Sailor Girl

HONG KONG --City I Love-- ...a memoir

2011-01-27T07:53:00.001-05:00

We are flying over, coming into Hong Kong. It's dark outside, but I should be able to see city lights soon. There! Right below us - white and some red; a bit sparse... those aren't city lights. I recognize these lights; they are the kind of lights I am familiar with! They are ships in the harbour - probably waiting at anchor.

We are still pretty high up, but now I can see the clusters of lights forward of us that is HK! I can't see them because it's all dark, but I know that down there too are mountains, mountains we used to climb when I was a child to overlook the city. Sea, city, and mountains. That is HK.

Being back in Hong Kong I realized...

>> You walk a lot! (maps with tourist spots have them marked in how many minutes it will take to walk there! i.e. "20 min. by foot")

>>You get a lot of exercise (I know now why we didn't need to do anything else to keep fit!)

>>When you blow your nose it's black from pollution

>>Everyone talks about money. A LOT. How much do you get paid at your job? How much did that cost? What do you pay for rent?

>>Everything is "squished"

And lastly, and maybe most importantly, I realized that

>>I am ready to give up HK as home.

100 Ways to Photograph a Rose

2010-12-26T08:39:00.018-05:00

Aren't they BEAUTIFUL roses???! Thank you Ben! :)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to you!

Naomi Sue Nelson

Lebanon, Christmas 2010

Christmas Eve Day

2010-12-24T18:25:00.002-05:00

Got back to the ship from Challenge Team last night...

I was standby today. This morning I did [no, had the privilege of doing] garbage with the Captain. That is a servant, people.

And THEN I got the biggest surprise - a very special Christmas present of TWO DOZEN ROSES from my man in MN!!!!!! Now HOW did he get them delivered right to the ship somewhere in Lebanon when he's in MN???! I'm asking that too! :)

The most amazing gifts always come when I'm least expecting anything and on the days when I don't feel pretty.

Shock of Return

2010-12-23T20:48:00.002-05:00

I am so overwhelmed right now. Coming to the ship in the first place was a very easy adjustment, but for some reason this coming back is really hard! I don't know where to start. I feel like I need to decide, respond, and DO everything RIGHT NOW (including responding to the million e-mails that piled up to swamp me after two weeks gone).

I miss Ben. Chat doesn't work and there's no way to connect with you. I just need to talk. But I can't.

So many people left while I was gone. I don't recognize half the faces in the dining room anymore, cause new people came. And to top it all off, there's a big noise from the engine room in the wall right by my bed! How will I sleep?

The ship doesn't feel "mine" anymore. It feels foreign. I remember living here, in this cabin, in this bed... I put all those pictures on the wall... But now I feel like an outsider looking in - just somehow I got mixed up on the wrong side.

Maybe it is in part due to the season, because I'm not home. But even that is not cut and dry anymore, because I don't know where I would feel most at home.

So I am going to take a shower. And then unpack. Because, after all, I have one month left.

Re-Entry

2010-12-05T08:59:00.004-05:00

What was it like the day you left home to join the ship?

May 12^th. The day that will live in infamy; the date burned in my mind. The day I left home.

Last everythings were over – last night in Dali, last supper, last walk on the dike, last bike ride, last good-byes… last ride on our bus. Am I ready? Ready to leave? Not only Dali, but Hong Kong, and my childhood. I’m leaving the only life I’ve known. It’s over.

Alone. I was out on my own, and I was alone. I had to stand in a horrid line, waiting to scan my bags, just out of conversation reach with my family. It was a torturous 45 min. where I could see them and they could see me, but they were on the other side of the barrier. I can see them, even now, standing there, and I knew full well that that would be my last picture of them, burned in my memory. Plenty of time to think about what I was doing going away and not going to see them for two years. I was glad whenever the line of tall, imposing Americans blocked my view of my family's somber faces as they waited to make sure I made it through ok. I tried not to look. I had to be strong. I could not cry; I was in a line with people all around me, and anyway my makeup would smear. Then my bags went through, I grabbed them up quickly, and took one last look back willing myself to see over the scanner and all the heads, and attempting a smile so they would know I was okay. And then I was gone.

As I boarded the steps to the plane, I looked back over my shoulder and somehow knew that this was it. I had left childhood behind forever. Then I turned, and with feigned confidence took a step forward.

What was it like to travel to the ship?

The roads here are not unlike the ones in Hong Kong - only that we can drive for longer. The narrow cement blocks making the median... the way the trees look... the frequent overpasses and exit/entry ramps... the blue signs over the road... the sound barriers and the graffiti on the sound barriers and on the back of all the signs.

I can't stay awake so I try to sleep, leaning my head against the window curtains. Every time the bus slows or turns a sharp corner I nearly fall off. I am jerked awake and have to work hard to keep from falling off my seat.

Half in a daze I stare out the window at the picture perfect German cottages we are passing. I guess... it is sort of like I thought Germany would be.

I try to imagine the silent woods haunted by the ghostly figures of concentration camp prisoners marching, marching... Up till now, that was the only picture of Germany I knew.

What was your first impression of the ship?

It was smaller than I thought it would be.

What was/were the first day/s on the ship like?

When did you first feel at home on the ship? (Did you feel at home on the ship?)

Home is not a familiar place, home is a mental decision. The ship was home to me before we even arrived because I knew that's where I was going to be.

What advice would you give someone joining the ship now?

World AIDS day

2010-12-01T22:30:00.001-05:00

Watched Beat the Drum in our Hope Theatre tonight. It's so realistic. If you have the chance, watch it! Maybe seeing AIDS from a whole new perspective - through the eyes of an AIDS orphan - will make you think for just a minute.

I had a chance to meet some people like Musa's father and you can read my experience of coming face to face with HIV/AIDS in Cynthia's Story.

Hmmm... maybe I should get tested once I'm back in the States (I haven't done anything promiscuous, just been in contact with a lot of HIV+ people).

Best quote from the movie: "Even though Stefan was dying, he fought to make something of his life." Made me think - am I? Are YOU?

Egyptian Dream

2010-11-28T23:20:00.001-05:00

I didn't even dream this dream of visiting the pyramids and the sphinx because it was too far out of my reach. Beware, because sometimes He gives you something beyond your wildest dreams! (For $35)

I wish I could rewind to my studying Ancient Egypt in school, knowing I would go there someday. I don't know if the books came alive or if I walked right into the pages, but man, if you read about places and history, take it seriously! Someday you might find yourself seeing it in real life!

ShipSHOTS #15 Hope Night

2010-11-15T03:36:00.000-05:00

Watch the episode!

2010-11-02T15:13:00.000-04:00

Traditional Libyan dress (notice the henna-painted hands)

A young boy bearing a picture of Muammar al-Gaddafi, the ruler of Libya, led the procession onto the stage, and the reciting of famous speeches started. Suddenly a group of boys carrying toy machine guns with real shooting noises ran around as the other children fell on their faces at the call to prayer. Complete with cultural dances (above) and incense burning, this was an insider's snapshot of history and customs I was lucky not to miss!

So much can you learn about the political state, culture, and religion of a country through it's children!

Book Hold

2010-11-01T17:28:00.003-04:00

Somehow, on my first day in the book hold, I got to be in charge of the 23-page list! It was like a race to trying to keep five people busy finding the stacks of books, checking the ISBN number, pricing them and giving them storage shelve locations.

I'm not sure how many titles - out of the 7,500 different titles we have onboard - were on the invoice, but I can assure you that the length of that list was comparable to Santa's!

Halloween?

2010-10-31T17:15:00.001-04:00

It's Halloween. Not that it matters. Not that anyone on the ship even noticed, but it is. It means it's fall. Winter's coming. And after winter, I come home.

For Ben

2010-10-31T15:10:00.006-04:00

Another summer day Has come and gone away In Paris and Rome But I wanna go home, mmm...

May be surrounded by A million people I Still feel all alone I just wanna go home...

Oh, I miss you, you know...

And I've been keeping all the letters That I wrote to you Each one a line or two "I'm fine baby, how are you?"

Another airplane Another sunny place I'm lucky I know But I wanna go home...

I'm just too far From where you are I wanna come home

And I know just why you could not Come along with me That this was not your dream But you always believed in me...

Another winter day Has come and gone away In even Paris and Rome And I wanna go home...

Let me go home

And I'm surrounded by A million people I I still feel alone Oh, let me go home...

Oh, I miss you, you know

Let me go home I've had my run Baby, I'm done

It'll all be all right I'll be home tonight I'm coming back home...

- From the song Home by Michael Buble -

ShipSHOTS #14 Heavy Fuel Project

2010-10-31T03:31:00.000-04:00

Watch the episode!

Ablaze!

2010-10-25T17:42:00.005-04:00

I had the most beautiful off day today, and the icing on the cake was this gorgeous sunset when the sky went ablaze with yellow, orange, red and purple!

I'd like to put these two pictures together to make one long-ish picture... maybe someday I'll know how to.

2010-10-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

Update: (thanks to Ben's friend)

Destination: North Africa!

2010-10-24T13:05:00.000-04:00

A Libyan Mosque

In the Bazaar (middle eastern market)

Some fun with photography - my ship sister Imogen!

Jessica and Imogen

ShipSHOTS #13 New Crew Members

2010-10-08T03:29:00.001-04:00

ShipSHOTS #12 Dentist Delight

2010-09-25T03:26:00.000-04:00

ShipSHOTS #11 Journey of Life

2010-09-15T03:19:00.001-04:00

Trading an A for an E...

2010-08-19T21:50:00.004-04:00

This is something I have been learning...

GOD HAS SET US FREE! (Psalm 118:5 - FYI, I used NIV translation for all the references) For me this has been freedom to make decisions, free from my self-worth being based on what other people think of me, the realization that I can't please everybody and the confidence to start standing up for myself.

If we're set free, there must be something that's the root problem that we're liberated from! Free from what? FEAR. (Psalm 34:4)
What are your FEARS? (fear of failure, discontent, death, what other people think, being hurt, etc.)

F-E-A-R --> trade the 'A' for an 'E' (rearrange the letters) and you become --> F-R-E-E

1. My personal fear - fear of Man; what I think people will think of me

Prov. 29:25

1 Sam. 15:1-24

Luke 23:20-24, Mark 15:15, John 19:12-14

Isaiah 51:7

Isaiah 51:12

John 12:43

2. HOW does Christ set us free?
1 John 4:18

3. Only one thing we should fear:
Prov. 31:30 (could be another verse but since this is 'A Woman of God is...' study group...)

4. Building our CONFIDENCE in being free:
Psalm 119:32
John 8:32, 36
Gal. 5:1
Psalm 119:45

One caution... (1 Peter 2:16 and Gal. 5:13)

We can go live in victory, trading our "A"s for "E"s, because Christ has set us FREE from our fears, free to LIVE FOR HIM!

ShipSHOTS #10 Hope Team

2010-08-17T00:11:00.002-04:00

ShipSHOTS #9 Legacy of Libraries

2010-08-06T15:14:00.006-04:00

This is the last one for a while! I hope you've enjoyed "seeing" a bit of my life and ministry with Logos Hope!

SHIPSHOTS #8 Atlantic Crossing

2010-08-05T17:17:00.001-04:00

This shows a lot of the deckies' job to get the ship from port to port! :)

Life on a Ship

2010-08-04T16:22:00.006-04:00

Just an average sailing day on Logos Hope...

We are sailing North around the west corner of Africa on our way to Monrovia, Liberia. At the moment we're watching The Iron Lady a documentary/movie about the recent wars in the country; I'm multi-tasking. :)

Today I learned what soft wax is and got to use it on the natural fibre hemp (adds a little more protection coating) that we fixed the van lifting gear with. We had to pull those whippings so tight my hands are red and sore, but regardless ropework is one of my favourite jobs!

There was a Man Overboard drill at 4pm... The whole ship did a Williamson turn as we all pointed and shouted at the poor unfortunate cardboard box.

There is a sign on the elevator door, right under the 'Out of Service' sign, that says:

"God just gave me ONE LEG THIS WEEK! Go Go Go Electricians! I miss my Buddy the Elevator. -Matthijs" (on crutches from playing sports)

I popped into the library and opened a book and happened across a really cool bit...

"When someone asks you how you are and you say you're fine, do you actually mean the acronym for that word - 'Feelings Inside Not Expressed'?" [DNA of Relationships, Gary Smalley]

Yeah, most of the time... How did they read my mind???!

Today it is FUN to have a long distance relationship! (Wow, I'm being optimistic...!) If we were together, we'd miss out on the packages to look forward to, letters, e-mails and phone calls and bragging on my man when he's not here! Every other day it really SUCKS, but for some reason I'm in a good mood today! (Still, I'd trade it if I could-!) Maybe it's because I finally wrote in my journal again last night. ;)

ShipSHOTS #7 Worth Seeing a Smile

2010-08-04T03:23:00.001-04:00

One and a Half Years

2010-08-03T16:25:00.003-04:00

Today makes exactly one and a half years that I have lived on MV Logos Hope! That's 3/4 of my total commitment-! Scary and cool, how the time has gone so fast and yet it seems I've been gone for so long. Six more months to finish strong, living and loving LIFE ON A SHIP!!!

ShipSHOTS #6 Taste of a Better Life

2010-08-02T22:08:00.003-04:00

Can you tell what part I had in this video?

Cythia's Story - Tema, GHANA

2010-08-02T21:37:00.001-04:00

She was just my age. Her name was Cynthia. She had a beautiful smile! Her loving mother was by her side. She had dreams and hopes for the future, just like every teen girl. Already married, she was carrying her unborn child, five months along. She was 19. And Cynthia was dying.

This brave girl wasn't the only one who's body could no longer fight off diseases due to the HIV/AIDS virus killing their immune system. There was Abby, a mom of four young children, who was admitted to this ward yesterday. She was scared and you could see the fear in her eyes as they darted around the ward, seeing the other patients who were all in a worse condition, knowing that this soon too was her fate.

And then there was the Elderly Lady. The thing that stood out to me was her smile, which filled up her whole face! She recognized the bright blue Logos Hope team T-shirts as the same as a previous team wore, and tried to make a violin motion as she lay on her bed. So she loves music! And she wanted us to sing!

I looked down and there was dried blood and vomit on the floor. Horrible coughs racked the patients' whole bodies, and they were constantly spitting out phlegm. They were so thin; just skin stretched over skeletons really, so thin I had thought Cynthia's bloated belly to be malnourishment and had never imagined the possibility she was pregnant. The ward was drab, plain cement walls and floor, broken beds and makeshift side tables. The open windows had big heavy grates on them - I wasn't sure why because no one in their right mind would ever want to come in there, and it would have been physically impossible for any of the patients to be able to climb out. There was nothing to steal from this cold, simple room anyway. The only bright spots in the otherwise colorless room were the patterned African cloths that were the cover on each patient's bed. It was hard not to concentrate on the blood on the floor... and who knew what else my flip-flops were stepping in. I closed my eyes and turned my head away. I wanted to run, run away from there. Run out into the bright sunshine and fresh air, where everything was pretty and nice. Even the dusty African roads and scorching sun was appealing compared to facing this... this dying.

But we could not just leave. We had to be there. I had to face this. Shoes could be washed - feet even, if necessary - but time for these patients was trickling away... drip, drip, dripping away like the liquid in their IV bottles. What did you say to someone who was so close to facing eternity? The only thing I could do was read. And pray. And sing, I guess, since it made the Elderly Lady so happy. I tentatively sat down on the edge of Cynthia's bed, unsure if this action was appropriate, but feeling it broke down a barrier showing that I was not afraid to get close, and reached out and took her hand. Before I had always wondered, what it would be like, to knowingly touch someone you KNEW had AIDS. But it was not different than touching anyone else. She was a girl, just like me. It seemed cliche to realize, that HIV/AIDS patients? - they are normal people just like you and me. God helped me to see not a disease, but to see PEOPLE, people who desperately needed love and touch. Outcasts, the kind of people you would find Jesus with if He were on earth today.

I opened my Bible to Psalms and read the 23rd chapter; the most comforting one I could think of. Cynthia didn't understand English (people in Ghana also have their own language), but she got the message. And through her mother we found out that she does know Jesus, hopefully as her personal Savior.

And then another girl and I, we sat by her bed and braided her hair. The matted, gross mess that probably hadn't been washed in weeks and was starting to fall out; we did our best to smooth it out and braid it onto her head African style. When we held the tiny mirror for her to see she smiled! She liked have her hair done. Because she wanted to look pretty, just like every other girl. And that's who she is - a girl, just like me.

It was only after we left that I found out from some of the other team members that it wasn't a swollen stomach from malnourishment as I had thought, but that Cynthia was actually pregnant. Five months along actually. And that started a whole string of questions in my mind. Will the baby have HIV? Will she even live long enough for the baby to be born...? If you get to heaven before I do, and at the gate welcoming you there's a smiling old lady playing the violin, a mother waiting for her children, and a little black African boy holding the hand of and looking up at a tall slim girl... you'll know her name is Cynthia.

ShipSHOTS #5 Sports Connection

2010-08-01T22:04:00.000-04:00

ShipSHOTS #4 Packs of Help

2010-08-01T07:44:00.002-04:00

Broke a Record!

2010-07-31T12:31:00.000-04:00

Logos Hope broke a record today with 12,028 visitors in ONE DAY!!! (The most we had had every before was 8, 735, yesterday!)

Pray that the books sold, conversations had, and the gospels of John and tracts handed out would make a lasting impact in each person's life!

ShipSHOTS #3 Building for a Purpose

2010-07-31T00:01:00.002-04:00

Come back tomorrow for the continuation of the story...!

ShipSHOTS #2 Lovin' the Crowds

2010-07-29T19:39:00.003-04:00

(My part in this video? I got to run in front of the van that the videographer was riding in, clearing the streets so the van could move up the line without stopping - and without running over people and street vendors!)

ShipSHOT #1 Lights, Camera, Action!

2010-07-29T18:54:00.007-04:00

Here's what I do when I act in the Greatest Treasure kid's program!

Watch for the new video tomorrow!

It's called, Long Distance Relationship

2010-07-25T18:04:00.003-04:00

LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP

You're stuck in a chat box on my computer screen

I want to put my arms around you

Tousle your hair

Touch your arm to let you know I'm there

But when I lay my head on your shoulder

It's a pillow wet with tears

I miss you Ben...

Our families - though oceans apart - brought us together

2010-07-01T20:43:00.002-04:00

Ben and Naomi July 2010 MV Logos Hope Atlantic

Our story began almost six months ago when a certain Benjamin Sahlstrom came aboard the Logos Hope with the Short Term Exposure Program (STEP) and rocked my world more than any rough sea ever had! Due to ship rules, we were not allowed to officially be in a [dating] relationship until the last two weeks he was onboard. However, we became good friends and found out a lot about each other in the time in between. And almost always, our conversations ended up centered around our families. Because you see, we're both the oldest of large families - Ben's the oldest of 10, I of nine - both from Christian families, American families, home schooled, the way we were raised, values, beliefs... you name it, we've probably discussed it -- and it's very similar! The only difference? We grew up on opposite sides of the world.

So about Ben. HE'S A PRETTY AMAZING GUY!!!! But I guess you'd like more details than that! ;) Ben is from Minnesota, a photographer/plumber - on his way to two great careers! His many practical skills come in handy working for the Sahlstrom family Heating/Air business. He rides motorcycle and is up on all the latest gadgets and technology. He's a hard worker with a great attitude and good at relating to people. He's humble and most of the time a behind-the-scenes man, except when it comes to being the ringleader for a get together with a bunch of friends! He's really thoughtful and also a good gentleman. What I noticed first was his amazing smile (and almost constant optimism)! And then when he said he had a red pick-up truck, Cupid's arrow struck my heart... I've always just had something for a RED pick-up truck!

His first job onboard the ship was working in the International Cafe, serving ice-cream and popcorn, coffee and cakes to the thousands of visitors who come onboard to buy books. The cafe is an area where crew members can meet with the visitors and hopefully direct conversations to spiritual things. Then they found out he was a plumber! Of course, the engine room figured they needed him worse than the I-Cafe, so he moved departments to help the maintenance team as a plumber. It was such a help, they found a way for him to stay on longer; for 4 more months as a Project Worker (short term person with practical skills).

Our song is "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys, because it is all the places we were when we met and fell in love. :)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine..." Eph. 3:20

You can read Ben's side of the story at http://www.bensahlstrom.com/2010/06/sp.html

Many thanks to the Sahlstrom and Nelson families, who - though oceans apart from us and each other - were the thing that brought us together.

To be continued...

SP!

2010-06-30T23:44:00.000-04:00

No one quite remembers if "SP" stands for "Social Permission" or "Special Privileges" because it's always just called "sp" and is the favorite thing to joke about on Logos Hope... but whatever it's called, the permission to be in a relationship is pretty special!

"The Sign" posted on the community notice board!

It's official! (And I was in my work clothes from the fire drill... :P)

(After a shower! :)) The new couple!

WE ARE DATING!!!!

Lifeboat Prayer

2010-06-26T18:27:00.006-04:00

Lord, thank you for this drill
For this time we had to practice
Thank you for the skill You've given us
Thank you for safety
And that no one got hurt
Through this dangerous procedure
In an emergency help us to be prepared
Help us put into practice what we have learned today
That each of us could take our positions and remember what to do
Thank you for these lifeboats

But Lord we pray
We never have to use them

More Africa

2010-06-20T19:44:00.002-04:00

T.I.A. [This Is Africa]

2010-06-20T18:56:00.007-04:00

SIERRA LEONE - Did You Know?

2010-06-18T14:10:00.003-04:00

-> Life expectancy: 41yrs. (compared to US 78yrs.)
-> 70% of population under poverty line
-> over 60% of the population is Muslim
-> 50% population age 16 and under
-> 1 in 8 mothers die in childbirth
-> 1 in 4 children die before age 5

These are just depressing-sounding statistics until you think about the people behind the numbers. When you see four curly-haired dark-skinned African kids playing and to think that one of the smiling youngsters will die (most likely by accident or disease) within the year... When you see two toddlers laid to sleep on the bare ground of what can barely be called a sidewalk, the nonchalant in which the six year old boy mentions his mother died yesterday because she was having a baby - his brother - both now motherless, and the fear in the Muslim man's eyes as he accepts the Bible you are giving him. the extreme poverty, some people walk around with cell phones and ipods... and both are somehow Africa.

FIRST HELP PROJECT!
Our first Help project in Sierra Leone was a bit of a unique one. We are a shipload of healthy people compared to most of the locals who are too malnourished to donate blood - so you can see why the nurses from the maternity hospital MercyShips started were so excited to have such a large blood bank literally sail right to their door! Yup, we've been in Europe, the Caribbean and Africa in the last year, have had the Yellow Fever vaccine, and are taking Malaria tablets but... we're IN Africa!!! It was cool to join the "party" of ship's company in boiler suits from the engine room, dusty workclothes, those who ran in from the galley (kitchen), and everyone else who took a few minutes to pop by in the middle of our work day to donate blood. In total we donated 45L of blood - each half liter worth US$50 - saving the hospital US$4,500 in buying from overseas donors! :)

KNOWLEDGE...
Over 70 people attended the onboard "How to Start a Business" program today! I got to hear a bit of it and it was really quality teaching, and practical to help locals have some idea of how to start and run a good business. Our goal in this port is to pass it on - invest in influencers and encourage them to speak into others' lives and keep the blessing going on.

DRESS CODE
One of the changes we had to make coming to a new region was respecting a different culture in the way we dress and behave. Out are the shorts and knee-length skirts and in are the new fashions for Africa: long skirts or long pants for girls (showing our knees would be like going topless-!), and always long pants for guys. And it's sweltering hot.

African sunrises and sunsets are beautiful... it is pretty green jungle-y here compared to what I pictured the terrain to be like... and I'm still waiting for the safari animals from Madagascar 2 to appear somewhere!

PRAY for the spiritual warfare going on here; there was a "devil's dance" done right outside the port gate tonight, but also, God is doing a great work and my friend coming back from a church team shared many exciting stories of how Muslims are listening to the gospel and coming to Christ!

And all of this was just ONE day.

Bringing Knowledge

2010-05-28T12:45:00.001-04:00

http://www.omships.org/sharing-environmental-know-how

Lessons about Grace

2010-05-06T15:21:00.004-04:00

There once was a Chief mate (leader of all the deckies - next to the Captain in rank) in Deck and, as every morning, we met as a department for devotions. On this particular morning, he had something special for us. Before we started, he passed around chocolates to everyone. However - as seems to be the case in most departments - there are always a few stragglers who rock up late... and miss the chocolate. But this Chief mate Graeme took the chocolates left and tossed them around to those just coming in. The deckies who actually made it on time started grumbling about how "they deserve to get no chocolate," and "serves them right for being late." And then in the way he always did, most of us not realizing the lessons we were being taught, Graeme quietly said, "Remember, one denarii," and proceeded to relay Jesus' parable about the landowner who hired workers to work for him. Those who worked all day received the pay they had agreed upon - one denarii - but those who he hired late in the day who only worked ONE HOUR received the same pay! I've always sympathized with the first ones hired; I would have been in outrage and probably would have been leading the protest when these workers came to complain about this unfairness:

" 'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'
But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' "
Matt. 20:12-15

This real-life situation shocked me into thinking - What if I were on the late-worker end of the scale?! - I would sure appreciate Jesus' generosity! The thought that maybe, just maybe, in Jesus' book we are ALL 'late workers,' undeserving of salvation, catapulted me on a journey to find out about Grace.

"The whole world is starved for grace," Philip Yancey writes in his book What's So Amazing About Grace? I've always thought of grace as forgiveness, actually I relate more to what Lewis Smedes said in a quote; it's more than that: "Guilt was not my problem as I felt it. What I felt most was a glob of unworthiness that I could not tie down to any concrete sins I was guilty of. What I needed more than pardon was a sense that God accepted me, owned me, held me, affirmed me, and would never let go of me even if he was not too much impressed with what he had on his hands." (What's So Amazing About Grace, pg. 36)

Grace is getting something you don't deserve.

Grace is not fair. It is not logical and it does not make sense. I like to have a reason. But try as I might, two things I have found, are not logical: Love and Grace. They are intertwined (inseparable and interchangeable) because grace is at the core of unconditional love.

It is hard for me to accept - if to accept, then to give as well - Grace (and thus, Love). It feels like I need to earn whatever it is I want. I'm too proud when someone extends grace to me.

Recently there has been a situation in my life where I want Grace. It is not forgiveness for something I have done; it is something I would like but there is nothing I can do to help myself get it. There is no reason I should get it even. For the first time in my life, I want Grace.

The Bible is full of God trying to get the picture of grace across to us. God bestowing on David - adulterer and murderer - the title of "A man after God's own heart." Seriously??? And then the famous Old Testament prophet Hosea, sent to live out an example of God's grace. When Jesus came to earth he tried and tried to help us get the picture: The parable of the prodigal son, the Pharisee and tax collector praying, the servant who was forgiven a huge debt he could never pay, but wouldn't forgive his fellow servant a small debt, and One Denarii.

"Grace... is a gift that costs everything for the giver, and nothing for the recipient." (pg. 25) In one final amazing act of Grace, Jesus gave the gift of eternal life to a criminal on a cross beside him who had no time left to do anything for him.

This lesson of one denarii is helping me see that I shouldn't be jealous when I see others get better than what I think they deserve, because actually... I am the one hour worker who didn't deserve the pay.

Jesus wants us to just accept his gift humbly with thankfulness and joy and not belittle the gift that cost him everything by trying to earn it.

It's Monday

2010-05-03T18:39:00.003-04:00

On the ship our work week is from Tue. - Sat. and Sunday is focused on a lot of ministry, leaving Monday as my day off! So unlike most of the rest of the world, I love Mondays!!!

My family called today (yay!!! :D) and I got to talk to them for near an hour and half!!! My littlest sister, Hope (who was 3 weeks old when I left), is almost 1 and a half! She is walking and babbling and climbing on lots of stuff - they said her favorite thing is Daddy's ipod touch-! And every morning she wants to play with it. They have company, as usual; the kids are really stretching out and off doing lots of things! We talked about support and prayer requests. The doggies are fine and it's getting warm...

This afternoon I went off the ship with Elise for a special treat of ice-cream at the little "Australian"-named place! It's cool because Elise is from Australia, and it was REALLY GOOD ICE-CREAM! Fun time of talking and walking around the town together! :)

There are a bunch of farewell testimonies tonight because a lot of people are leaving soon. I'm going to that and then it's early to bed because I start work at 4:30am tomorrow morning - we're shifting over to the container port to load our 13 (13!) containers of supplies over the next two days. It's going to be a lot of work and I don't know where it's all going to fit on the ship; all I know is it's all hands on deck for gearing up for Africa!

St. Johns, ANTIGUA

Logos Hope to the Rescue!!!

2010-04-28T20:43:00.006-04:00

Monday April 26 as Logos Hope left Bermuda we were notified that a small sailing vessel was overdue in arriving and had not been seen. We were asked to alter our course to see if we could locate the schooner.

Turns out we ended up in the part of the water north of Bermuda on the charts that says "Area to be avoided"- yikes! BUT we were able to find him and be the communication link (due to radio's not reaching far enough) to help rescue the lone sailor on a sailing schooner who's engine room was flooding and sail was in tatters, who'd been up the last 24 hours (after 11 days at sea!) trying to ride out the rough weather... We stayed with him through the evening, keeping our searchlight shining on him so the pilot/rescue boat from Bermuda was able to come and pick him up to tow him in from where we had located him. Exciting evening!

Reflections - recent highlights of my life

2010-04-03T18:48:00.013-04:00

Traveling down a rutted Jamaican rode, wearing the infamous uniform blue "Hope Team" T-shirts, out to serve the community!

Here are some pictures of my life. The day in, day out, what I do. As you can see, a lot of my life is my job, but that is our part in the ministry! Gotta keep this ship sailing for Jesus...!

Painting the outside of the ship - After six months in deck department, you are allowed to work "over the side" of the ship! Of course we wear harnesses and take all the safety precautions necessary, but it's still a pretty fun privilege to hang on the outside! This was my first time to work aloft!

Risk Assessments - I was asked to be Deck Department Risk Assessment Representative, so for a few weeks my job was paperwork and thinking. For those of you who have worked in businesses/companies that have done this, you may have some idea of what it entails. I wrote up about 50 RAs in total; describing for each job we do, the safety measures in place, and deciding if they are sufficient. It was a challenge that I enjoyed, but - as the picture was staged to show - I realized I am very glad I do NOT have a sit-down "office job" most of the time!

Off day - Imogen (South Africa) and I at an aquarium in the Bahamas. Yay for the two hours we spent walking there and back to go see it, but hey, it's better than paying for transportation when you're on a missionary budget!

Splicing! - One of my favorite jobs, especially during sailing! This was an 8-strand eye splice fixing one of the lines that holds the ship to the dock.

The finished product! I'm quite proud of this splice; it turned out amazing!

Cultural Hour - A little more in the forefront of the ministry, I recently got to be the MC (mistress of ceremonies - introducing the acts/tying everything together) for "Cultural Hour", an hour long event held on the weekends in our Hope Theater where we display an array of dances, music and dramas to show the various cultures of the 50 nationalities represented onboard - and interwoven through it, present the gospel message. In this one I wore my Chinese dress and explained my "mix" of cultures. I enjoy public speaking!

Well, hope you enjoyed that peek into my life! Have a great day!

Kingston, JAMAICA

2010-04-03T12:34:00.002-04:00

This was our most recent port in Kingston, Jamaica. The white in the center is our ship and all that grey is the cement factory. This cement factory at our berth required a lot of coal, so there was a mountain of black right outside the ship - you can imagine the dust and dirt that got tracked in by the 135,758 visitors we had here!
It wasn't a very pretty place to be docked for the almost five weeks were were there, so we had to find beauty in other things; the sunrise during a gangway watch, the smile of children - children who are victims of abuse in this country with one of the highest crime rates and the 7th highest murder rate in the world. (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1147.html#crime; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica#Crime; http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-top-ten/countries-with-highest-murder-rates.html)
Those places the travel advisories said not to go, we sent teams. It wasn't a safe port. But we were not tourists here; we were the hands and feet of Jesus. Just looking at the line of visitors waiting to come onboard (below) you can see why the book fair staff and all those in contact with the public were exhausted after our long visit in Jamaica. It wasn't an easy port. But it WAS a rewarding port. So many visitors. So many opportunities for ministry. And so many Bibles sold - 14,150.

I don't know what you think of when you think of Jamaica, but this visit has forever changed what comes to my mind. A country with a beautiful culture, but scarred by pain. Abuse, violence, poverty. Somehow I missed the postcard colors and beautiful beaches, and instead saw a different side of this Caribbean island. I saw reality - the cement factory grey. Maybe it's because unlike the tourists, we didn't come for us; we came for them, the people of Jamaica.

"Logos Hope Adventure" (e-mail update) February 28, 2010

2010-02-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Here's an update from the cement factory berth in Kingston, Jamaica! Apart from the factory and surrounding dust being quite grey, life is colorful!

KNOWLEDGE - For the first time we had a line of people waiting to come onboard to buy books before we even opened ON THE FIRST DAY!!! However, since then it has slowed down some. In what is supposed to be one of our busiest ports, PRAY that even more people would come to buy books. Right now I am sitting watching the security cameras and it looks like it's picking up some - the bookfair is full of people!

HELP - We have a help team going out every day for two weeks to install toilets, run pipes and lay cement for a communal running water/washing area in a poor community. PRAY for the team that they would be encouraged and strengthened as almost every day someone has gotten sick or hurt or supplies don't arrive, and this can be quite discouraging. I might get to go either Monday or Tuesday - I hope so!

HOPE - KID'S CLUB
"The politicians pay the gang leaders money to get votes. The gang leaders make the people vote. If you don't vote for that person, you dead. If you try to move out of the area to have a better life, you dead. Simple as that. This is the kind of corruption in this part of Jamaica. Not even the police can stand up to the gangsters, and they are often in on the gangsters' bribes too. It is a continual cycle of oppression that the people can not get out of because they'd lose that many votes if they moved away." That was what we were told about the area we were going into.

Children grow up in these communities, physically and sexually abused by the one parent they might have. They know first hand the pangs of hunger and what it's like to be unloved. Not all children in Jamaica of course, but all the ones who came to the kid's club last Saturday. The ones who's first instinct is to lash out and hit someone, even their friends - because that's what they know from home. These children are rough, and do not have an easy life. And how old are they? They are 2, 3, 4, 5 and six. The world is not kind to them, but every Saturday afternoon they can come and for two hours leave the troubles of life behind and just be kids... and learn about Jesus. And then at the end, reluctant to leave, they must nearly be pushed out the door. With a coloring 'Book of Hope' under their arm and a snack in their hand, they are let out. Alone, uncared for, and at the mercy of every driver, the three year old meanders out into the dusty street to wander back to... wherever she came from. PRAY for the children of Jamaica! Pray that they would have been impacted by the special program done by our Logos Hope team.

Many great milestones were passed this month; my one year on board and also Logos Hope's one year anniversary of ministry sailing! I have taken on a new role at work as Risk Assessment Representative for Deck Department. It is a big responsibility and slightly overwhelming as we are laying some ground work, but I am excited for the challenge!

PRAISE GOD...

- for a team from OM that is able to share at my sending church tomorrow!

- for safety in this dangerous port and country

- for great friends!

Remember to pray for Chile at this time. We are fine.

Thinking of you,

Naomi

"Better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all."

2010-01-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I promised [myself when I started this blog] to be honest; to be personal. At this time when so many people are leaving the ship, and so many of my friends are hurting, I am forced - daily - to face this stark reminder of my own aversion to pain. Maybe you can relate. Maybe you can't. But it must risk being said if others are to benefit from it. This bit of writing would go in my MK book:

"I'm scared to love. I'm scared of a break-up or you leaving me or me leaving you. It's a risk that I might get hurt. I don't want to get hurt. I don't want to say good-bye (both of these are forms of good-bye). I know how much it hurts. And from my life I've learned the way you can avoid pain is, don't get emotionally attached - that is don't love - in the first place. Problem is, here's the hypothesis I've come up against: you must let yourself love to truly live. But is it worth the risk? Sometimes my mind is trying to convince my heart of what it itself does not believe - that the famous quote "It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all" is true.

I don't mean to preach, but Jesus had a choice to take the risk or not. What blows my mind is He knew that it would hurt him - ultimately his choice to love killed him. But he still chose to love. Because of that we can love and in so doing have life and have it to the fullest.

I've built a wall around my heart, though now brick by brick I've started throwing them down. But letting myself love-? That would be like bringing a bulldozer in.

But, maybe, it's time... I let love have a chance."

Maybe this was too many hours to think on watch on the gangway at night.... Hmmm. I always get a lot of inspiration on these quiet lonely watches. In any case, I'm hungry and need to go to bed.

No Greater Love

2009-12-22T01:57:00.000-05:00

Tonight at worship night we were singing the song that goes “You have won my heart…” and one of the singers pointed out that often we focus on “have we given God our hearts, etc. etc.”, but do we ask “has God won my heart?”

I think of all the things guys do (can do) that would/do sweep me off my feet, win my heart, or at least make me notice them. The little gifts they make for us, the time they spend doing something special with or for us. Not even big things and us girls fall like crazy for them.

All this time there’s someone else competing - striving, working so hard!, to try and win our hearts – God.

He took me to 70 feet (21m) under the sea and with a sweep of his arm said, “I created all this beauty that not many see… all of this! - for my own great pleasure, and for you to enjoy.” Then he took me up to the top of the mountain where the air was fresh and the breeze blew my hair; I laughed and sang and ran, and nearly burst from the shear richness of LIFE! (Who made it rich? Who gave it to me in the first place?) Then we looked down over the city below. “Do you enjoy this world I made for you to live in? I made if for you.” All for me! Just me and him! Because I’m special to him! And when I was out to sea where you can see no land no matter how far you look, he declared his undying love; “as wide as the ocean stretches, you can never be separated from my love!” He has stuck with me through thick and thin, good days and bad, a strong support to lean on when I’m hurting, someone to gently guide me through pain. He is a prince – not prince charming, but Prince of Peace – riding on a white horse with a castle in the sky and a kingdom that will last forever.

So much God has done, so much he has given us, is it not enough? Yet we brush it aside as if it were nothing, and turn around and allow ourselves to be swept off our feet by pathetically little. Heart breaking, He’s crying out, “Have I won your heart?!”

When my face falls because somehow yet I am unsatisfied, he says, as with every other time I have offended him in our relationship, “It does not matter. So far as the east is from the west, so much have I forgiven you.”

Near exasperation He shakes his head. “What more can I do? How can I show you--? My love for you is so great…” and we walked together up the hill. “I love you this much,” he said, and stretched out his arms... and gave up his life for me.

Deckie 'Thought of the Day'

2009-12-06T19:57:00.001-05:00

It's all too easy to look around at how others are living and compared to them... we're doing o.k. We're not the best kids in class, the idolized examples - teacher's pets, but we're not the worst either - the ones always testing their limits and getting into trouble. Just somewhere in between. It's comfortable here in the middle. People aren't watching you, pointing and saying, "See? Be more like her" or watching waiting to catch you in your next defiant act as "the bad boy." People don't really notice you. You can blend in. Go with the flow... Everyone is five (or 10 or 15) minutes late; it's just ship culture. So I'll be five minutes late too!

Bummer I read this verse:

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.

1 Tim. 4:12

"SET AN EXAMPLE???!" But that means I have to stand out! That means I have to stand up, and live to this higher standard-! Let's look at the five aspects we're to set an example in.

1. SPEECH

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Eph. 4:29

2. LIFE

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

1 Peter 2:9, 11-12

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

2 Tim. 3:12

He didn't say it would be easy.

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

2 Tim. 2:22-24

3. LOVE

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive, as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Eph. 5:1-2

4. FAITH

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

1 Peter 1:13-16

Dictionary definition of holy: Holy: morally or spiritually excellent

5. PURITY

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Eph. 5:3-4

Look at the words I've put in bold; 'any'... 'only'... 'SUCH good lives'... 'not even a hint'. Doesn't leave much room for a grey area.

Finally, brothers we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

1 Thess. 4:1, 3-8

God has called us to live to a higher standard than the world. Everyone is five minutes late. Make it, everyone is five minute late, except one - YOU. Dare to be different. Dare to model the life that most of us truly desire to have. Be five minutes early. Don't be satisfied with a life that's just ok... there is NO LIMIT to the high standard we can strive for.

Go ahead! Sit in the front! Don't wear that right-on-the-edge low cut top. Walk out on that movie. God has given us the power in his Holy Spirit; why settle for less?!

DAY 3 (final day) - Home for Christmas

2009-12-03T21:10:00.001-05:00

AMAZING day!!! Today it was overcast, so not so blisteringly hot-like-you're-in-an-oven, which was beautiful. It even rained once or twice!

Lots more shoveling, lots more sand. I even got to do the wheelbarrow on the precarious wooden plank ramps!

But my special story of the day is about a little boy. I say little because he was extremely small for his age and very skinny. Dark skinned, looking Indian/African origin... you can never quite tell the mix - that's Guyana. As well as I could understand, his name was Paw-Paw and he said he was eleven years old. He was watching us at the building site with no shoes and no shirt; all alone from wherever he had come from. He said his house was "just over there" and pointed in a very vague direction. When it started to rain, he scurried under the nearest house on stilts for shelter. I think God made that rain just for me because then I had an extra 10 min. break to go and sit with him and share some of my lunch (well before lunchtime) - a tactful way of making sure he got something to eat today. I wonder if he gets even one good meal a day... The rain stopped and I went back to work and he soon started down the now-muddy dirt road. The wide sky above was the only other one who saw the empty, open space, a few shanties on stilts dotting the grassy overgrown landscape and one lone boy walking away; no shirt, no shoes and a smile. He looked back and waved.

We finished early, at noon, because the Habitat guys wanted to take us around to see a bit of the city. We drove through the squatters' "houses" made of corrugated steel, tarps, wood scraps, and whatever else was at hand at the time. They were packed together so tightly... our driver and guides were discussing whether the whole area would flood again this year... We saw the statue dedicated to the slaves, another mark of their pain and the long road it's taken to get to the place of having a free nation. And finally we went to "the end of Guyana," the Atlantic ocean (as if we'd never seen the Atlantic before - only 14 days crossing it! :P) and watched as the tide came in.

So that was my my first Help Challenge Team.

...Dear Mommy, I might not be home for Christmas, but I helped build a house so that someone else will HAVE a home for Christmas.

DAY 2

2009-12-02T19:44:00.002-05:00

PICTURES!!!!!

Today we worked to fill the foundation in with sand to ready it for the poured cement floor. 373 wheelbarrows full to be exact, the boys counted!

Personally, I struggled this morning to see the purpose in what I was doing, since I worked all day "landscaping" while others worked on the sand. Smoothing out piles of dirt by hand which could have been done by machine so quickly and effortlessly without really seeing the need to do it in the first place... *mental reminder: This is the third world - manual labour!!!* The part that frustrated me was we didn't even have the proper tools to do it by hand. I certainly understand the curse on the ground of painful toil and the sweat of our brow! :P (But the day did get better!)

One neat thing today was we got to meet the new owners of the house, an elderly couple (he's deaf) and their son will be living with them as well.

We had a lot of fun today as a team. Just please don't mention sand!

The pictures aren't uploading because the internet isn't a fast enough connection for them tonight. Sorry! :(

DAY 1!

2009-12-01T23:22:00.000-05:00

We piled into a van in the sweltering heat; no seat belts, windows open, dust blowing in, bouncing around down the dirt roads to the build site. Expectant. Hopeful.

We built the foundation. It was my first time to lay blocks and try to mimic how the professional bricklayers I intriguingly watched when I was a child used their trowel so effortlessly. I learned the difference between cement and concrete - would have thought I would have known that before! Learned in the best way possible for a kinesthetic learner; mixing it by hand! The sun was pretty scorching, but I did my best not to get burned (i.e. I took a LOT of teasing for my long sleeves!).

The contractor as well as the Habitat for Humanity overseer are Christians, but the other workers are not.

All in all it was a good day, though a bit tiring from the sun, but of course I still had enough energy to swing dance tonight! :)

There will be pictures soon!

Don't build your house on the sand... (even if you are in the Caribbean!)

2009-11-30T23:04:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

Would you please pray for me the next three days? We are going out to build a house! As 10 deckies, we are really excited about this opportunity to use our love of working with our hands to bless the people of Guyana in such a practical way! We're not quite sure what to expect, but we do know one thing - without prayer, nothing will happen (except the enemy will win)!

Today is our preparation day for this "Challenge Team" and we just finished watching several inspiring episodes of Tim Scott and Will Decker "Travel the Road" - with a purpose to share the gospel! http://www.traveltheroad.com Watching them go into the slums of India and the warzones of Africa taking only the clothes on their back, a camera to document their journey, and a love for Jesus really motivated me. They did what they could to help the people and preached wherever they went. We're ON FIRE FOR JESUS! and boy, am I excited about this Help team! "Jesus that is in me is greater than the devil that is in the world!"

You can pray for us by name -
Ryan (USA) - team leader
Daniel (Australia)
Adam (Australia)
Gabriel (Brazil)
Lydie (Switzerland)
Samy (Germany)
Ruben (Mexico)
Tim (N. Ireland)
Justin (USA)
and myself

Pray-
->for teamwork, that we would be a great example of different cultures unified in Christ
->for safety and health (NO malaria or bad sunburn or food poisoning!)
->that we could really connect and share with the locals and have great opportunities to give out the gospels of John

On fire for Him!,
Naomi

Logos Hope Adventure Nov. 24, 2009

2009-11-26T06:46:00.000-05:00

GUYANA.

MALARIA PILLS. EXTRA SECURITY. AIDS. ...welcome to Guyana!

We're told lots of things sailing to this new and unknown and we're not quite sure what to expect in this first (and only at this time) port in South America. Guyana has a population of 922,942. 43% of the population says they are Christian, 33% are Hindu and 8.7% Muslim. The exciting thing in this port is that for the first time we are really bringing out the "Help" part of "Knowledge, Help, and Hope." Almost half of ship's company has the opportunity to go on a Challenge Team or Help Team during our three weeks there, bringing practical aid to the people. I will be part of a team that will be working with Habitat for Humanity to build houses! I volunteered with Habitat for several days in the States last year, and now I get to do it in another country! :)

So, here we go, rocking and rolling a bit because the port (left side) stabilizer is not working, and taking our malaria tablets. Gearing up for... [enter scary music] ...GUYANA! We should arrive tomorrow in the capitol, Georgetown.

PRAISE...
-God for a great Sabbath week where ship's company was able to rest and refocus on God and have good teaching sessions by pastor Gary Simons. For me was a time to slow down and not think about my job, but focus on my life. It was a good reminder that our LIVES are supposed to be worship. (Rom. 12:1) Please pray that every aspect of my life would be pleasing to Jesus. It's all to easy to compromise or think He doesn't care about [a certain aspect], but actually He has called us to live pure lives and we can always live to a higher standard.
-That I do not get seasick! This is a BIG praise - I am so blessed! Today is my off day and as soon as I finish this I'm running off to go take care of a bunch of the toddlers who's moms aren't feeling so hot.

PLEASE PRAY...
-For the many who are seasick onboard. There is also some kind of flu/virus going around, as well as side effects from the Malaria tablets we're all taking to keep us from dying (haha!), so put together, about 80% of us are sick.
-That the Challenge/Help teams would be able a blessing to the people of Guyana and a great way to share God's love.
-That I would stay safe and healthy while in Guyana.
-That no one would catch Malaria!
-That we could really reach out to the Hindu and Muslim population and that God would give us the right words to say so we wouldn't offend them

Off to take a Malaria pill and play with the kiddos!

The privilege to walk alone and Thoughts on ministry

2009-11-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

I walked alone off the ship for the first time today in more than four months. It was a glorious (and a bit scary!?) 10 minutes of freedom. Normally it is unsafe - for girls especially - to go anywhere by yourself here in the Caribbean; we have to go in pairs or large groups. But in this port we are allowed to go out alone on the main road during daylight. =D

Here is a thought-provoking quote I read today:

"Ministry isn't about telling people what you think their problem is, or putting them in what you think is their place. Ministry is making room in your life -- and in your heart -- for people.

Many people have done a lot of talking at me, and a lot of them had some really good points. Didn't matter. I was only ever deeply changed by those who called me part of their family, despite the inconvenience, despite what anyone thought." --http://www.boundless.org

Ministry is caring about people. The lost in a third world country, supporters back home, your family, the homeless, a hurting friend... it makes no difference. If you take time to invest in them and encourage them, that is ministry. Life is about relationships. In the end, that's all that will matter. Don't let it pass you by.

Logos Hope Adventure (e-mail update) Nov. 15, 2009

2009-11-20T23:33:00.000-05:00

AT ANCHOR

Hello from Logos Hope in Barbados! Boy, am I glad to say "from Barbados" instead of from at anchor! This port has definitely been a challenge. We arrived in Barbados the end of October, but several days after arriving we had to move out to anchor because the swell (the sea was too rough) was making it unsafe for us to stay tied up alongside. This was a disappointment for a lot of the crew, myself included, because we couldn't be open to the public doing ministry as we had hoped. After the swell died down a grain ship came in to the berth to unload, so we stayed sitting at anchor for more than a week. It's hard to see why God let this happen - us "losing" so many days that we weren't in port and no one could get books and having to cancel all the events that were planned for the people of Barbados. However, we were able to lower several lifeboats during this time to shuttle people to land and God did some really great things through these teams that went out every day.

When we finally could come in from anchor, we had to shift berths several times to pick up our vans, load a container, get fresh water, and discharge used water. (And moving the ship is not quite as simple as it sounds - we have to fire up our engines ahead of time, tie everything down ready to sail, and get everyone from on land back onboard, etc.). For our whole time at anchor we had to conserve water; the last day we were so low the rule was "no laundry, no showers." The latter not a very fun prospect after a hard day of work getting really dirty! When our internet completely went out too, we felt like "real missionaries!" After moving four times in two days, we are now in our proper berth again and open to the public for our last four days in this port!

GRANDMA AND GRANDPA'S VISIT!!!

One very exciting thing for me that happened while at anchor was Grandma and Grandpa Nelson coming to visit! Despite some transportation complications - getting to a ship that's sitting in the middle of the sea - they made it and we had a fantastic time together! Unfortunately they didn't get to see us actively in ministry because of being at anchor, but they did get to experience community life onboard. It was a very special four days with them!!!

THE MUSLIM MAN WITH A CANE

In the last port, St. Lucia, we presented "The Mark Drama" - a very powerful 75 min. presentation of the life and ministry of Jesus taken straight from the gospel of Mark and acted out in a "theater-in-the-round." The doors opened... and we waited. A few people trickled in - late, typical for Caribbean culture. I noticed one interesting man come in. He was older, with a big white beard and a very intricately carved cane. I helped seat him and his wife, wondering who he was and where he was in his walk with Christ... if he even knew Jesus. We started, with only 45 people in the audience instead of the up to 250 we could have had. Though a bit disappointed there were only so few, we prayed that the people here were ones who really needed to hear what we were about to present. Now, several others had noticed this man (he WAS a bit of a unique character!) and after the drama, when everyone else had left, he and his wife kept sitting there. So I went to speak to them. I asked them if they liked the drama and with tears in her eyes his wife said, "Yes, yes, thank you so much. I brought my husband tonight to see what it is that I believe and it was just what he needed to hear. He's a Muslim and I'm a Christian." If we did the whole drama only for the Muslim man with a cane, it was worth it.

THANK the Lord:
-that we are back from anchor and can be open for the people of Barbados
-that Grandma and Grandpa could come visit!!!

PLEASE PRAY:
-for the Muslim man with the cane, that he would come to know Jesus as the only way to be saved
-that many people would come visit these last few days in this port
-that the sea would stay calm so we could stay in port these last three days
-for the upcoming "Sabbath week" for ship's company; that we would rest and be refreshed and have good teaching times

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Americans! I have LOTS to be thankful for, do you?

Swing Dance!

2009-10-19T21:28:00.000-04:00

2009-10-17T14:13:00.000-04:00

Please pray...
->that each day I would wake up passionate
        to serve God!
->that I would grow closer in my
        walk with Him
->that I would work hard in my job
->be disciplined to have personal
         quiet time every day
->that God would continually
        put people in my path who
                I can share Christ with

THANK YOU for praying for me!

For the ministry...
->that we could help each person that comes onboard
take "ONE STEP CLOSER TO JESUS!"
->that many people would come to the ship
->for energy and strength
->health for all the crew
->safety

THANK YOU for your
SUPPORT
SENDING me out and
STANDING behind me in prayer!

YOU are a part of OM
Ship ministry!

These are the faces that break your heart...

2009-08-21T21:19:00.000-04:00

Bel-Air Children's Home - "You are special!"

Spent all day with the 35 kids who range in age from 1-19; some handicapped. Originally we thought it was an orphanage, but no, none of the children are actually orphans; they are - which is worse, I think - abandoned or abused. Rejected by those who should love them the most, these children are starved for touch and affection. God bless their caretakers who put up with a LOT - trust me, I know. Our theme? "You are special!"

Just their Bel-Air pledge shows their pain:

As a resident of Bel-Air
I want to prepare for a better future.
A place with room for you and me.
Where our minds can be safe and free.
With goals that you may try to achieve.
No matter what people may believe.
I have a life to live.
I can help because I am growing.
I am as bright as the sun that shines.
I am as strong as the wind and the rain.
As rich as the deep blue sea.
I can rise, I can try, I can succeed.
I am going to reach to the top.
And I will, because I believe in me.

These are the faces that break my heart, and haunt my thoughts. What will become of these children in a few years?

If we brought them smiles, even for a day, then we succeeded.

my little boy

running to greet me

Shondell & me

"SHONDELL"
she says he is a little more than a year
he looks at me
his eyes wide with untold fears
he's old enough but doesn't speak a word
it's too loud for him be heard
left alone in his crib all day
silent he sat
watching the others play

i pick him up
"he is too light" crosses my mind
only six teeth show
can he really be one year old?
do they feed him enough?
does he ever play?
who is there to care for him each day?

what can life have in store?
what future can he have?
doesn't the world care a little more?...
but he doesn't need the world
he just needs someONE.

his name, she says, is Shondell
he was my one-day baby boy.

RIGHT NOW!

2009-08-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

This is right now, Sunday evening Aug. 9! We might break a record!

All these people coming to visit the ship; each one hearing about Jesus.

This is why we're here.

Kingstown, St. Vincent

2009-08-09T13:01:00.000-04:00

Logos Hope - Bringing Knowledge, Help and Hope

our berth in St. Vincent

Special needs Children's Home

They may not have father or mother to care for them and love them, but they have a Father in heaven who sees and is watching over them.

They have so little; by having three meals a day we have so much. My heart hurts for these children - what can I do that will "make it better?" But we give what we can - love, touch, time - to show them that Someone loves them.

They played their hearts out -- to try and raise money to build themselves a new home.

...they are precious in His sight.

The book she's holding is the story of Jesus that we give out to kids. They are so happy to get a book!

Kid's Programs

Day Off

(l.-r. Nicky and Simon - USA, me, Rosanna - Australia, Tony - South Africa)

Off to spend the day at the white sand beaches on the Grenadine island of Bequia!

The lines of people coming to visit the ship.

My first Hope Team!

Mental Health Centre

their first books!

Telling about our ship and sharing the message of hope.

Annika (Germany) and Kency (far left, India) officially handing over the books to start their new library project!

with one of the patients

Registered as a 160 bed centre, they normally have 226+ patients. Bare cement walls and floor, locked behind bars; about half were barefoot. Hardly humane living conditions. The nurses do the best they can with what they have. But if there are only 160 beds... I don't want to think about where the rest of them sleep...

Pray:

for all the people in these pictures; the orphans, special needs children, mental patients, and visitors that Logos Hope crew are getting a chance to reach out to
that they would understand and accept the message of salvation - their only certain hope
for Hope Teams, a part of the ministry that is just starting up in the Caribbean region. Pray for creativity and unity in the teams, as we as a team are told where we are going and then must come up with the "program" we are going to do - dramas, music, testimonies, flag parade, ship presentation, etc. - and then present it. It is a stretching experience, and can be stressful if it is rather spur of the moment.
for energy for me, each day!
that I would get many more opportunities to reach out to orphans and children, as this is really my heart
against Satan's attacks. At times we can really tell that we are fighting a spiritual battle - pray against dissension and sickness onboard
THANK GOD for all my supporters who are making it possible for me to be here! Did you know???! I have had enough support come in each month to be fully supported for the past 7 months - 1/4 of my time!

THANK YOU

for standing in the gap with me in prayer!

During our 14-day Atlantic crossing, this verse came mind:

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Habakkuk 2:14

Do you have any idea of how much water there is in the sea??? Enough so that we can sail for days and days and never see land, and can't drop anchor because it's too deep. That's how much we want people to know about God!

my week in the engine room!

2009-04-23T16:52:00.000-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024981&id=1223075100&l=bb5f52e7cb

So this is the Faroes!

2009-04-19T17:10:00.000-04:00

Today is a special day for Logos Hope! Today marks the 5 year anniversary of the ship Norrona (changed to Logos Hope) being bought by Operation Mobilization.

Now we are back in her "home" port of registry, Torshavn, Faroe Islands. It's o.k., be honest; you know you don't know where that is! I didn't know it even existed until I came to the ship. Look NW a bit from Denmark, I think - I'm really not sure... and kind of near the Shetland Islands... maybe I should look on a map myself... :D It's a group of Islands owned by Denmark (but shhhhh, don't tell them I said that!) with a population of only 48,000. The unique thing about this place is, there are no trees. And they eat whale and have lots of sheep.

sisters! (and both in our work clothes :P)

i AM going to write an update... AND PICTURES!!!

2009-04-05T09:52:00.000-04:00

...as soon as i can figure out how. :)

2009-02-21T18:40:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU for your partnership with me!

Thursday we saw a miracle as we sailed to Sweden.

PST (Pre-Ship Training [group]) Birkedal's Welcome to Logos Hope

2009-02-06T04:01:00.000-05:00

Who am I?

2009-01-20T09:45:00.001-05:00

We sat at lunch chatting. It was because I had asked him a question; "How did you decide what culture to become?" He was calmly eating his pizza with his fingers as we wrestled with reality. Everyone else at the table, including me, was eating European style with our knife in our right hand and our fork in our left. And cutting our pizza. We were after all, in Germany.

I grew up in three very different cultures and even more subcultures of those cultures. Each country and culture is a like separate life and I can live each equally well. Though from the outside I look like an American, and I am an American, my heart is part Chinese. For whatever country I'm in, I just adapt and blend in. And I have never left without picking up some mannerism from that culture that gets added to my own. But no one culture feels like "mine." It's not as easy as what passport you have. No, it's something inside - the values, mindsets, worldviews, and habits subconsciously ingrained - they are all twisted and confused. And all my life, deep down, I have been wondering, questioning, which one is me? Which one is the real me?

Am I the stylish, fast-paced, confident, business minded, efficient, perfectionist city kid of Hong Kong? Am I the proud, patriotic, carefree girl in America? Or am I the bold, daring, adventurous teenager of China, testing her wings?

CJ picked up his fork and started eating his salad - with just a fork. Confident. That's what it was. He didn't feel like he always had to be checking himself to make sure he was doing the right thing and blending in. Eating pizza with your fingers and salad with just a fork definitely wasn't European, but it was part of his culture, and it was okay. I wondered if maybe it would be okay if I changed back to eating my food with just a fork too. I don't have to have separate lives for each country. I don't have to change all of my behaviors to try to blend in with the current cultural system. I am free to be me.

I have a culture, but my culture is a mix of all the others, and for the first time I feel like I am finally all of them AT THE SAME TIME. And I am free to be who I am.

Thanks CJ. :)

~Sailor Girl

Sorry, this post probably doesn't make sense except to other third culture kids.