Shipyard in the Canary Islands

Returning to the ship meant getting to visit Spain's Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco. The Africa Mercy has been in shipyard for repairs since June.  And although I have been working to prepare for the new school year, I have also gotten to enjoy the beachfront, ride a camel through the sand dunes of Maspalomas, and practice my Spanish!

The view outside while in shipyard

Jen & Kathrin on the camel ahead of me

Me and my camel

My roommates and I enjoying a evening out on the beachfront in Las Palmas

Getting ready  to wave goodbye to Gran Canaria

Last mooring line is pulled in

The tugboat that pulled us out of the port

The sail to Cameroon is about 12 days long. Happily we have had good weather and calm seas. I love looking out the window or sitting outside on Deck 7 and seeing ocean in every direction. Sailing gives me a glimpse into how big the Earth really is.

School started on day 4 of the sail. We have 7 new families on the ship this year, bringing the enrollment in the Academy up to 42 students! My biggest class is 5 students and I teach 6th-12th grades (but not all at the same time). I am especially happy that I get to teach Statistics this year.

We will arrive in Cameroon by the end of the week and a new adventure begins. This will be the first time Mercy Ships has worked in Cameroon, so it will be new for everyone. One of my goals this year is to get off the ship more often, especially at the beginning so I can get my bearings around town.  I think this will be my last year with Mercy Ships and I want to make the most of it.