New Job, New Ship, and the End of a School Year

 

Greetings from Dakar, Senegal...

New Job...

We have had a lot of big things happen since our last blog update!  At the beginning of May, Jeff was asked to take over a new job on the ship as the Operations Director of the Africa Mercy.  The Operations Director is responsible for daily operational effectiveness onboard the vessel by overseeing several departments including the Academy, Information Services, Finance, Supply, Stewards, and Transport & Maintenance.  The Operations Director is also involved in broad participation across the organization with tactical planning, annual scheduling, and management of shipboard policies and procedures in alignment with Mercy Ships strategic goals.  Jeff is looking forward to serving the needs of the organization in this new role.

New Ship...

At the end of May, we were able to witness a monumental event in the history of the Mercy Ships organization.  A brand new, purpose built ship, the Global Mercy, sailed into Dakar and docked alongside the Africa Mercy.  The Africa Mercy continued its mission of providing safe and free surgeries to the people of Senegal, while the Global Mercy began its first field service providing Medical Capacity Building classes to Senegalese healthcare workers.

The Africa Mercy (left) and the Global Mercy (right)
side by side in the port of Dakar.

Watching the Global Mercy come into port.

Shortly after the Global Mercy arrived, we were invited to participate in two big events.  The first event was the inauguration of the Global Mercy, which was attended by His Excellency Macky Sall, President of Senegal, along with other African presidents, ministers of health, country delegates, and Mercy Ships partners. The second event was the Africa Celebration, which was a livelier event with dancing, singing, and a torch ceremony.  A torch was carried from the Africa Mercy and used to light a new torch on the Global Mercy commemorating the addition to the fleet.  It was such an honor to sit amongst all of these people and witness a dream of two fully functioning hospital ships becoming reality.  

Awaiting the Inauguration Ceremony for the Global Mercy.

The Managing Director of the Africa Mercy walking
the torch to the Global Mercy to light the flame.

Jeff standing alongside his Senegalese day
crew during the Africa Celebration.

End of a School Year...

At the beginning of June, the kids finished the school year.  It has been such a blessing to watch them grow academically, but most importantly in their faith.  We have been surrounded by an incredible team of teachers who love the Lord and impart that in their teaching daily.  Though it has been a year of challenges, we are grateful for all the growth we’ve seen in them and for the friendships that they’ve made. 

Rosie and her friend enjoying waffles in the cafe on the last day of school.

Prayer Requests...

We are so grateful for each of you who continue to support us in prayer.
Patients:
--Pray for successful surgeries and that they can see the love of Jesus through our words and actions.
Crew:
--Pray for energy and joy as we enter this latter half of the field service
--Pray that we can share the love of Jesus in our words and deeds to those on and off the ship.

Support us...

Did you know we have a physical address in the US where you can send us mail and it will get sent over to the ship?  We'd love to hear from you!  Thank you so much for all of you who have sent letters and packages, it means so much.  

The Scace Family - AFM

PO Box 2020

Lindale, TX  75771

As always, if you’d like to support our mission financially, please use the donation link below to make a tax-free donation.  

DONATE HERE

Elementary school assembly on the last day of school.

Reuniting with friends from TX on the Global Mercy.

Opening a care package!  So much joy! Thank you to the Popes!

One of the many combined gatherings we shared with the crew from the Global Mercy.

The entire elementary school from both ships practicing for their big choir performance.

The elementary choir performing "This Little Light of Mine" at
the African Celebration torch ceremony.

Enjoying a tour of the Global Mercy with some other families.

Rosie loving being a practice patient for the orthopedic team.

A beautiful mural painted in the port in preparation for the arrival of the Global Mercy.

Jeff organized a Murph Challenge Memorial Day
weekend in the Africa Mercy gym.

Reuniting with more friends from the Global Mercy.

Ava and her friend enjoying their practice patient time.