Hey bus rider!
Get excited! Today one of your dreams will come true. This very day you will be on the Africa Mercy. A moment that you have thought about over and over. After you walk up the gangway into reception and from then on your life will not be the same. Your life will contain another landmark; pre/post Mercy Ships.
Journeys take time. This one will take a minimum of 8 hours. With this time today remember how you got here. The first time you heard about Mercy Ships and the Africa Mercy. Whatever you have left behind it has prepared you for what you are getting ready to experience.
You have been brought here fore this specific time of your life. Every person serving has been brought together because of their specific talents, abilities, personalities, faith and experiences. This conglomeration forms a community that you will see is one in a million.
I must warn you about a few things. You will be asked four questions; what's your name, where are you from, where are you working and how long are you staying? Watch out, because before long you'll start asking the same questions.
Dutch Blitz, it's a game and it's played often.
A toastie is a hot sandwich that is toasted in a press.
The two minute showers, you can do it...
The laundry room, don't freak out, just ask somebody they will be happy to help.
Experience as much as you can handle. Not one bit more. We all have limits and only you know yours. Mercy Ministries happen weekly, HOPE center visiting times happen daily, friendship moments happen hourly. Being away from home can be hard enough so don't overextend yourself by trying to do more than possible.
All crewmembers have been where you are. At some point in time they were the newest person around. That could have been last week or 26 years ago. You're not alone. If there's a question just ask somebody around you. Next time the bus pulls up it will be filled with more new people. The newest additions to your ship family. When they're walking around looking like they're lost it's because they are.
When you see somebody having a hard time or simply a bad day, encourage them. We all need encouragement at some time. You can be the person to make their day brighter. It doesn't matter if its a patient, room mate or co-worker. When you're having a great day, share the excitement! Dance if you want to. Joy is something to be shared with everybody!
Last but not least. You're awesome!
