Can it really be Christmas time?

Weekends seem to come around very quickly here. It's hard to believe that in 5 days we are flying back to Edinburgh for Christmas. The ship is now very nicely decorated with 4 real trees supplied by the local churches onboard, and a 5m tree at the bottom of the gangway and lights and decorations in all the public areas.

This week we went out with our ship family (groups put together to encourage a sense of family onboard), to the Christmas market just a short walk away from the ship. Although there are all the lights, sights and smells of Christmas, something is missing. You notice it in the shops and markets, no music. That's right, no sound of the "Best Christmas album in the world ever" played on constant repeat everywhere you go. It might seem strange but it just doesn't seem like Christmas without the music.

Last night we had the works Christmas party. Despite being away from our normal culture, you have to have a works night out for Christmas don't you. So it was lights, camera's, fun in one of the meeting rooms as we all got together and enjoyed games such as " I love you honey but will you please smile" where people have to try and get their colleagues to crack a smile while they try desperately not to. Even our kids were there and enjoyed joining in the games.

As well as all the pre Christmas fun, this past week also saw a visit from the founder of our organisation, George Verwer. George is someone who has had a huge influence in my life, introducing me to OM and missions when I was just 19. He has become a friend over the past 20 years and it was great to spend some time with him again. George has been a real encouragement here at a time when there is great uncertainty. We are facing a very real financial crisis at this time and there are many questions being asked about how we are going to address the shortfalls.

This coming week, a decision will be made about whether the Logos 2 should sail back to the Carribean for 6 months to raise finances. This would have a massive effect on us here on Logos Hope, as a number of the previous Logos 2 crew are likely to want to sail.

On Thursday we head for Lubeck airport and a Ryanair flight to Stansted then on up to Edinburgh. Saturday 22nd is Kara's birthday and she will be having a wee party with some of her friends and her grandparents.

Hopefully there will be time to write again before Christmas. We'll let you know how this week goes when we can.

Enjoy this last week before Christmas. Hope you get all your shopping done.