Swab the decks! Hoist the sail! Make way for the President!

A couple weeks back the Africa Mercy and her crew had the honor of a presidential visit paid by none other than her excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. It was a real thrill to be on board and experience the preparation and excitement that built with the anticipation of her arrival. It was even more of a privilege to have been able to attend the "private" press conference held on board the ship in our International Lounge. Normally you had to be a permanent crew member or a "distinguished guest" to have attended. However, at the last minute there were a few seats available and I was invited in! The President put her prepared speech in her pocket and admitted that she felt inspired to speak from her heart. What followed was a truly sincere dialogue explaining her vision for the Liberia, as well as her gratefulness to Mercy Ships for their ongoing partnership towards such a shared vision. 

I found this woman to have a profound presence and a bleeding heart for her people of Liberia. She spoke and you listened. She dreamed and you believed. She has the overwhelming task of rebuilding a country whose infrastructure has been slowly  demolished by years of dictatorship and war. Having learned about her prior to my travel to Liberia, having listened to her televised speeches of the past, and now having had the privilege of experiencing her up close and personal, I have great hope for Liberia!