What a rush...

So many things happened since the last time i posted.

• Our ship is retiring because of many little complications. Yes it was sad to hear but looking back one can see how everything lead to this. God's fingerprints is all over this. :)
  Check out http://www.doulos.org/ for more info on this.

• As a result of the ship's decommissioning, many friends are leaving to go home early. I had just made friends with Christine during drydock and we spent so much time together. It is so funny how God works. We are so much alike (i think) and i enjoyed every donkey-game, every movie we watched together (except that stupid one 'He's just not that into you') and i LOVED those long chats. Man... i miss her!
  So, yes Christine left a few weeks ago and tomorrow another bunch of great friends leave. One thing i have learnt on the ship is to say goodbye. Or maybe how to cope with saying goodbye so much as we tend to do a lot of it!



• Our ship returned to VivoCity for one last visit before she is decommissioned. What a double week it has been! I have never been on such an emotional rollercoaster. I went from being proud of some artworks displayed in the mainlounge to angry over people's comments. I spent a few days doubting my calling as i was making mistakes left right and centre. (I am very hard on myself and set unrealistic standards.) I was dissapointed at how certain leaders acted and how i responded. I was stubborn...i am still as stubborn as they come! I was excited to see many people come to the open days, to hear the Gospel choir sing and to see the new video made especially for this Visit.



• Christmas happened...it caught me off guard. Yes the decorations hinted that we were moving towards the big season but then one morning i woke up and it was the 24th. Here on the ship it is a big deal. Some european countries celebrate Christmas on the 24th so we tend to make a big deal out of the 24th too. Usually by having a REALLY nice dinner served by the Planning Meeting. (Department heads). This year i was part of the Planning Meeting and had to join in the serving and washing of dishes. I started my time on Doulos in the Galley (kitchen) and loved the washing dishes part the most. It became my comfort zone until i became a shift leader. So in a way i went back to my roots! So getting back to the story...Christmas was spent washing dishes and watching 'The Nativity Story'. On the 25th i spent time with my Ships family and afterwards sat for 3 hours writing farewell cards to the people leaving tomorrow. sad...



• My heart is also in this weird place. Having to trust God is sometimes not the easiets thing. Not because of Him...because of my sinful doubts. I tend to look at the waves crashing instead of Jesus standing infront of me reaching out to take my hand. I wish i had more faith! I should pray for that shouldn't i!?

So yes friends. Many things are happening onboard... I shall try to keep you updated.