The rest of our week and weekend was good also. Some highlights (captions above):
Swam in the pool for the first time.
Beautiful rainbow from Deck 7 and. . .
. . . sunset from Deck 8. We get to see beautiful sunsets like this most nights while Adalynn plays on the top deck. One of the amazing blessings of living on this ship!
Promised Adalynn a walk in the "blue backpack" on Saturday, but it rained all day so we took a walk around the ship!
Favorite slide. She learned how to walk up it this week so she can walk up and slide down all on her own.
Bang trim. Cora got one too but haven't gotten a good pic yet.
Adalynn and Emma were given leotards and tutus for their dance class. Adalynn wore hers all day long and practiced Ballet all afternoon :)
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Cora likes sweet potatoes!
"Have a great week!!"
I imagine going from American life as a mommy where so much emphasis is put on careers and keeping a balanced life style outside of home responsibilities - to ship life in another country would be confusing at times to find your place. There are so many woman around the world that only aspire to do the great work that is done within the walls of your own home.
ReplyDeleteHaving the chance to have a family and keep them with you while you're doing God's work out there is a once in a million chance. You're preparing your children to be the future leaders of love in a world of anger and fear. You're exposing them to a life of charity, love and expressions of sympathy they will always have. They will have so many hidden life values and deep feelings of understanding for the world around them that would not be taught to them any other way. You're doing so much of God work not just with the people in that country - but right in your own home, the pay check just comes much later in life.
Love you all so much!
*hugs and kisses* from The Ratzlaff family.