November in SA (a non technical report from Lorah!)

As many of our friends and family are entering into winter, we are heading into summer time here in South Africa. Lily has experienced her first trips to the beach (and has dipped her feet in the Indian Ocean). She has also had her first Thanksgiving, celebrated on the Africa Mercy. I think everyone would agree, from all nations represented on board, it was a great feast. This month has also been a milestone for Lily's mobility. She has been enjoying her 'rocket ship' at most of Mommy and Daddy's meal times (pictured below). For a while the only direction she could manage was backwards, but in the last few days she has started moving forwards with proper steps. Now we'll just have to work on her balance... One more 'first' for Lily is the new food she's been trying... butternut squash, bananas and carrots. I'm pretty sure she's been enjoying the tastes of new food as well as wearing it all over her face.

My days on board have been pleasant. Mostly they consist of caring for the little one, doing Bible study and laundry while she's napping, and around 3pm in the afternoons I try to cut hair for the crew while Lily plays barista with some friends in the cafe. About three evenings a week Justin and I practice some worship songs as we lead worship every Thursday night for our weekly community meetings. This has been a stretch for us, as we normally 'assist' in worship teams (Justin on electric guitar or base and myself as a low harmony back up vocal). Despite the challenges the stretch has been good. We have learned more about playing and singing melody... as well as me singing higher than I'm used to!...(still working on this).

South Africa has been a great place for Lily's first visit to a nation outside the US. We have everything we need here as well as the largest mall in the Southern hemisphere.... which I have yet to explore. Besides the perks, we still see the devastation of poverty. Sometimes it is shocking to see the shanties sitting beside the giant malls. The mix of cultures, races, and levels of wealth/poverty are more unique and more expansive than anywhere else I've been. I have mixed emotions about South Africa, but overall I'm glad we're here and I'm enjoying this season on board the Africa Mercy.

First time in the ocean!

Modeling her new bathing suite

Umhlanga Rocks beach

Having fun with Dad

Another highlight of the month-

our friends Scott and Liz Messner

came down from Swaziland for a visit!

blue eyes :)

Lily's Rocket Ship!!

Thanksgiving on the AFM