Arrival in Tenerife was filled with exciting new opportunities to learn and grow through along with1st and last time experiences and challenges.
1st time my Luggage was lost for more than a day. – Last meal in Texas for awhile – Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
1st time to be quarantined and have other’s bless me with meal delivery or secure equipment for sail.
1st time to be on a team responsible for the connectivity of the vessels communication systems.
1st time to see dolphins swim along the side of the ship as we left the port of Tenerife heading to Las Palmas. And to sing praises to the Lord on the Bow at an impromptu worship service.
Shipyard perks included the Free Boutique (items left behind by crew) and new ways to fix a meal when you missed scheduled meal times due to work.
Shipyard construction work was an opportunity to “Mend our Nets” in preparation for return to Senegal. The crew aboard and contractors that were sent just for that purpose do an amazing job inspecting and correcting deficiencies in the structures as well as prepare for new technology like the new satellite we installed in the first 2 weeks of dry dock.
Shore leave on Las Palmas was much more free than Tenerife and as long as we followed Covid protocols we were able to travel in a 10 mile radius. But you had to go down the “Tower of Terror” Shaky stairwell and garb up to leave the ship first.
The beauty of the country was such a blessing.
A group of us decided to go for a hike starting on the beach and headed up to a cross high above the city. The first picture you can’t even see the cross it was so high, then we made it to the shore and finally up into the clouds and to the cross. Such a beautiful day that ended in a game of Hand and Foot cards with these lovely ladies.
The Sunday before I left for Antwerp I was so very blessed to attend Worship with my name twin. His name is Emmanuel Mendi and everyone just calls him “Mendi”, so when we are in a room together we both answer and laugh. His heart of service is obvious to all who meet him and I love the reminder of his name. Emmanuel means “God is with us” so I thank your parents for naming you this in reminder that “God is with us Mendi”.
To all of our friends here and abroad, please remember that “God is with Us”.
Blessings on your journeys,
Mendy
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