This is Not «Adieu»

Laughing with some good friends on my last day in Benin.

Yesterday was my last day in Benin and on board the M/V Africa Mercy.  When someone leaves the ship and goes to another country, it is different than travelling within Benin.  The term to describe this is "disembarking".  Disembarking is ceasing to be a crew member of the ship.  I had to sign the ship's logs and received back my passport and vaccination card.

Whenever a bus of people travelled to the airport, a group would line up and wave goodbye.

Before coming to Benin, I thought that the greatest culture shock would be travelling to Africa.  I was not aware that there would also be culture shock for me to return home.  This time was quite emotional and difficult, and I would also have to say, is more stressful than other large life events, such as beginning a new job or simply moving within the same city.

Late night swim on the pool on the Africa Mercy, the last night before I left

I had to say goodbye to so many dear friends, but I am comforted in that it is not goodbye forever (adieu).  It is just goodbye for now.  The past few days have been emotional, planning who to spend time with, where to go, and packing to come home.  I gave many things away and still managed to have too much in my bags!  I realize that I am a fabric-o-holic!  I absolutely love African wax print fabrics and have packed my bags with some that I purchased and some that was gifted to me.  It is not just frivolous, as the extra fabric has been useful.  Our room on deck 2 is without curtains or privacy, so it was really useful to find strong magnets and hang fabric around our bunks.

My bunk is on the top, very close to the A/C vent.  I had to turn around with my head to the left and hang the curtains in order to prevent cold air from blowing on my face.

I travelled from Benin to Belgium, where I had previously arranged to detour into Germany and meet up with a fellow Mercy Ships friend.  Although I tried to downsize and leave a lot behind on the ship, my bags were still so full that my duffle bag broke somewhere on route to Germany.  It was a challenge to arrange everything in the airport while things were spilling out of the large tear.  I had quite a ways to walk to get to the bus and couldn't manage both my heavy backpack and damaged duffle bag.  I went to a help desk and asked for something to hold my bag together.  The very kind lady gave me some string, so although not pretty or the most graceful, I was able to tie my bag closed.  It worked well enough as a temporary solution for me to walk around the airport, get to the bus terminal, and then load my bag in my friend's car at the other end.

This bag served me well...I paid only $5 for it and bought it many years ago. RIP yellow bag.

I was given a new bag by my German friend, so did not need to struggle with this bag any longer!

As sad as I was to leave Benin, God has been faithful in my preparations to go to Germany.  He has given me a bit of time to debrief and discuss Mercy Ships, and the opportunity to travel in a new place.  I am very thankful for this!

When we are faithless, He remains faithful, because He cannot deny Himself. - II Timothy 2:13

More to come later! (: