Burkeh beach, Choir, Easter, going home!

Easter is looming on the horizon and it promised to be a full and amazing week. Not only did we have the regular Easter services we also were preparing for the BIG Easter Brunch meal and the performance of our songs we had been practicing with our food services team for several weeks. But first we allowed ourselves a trip to the beach with some other crew members. It was a little way away but we were promised lovely scenery, warm swimming water and a meal. What was not to like.
After cramming 11 people in a Mitsubishi Land Cruiser we were on our way. Our route seems to take us on some peculiar small roads not at all suitable for motorised vehicles? Turns out that the driver is trying to avoid 'roadblocks' where the police stop all the vehicles. Once we got on the main road it was fine till we were nearly there and a funny noise underneath caused us to stop by the side of the road. One of the prop shafts had disconnected. With 2 car mechanics on board we were quickly on our way again but now on 2 wheel drive instead of 4, never mind we will get there no doubt. So we did despise peculiar noises underneath!
The beach was indeed very beautiful and we found a shady spot under some trees. The water was also lovely and warm but unfortunately littered with rubbish such as tooth brushes and plastic water bags. We changed our min for a long front crawl swim and just had a dip instead. There are so many folk trying to sell you an all manner of things, from table and chair to sit on to nuts, water melons, African printed material, souvenirs, bracelets, etc.
Our journey back was even more eventful. The car was kind of repaired but still only one prop shaft. Once we got close to Freetown the diversions started again but despise these we got stopped by the police and the driver got fined for irregularities with the vehicle's permit and the lack of a working seatbelt in the front. A fine of SL 200 was paid (£6.40) and a caution to get the permit sorted out. We continued and got stuck in another traffic jam for an hour and missed the end of service in the dining room.
Easter events
Easter was rather special here. We started with a Passover Seder where the International Lounge had been turned into a Jewish dining room, including sitting on the floor, very moving! There was a Good Friday service which we didn't make it to due to our extended beach outing. Easter Sunday started with a sunrise service at 6:30 on the top deck, again very special to be looking over Freetown and the ocean whilst the sun is struggling to get up and through the clouds.
We had to work to prepare the Easter brunch. At 11:35 we gathered with the Food Service Crew by the doors of the International Lounge to get ready to sing our song 'Oh Happy Days' which we had rehearsed for a number of weeks as well a local praise song called 'Tell am Tenki' At first the crew were very hesitant to get involved but after the first few practices the enthusiasm grew and by the end the were mega excited about it. I had arranged for an African chaplain to come and lead us, she has a magnificent voice that booms across the room! We set the lounge on fire with our song even though maybe not quite as tuneful as we had rehearsed! Later as everyone had been served in the dining room we sung our second song and it was absolute electric how they song with so much gusto and got everyone involved. They even song Happy Birthday at the end for me! (see video)
**Leaving Mercyships early**
Just a note to say we are leaving 12 days early. This is because Sally's Dad John is very poorly in hospital and we feel we should travel home as soon as we practically can. Rebooking the flight with Brussels Airlines was not very cheap even though we were suppose to have a flexible booking. We are travelling back on the 7th April, home on the 8th and to the Midlands on the 9th April. Quite a journey. Our time at Mercyships has been profound for us, we have learned s much about the country, the people ourselves and how we were able to bring a little hope and healing to the people of Sierra Leone.Læs mere