So far in South Africa....

Hello everyone!

It has been one week since we arrived to our ship in Durban South Africa. The beginning of the journey was rough, including; stomach bugs, 2 all night flights, 4 cities, 2 layovers, 6 big pieces of luggage, 3 carry-ons, an infant plus her car seat, lack of sleep, and jet lag for us all. Like always though, it just takes a few days to feel semi normal and energetic... enough to move cabins, unpack, 'nest,' and get into a routine. Lily slept for most of the flights, she did great! Now we're working on getting her back to a normal sleep schedule (rather than going to bed between 10pm and midnight).

part of our cabin (post 'nesting')

Justin finished his first work week and things are going well on board and well with the ship yard. I already saw huge pieces of (old) machinery being moved off the ship, to be replaced with new, efficient equipment during this project!

I am getting into a routine with Lily and I will soon do some 'on call' part time work embarking and disembarking crew, dealing with passports, ID cards/name badges, and cabin keys. (This will come second to Lily's needs, of course :)

Lily is meeting LOTS of new faces. She brings a smile to anyone and everyone who meets her and she often gives out smiles right back. To the ship yard workers, she is their first 'ship yard baby.' She is discovering lots of new things and enjoys her new home (cabin) on board the Africa Mercy. She is safe (as many people wonder), most of the work being done on the ship is on decks 2 and 3 and Lily and I spend our time on decks 4 and 5. We have enough power, hot water, hot food, internet, phones, coffee, and friends (not to mention stores nearby with diapers and wipes).... we're doing pretty good.

Lily 'eating' her elephant, her favorite toy

Yesterday was my first day out. Lily and I went on a day trip 2 hours inland(with three others) to an old college campus in a place called Applesbosch. Most of the crew are staying there during this technical project. The ship kids are going to school there and our offices are set up there as well. It was great to see about 15o of my friends, all who were very excited to meet Lily for the first time, they'd been praying for her since before she was born.

The countryside on our way to Applesbosch

On our way home Lily had her first 'African Adventure' as our car let us sit on the side of the road about 40 minutes from the ship. A wonderful couple stopped to help us and took us off the next exit. There, (it seemed in the middle of no where) sat an enormous palace looking casino/hotel/restaurants. It wasn't a bad place to wait and have coffee until Justin came (to our rescue) and picked us up.

Justin and Lily on our (multipurpose) bed

Thanks for stopping by!