Burns Surgeon Returns

Most of the population of Liberia cook over charcoal fires, since there is no cooking gas or electricity available to them. Consequently, horrific burns are very common as people (especially children) fall into cooking fires and are burned by boiling oil or water. This weekend, one of South Africa's top plastic surgeons returns to the ship, to work with the burns patients. Sadly, he can't reconstruct the burnt faces of the people in the photos, but he can loosen burns contractures which otherwise can disfigure faces and bodies. Olly

The budget for the 2012 Olympic Games?

I just read in a BBC article that the budget for the 2012 Olympic Games in the UK is £9.3 billion ($18 billion). Sure, the Games are great but how can anyone justify spending £9,300,000,000 on an event that lasts 2 weeks (when there is still so much need in the world). Why not bring the Olympics to West Africa and use all that money to rebuild country after country? London doesn't need all that investment. The total government budget for Liberia for the whole of 2006 was about £63 million ($125 million). That puts £9.3 billion a little more into perspective. For the full article click here. Olly

Liberian Girl

I just found this photo on the ship's archives, of Libby in her African best and holding her nation's flag, on the day we arrived back in Liberia earlier this year after 2 months in The Canaries.

Retired

For those of you who know us, we are pleased to let you know that we are officially retired and are enjoying a hard earned rest! Bunny, white mussie and pink mussie.

Trouble at the Water Plant

On Tuesday, Liberia's only working water plant was out of action for the day due to a system breakdown. Can you imagine a whole country without running water? Its true, the majority of Liberia's population rely on wells and hand-pumps for their water, but most people in the city of Monrovia buy their water on the street, which comes from one or two water pipes that reach the edge of the city, and is then bought up the hill in 5-litre jugs in hand-carts and sold for 25LD per jug (25p or 50c). So on Tuesday, with no water in the line, there was no water to buy in the city. Can you image that? No washing or flushing for the whole day. Supply to the ship also dried up, but fortunately we have reserves in our tanks that will last for weeks if we are careful. On Tuesday afternoon our Second Engineer and Chief Electrician went to the Water Plant and managed to get things going again. Phew. Photo of a Water Boy selling his water. Olly

Liberian Government Defends Mercy Ships & Dismisses "Kidney Buying" Rumours

The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has come to the defense of Mercy Ships in the wake of rumors that the organisation was dealing in "kidney buying" from victims that fell prey to evil men. "We have an information about rumors that are going around that people on Mercy Ships are buying kidneys, and selling them in Europe or the United States; this is not true; it is blatant lie," Dr Walter G Gwenigalie, Health and Social Welfare Minister stated in a very strong mood. The medical doctor added "Mercy Ships has served the people of Liberia since 2003 with high medical standards and distinction. It is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978." It can be recalled recently that a story on the FrontPageAfrica.com website, written by one of its correspondents in Monrovia, reported that there were rumors that Mercy Ships was allegedly involved in "ritualistic killing designed to extract kidneys and other human parts for commercial purposes". The site's story continues: "In the past four months, some bodies that were found with missing kidneys include Mack Nimbo, a deportee from the USA whose body was discovered at the Barnersville Junction, outside Monrovia with the back open and kidneys removed. A taxi driver only identified as Sumo was also discovered with kidneys removed at Armed Bush curve in Kakata, Margibi County. An unidentified body of a man believed to be in his 50s was found with kidneys extracted, under the Gabriel Johnson Tucker Bridge (New Bridge) in Monrovia. An old lady, only known as Ma Wata was abducted from her house midnight in the Jamaica Road area, and was found in an old toilet house with kidneys removed two days later," the report in the Frontpage maintained. "Monrovia has been buzzing as residents debate on the allegations involving those reportedly behind the buying of kidneys. As rumors were widely spreading, some residents have been suggesting that they heard that Mercy Ships was involved in buying kidneys," the report added. Dr Gwenigalie, in his reaction to the story, vehemently refuted it and said the Mercy Ships was not only involved in performing life-saving operations but was also helping in building clinics and other facilities in various communities around Liberia. Dr Gwenigale defended Mercy Ships at a well-attended press conference jointly held by his Ministry and Mercy Ships officials on Friday, August 15, 2008 at the MoHSW. The international chief executive officer of Mercy Ships, Samuel Smith, responding to a question from a reporter as to whether they perform surgical works on kidneys, said: "Mercy Ships does not carry on or perform any internal organ operation involving the kidneys, heart, etc." He said that they are involved in reconstructing the face, eye, tumor, among other surgeries. Journalists were barred from asking more questions to Mr Smith by Minister Gwenigale who said, "I call you here, so ask me all the questions and leave Mercy Ships alone but if you like, you can follow us on the Ship, we are on our way there right now". Still trying to show the impossibility of using or transplanting unsterile kidneys and maybe other human parts, the learned Minister, who himself is a surgeon, stated: "It is of course true that in a few countries in the world it is possible for very advanced medical personnel to transplant human kidneys from a donor to a person whose own kidneys have failed. This is an exceedingly complex and risky surgical procedure, requiring specialized equipment that is found in only a few countries on this earth. Only surgeons with long years of experience are capable of even doing such transplants. Speaking as a surgeon myself, it is preposterous to even think that a human kidney removed by amateurs in unsterile conditions could possibly be used for a medical transplant. Organs such as kidneys used for transplants must be removed under sterile conditions by experienced surgeons, and then stored under very closely controlled conditions. They must be used very quickly - there can be no delay in transplanting the organ into the recipient. From this very brief description, any sensible person will clearly understand that there is no possible way that a person's kidney - or any other organ - could be removed by an amateur and still be useful for a transplant. There is no possible way that any representative of Mercy Ships would even consider receiving such an organ - free or for money. There is no possible way that any such organ would have any cash value for any medical purpose. There is no possible way that an organ could be carried to the recipient in time to be useful for a transplant. There is no possible way that the would-be organ seller could escape arrest and prosecution for this illegal act". Minister Gwenigale concluded by saying "If anyone hears a report of the sale of any human organs, I ask you to report it immediately to the police, and to call me personally at the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare so that our own investigation can put an end to these preposterous, false, and malicious rumors". www.liberianobserver.com

Photo taken/teeth cleaned/hair cut/typhoid injection

It has been a busy Tuesday. Libby had her passport photos taken at 9.15. Then Sally and I went to see the ship's Dental Hygienist for the first time in 3 years - our teeth were cleaned, x-rayed and checked. Sally needs a filling. I don't. Then we both had haircuts. And then I had a typhoid booster injection. In between I did plenty of work. Honest. Olly

Swimmers disturbed

Anna and I got a bit of a shock this evening as we walked past the abandoned Blue Atlantic, which is moored on the other side of our dock. Two filthy (and desperate looking) theives were chased out of it by a policeman, and over the ship's side into the water where they swam away. Both men were filthy and covered in oil - not the kind of guys you'd like to bump into on a dark night - and had somehow managed to climb aboard the ship in broad daylight to loot it. Their journey across the port was closely watched by the Seaport Police and Nigerian UN soldiers. Maybe they were caught and taught a lesson. Maybe they weren't. Olly

Old Bridge to be rebuilt in November?

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has announced that the Vai Town Bridge which connects Monrovia with the industrial complex of Bushrod would be rebuilt shortly. The President said the reconstruction of the Vai Town Bridge would commence this November. The Vai Town Bridge collapsed in 2006 after the Ministry of Public Works declared the bridge unsafe for pedestrians and motorists. For full article click here. Olly

Charles Taylor's Court Hearing adjourned for 1 day

My Google Alert today told me today that Charles Taylor, ex-Liberian President (and one of the most evil men in the world in my opinion) has managed to get his war-crimes trial adjourned for a day because, he argues amongst other things, that the manner in which he is transported from jail to court is degrading. How ridiculous. I'm sure Mr Taylor's victims wished they had only been "degraded" instead of raped, mutilated, beheaded, disemboweled, burnt alive, thrown down wells...For the full article click here. Photo of the dear chap and some of his victims (or their remains). Olly

M/V Torm Alexandra update

One year ago on 16th August 2007, a Ghanaian salvage team started their salvage attempt on the Torm Alexandra. They have so far been successful in righting the ship and floating the bow, but the stern remains submerged despite continual pumping. I seriously doubt we will see the ship fully floated before we leave Liberia mid December. Photo above of the Torm Alexandra as she capsized on 24th July 2002. Photo below of the ship as we found her upon our return to Liberia in mid February 2008. Olly

Weevil-free Wheatabix

Praise the Lord! A container has just arrived from Holland with more wheat biscuists in it...and they haven't got weevils in yet! Breakfast is so much more enjoyable now, but lacking in the protein Libby and I have been getting used to. Olly

Play Station 2

Yesterday, Noah was lent a Play Station 2 for 24 hours. He made me join him playing with it yesterday evening...I am simply hopeless, and the whole miserable time was spent with Noah shouting "Daddy, press the triangle" or "the square", or the circle, or whatever. Even Anna is a better player than I am. Somehow, kids have the ability of picking up a new (and previously unplayed) computer game and playing it without any problem, whilst their old dad can't even make his Lego Star Wars man walk in a straight line. Do any other parents out there suffer from the same problem? Olly

Toni's Tenerife newsletter

Do you want to read Toni's newsletter, about the excellent work the British churches are doing in South Tenerife? Then click here. Olly

Eating oil

Do you know what a transformer is? You can often see them near power lines, reducing the voltage down to 220v or 110v before it goes into buildings. We've all got smaller ones in our houses, reducing voltage down to 12v or 9v, for charging mobile phones or playing small portable electrical devices. Anyway, I just overheard one of our Liberian staff saying that his people were so hungry in the war that they used to drink the oil from inside transformers to take away the hunger, and use it for cooking whatever they could scrape together. How terribly sad. Little things like this really shake me up now and then. Photo of a transformer. Olly

Minister of Health visits Mercy Ship

This morning, Liberia's Minister of Health & Social Welfare visited the ship and met with us crew in the International Lounge. He assured us of his Governments continued support in the midst of the bad media backlash we are experiencing. He bought with him a dozen reporters from Liberia's press, who toured the ship in order to see what we really do, and who will hopefully write kindly about us in the next few days. Olly

Media fall-out continues

The fall-out continues following the ridiculous article that was published locally implying that we are abducting and murdering people in order to steel their organs for sale in the USA. The UN's intelligence service have come to the ship advising us of possible threats to our safety, and some individuals around town have begun to hurl abuse at our vehicles as we pass. Meanwhile, the Government of Liberia is continuing to support us and have organised a press conference for tomorrow, where hopefully the rest of the local media will come to our assistance, and help clear our good name. Please pray for our safety during this time of unrest. Olly

Back to school

Today the kids went back to school. Libby (Preschool) is now taught by Miss Elizabeth; Anna (Grade 2) is now taught by Miss Emily, and Noah (Grade 4) is now taught by Miss Bethany. They are all happy to be back at school, and have come home tired. They even had an early night. Olly

Another ship sinks

Earlier this week, an old Nigerian freighter that has been moored outside the port's breakwaters for a few months, started taking on water, and is now lying on the seabed with its starboard side, part of the bridge, and its cranes showing clearly. Whilst it was in the process of sinking, local fishing boats evacuated the crew. Its a shame that another few thousand tonnes of steel have been added to Liberia's seabed, which will eventually cost millions of dollars to salvage and will remain a shipping hazzard until then. Olly

Our latest newsletter

It's funny, but I find it so easy writing down a couple of lines for this Blog, but I find it harder and harder writing newsletters. Do you want to read our latest? You do? Then click here. Olly

CeCes Beach is GONE!

Yesterday at 1.30pm, the Virginia swamp overflowed and cut a new river flowed through CeCes Beach, where we have spent hundreds of happy hours over the last three years, almost completely destroying the place. Gone is the beach area where we used to play; gone is the car park and road; gone is the gatehouse and generator shed; gone are countless thousands of dollars worth of tables and chairs buildings and years of investment...The toilets and the table-tennis room are toppling into the new river even as I write. Hundreds of site-seers have visited the disaster site today, including the President of Liberia herself. It is simply unbelievable what Mother Nature can do when faced with the encroachments of mankind into areas where we plainly shouldn't be. Olly

Above, all this area used to be beach.

Above, the road used to go between these buildings.

Above, the remains of CeCes hotel. The generator shed used to be where the river is now. The generator man was feared dead, but was found fit and healthy earlier today.

Some interesting old photos

These photos of the Africa Mercy were taken in the Camel Laird Shipyard in Newcastle, in 2001, and show the ship in the process of conversion.

Above, the aft bridge has been removed and the new cabins installed on Deck 6 and Deck 7. The crane is not yet in place.

Above, the bow door has been lifted and you can see the fire-proof panels have been inserted. This area is now used as the Bosun's Locker.

Above, the aft door lifted. It has now been welded shut to create the aft end of the cargo hold in which 20 shipping containers are stored with supplies.

Interesting eh? Olly

Hydro Electric Plant revisited

Today I visited the remains of Mount Coffee Hydro Electric Dam with 14 other crew in two Land Rovers, one year on since I was last there. The Liberian Electricity Corporation has wisely employed security guards there now, to prevent further looting of the iron and copper from the engines, motors and turbines. The place seems a little cleaner, somehow, without dozens of looters loading container trucks. Since we are in the heart of rainy season, the river was very high, and it rained all day - just getting to the plant was a challenge, with flooded roads and deep mud that no other vehicles had been through in days. After a brief look around the power station, we went on a long walk that too us into the heart of the dam itself, where we walked through the remains of the control gates and down the tunnels that used to take water into the turbines. There remains a few feet of water at the bottom of the tunnels in which crocodiles and boa constrictors live, our LEC guards told us. After shouting at some bats, we then continued up the river bank for an hour, and saw the spectacular unspoilt Liberian bush, complete with fire-ants and snakes. We returned to our Land Rovers having waded through chest deep creeks in the pouring rain, tired, soaked to the skin and covered in mud. A great day out. Olly

Beijing Olympics

We were all having lunch in the Dining Room just now, when someone turned on the TV so we could see the opening of the Beijing Olympics. All conversation dried up and everyone sat open mouthed (well, we did!) as we saw that spectacle opening up before us. How impressive. We are all looking forward to cheering-on our country's teams over the next couple of weeks. Olly

Libby's passport

We've just found out that there is no Liberian Embassy in either Benin or Guinea, so we now have to ask the Liberian Passport Office to issue Libby a new one now, two years before her old one is due to expire. Acres of Hope, our adoption agency, are helping us to go through the process, so should be straight forward enough, but please will you pray with us that all goes OK? Thanks, Olly

Bad media

In early 2006 an article appeared in a Liberian newspaper saying that some women on the Mercy Ship were child trafficking. The truth was that three families (including us) had felt lead by God to legally adopt Liberian babies. Such a newspaper article is hurtful to say the least, and can have a disastrous effect on our image and reputation…so imagine our horror once again when an article was published last week entitled "Mercy Ship and kidney sales", implying that Mercy Ships is behind a spate of recent abductions and murders (which are actually the work of Satanic Cults, as per my recent blog entry entitled "Body Parts for Satan"), and implying that our surgeons then removed the murdered victim's kidneys which were sold in the USA. Our leadership is doing everything they can to get the article withdrawn, but the damage has already been done locally to our reputation. Our safety is even less secure than previously, so we are being extra careful ashore. But it is some of our Liberian staff who are feeling the brunt of the population's anger at the moment – please pray for their safety. They are good guys, and extremely hardworking, and don't deserve to be treated badly by their country folk because of the viscous lies published by the idiot media. Olly

New Mercy Ships logo

Last Thursday evening, the new Mercy Ships logo was unveiled. Here it is (taken as a photo from the back of a t-shirt, hence its a bit wonky):
Developed by Satchi & Saatchi in the UK, the new logo clearly shows a ship with a medical cross on the side, and a Christian cross on the mast. The rings coming out from the ship are supposed to represent the world. I don't think its too bad, although I am sorry to say goodbye to the old logo. What do you think? Please comment. Olly

Rags

As we try to keep as many Mercy Ship vehicles on the road as possible, we get through crate loads of rags (which we use for wiping up spilt oil etc). The best rags are undoubtedly old t-shirts, and herein lies the problem: it's a crying shame to cut-up even the grottiest of t-shirts in Liberia, when so many people are only wearing rags themselves. Every time I buy a bundle of spoilt t-shirts, with the intention of cutting them up, they are snatched up by our Liberian mechanics and drivers so they can wear them. I will have to re-direct my search for rags elsewhere. Olly

Body parts for Satan?

There are some Satanic groups in Liberia that are still active and alive, mostly up-country. The ritual of eating your slain enemy's heart during the war years came from these cults. So I am deeply saddened to hear that Satanic practices are becoming more common, even in Monrovia where I have heard of people being abducted as they sleep, and of their bodies being found next morning with missing eyes, fingers and genitals. These body parts are used in Satanic rituals, where those involved get strength from the evil spirits who they worship. Please join us in praying against this. Please pray for the power of the Holy Spirit over the evil spirits. Please pray for more conversions of these Satan worshipers, like the conversion of the warlord known as the Butt Naked General who became the Christian evangelist and preacher Joshua Blahyi, and who was the first man to voluntarily confess to the Truth & Reconciliation Tribunal about what he did whilst under the control of evil spirits. Olly 

Weevils

Q: Do you know what happens when you don't store cereal in cool and dry places, like it says on the packaging? A: The weevil eggs (that are found in most cereals) hatch out, and you find that you are not the first to have been eating your Weetabix. Our cereal comes by container from the USA, and is exposed to warm and humid conditions whilst crossing the Atlantic, so rarely do I get a bowl of Weetabix without a shot of protein in it. (I told Libby that the dead weevils were bits of crunchy chocolate, so she loves them!)...Olly

Death Penalty to be used in Liberia

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed into law an Act making armed robbery, terrorism and hijacking capital offenses. This is a response to the appeal of the majority of the people for a robust response to the increasing level of crime involving robberies that include physical assault, rape and murder by robbers who attack innocent citizens, thereby creating panic and a confidence crisis in the society. The President is committed to revisiting the Act for possible amendment as soon as the situation is brought fully under control and sustainable peace is assured. www.newliberian.com.

This is a shocking response to the increasing number of armed robberies here, and we have no idea how implementing this act will work. Please pray for Liberia; that it will never be necessary to use this Act, and that mistakes won't be made. Olly

Happy 161st, Liberia

Mama Liberia is 161 years old tomorrow. Happy Independence Day, Liberia!

(Yes, I took this banner from the Liberian Analyst Newspaper's website - www.analystliberia.com). Olly

Bottling factory trip

On Wednesday I went with the kids from the Academy to the bottling plant of a company called Aqua Life. They pull water out of a deep well, and filter it several times before bottling it, in a very hi-tech factory the likes of which I had never seen before in Liberia. The building had been imported from France, and some of the machinery from China. Bottles and caps and labels and cardboard boxes all have to be imported too, from all over the world...the operation is massive, and obviously has cost an enormous amount to set up. Thanks to Harish for showing us around (see photo). Olly

Baby Greg update

Baby Greg died last night. He had been on our hospital ward for about 6 weeks, and was being helped to breath all that time. Please pray for his mother who has been with him on the ship all that time, and his family and community and their reaction to his death - please pray that some good will come out of it. Please also pray for our dedicated nurses who have also been at his side all this time, and who became very close to him. Olly

Happy Birthday to my Dad

It's my Dad's birthday today. He is spending it with my Mum exploring Turkey, so right now I have no idea where they are...they could be in Europe or they could be in Asia...but wherever you are, Dad, have a lovely day. I've been slowly building a blog for you - click on www.peetsofpippincottage.blogspot.com. Olly

Floods were worst in Monrovia's history

Intense and heavy rainfall in the Liberian capital Monrovia on 20 July caused the worst floods on record in Monrovia and forced nearly 1,000 people out of their houses, Liberian authorities told IRIN (seehttp://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=79364). All day Sunday, residents in eastern areas of the city including in Paynesville, Townhall, King Gray, Fish Market and other communities were seen removing personal belongings like mattresses, clothes and pots from their homes. By the end of the day, flood water had blocked roads to the area, and government rescue workers were using canoes to evacuate the remaining people from the flood areas. "Right now, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Internal Affairs along with the Red Cross has been assisting in evacuating the flood affected residents to safer locations and as a temporary measure the government has relocated those residents to shelter in nearby schools," Liberia's Chief Medical Officer Bernice Dahn told IRIN on 21 July. "With close to 1,000 persons displaced this is the worst flood we have experienced in this city," she said. Meteorologists have warned that the entire West Africa region is likely to receive above average levels of rainfall in 2008. Floods have already been recorded this year in countries including Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. However Liberia's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acting executive director Jerome Nyenka told IRIN that the cause of the Monrovia flood is due to what he called "encroachment of human habitations on wetlands" as much as the level of rainfall. irin.news.org

Sign-writing in Liberia

Saw this banner sticking out of the floods in one of Monrovia's suburbs today. What a shame the sign-writer didn't spell "Madam" correctly. Olly

The Scouting Association of Liberia

Liberian Scouts display some of the qualities that have been lost in recent years from Scouting in the UK: they are still proud to wear their uniform and stand out in the crowd, and spend one afternoon a week doing good deeds for free, which is entirely admirable in Liberia where I can guarantee that many of them would be grateful to earn a few dollars to buy food. They can regularly be seen around town, helping out...as I said in my previous blog entry, Baden Powell would have been proud of them, and everything they continue to stand for. Olly

Sunday 20th July...more rain

Today we have seen massive rains all day long, the likes of which I've never seen before. We tried to visit our friends Gary & Tammy across town, but had to turn around and head back to the ship because the floods were too deep.

Scouts in the pouring rain at Old Road Junction directing traffic around floods. I tried to give them some money for their labours, but was told "we don't take money: we're Scouts". I was blown away with shock - this is the first time in Liberia (in over three years) that anyone has refused money from me. Had he been alive today, Baden Powell would have been very pleased with them and all they continue to stand for.

The flooded road just before ELWA Campus. The river was pouring over it, as well as going under it through culverts, and getting deeper by the minute. Here we decided to turn around, as we were unsure we would be able to come back this way later. Gangs of young men were earning money pushing stalled cars out of the floods.

Jeety Trading Corporation's newly opened store at ELWA. Whoops. The store was built at least 5 feet above the usual river level, but here the water has risen by at least 9 feet, and is half-way up the front doors. The floodlights of SKD Stadium can be seen in the background, where Noah and I were yesterday. Olly

Mercy Ships -v- Ministry of Youth & Sports

This afternoon, thirty of the ship's crew including Noah and I travelled to the SKD Stadium outside Monrovia to watch the Mercy Ships football team play the Ministry of Youth and Sport's team (who are semi-professionals, I reckon, and included the Liberian National Team's German coach). The stadium is in magnificent condition after it's recent refurbishment by the Chinese...

...and even has fire-ant free grass!

Our team played well during the first half, and the game was nil-nil at half time. Sadly, the Ministry of Youth & Sports scored three goals during the second half.

It was a great afternoon out anyway. Olly

Anna

Anna (6) is incredible. Today, Sally took her to the local Cheshire Home for the mentally and physically disabled, and Anna took it all in her stride and talked and played with the residents quite happily. I remember going to a hospital for the mentally disabled when I was her age, and I was very unsettled by the visit. But not her! She has been blessed with a caring nature and is full of compassion. We are very proud of her. Olly

No tomatoes

Would you believe, there is not one single tomatoe on sale in the whole of the greater Monrovia area. Not in 4 fruit and vegetable markets or 5 supermarkets. Huh. Olly

Rain rain rain

Here in Liberia we're at the height of the rainy season. Most days it rains, and yesterday it rained all day without stopping. All of our outdoor work had to stop, and very few patients managed to travel to the ship. By yesterday evening I was so cold and damp that I had to change into long trousers and a jumper. My boots are still wet even now. Fortunately, today has been dry and warm, with only a brief rain shower a few minutes ago (but we've got a fire drill later, when I bet it rains so everyone standing on the dock will get wet whilst I run around on the ship in my fire suit getting hot...). Olly

Please pray for baby Greg

Six-month old baby Greg arrived on the Africa Mercy on 15th June for surgery to remove a tumour from his neck. After the surgery, he could not breath unaided, and although he has been on a ventilator ever since he does not seem to be improvingng. His mother, Marian, has been living on the ship with him for the last month; before that she was thrown out of her family home by her father, who placed a curse on her that she never bear living children. Her first daughter died at birth, and now she is afraid that she will lose baby Greg as well. Please pray that Greg's little body will grow strong enough to breath again on it's own, and please pray for strength and God's grace for Marian. Thank you. Olly

USA & UK to restructure Liberian Police?

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the ineffectiveness of the Liberia National Police has given rise to the bad security situation in the country. She said a restructured police force could fight crime if the necessary logistics and better incentives were provided them. The Liberian President disclosed that her government has asked the United States and British Governments to assist in the restructuring of the police to meet international standards. President Sirleaf was speaking on a wide range of issues of national concern, Wednesday at a major press conference in Monrovia. Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has left the country for a weeklong visit to South Africa. While in South Africa, the President will serve as Guest Speaker at the 90th birth Anniversary of Former South African President, Nelson Mandela. President Johnson Sirleaf is also expected to receive the Nelson Mandela Award for 2008. liberiabroadcastingsystem.com

Liberia: American Football Player endorses Mercy Ships

Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has commended Mercy Ships for its continuous support in revamping Liberia's health sector. The President said efforts by Mercy Ships have left an indelible mark on Liberians which can never be forgotten. The President spoke last Tuesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when she met with officials of Mercy Ships and Malcolm Kelly, an American football star from the United States. Mr Kelly, who plays professional football for the Washington Redskins in America's National Football League, was visiting Liberia to conduct an athletic speed and fitness program with Mercy Ships. The program, which is on-going at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, includes 40 local athletes from various sporting disciplines. President Johnson Sirleaf commended Kelly for identifying with the Mercy Ships cause. She recalled that Mercy Ships came to Liberia at a time when the country's health services needed to be fully reconstituted. The process, the President noted, began with "giving the young people of Liberia a new lease on life." The Liberian leader further commended Mr Kelly for thinking about Liberia as the country strives to rebuild after a 'difficult past,' challenging him to share his experiences and goals with young Liberian children. For his part, Mr Kelly expressed his pleasure in contributing to the success of Mercy Ships' outreach programs. He promised to return to Liberia to continue the program as well as explore other areas for possible assistance. allafrica.com

Another blogger

My parents (who are on the Mercy Ships UK Speaker Network) did a talk last week to the local Probus Club, and one of the club, David Duff, wrote about it on his blog. His comments are very moving, and a great encouragement to us, on the ship here in Liberia, who need encouragement every so often...click on http://duffandnonsense.typepad.com/duff_nonsense/2008/07/stunned-moved-and-at-a-loss-for-words.html for a jolly good read. Olly

Bunkering

Every three of four months the Africa Mercy is refuelled by a ship that comes into the port. Today the bunker barge arrived, and as I write we are in the process of receiving, I believe, something in the region of 700 tons of marine diesel fuel at a cost of nearly $700,000 USD. I understand that this breaks down to $2.75/gallon, which is pretty good compared to the cost of buying diesel on the street here in Monrovia at the cost of $4.75. Photo of the bunker barge moored across the dock from us earlier this morning. Olly

Computer games

In the last month, Noah has discovered the excitement of computer games, and at the same time Libby and Anna have discovered on-line childrens games (which even Libby can play)...so my own opportunity for quality time on the computer is getting less and less. So if you receive emails or see blog entries made at unearthly hours, you'll know why. Olly

If only I had my camera with me (Thank you, Firestone!).

Last night Isaac, one of our Liberian drivers, drove his Nissan straight into swamp land. This morning I went to rescue him, with two hand winches and a selection of towing straps (all of which eventually broke). Isaac's Nissan was axle-deep in thick mud, and every effort he was making to free himself only settled him in deeper. My efforts with my Nissan and 25 local men didn't shift Isaac's Nissan either...so we hired a 12 ton truck, which couldn't pull him out of the bog either...so we visited Firestone's Industrial Relations Manager, Mr Roberts, at the rubber processing plant. He kindly agreed to send a massive tow-truck out to help, which succeeded in effortlessly pulling Isaac's Nissan out of the swamp with it's huge 15 ton winch. God bless Firestone! How I wish I'd had my camera with me. Olly

The nicest engineers...

There are three young commercial engineers on the ship, who are constructing noise reducing enclosures around our huge and very noisy harbour generators. They are the nicest guys I have ever met, and have really fitted well into the community. They chat with the kids and hang out with the crew in the evenings, and even join in the football and frisbie games played in the UN fields nearby. They are most unusual: most contractors are usually very quiet and focused on getting the job done, and not interested in integrating with the ships community...Bless them! Olly

We know a celebrity!

This is our friend Scott Harrison. He was a photo-journalist on the Anastasis with us from 2004 to 2006. He is a remarkable guy who gave up his life as a night-club promoter in New York to volunteere Mercy Ships, and is now the founder of his own charity, which raises money to dig wells across Africa. He is featured in the USA's People Magazine this week as one of the US's most "Hot Batchelors". His website is http://www.charitywater.org./Olly

Sports

Believe it or not, there is very little for the international crew on the Africa Mercy to talk about every day. Often we don't share the same interests, or even watch the same TV shows, and there is a limit to how much we can discuss ship life...So the last few weeks have been great whilst the Euro Cup and now Wimbledon have been on satellite TV on the ship. I am amazed at the interest our international crew-mates have in these sporting events, especially Wimbledon (which is a uniquely British obsession, I thought). All over the ship, small crowds of off-duty nurses, cooks and engineers are huddled around TVs, groaning and cheering as games progress. Its great. Olly

Rainy season again

It's that time of year again, when we see more rain than sun. It rained all day Monday - torrential rain which flooded the decks an inch deep (which the kids loved playing in); and it has rained almost every day since. Liberia is looking very green right now, with plenty of flooded roads and houses. When it rains here it really pours, and visibility is reduced to zero. And it becomes delighfully cool too, which keeps the men who sell thick coats busy. Olly

Fire Drill

We had a great Fire Drill yesterday, on Deck 2 Forward, where our radios didn't work too well and communication was very hard. I had to phone Reception and ask them to relay a message to Fire Control, and the Receptionist couldn't hear a word through my breathing mask and my Darth Vader breathing. We found a victim - the ship's Chief Officer who is a very big guy, and me and 4 other firemen really struggled to carry him out of the smoke to a stairwell, where we couldn't carry him any further...The On-Scene Commander sent a huge Ukrainian engineer down to help us carry the victim up a deck to the awaiting Emergency Medical Team. Today I ache all over from the effort. Olly

Facebook

Isn't Facebook amazing? I have had nearly 20 birthday greetings via Facebook from people all around the world today. So if you Facebook'd me, thank you!. Olly

Another view of Monrovia

Here's a photo of the city of Monrovia taken from our friend's apartment on the south side of the city (the posh area!). Most of the large buildings you can see remain burnt-out shells, nearly five years after the war finished. Olly

Rainy days at ELWA

Here's a photo of a typical rainy day during our recent holiday off-ship. It was still hot enough to play with water outside, without the risk of sunburn or heat-stroke. Olly

Bye bye Miss Katherine

Anna's teacher, Miss Katherine, has just left the ship. We will all miss her. Olly

Bye bye Miss Page

Libby's teacher, Miss Page, has just left the ship. We will all miss her. Olly

Our kids

Here they are: June 2008. Olly

Washing-up bowls

Why do we use washing-up bowls, when the sink has a perfectly good plug? Olly

Bites

Now that we're back on the ship and unpacked and showered, we have been able to count our insect bites. Noah and Anna have several mosquito bites, and I have a couple. And my feet are covered in fire-ant bites. I think Libby and Sally are OK though. Makes me question the whole existence of biting insects - just what is their purpose and why did God invent them? Please pray that we don't develop malaria, especially Anna, who has no resistance to malaria (whereas Noah does a little, having had it early in 2007). Olly

No Onions!

On Saturday we tried to buy some onions, but there were none for sale in the whole of central Monrovia. Can you believe it? Olly

Libby's favourite food...

...is still RICE, even though Noah and Anna (and me) have spent the last couple of years trying to persuade her that French Fries are the best food in the world. Here's a photo of Libby eating, erm, rice! Olly

Musu's stick house

Last Monday, Musu's stick house, which we are in the process of building (with your help) was chopped to the ground by a man with an axe, who was under the impression that he was the land owner. He was arrested and has already had one Magistrates Court hearing to set a date for the next hearing where damages will be discussed. He is now languishing in Monrovia Central Prison (the worst place in the world!) until the case can be closed and he can find the money to pay Musu. Such is Liberian law that he could remain in prison indefinately if he (and his combined friends and family) are unable to find the money demanded by the Court. More later. Olly

Our week at the beach

Our week at the beach was wonderfully cool and wet. It rained nearly every day, with big storms at night and often drizzle all day long, but it didn't stop us from playing on the sand and in the sea. ELWA Campus, where we were staying, is a missionary base which provides electricity and water to its houses from 5am to midnight, so the residents are free from the stresses of generators and well-pumps. We had a very relaxing and cool week. At any other time of year staying there would have been very hot indeed! Olly

Iron Ore Loader

Here are some photos of the Bong Mining Company's iron-ore loader on the Mano River Pier in the Freeport of Monrovia, which we can see from our window. The first photo was taken in 1984 and shows the loader operational. Via a system of converor belts it could pour thousands of tons of iron-ore pellets each hour from the Bong Mines railway trains in waiting bulk carriers.
The second photo shows the same loader in 2006, sixteen years after the loader and the Bong Mines were abandoned due to the war. The converor belts have all been removed, but the loader remains almost intact.
The third photo shows the same loader today. Nearly a year of concentrated daylight metal stripping has taken place, and only the main structure remains. The scrappers use only hacksaws to cut off nuts and bolts holding the structure together, then the steel is tied to sacks of polystyrene and lowered into the sea, where it is floated to shore to be sold. Beyond the pier and to the right, you can see the mast of one of the Freeports 16 sunken ships sticking out of the water. In the far distance is another pier, and the remains of an even larger iron-ore loader awaiting it's fate. Olly

Bye bye (for now)

We're going on holiday today. We're going to spend this weekend at a friends appartment in Monrovia city, followed by 5 days at another friends house by the beach just outside the city, and then back to the appartment next weekend. And guess what - its raining and cold (by Liberian standards). Lets hope its stops raining so we can enjoy our holiday. So no more blog entries until after Sunday 22nd June. Olly

Schools out for...rainy season

Today is the last day of school for the academic year 2007/08. Hurray. The kids are all very tired, because the field service programme for the ship does not allow for half-term holidays, or even an Easter holiday, so their last real break was over Christmas and New Year. The ship's programme also dictates that we stay operational in Africa over the rainy season...so the kids have got 7 weeks off in the middle of rainy season. Last year, their Summer Program (kids club) did a lot of activities in the rain - lets see what this year's programme and weather combine to make. Olly

Ship teachers needed

We are looking for teachers for the 2008-2009 school year and beyond. For more information about our school and how to become part of our team on the Mercy Ship Africa Mercy, please click on www.msa-recruit.com. Teachers for the following positions are still needed for the 2008-2009 school year: Preschool; 2nd Grade; 5th and 6th Grade; High School Maths and High School Social Studies. All crew members on the Africa Mercy are volunteers and pay a monthly crew fee for room and board. If you know any interested teachers, please pass along this information. Thank you, Brian Blackburn, Mercy Ships Academy Chief Administrator. Tel (001) 903-939-7183 or email brian.blackburn@mercyships.org.

The saddest time of year

It's the saddest time of year again, as most of the Academy's teachers are preparing to leave at the end of next week. They have begun taking down all the kids paintings that have been brightening up the corridors for months. Both Anna and Libby's teachers are leaving, so both kids are sad. Olly

Another angry mob?

Shortly after the incident with the cow, I saw a mob running around and shouting (in a most threatening manner), armed with a badly written sign saying "STOP YOUT VIOLENC". I gather they were a mob of youths, but I wasn't sure whether they wanted me to stop them from being violent, or they were campaigning for violence against other youths to be stopped, or they were campaigning for violence by other youths to stop. But whatever they were, they looked like a violent mob of youths. Not the best thought out demonstration, I think. Olly

Angry mob?

It is not uncommon to see an angry mob armed with sticks and machettes chasing a thief through the streets of Monrovia...but today I saw a first - an angry mob chasing a COW! I have no idea what the poor creature had done to upset the mob, but it was covered in cuts and was bleeding from it's nose. I sincerely hope it was rescued before it was cut up into little pieces by the blood-thirsty crowd. Olly

Top Gear

Last night, someone managed to get Top Gear, the BBC TV series, on the ship's satellite TV. I haven't watched it for ages, and I laughed and laughed. It was the funniest thing I have seen in ages, and contained some uniquely British humour and references that I'm sure will fly over the heads of most non-Brits. Photo of the presenters. Olly

Sports Day

This afternoon the ship's Academy had their end of year Sports Day, on the Nepalese Army's parade ground near the ship in the Freeport. The parade ground had it's own covered stands for formal events, so we were able to enjoy the shade and comfort of chairs.
All 48 Academy kids took part, and their parents came too. The event was closely watched by dozens of off-duty Nepalese soldiers, who cheered the kids on and enjoyed the races too.

Photo of Sally winning the mum's race, just like Princes Diana did all those years ago.

Photo of Noah in the egg-and-spoon race with the Nepalese in the background.

Photo of Anna in the rubber-chicken hurdle, running slightly faster than her friend Jelmer. Olly

Bye bye Freeport potholes

Look at this photo. The Chinese are fixing the deadly potholes outside the Freeport. Yippee! Olly

WW2 in Liberia

I understand that during the earlier part of World War Two, Liberia remained neutral even though it traded with the Allies from 1939 until it joined the war in 1944. Liberia remained the Allies main source of rubber (along with Ceylon) throughout the war, and the Freeport of Monrovia was constructed in 1944 to assist in the war effort and improve the export of rubber and iron ore. Behind the port, to this day, remain two large WW2 gun emplacements, that housed large guns that could protect the Freeport. Photo of the Western emplacement. Olly

A real break

This weekend we were totally blessed by staying at our friends Jodie and Paul's apartment whilst they are in the States on holiday. We got to have some great family time playing in the pool in their compound, and just made the most of having space. The kids enjoyed playing with each other for a change, we got to eat what we wanted, when we wanted and sleep in a real bed! Thanks Jodie and Paul x. Photo of the kids jumping in the pool. Sally

Englands Euro 2008 chances?

Believe it or not, I have only just found out that England did not qualify for Euro 2008. I am devastated. Olly

Praise & Prayer points

Praise: God is still keeping us well and safe, with no serious illnesses or accidents. Olly's team of mechanics are working well, and have only a few outstanding faults to rectify at the moment.
Sally has had her job as Speech Therapist confirmed, so with effect from 23rd June she will be seeing patients daily. The kids are currently blessed with a great crowd of friends to play with, both on-ship and off-ship. The rainy season has arrived small small, so the temperature has fallen a bit and it is often quite pleasantly cool. We are also able to enjoy some spectacular electrical storms and torrential downpours, mostly in the evenings. And we rejoice with the people of Bushrod Island, Monrovia, as gradually a new electricity grid is installed.
Prayer: For protection against the violent crime that has engulfed Monrovia and even the beaches. For protection against accidents as we journey around the city. For protection from corrupt police at the many checkpoints around the city. For God's blessing and peace on the bereaved following the football fans stampede that killed 10 Liberians a week ago at the national stadium. Safety for the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. That Liberia will rise again. Olly

IDPs must leave public buildings or be removed

The Liberian government has issued a stern warning to all occupants of public buildings to vacate within three weeks or stand the risk of being removed. Addressing a news conference Wednesday in Monrovia, Information Minister Dr Laurence K Bropleh gave the occupants living in unfinished Ministry of National Defense building and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare building, both in Congo Town, as well as National Housing Authority on Ashmun Street and the True Whig Party's Roye Building up to June 27, 2008 to vacate. He said there would be no grace period for those who will not abide by the ultimatum, as government wants occupants to begin relocating themselves as soon as possible. He noted that the government has decided to take such action because many activities in those public buildings were of criminal nature. Additionally, the Information Minister disclosed that there are allocations for the renovation of public buildings, and as such, it is necessary for occupants to begin relocating to avoid forceful eviction. "We have ordered that every activity in those buildings especially the unfinished NHA building must cease with immediate effect,"Dr.Bropleh warned. The Chief spokesman of government indicated that everything has been put in place to ensure that a 24-hour security is provided to avoid trespassing. The government's decision to clear public buildings comes in the wake of a recent fire incident at the unfinished National Housing Authority Building which left the basement of the building burnt down, and thousands of dollars worth of properties destroyed. allafrica.com
There are still thousands and thousands of Internally Displaced People living in these buildings. Its a shame to throw them out just as the rainy season is starting, when the buildings will no doubt remain empty for many months to follow. Photo of IDPs living in the new Ministry of Health and Social Welfare building in Congo Town, which Sally used to jog past in the early morning when we lived down the road. She said that every morning dozens of men would stand on the edge of the balconies and urinate over the edge, in full view of passers-by. Huh. Olly

Bong Iron Ore Range Out for US $1.6 Billion Bid

Four international mining companies have expressed interest in operating the Bong Range iron ore deposit, formerly Bong Mines, the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy has disclosed. Last week, the Ministry opened the sealed bids for the exploration of the Bong Range iron ore deposit with four bidders contesting: Vandanta Resources PLC from India; China Union Investment Ltd; a Liberian company, Beleh Resources Company Liberia Ltd, and an Israeli Firm, BSG Resources. The Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, Dr Eugene Shannon, said the investment into the Bong Range is estimated at US$1.6 billion. "We are responding to the economic pillar where we continue to bring in more resources to reverse the migration pattern as well as resolve the crisis of migration from rural to urban areas. Monrovia now accommodates 1.6 million people but was made for 360,000. To have these people go back, we have to create centers for economic activities". allafrica.com
This is interesting news for the many hundreds of crew and ex-crew who have enjoyed trips up the railway to visit the abandoned and looted Bong Mines and risk their lives swimming with the bugs in the crystal clear lake...Olly

8 people die at Liberia -v- The Gambia football match

At least eight people died at a football match between Liberia and The Gambia last night, when a metal bar gave way and fans on one tier of a stadium fell on spectators seated in the tier below, a doctor and a rescue worker said. The 33,000-seat Samuel K. Doe Stadium in Monrovia was packed beyond capacity for the game, a qualifying match for the World Cup. Part of the crowd pushed up against the metal bar, causing it to snap. That sent dozens of people plunging to the floor below, witnesses said. The New York Times.
The match finished one-all. We were heading out to celebrate a friend's birthday in town whilst the stadium was emptying. The main road was lined with thousands of cheering fans who were waiting for the Liberian team to drive through the city. All the vehicles coming from the stadium were seriously overloaded, with cheering fans hanging off the sides, sitting on the roof, even sitting on the trunk! I am absolutely amazed that more people didn't die. Olly

Fraudulent elections

The Republic of Liberia holds the world record for twice holding the most fraudulent elections in history, first in 1927 when President King was "elected", and again in 1985 when Presient Doe was "elected". Olly