I'm here

And it is unreal. All last night I couldn't stop smiling, not when I landed in Cotonou or drove through the city or saw the ship for the first time. Thank you so much for your prayers for a safe journey--all my connections were on time and all my bags made it too. My total travel time was around 24 hours and maybe another four before I made it on the ship and into my bed. Not that time means much yet...it's nine hours ahead here, almost a night/day reversal!

I'm all moved in to my room. There are six bunks grouped in two's and I have two roommates so far, one from the Netherlands and one from the US. We are expecting a nurse from Germany tomorrow. This truly is an international ministry--I have already met people from 10 countries, at least. I'm confined to the ship for today, until my paperwork is complete, but it's been nice having a chance to unpack and get a sense of the ship before starting work. I went on a tour this morning and it is wonderful--so far beyond what I expected. Don't worry about my quality of life here. There are multiple lounges, a prayer room, a place to exercise, a nice dining area, decks where you can be outside, and even a place where they are going to set up a pool! Plus, I fit in the bed! Still, I can't wait for my first opportunity to be on shore.

There is so much to take in, and a lot to learn still. Pray for adjustment, friendships to begin to start forming, and my first day of work Monday.
Much love to you from Africa!!