After about 27 hours of traveling and a little too much airplane food, Glenn and I safely arrived in Conakry! The hot, sticky air confirmed where we had landed. After going through customs and getting our passports stamped, we picked up our luggage and left the airport (which looked more like a old, retired mall than a running airport). Thankfully, we had met two other women working on Mercy Ships on the flight who showed us around. Outside the airport, people were waiting for our flight to arrive and a group of natives were playing drums. The security director of Mercy Ships picked us and about ten others up in a jeep and drove us to the dock. As we drove along the road, little to no electrical lights showed and I wondered how the people along the road could see what they were doing or who they there talking to. We drove to the dock, and there was the ship. That moment....indescribable.
I am sharing a room with eight other girls, and another on the way. On the bunk where I sleep were cookies, a water bottle, towel, and note when I arrived. We accidentally slept in till early afternoon today, thinking it was morning. But we definitely needed the sleep. I spent the rest of the day getting a tour, meeting new faces, taking part in an unexpected fire drill, and unpacking. Tomorrow I have my galley orientation and I start work Saturday morning. Everyone tells me that the galley isn't the most fun place to work, but I'm ready for it.
Several times today I've just stopped and realized where indeed I am. I look out the window and see the water of the Atlantic ocean. On the other side of the ship is the bustling city of Conakry. I am so impressed and amazed with this place and I think I'll really love it here. I realize what a unique, rare kind of place this is. There are people from all over the world who are just so happy to be here. The ship is well equipped with places to relax, do laundry, read, and I will be just fine. I am so excited for the opportunities and things to come.
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement, emails, and support. Pictures and more posts are soon to come.
Jeanna! So glad you're there safely. I know that you are going to love it. What a fun time is ahead of you, indeed. I think you may be in my room!!! Let me know if you are -- sorta beneath the cafeteria eating area. LOVE YOU and so excited for you.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jeanna. Keep it coming!
ReplyDeleteHooray for first impressions! (And thanks, Adrienne, for sharing the link!) May you be a blessing there!
ReplyDeleteJeanna -- I love your optimistic, can-do attitude. May the Lord shine His face upon you these next few weeks and months.
ReplyDeleteJeanna, I'm so thrilled to be able to keep up with your experiences there! We'll miss you but are thankful that you're there. Love and blessings~Christine (+ Dave + Amira + Victoria)
ReplyDeleteJeanna, SO excited to be reading your first post from Conakry! It sounds like it's going to be an amazing experience. I"ll be praying for you and thinking of you slightly jealously from snowy little Stillwater. :)
ReplyDeleteYay Jeanna! thanks for the update. we are so excited for you and Glenn. Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteYay you made it! Glad you are able to have this opportunity to serve. Hope all goes as well as you hope along with some pleasant surprises too. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteJeanna, I love the pics! It is bringing what was a remote dot on the map to life! And then to see you and Glenn! Thanks for sharing. Isn't there another girl from Asheville there with you? I look forward to more news. We all have the flu here, so I will pray especially for your health and constitution :). Love, Mrs. B.
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