Feels Like Home For Now

HELLO FRIENDS!


Sorry for slacking it's been a whirlwind of a week. But, I've made it through. I have been living here on the ship for exactly a week as of yesterday. It still feels surreal yet, I've never felt more sure that this is where I'm supposed to be and am really blessed for this time away from home. After being raised all my 18 years in a cute little beige house on Amanda Drive, I've finally realized that there is a whole new world out there. It's amazing and my passion for travel has been raised to a whole new level.


I know you're dying to see pictures so I just may surprise you with some!


First, as many of you know I am a receptionist here on board and have been training all week with Murray(boss), Heather and Leah who are also receptionists but are professionals considering they've been here on the Africa Mercy for over a year. My job may not be as physically hard as the others but I can tell you that I've never learned so much and had to obtain so much important information.


Some of my general reception duties consist of:
-Answering phone calls
-Sending beeper messages
-Updating the phone directory every Tuesday
-Overseeing the vehicles/transportation and giving out the vehicle boards
-Maintaing the contents in the safe and keeping them organized
-Overseeing the public mobile cell phones
-Laminating/printer responsibilities
-Embarkation & disembarkation of crew, day guests, volunteers, and visitors
-Making badges for everyone
- Making overhead announcements
-Monitoring the fire panel
-Updating the notice board
-Sending emails


Those are just a few but mainly one huge responsibility for me will be just trying to stay awake during the overnight shift! Many of you know I love my sleep :)


Well, after a full week of training I actually took my Reception Test today and....PASSED! I received my "wings" to be placed on my uniform blouse. Very exciting, I know! Yes, I'm still in Durban and at this rate we will probably not set sail until beginning of February. The ship still has a lot of work to be done. There is currently no air conditioning so yes, I've been given the true African experience! After enduring these 90 degree weather days without AC, I feel like I can conquer the world :)


God bless!