It's that time of year again

School is in session. On board the Mercy Ships, we have a school for pre-school up to grade 12. The Academy, as it is called, currently has 35 children from ages 3-16 years. This multi-national school does many activities on and off the ship. The students do fund raisers on board the ship to buy toys for the orphanages. They do school plays, bake bread for the crew, and go on field trips around the city. The Academy is a blessing for families who have children and come on board to serve. Not only do they get a "Family Cabin" which has 3 bedrooms, kitchen and living room. But they also get a good Christian education for their children.

Computers Everywhere

In the society of information technology, us westerners can't live without computers. That's why we have computers everywhere on the ship. We have an internet cafe as well as computers in offices around the ship. For those people who brought their personal laptop computers, there is also a computer lounge. Because the ship has satellite service, we usually have good internet access. It's a blessing for us to be able to connect to our family and friends so easily. Imagine, just 10 years ago we didn't have this luxury and now we can't live without them.

My Brother Paul

My older brother Paul passed away suddenly on August 31 from an apparent heart attack. It's difficult to really know for sure because he was autistic and couldn't speak. If he was having chest pains we wouldn't know it. My parents said that on that day he was his usual normal self. He had his dinner, had his bath and was ready to go to bed when my parents heard him fall on the floor. They immediately went into his room to find him pulseless and not breathing. CPR was done immediately but he was gone. My younger brother Charlie, who is also autistic witnessed the entire event. It's difficult to know for sure how much of it he understands. He does cry every now and then and I know that he misses him. Paul was able to donate most of his skin tissue for burn victims. He was 38 years old and will be missed. A poem was read at his memorial service which I find very encouraging.

Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite for from earth
"It's time again for another birth,"
Said the Angels to the Lord above,
"This SPECIAL CHILD will need much love."

"His progress may seem very slow
Accomplishments he may not show
And he'll require extra care
From the folks he will meet down there.

He may not run or laugh or play
His thoughts may seem quite far away
In many ways he won't adapt
And he will be known as handicapped.

So lets be careful where he is sent
We want his life to be content
Please Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for You.

They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is Heaven's very SPECIAL CHILD."

Written By: Edna Massimilla