Christmas time is officially here! There has been some debate on the ship as to when exactly you are allowed to play Christmas carols.  I, of course, say the day after Thanksgiving (which is when i started playing them).  Most people say December 1st.  So today everyone agreed we can listen to Christmas carols.

I spent most of the day making paper decorations for our room.  Krissy and I cut out snowflakes, i printed out a nativity scene which we colored and cut out.  I also made a fireplace out of paper and hung it on our door.  Fireplaces, i think, are always very warm and inviting around this time of the year.  

A while back i mentioned that Princess Anne had come to visit, well finally they have released pictures that we can show people! So here are some pictures of Princess Anne's visit.  (Ok i still can't figure out how to upload multiple pictures but have them appear on the blog in a certain order...so sorry these are out of order).

In the ward meeting patients 

We had a "meet and greet" for some of the crew where you got to meet her, sadly i was not one of the chosen few for this privilage

Donovan and Mae Palmer welcoming the Princess to the ship (you can't see me but im in one of the windows watching this take place)

Captain Tim and Donovan with the Princess

The question was asked what will i miss in Sierra Leon.  I will miss our day workers.  I love our day workers.  Tomorrow night we are going to have dinner with them in town which i'm very excited about.  I will not miss the traffic and the crowds.  I'll miss going and sitting on the pier to watch the sunset.  This was my first glance of Africa.  When i first arrived i was scared silly, now i'm not scared as much as i am ready to get to know the people and culture.
The last bit of information is a matter of donations.  I was informed today of this special "deal".  Today until December 31st our partners around the globe have come together to double any gift you make up to 1 million dollars.  This is a huge opportunity to raise twice the amount of money for West Africa.  This is a beautiful place full of hurting people.  They need your support.  I would simply ask that you pray about what God would have you give.  Never feel obligated to donate, only do what God has laid on your heart.
https://connect.mercyships.org/page/contribute/one-time?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Mercy_Ships&utm_campaign=email20110415&source=USAE1109A&subsource=GEN
Those are the pictures for today.  Welcome to December everyone! the end of 2011 is approaching, where has the time gone? Love and miss you all :)