This morning started with OR devotions- smallest group ever with just six of us left. I looked around the room and just gave thanks to God for giving me such a great friends over the year to work with in the OR. We all came from different backgrounds, hospitals, and countries, but we all have the desire to serve in common. Afterwards, we proceeded to Starbucks for some coffee (thank God for caffeine!) before returning to pack up the OR. As I stood in line, I surveyed the cafe, but noticed it was a different scene this morning. More medical crew since the hospital is closed and more students after their finals were finished today, but the engineers and deck crew were no where to be seen. These men and women are the "unsung heros" of this ministry. Right now, they are the busiest as we prepare to sail. We were informed that there would be another blackout today. So as the computers went down and the air con was turned off, people gathered in the dining room for lunch. I packed mine for later and joined other crew to pray. There is a great prayer need for the Technical team as they clean the cooling system for the engines. Just like a car, the ship's engine has a water tank to prevent overheating (thanks Dad for teaching me years ago!). Prayer for the radar to work now and properly during the sail to the Canary Islands. I sat with my head bowed as the lights went out and heard loud booms coming from deck 2 and prayed for wisdom and strength for the people working hard to get us ready for the sail. I also lifted up my fellow crew, Brenda & Joan, as they are doing advance work in Togo for next year's outreach. Please pray for open doors with the right government people, translators, protection, and wisdom in Togo. I took the time also to pray for my family and friends- a ocean separates us, but you never forgotten in all my prayers because of our partnership in the gospel. A couple hours later my cabin was getting warm and smelly, so I popped up on deck 8 for the sunset- one of the few that are left here in Benin. I sat there with friends, but inside having another conversation with God. Praising and thanking Him for the past year and all He has done in thousands of lives here, including mine. I pray for an everlasting presence of God's love in Benin and our patients' lives. Pray for healing in those still in need and for those who are searching for peace that comes only through Christ. My day ended with saying good-bye to friends leaving the ship, praying for their safe travel and also that our paths may cross again.
It was a full day of conversations with God.
Thank you for your conversations, for your prayers.
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