LONG SILENCE OVER

So much has happened since we have been back in Houston after visiting friends and family in Michigan, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. We returned to living with Robert’s mother in Alvin, south of Houston and started the long, sometimes frustrating task of looking for Robert a job. Job searches certainly have changed since we’ve been away. What use to involve a paper resume a newspaper and a lot of knocking on doors has been reduced to the use of a computer. We found out that companies don’t want you showing up or sending in resumes but now must go online and fill out their own resume format. If we were lucky sometimes they would let you forward your resume electronically, but then still want you to spend time filling out on-line forms. To say that the internet connection in Alvin is slow is a painful understatement. One job application took as long as 12 hours for me to complete. After much frustration I started driving about 25 miles to a store called Panera’s which allowed you to use their free Wi-Fi service and have a nice meal at the same time. The result was a job for Robert at Vetco Gray, Inc in northwest Houston. Vetco Gray was just bought out by GE. Robert was hired as a top welder with good benefits and pay with the understanding that they are very interested in him being groomed as supervisor or in quality assurance. Robert works 10 hour days 6 days a week and prays for Sundays off. Because the drive to and from work would be 1.5 hours from Alvin, we moved to Magnolia where the drive is 30-45 minutes each way. It’s a great little town of 1111 people. About 800 of them go to our new church, First Baptist of Magnolia. The other 311 people go to other churches in the town - - you see we are in the south where everyone at least goes to church. I have joined the choir here and am looking forward to getting involved for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter celebrations. I am also looking for a place to serve within the church. There seems to be many opportunities. They have a food program, an outreach to single mothers and a Crisis Pregnancy agency all run from the church that interest me.

I am not working (this was me when I was working) as I have a few opportunities to do a little traveling through the end of the year to visit my niece in Virginia and I want to be available for that. We are also getting a brand new puppy tomorrow to help ease our Boxer’s separation anxiety from leaving grandma’s house and 3 dogs after 3 years and I want an opportunity to bond and housetrain her. My sister’s sister-in-law is flying out from Arizona with two little 8 week old yorkies. One for my sister Linda and one for me. Linda has already bought a doggie stroller so they can ride together as we wonder through the thousands of acres of flea markets in the state. Don’t you know the next letter will have pictures of the new member of the family.
Robert and I both miss being able to look out our window and see the ocean. Robert especially because he could literally spend hours staring at the fish around the ship. We have been to Galveston to get our ocean fix but now we are much further away I’m sure that won’t happen too often.
We have four children from the orphanage now enrolled and attending Ricks Institute in Liberia. The communication has been difficult and sketchy at best between us, the orphanage and the school. We were very fortunate that one of our best friends, Mark Elliot, still of Mercy Ship fame was recently able to make a business trip back into Liberia with Mercy Ships and went to the orphanage and spoke with the school officials to work out the finances as well as the testing and admittance of the students. Many of the older children were given an excellent opportunity to work for a local charity building homes for single mothers and their children as masons. They are also being housed on the grounds in a dormitory and paid. This was the best possible thing for these young people. I understand they will also be trained as electricians to add to their masonry skills. I did receive a call from Ricks Institute on the first day of school because the four kids that are attending school wanted to call the thank me. What a huge surprise that was.

Robert and I are slowly getting into the routine of being Americans once again. Transition back into this life will take much longer than expected. I suspect we will never be the same ever again as our world view has changed tremendously. We are more committed than ever before to truth, integrity and excellence in our private, public and working lives. It is time for God’s people to take a stand for what they believe in and accept no compromises. Stay close to God by staying close to His word, knowing Him and walking in obedience. God bless each and every one of you and REMEMBER – write us when you get a moment, we love to hear from you.
From that great state of Texas where the BBQ is ALWAYS smoked, EVERYTHING is always bigger, and we’ve been called maam and sir more times then we can shake a stick at we stay always your friends,

SEE ALL OTHER PICTURES BY CLICKING ON LEFT SIDE BAR

NOTE THE NEW ADDRESS BELOW

Robert & Susan Blanchard
832-444-5586
18816 Red Adler Court
Magnolia TX 77355

HOME AT LAST

WHO SAYS TEXANS ARE HICKS?

I told you I would write when we got State-side, what I did not tell you is that it would take me 8 weeks to do it. I’m actually having writing withdrawals AND a big dose of guilt that it has been so long. Let me see if I can consolidate the last 8 weeks into a few paragraphs for you.

The flight home could not have been anymore perfect, even arriving an hour early but Robert’s mother was there already to pick us up. I thought we would get at least a few days to rest but by 10am we were out negotiating for a new truck. Then that afternoon it was a visit to set us up with cell phones. Robert’s cell is 832-444-0238 and mine is 832-444-5586 if anyone would like to call us we’d love to hear from you. Then the technology monster kept slapping me upside the head - - the computer locked up, the PDA and new cell phone stopped working and any help to get these working again costs big bucks. I never thought I’d miss an IT department. J But funnier is going to a gas pump for the first time and forgetting how to pump my own gas and having to read the instructions again feeling like a dorcas as others watched me wondering why I was so slow. Same thing happened when I tried to use Wal-Mart’s self checkout. I’ve done it a hundred times before but not for the last 14 months. I had a line behind me all trying to help me. It didn’t help that at the same time a woman was trying to get me to tell her where I bought my braclet. I really wanted to talk about my bling because it was a Psalm 23 braclet (helps you remember the verses). But between trying to read the machine and having 2 people pushing buttons for me I told her it was the “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” braclet…..I use to be able to multi-task but lost that somewhere along the way.

Robert and I drove to Michigan for 13 days of visits with our sons and their family and friends. On the way we were able to stop and see Susan’s two sisters who both live in Texas and good Mercy Ships friends, Mark & Zana Elliott and girls. It was so good to see each and every one. We were able to share our experiences and future plans with our church’s missions council and on another night with about 40 other friends. We were able to get 3 days off aloe with our sons, taking them to Traverse City where we (me) screamed all the way down the water slides and also became human popsicles in Lake Michigan when we went tubing and snorkeling. After having another tearful goodbye with the boys we headed to Missouri to attend my Cousin’s son’s wedding. It was so nice to be among a lot of family all at the same time. Most of the family on my father’s side we actually met for the first time. On the way home we stopped outside Toad Suck Arkansas to a little place called Mayflower (near Little Rock) so visit my father’s gravesite and see the beautiful headstone that has been placed there. It felt like the perfect ending for this trip to see family

I said before we left Liberia that I was going to eat our way from Texas to Michigan and back and then we both would start a diet. I LIED! We are still catching up on some really great foods and loving every minute of it. I actually have THOUGHT about working out but until Robert lands a job that is on the back burner for awhile. For now all the donuts in the Houston area are still in danger.

Today we are sitting in yet another motel room. This time in Port Arthur Texas. I am in the room alone and Robert has found a welding school here that allows him to pay by the hour to practice some of the welding skills he hasn’t gotten to use in many years. This will help him feel more comfortable at the welding tests the companies will give him. He went to an interview the other day and the man chased after him into the parking lot trying to get him to work for them. I’m thinking “What’s the problem with that” but when he told me it was a 6 day/week 12 hour shift mandatory I just told him to run and don’t look back. There is a whole lot more to life than good money, quality of life has a much higher value for the both of us now. Robert is ready to be back to work so that is high on our list of things you can pray for.


I hope you enjoy some of our pictures which can be found at

http://www.dropshots.com/UseUsLord

PRAYER REQUESTS
* Robert would like to work on an offshore oil rig because it would give us the most opportunity to return to Liberia in the future.
* Our Boxer, Sugar, had a malignant tumor removed from her face. Please pray that it was all removed and it will not come back.
* Adjustment, finding the right church, friends, health and finances


Thank you all for your love and friendship.

Faithfully Yours,

Robert & Susan Blanchard

WEIGHING ANCHOR......

May 3, 2007

EIGHT MORE SLEEPS! But who’s counting? Although it has been a hard decision to leave Mercy Ships the process has been gradual over the past year and we can honestly say now that we are on the other side of sad and are looking forward to coming home with great expectation and excitement.

We are so sorry you haven’t heard much from us lately but as the pictures will show we have kept very busy with packing the Anastasis, receiving the new ship, the Africa Mercy, moving our cabin from the Anastasis to the

AFM, holding multiple sales to rid ourselves of unnecessary things we can’t get in the luggage anyway, helping with the planning and managing for the move of departments, training my very capable replacements, wrapping up the three different off-ship ministries we are involved in and now in the last few days the packing process. Boy was that a run-on sentence. Sorry.
MERCY SHIP PIER - LIBERIA
Anastasis on left, Africa Mercy on right

The more gut-wrenching part of this process is tearing yourself away from friends on the ship, especially our original classmates that joined with us 3 years ago – of which there are 13. But there are other classmates no longer on the ship that we will very much miss but plans of a reunion are still floating around in my mind.

The other hard part is now leaving the Liberian friends we have made along the way. Especially those in the orphanages. This is the time that Trusting God to continue the work we only stepped into for a brief time is where faith hits the pavement. As is African culture, if you have made a significant contribution to their village they honor you with a dressing ceremony. Robert and I have two this coming week, one from each orphanage we have worked at. Although you tell them it is not necessary, it is for them! They will print a program with our names in it, have singing and dancing, food and then they gown you in new African clothes. That’s my favorite part!

The older boys at the orphanage that the Mersfelders and we help set up in business are doing well. It is hard work, long days - - but that’s okay, it keeps them out of trouble and also is providing a place for them to study for the placement exams that are coming up at the end of July. The children that are on our list to get support for their education next year are excited, and studying, helping each other with math questions and reading to each other. We have given them each good youth bibles and tell them that is the best reader they could ever have.

This will be the last e-newsletter you should receive while we are still in Africa as I suspect the next 8 days will be crammed pretty full of activities of leaving. It has been our pleasure to bring you along on our travels and letting you see how God works on this side of the ocean. We will write once we are home and let you all know we are safe and indeed in God’s will, ready to serve again - - this time in the U.S. (after a brief rest of course)

For pictures and articles on the arrival of the Africa Mercy, the torch passing ceremony from the Anastasis to the Africa Mercy and the visit by Madame President of Liberia please click here:

http://www.mercyships.org/site/c.agLOI4OFKrF/b.1025835/k.BE58/Home.htm

For more pictures of our last few weeks click here and start viewing starting at May 11:
http://www.dropshots.com/month.php?userid=92780&cdate=20070503&cimg=0

PRAYER POINTS
*BIG ONE – the flight out of Liberia will not be canceled or late. We would have to stay another week!
*Joy in the midst of all the business - - time to enjoy friends.
*Continued involvement by others in the orphanages that we love
*Godly development of the children in those orphanages
*For the children with health issues – eyes, tumor, urinary, scabies
*For our re-entry. Re-entry is a very difficult thing for those who have been in the field. *There are many books written on the subject. Hopefully, being aware of the pitfalls will help us move quicker through the process - - PRAY!

Love and Great Thanks for being our friends,

Robert & Susan Blanchard
Missionaries to West Africa (for now)
Ambassors for Christ – (always)

SHE'S ON HER WAY!

AFRICA MERCY SETS SAIL FOR AFRICA

Today is a historic day in the life of Mercy Ships. The Africa Mercy has left England headed to Rotterdam for a 3 day visit before her 2 week sail to Liberia. If all goes as planned she will pull up along side us on the other side of the pier on May 21. Work here on the Anastasis is heating up with packing and shutting down of some services in order to give the crew the time to pack or palletize.

There have been hundreds of people come and go over the past 8 years to get this ship ready to meet the needs of those in Africa. From a rail ferry to the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship. There has been much blood, sweat and tears poured into her by the faithful servants God has called. Even if they are not on the ship today sailing her it is only possible because of their labor of love. Eight operating theatres and 78 bed ward, CT scanner, X-ray, dental clinic and a capacity for 440 crew members take a lot of work to load her with all the supplies that have been collected over the past 8 years. The crew had 4 weeks to bring it all aboard which necessitated work days of 14 hours. Everyone had to work in all areas including packing, cleaning, galley, unpacking. Now they have about 20 days of a sail ahead of them only to get to Liberia and have another 4 weeks of off loading this ship to the new. It will take many many months to get everything in order and working as we expected. The hospital is the first area we want up and running because surgeries start again in June.

There were a lot of certifications this crew had to go through as well as our equipment. Here you see one of the lifeboats that would carry crew to safety if it were necessary.

Wella hairsalons of Newcastle provided free haircuts to our hardworking crew before they set sail in one of the public areas of our ship. Wella has been very supportive and have donated a year worth of hair care products for the on-board hairsalon.

This past Friday Robert and I went to Ricks Institute, a Baptist Missionary school out near the Christian Orphanage and Agricultural Project. We are working with the school to get the older children an education. When the children found out we had followed up on our word to see how we can get them enrolled in school next year there was a huge Yippee! They know it God who is answering their prayers. They will have to take placement tests to find out what grade they are eligible for. I am working with the kids to form a study group in order to show them how they can help themselves and their family to succeed and then show them their responsibility does not end when they graduate - - but continues to the smaller ones in the orphanage as they grow up and need to go to school. We are attempting to instill in them an attitude of working together for the betterment of all, this is a foriegn concept in Africa. You can see the light bulbs going off in the boys minds as I talk about this. We are so excited to get this program off the ground and although it is working with one person at a time that is the only way the country of Liberia will change, one person at a time.

Thank you for your love and support. Please write and let us hear from you.

MORE PICTURES: http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=92780&cdate=20070504

PRAYER NEEDS

- Safety of the crew on the Africa Mercy as she sails to Liberia

- Rest and renewal for the crew of both ships

- Unity of all crew, keeping short accounts during a time of intensity

- Healing for Susan's back still a prayer need

Blessings to all of you,

Robert & Susan Blanchard

Liberia, West Africa

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE INNOCENT

THIS IS GRANNY - AGE 3 ENJOYING A DAY OF BALLOONS, BUBBLES AND JELLY BEANS

My friend Patti and I had the privilege this past week to meet such a basic need of William from the orphanage. He had complained his eyes hurt a lot and he couldn’t see to read anymore. We figured he needed glasses of some sort so we brought him into town where the real adventure began. For those of you that have ever been frustrated at ANY medical facility let me tell you I’ve never encounted anything quite like this….to start off with they charged us a late fee for coming into a clinic when it was open, had no patients and all the employees were sitting around with nothing to do. Late for what? Okay, so we paid the fee, filled out the paperwork took it back to the counter. Then you had to take the receipt 6 steps across the hall to the man in another room whose sole purpose was to take the money. He wrote out a receipt and sent us back to the first man who tells us to take a seat until the “escort” could come and get us. He escorted William 10 steps behind us in the same room when he was good and ready then gave him a paper that he now had to take to man #1 so he could write up how much the next step was going to cost, then to man #2 to pay – sit for the escort till he called William into a room in the same place we were – then back to man #1, man #2 to pay for drugs, to the pharmacy, to the escort, to the waiting room, to the escort to another test, back to man #1, man #2 to pay for that part of the test, escort to sit, escort back to man#2 to pay for the glasses ONLY TO FIND OUT they don’t keep the glasses in the Eye Clinic! That would be too logical. We had to walk ¼ mile down the road to the hospital for him to pick up his glasses. What touched our hearts so was when William said “Grandma Chocolate, thank you so much, no one has every done ANYTHING for me before”. It was a great opportunity for Patti and I to share with him about the work our supporters do back home, people who make it possible for us to be here and bless others - - that as God gives us the resources to pass on it was now his turn to pass on blessings to others because that’s God’s way. Pay it forward. Try it today and see how blessed you are.

There is nothing better than spending the day with two young men from the orphanage at our home this time. We invited Peter Jr. and Jeffrey to a day of tours, dinner and a movie last Friday. I thought it was the highlight of our week but the excitement in these two boys told us it was the excitement of a lifetime for them.

They arrived at the ship so handsome in their best clothes with smiles from ear to ear and chattering like two school girls. They greeted us with the traditional formal handshake and bow when they speak to someone of respect but they were still calling us Grandma and Grandpa Chocolate. We just grabbed them up and let them know they are our friends. As they approached the ship for the first time Jeffrey kept asking us how such a big ship can float when it is so heavy. He had never been so close to a ship before. Remember, these boys are from the country, they are not the sophisticated city folk. Jeffrey wants to be a civil engineer and needs to get back to school in the fall in the 10th grade and Peter is 22, was a child soldier at 11 and wants to finish high school (10th grade) then become a marine engineer. Remember the war interrupted most all education and education comes at a price here even for public school. We are looking for sponsors for their schooling but more on that a little later.

As we started up the gangway I saw some hesitation in the boys while they overcame their fear but their excitement and interest forced them forward. They stood in the lobby with HUGE eyes saying over and over “I can’t believe I’m here - - this is beautiful”. We took them directly to our cabin to get the boys a soda before we started the tour. Robert asked why type of soda they wanted and gave it to them. It was in cans and we didn’t know they had never opened a soda can before, so after a few tries at poking a hole in the can Robert decided it might be best to do it for them. The tour was no less than perfect, I know God was watching these boys because when I wanted to take them to the bridge which is closed without Captain’s permission the Captain happen to be all alone. I asked the Captain if I could introduce him to the boys and you should have seen the boys’ faces when they found out they were shaking hands with the CAPTAIN! It was so precious. They bowed LOW while they shook his hand and kept saying they never believed they would ever see a real Captain. Capt. Jonhard not only allowed us to the bridge but gave the boys a personal tour complete with a quick lesson on chart and compass reading. I’m not so sure the boys caught any of what he was saying because they were still so stunned and kept staring at him waiting for the moment he would lift off the ground and fly. They saw every inch of the ship we could provide to them and they have the same feeling we do - - “She’s beautiful”…these boys got the full $1.00 tour as we got permission to take them down into the engine room and also see the shaft. Unfortunately, I was along taking pictures and the heat down there got to me in just over 5 minutes and I had to get out but they saw and heard a lot from Robert in that time. Just as we were coming out of the engine room Ebenezer Yeboah appeared at the top of the stairs and we introduced the boys to him. Ebenezer is a Ghanaian who serves as a 3rd Engineer and has been on the ship a long time. Ebenezer donated his time to talk to the boys about engineering as a career and the rewards and the sacrifices. He also restated to them the need to finish high school with good grades before going on. The boys are more excited than ever to get back into school.

We went back into our cabin and watched Fantastic Four. They sat on the edge of their chairs in wonder how someone could be on fire and live and they pulled on their faces when Mr. Fantastic stretched his face to shave. I think they started to understand these things were not real and then the scene with the trick motorcycle riding came up and that was not real also - - when we told them people can actually do that they started laughing and hitting each other in the shoulder. Of course no movie is complete without candy so we gave them each gummy lifesavers and wondered why they wouldn’t eat them…we found out later. On the way off the ship Jeffery told us to look down at the water line against the ship and said the ship was boiling. It was just the water discharge that gives off a lot of bubbles! It was a beautiful day of seeing everything through the eyes of innocence. Why didn’t they eat their candy? When we drove them back home that night we knew. The first thing they did was give the candy to the other 42 orphans in the home and it would not have been right for them to have kept it for themselves but they needed to share with the family. Boy, do I feel stupid at times and this was one of those times.

We also have a tip for those who wondered how you can get just 1 more gallon in a gas tank that is already full. Here’s how you do it - - fill up the tank, remove the nozzle, BLOW INTO THE TANK, replace the nozzle and repeat process until you squeeze in at least another gallon. That’s a trick we learned here this week from the gas station attendant.

I’ve been on vacation all week. Even if it meant the first day of my vacation was spent at work it is just knowing you are officially on vacation that makes it all feel so different. My department is very busy packing and preparing for closure of the Anastasis. There are crew members on the Africa Mercy working long hours 7 days a week to be ready to sail her this way as of May 4. Please pray for them as they are writing they are very tired and need physical, emotional and spiritual help from God to finish the jobs at hand.

PICTURES FROM THIS WEEK: http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=92780&cdate=20070426

ADDITIONAL PICTURES FROM LAST WEEK YOU HAVEN’T SEEN:
http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=92780&cdate=20070408

OTHER PRAYER POINTS
* Healing for Susan’s back
* Transition of the Anastasis to the Africa Mercy during rainy season
* Emotional, physical and spiritual refreshment for all crew members

* Sponsors to allow the children of Christian Orphanage to continue high school.
* That God accomplishes in this season what God wants accomplished in the orphanage and not what we think is best

1John 3:16-18

Love and Grace,
Susan & Robert Blanchard

HAPPY EASTER 2007

Every day is a surprise here, almost like a new beginning. Just when you think what you know what you are doing for the day, BAM! it's all changed. Pretty much like most of your lives I believe. BAM--a freezer container arrives and all hands on deck BAM--pipes break and off rushes Robert instead of going out with me as expected BAM--you don't expect to lose your heart to a bunch of kids at an orphanage and then it happens.

I wish you could have been there this week when I introduced marshmellows and roasting marshmellows to the kids! Most Africans do not fully appreciate sugar as us Americans do. They are more a spicy culture. As expected some really didn't like them and just let the marshmellow sit in their mouths not knowing what to do. Then others really like it. Then I realized I may have just changed the face of Liberia with an innocent marshmellow! Some of the older girls last time asked me if I had any "girlie things" like smelly lotions I could bring them. So today I brought out all the lotions I had. They think it's the lotion that makes our skin so different. The kids are always rubbing white folks arms because they say we are so soft. The babies scream when they see us because we are scarey to them and they also love to rub your hair because the texture is so different than their own.

Pam received an inquiry into adopting Granny (age 3), now Pam is going to the UK so I am going to help where I can to help work through the adoption process from this side for a woman who lives in upstate New York. We'll keep you apprised of the progress.

On the way to the orphanage we had to make a side trip to Cheesemanburg, a village she works at during the day. We know it was a God thing when we arrived and many people were upset because their brother/son/uncle had just run away that morning. They said he is mentally unstable. We gathered the family together and asked them if he was involved in the witchcraft rituals and practices known to be prevelent in the area. They told us no but we discerned differently. Pam and the water team are only a hand-full of Christians that have brought the truth into the village and it appears that the confusion/anger is bringing this young man to make a decision. It was spoken to them they cannot serve two masters just like they can not look up with the left eye and down with the right at the same time - - they need to make a decision and follow it with their whole hearts. Christianity is not a foreign concept in Africa, just a very compromised one. When times get tough they run back to the traditional witchdoctor for the cure, potion or spell to fix the problem.

Easter day on the ship started with a sunrise service on the bow. By the time our scheduled 8am service on the aft deck came around the sunami had struck and all the decorations were washed away so we held church inside. It was followed by a beautifully done brunch including table clothes, candles and china....almost felt human again. The food was tremendous and well prepared and we were wondering where these cooks came from. We are having a "See you later" party for Pam and Scott Borgert as they leave tomorrow to join Glen on the AFM to ready the ship for sail at the end of April.

Here is a brief clip of the Africa Mercy actually sailing out of the ship yard on her way to sea trials. She passed the test and is now in Blythe UK loading and preparing for her trip to Africa. She is expected to arrive the third week in May.

http://www.southtynesidetoday.co.uk/video.aspx?VideoPath=SGJJ/africa%20mission256k_stream.wmv&VideoID=1390&ArticleID=2189306

For more pictures click here: http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=92780&cdate=20070408

PRAYER POINTS

• Best possible home for Granny, God's will in all things first



• Crew members aboard the AFM - - the work load is tremendous and they are taking shifts and working 24/7.



• New direction in 2007 for the Blanchards

Thank you once again for your love, support and friendship over these past three years. We love and miss you.

Robert & Susan Blachard

Liberia - West Africa

FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY

There is nothing better than heading out to spend the day at an orphanage with friends. Robert and I and about 6 other friends have left our heart at the Christian Orphanage and Agricultural Center. We leave out every Saturday around 10am with little more than ideas, anticipation and excitement to spend that day with children and young boys and girls.

On the way out last Saturday we pulled the LandRover over at the river to purchase fish for the home. We were bombarded by young men trying to sell us their catch for the day - - boy did the car stink of fish. We finally made our selection of 2 Large fish that were about 24” long and maybe 10 lbs each. When we arrived at the home the kids started squealing about the fish and took it directly to the kitchen. We were told they will eat on those for 2 days. Robert and I are now called Grandma and Grandpa Chocolate Fish…..I had told them my dad was Grandpa Chocolate to my boys and I am Grandma Chocolate to my granddaughter, Tori because we love chocolate and make sure they get it as often as they need it (or don’t need it). The older boys have been calling me Grandma Chocolate for sometime now but when I brought the fish they just attached it to the end. That’s how we got the name. I LIKE IT - - I bet no one else has that distinction.

I took a lot of yarn and 4 sets of knitting needles out one afternoon and taught knitting. One girl was a lefty which makes it very difficult to teach as they don’t only switch hands but turn it inside out. My pea-brain could not get my head around the difference. When I looked back she was crocheting with a knitting needle! She was having fun. In our discussions I found out she is in the third grade and struggles to read. They have labeled her stupid. The difference is that she is about my height and must be around 12-14 years old. Girls are not invested in as heavily as boys are. But you know how good God is? We had with us a Reading expert that has taken on as a personal project teaching literacy to about 6 of the older children that are far behind in reading. My friend, Pam, loves doing bible studies and has found her niche there. Robert and I have been drawn to the plight of getting schooling for the older boys and girls. We will be visiting the school that is nearby to check out the cost, payment schedules and seeing how we can monitor their progress in school. We have also very interested in their agricultural program. They grow cassava (tubar potato-like vegetable), watermelon, hot peppers, cabbage, garlic eggs (looks like an egg, tastes like garlic), and carrots. They are going to start a snail farm shortly. Snail is a great source of protein here. The snails get quite large. They have a lot of chickens as they are building up their stock so they can start an egg production farm. They really try to help themselves and have a clear vision of how they need to get there. The finances are ALWAYS the problem here. Money doesn’t solve every problem, but it’s easier to invest money where the people themselves are trying to make a difference and think into the future.

We did take off one Saturday to go on a really amazing trip. Thirty-eight crew members, two LandRovers, a tent and lots of food headed out for the rail yard next to the ship. There we drove the Landrovers onto a flatbed railcar, strapped them down and then hung on for the 2.5 hour trip into the north country. We will NEVER get to ride a train in manner in the States. People sitting on coolers, camping chairs and on top of the LandRovers on the flatbed, no railings at 45mph! At first I was a little uncomfortable because I was sitting on the edge, sharing the cooler with Robert, hanging onto the cooler handle to keep from falling off. Hey - - I just got it! Why wasn’t Robert on the outside???? Just kidding, he offered but I was too afraid to move while the train was moving so I just hung on for dear life. Our destination was Bong Mines, an old iron ore quarry that was now filled with water. It was a beautiful restful 4 hours, cliff diving, swimming, skin burning, eating then another 2.5 hours back on the train. I really enjoyed sitting in a camping chair on the way back waving for 2.5 straight hours to the little naked kids that came running out of the bush to see the train. Someone said he was reminded of Queen Elizabeth waving to her subjects with such class and style. Yeah, THAT’S ME ALRIGHT!

The Engineering Department goes out weekly to the Monrovian Water Treatment plant to assist them where they can. Water has not been fully restored but they are on the right path. The Treatment plant is in very bad shape. Robert went out to weld on one of the water tanks and said the metal was so thin it was hard to weld. The tower had a lot of patches from where they had to plug up bullet and mortar holes. Our Engineers have gotten personally involved in this project because this is the source of the ship’s water and it is critical to have a good source.

I pray that this Easter season will be a joyous one for each of you as you remember our Lord and his glorious sacrifice for you and me. This is the time of the year I most remember how much God loves me - - I hope you know how much He loves you too.

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Blessings, Grace and Mercy,
Robert & Susan Blanchard
Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa