Happy Birthday, Sierra Leone!

Fifty years ago today, the red white & blue of the Union Jack came down and the blue, green and white of the Republic of Sierra Leone went up. Happy Birthday, Sierra Leone!  (This information was stolen from my friend Olly's blog - thanks, Olly!)

Good Friday?!?

We're not sure it's a good Good Friday here - we all got our shots today!  Not fun, but necessary!  We're going to take you on a quick trip to the continent of Africa and show just where Sierra Leone is located:

Even better, here's a view of the Africa Mercy docked at Berth #6 at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown. 

Summer Crew!

We're excited to be working with a summer team that comes from virtually all over the world!  Luba is a Minnesota girl who is originally from Russia.  She's the youngest member of our team and Matt and I met her two weeks ago as she only lives an hour north of us.  Jamie will be joining us from Connecticut where she will soon be pursuing her Master's Degree in Education.  Together, she and Luba will make up our morning preschool team.  Annelies is from the Netherlands and we are quite excited that she is willing to lead our music.  She comes with a varied background that includes summer camp, law and medicine.  Melissa hails from the land down under and is currently a college guidance counselor (or "officer" as they say in Australia).  Her sister is already working on the ship as a nurse.  We are excited and looking forward to meeting these young ladies!     

One-Two-Home Switcheroo

Shortly after we sent out our support letters, we received a phone call.  Friends of ours with Wycliffe wanted to know if they could house sit for us this summer.  Originally from Minnesota, they have big events taking place here - their oldest son is graduating from college and getting married, Mark's parents are having their sixtieth wedding anniversary, and most importantly, I think they miss the mosquitoes!  Of course, we said "Yes!"  So while Mark, Sue, Collin and Tessa are living in the big blue house, we'll be on the BIG white ship!

The Africa Mercy docked in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Thank you, Tracy!

A special thank you to our neighbor, Tracy, who spent last Friday afternoon with me teaching me the ins and outs of blogging!  We hope you enjoy finding out "what's zup?"