Friday, June 15, 2012

Friday 15 June - Visiting the Bridge/A Quiet Day

Last night after devotional HM2 Jude Rosario made arrangements for us to go up to the bridge and we got a full tour of the whole steering, navigation, charting, radar, look out, warning system, defense, and the bow of the boat. They showed the defensive guns we have on board and how they worked. It was really cool. The military and merchant marines were very nice and showed us everything and answered questions. Really nice to have connections.

We did a CT on one of the guys right as we came on board, so he showed us how he swears the boat. The navy gives the course and the merchant steers the boat. The merchant marines  are not in uniforms just regular civilian clothes. Lots of fun memories. Andrew left today and we gave him his card and t-shirt and the x-ray group gave him a shirt, hat, water bottle. We got pictures of the whole group.

The rest of the day was pretty slow. Jen did a CT and I went and helped and watched. After lunch Jen and I went up on deck to get some sun and see the islands going by. We saw 4 of the pilots talking and I asked if they had the helicopter patches. They took me in to get them and I got one for me and one for Jen. She is pretty shy around the cute guys, so I feel like the old mom is a non threat and I can ask them stuff she doesn't want to look like she is chasing them. We went up to the top deck and looked over the front of the boat and saw the bow in the daylight. Pretty much like the Titanic movie.

Cleared out all my personal photo albums to make room in my iPad. I still have them in the all file. It will delete if needed. I'm going to keep them just in the memory card unless there is something I want to upload to send. Then I will send it and delete to keep room for other people's photos.  I found if I try and keep albums and delete the all file it doesn't work. It wants to delete it from the album as well as the total file. I got all the pictures Andrew took of x-ray and the other patients he did. 3 cd's worth of pictures - about 500.

Someone could not do the devotional so they asked me since we are not having one Saturday or Sunday. I talked about my experience of last week being so excited to come to church. I then shared a story from the May Ensign, Elder Koelliker and the story of the 2 missionaries rejected and then how the man saw their love for each other as they left the doorstep and the man then invited them back because of that and how we are having the chance to put an arm around our patients and maybe others will see who we really represent. The last was the hymn "More Holiness Give Me", and how I love this and if you read the hymn without the music the more impact from the message. I keep thinking how we have so much compared to these people and maybe we shouldn't worry so much about what we have or don't have. One of the ladies shared with us a letter an escort had left and they and someone translated it. They talked about how wonderful we are and how grateful they were for a God to bring us to them and for us to keep doing these humanitarian to spread God's love. All you did comes from God's extended hands, even just for a week. Keep fighting and keep the spirit and bring all humanitarian missions God's mercy. I got a copy of it.

The group went up to look at the stars but I wanted to get this typed and off. We do not have to report till 9:30 but breakfast is 7-8 and brunch is 10:30-12 dinner 4:30-5:30. It is non-working day so shorter hours for everything. Sunday will be a regular work day, prepping for coming into port. The island is Samar and the city starts with Caly...... And it is on the west side of the island. We will be there 10 days. They said our last working day will be the 29th June and we finish off the 1st of July, then off to Subic Bay.

Today I kind of felt like I am just an extra body sitting around again but hope there is something I can still help with. Kind of melted down to myself but I am sure things will improve once we get to the new place. I will only get off 4 days to take X-rays on the pier a they want to keep security with the  people on land. They are just being over careful with the outcome of the boxing match last week.

Colette and Danielle, thanks for the patch design. Internet was an issue the last few days. But looks good. The final deadline is now the 20 June so whatever is good. I was able to open both of your files. Will try and call Maddie tomorrow (Friday evening). If she is busy don't keep her home to wait for me. Will also get with Matt, Lisa and Cam in the next while. The phones are busy so I can't always get a second try when I have the phone.

Love you guys and miss your hugs and teasing and just being with you. Love Mom/Caroline

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