This past week there was a music festival in the town square which went until midnight every night. We joined in the fun on Friday evening when they had an "Abba Revival Show" which was a lot of fun. Those of you who know us, will know that we love a bit of Abba. Kara loved it but Liam wanted to leave early because it was too loud!
On Saturday, the ship tried to get involved by putting a stage down on the quayside and sending groups into the square to invite the festival goers to visit the ship and experience the Logos Hope Koge Fest.
Although the numbers were not great, there were a number of good conversations with those that came onboard or watched the drama's on the quayside.
On Saturday night, the festival closed off with a fireworks display from the quay behind the ship. Thousands of people crowded into the square below us, many drunk, which did cause some concern for the gangway watchmen.
We as a family spent Saturday away from the ship and out of Koge. We had been invited to spend the day with a family that we had hosted a few weeks ago at the 50th anniversary event.(see blog 9/8) The journey proved interesting as our SatNav (Senga) took us down a track into a farm yard - a first for us. When we eventually reached Martin and Lisa's home, we were delighted to find a large garden with a big trampoline and lunch included pancakes and bacon.
We were also very impressed to discover that they put the flag up to show neighbours that they have visitors. A nice touch!
It turned out to be a lovely hot day and we really enjoyed spending time in their garden and walking down by the nearby waterfront. We were so blessed by the hospitality of this couple who have both served on the Doulos before.
Earlier in the week, Steve took part on a panel for a leadership training event which was run onshore over 4 days for those onboard that have had little formal training before being put into leadership roles. This is another step forward in preparing the ships community for the ministry ahead.
The whole ships company have been really challenged this past week as we have been hearing of the terrible persecution of Christians in Orissa, India. Many churches have been burnt down, Christians attacked and killed and others living in the jungle for fear of their lives. This kind of story doesn't make the international news or the BBC website but it is very real for those who are suffering every day. Email me if you want more details - steve@packwoods.com
The coming days are exciting ones. Today we had 24 new faces arrive as part of a 3 month STEP (short term exposure programme). At the same time, some 75 new recruits are going through their pre-ship training about 30km away from here and will join us next week, on the same day that my mum and dad arrive for 10 days.
Tomorrow, Weds, we have a surveyor from Lloyds coming to inspect the ship for an informal report on what we still need for our PSSC (passenger ship safety certificate). We hope he will give us a clear indication of what work still needs to be done before we can sail.
Next week, the 3 containers that I helped load in Trinidad are arriving. They were expected this week but the ship was delayed. So this will be our first book containers, and a couple of days later, we will get 2 more from the States.
So things are moving forward and we will certainly be kept busy over the coming days.
