We're back!!

Norah Van Den Heuvel
May 17
2 min read

Dear Friends,

It’s time to catch up again. The past few months have truly flown by, and I’d love to share a few highlights from this season.

ONBOARDING TEXAS

After the holiday season, I flew to Texas for a few weeks of training. During the first week we completed Basic Training, a requirement for all crew members serving on a ship. From crowd control, firefighting, and first aid to water survival skills, we covered it all. After that we began the Gateway Program, which included training specifically focused on serving in a developing country, living on board, and working within Mercy Ships as an organization.

DURBAN

After a short break during which I had the chance to see many lovely people, it was time to get back to work but this time not on the ship.

Because of the extended AMP (Annual Maintenance Period), we had to move the school onto land. Within one week, we had set up the school in two houses: one for Elementary and one for Junior High & High School.

Made-Lynn (the kindergarten teacher) and I became taxi drivers, bringing all the kids and teenagers to school in the morning and back home in the afternoon.

Although this season certainly came with its challenges, it was also filled with so much JOY! We were in a beautiful and safe location, very close to the beach. As a team, we grew closer together, enjoyed wonderful coffee shops, became part of a local church, and were able to teach our students again (we had really missed them!!).

Kings Day on the ship!!

SAIL

Shortly after moving everything back onto the ship (a true mass relocation read: hauling 100 boxes of supplies back up the gangway), it was time for the SAIL!

On Tuesday we were all set and departed from the port of Durban. The first two days were “a bit rough,” as we would say here. But after those first days the sea became much calmer, and we were able to enjoy the special journey.

Worship on the bow was truly one of my favorite moments. Worshiping God in the middle of the Indian Ocean, completely surrounded by His creation, was such an indescribable experience that touched me deeply.