so having spent 11 days at sea, land was finally in sight and we docked into Santa Cruz port 8am on Saturday. the last few days have been wonderful, soaking in the quietness, stillness and greenness - climbing mountains, relaxing in parks and not being hot! its a gorgeous 25 degrees, with normal humidity. after the last 36 hours of the sail being the roughest ever - with virtually no sleep and rocking so bad that one struggled to sit on a chair and walk down the corridors; it is wonderful to be still and not have engine noise in my cabin!
On sunday a group of 9 girls hiked half way up Mount Teide - the volcano that is the central point of the island. it was 75mph winds, with hats/gloves and scarves needed - so we did the best we could. The best way to describe the area is like walking on the moon. its barren, dusty and altogether different.
so the rest of the time in tenerife is mainly for maintenance work to be completed and for the crew to have some rest and relaxation.
there are kiwi fruit and red peppers served for dinner, instead of african carrots and green oranges. Christmas decorations are all around the ship, and different events are happening to celebrate the season.
it is also the season of goodbyes. almost all of the short term crew are packing their bags and catching their flights home. so there's a quiet lull, before all the new volunteers arrive at the end of january - and there are alot! I have taken on the role of 'Buddy co-ordinator' ensuring that every new nurse is contacted and paired with a nurse from the ship before arrival...giving an opportunity for questions to be answered and connections to be made. Its also a great way of knowing when nurses birthdays are - so posting cards on their doors and being able to write to thank them before they leave! so its rather a busy time with lots of goodbyes and lots of hellos to come in the next few weeks.
Can i take this opportunity also to wish you all a very joyous Christmas and a happy new year too. Through all of the present opening and eating; do take time to stop and reflect on the reason why Christmas exists, to not only take a look at the little baby in the manger, but to praise God for sending his Son Jesus to earth; for the little baby in the manger, growing into a boy, into a man, sharing all that He did on earth, before he died a sacrificial death on the cross; then rising again from the tomb and now sitting with God in the heavens. demolishing all that stood against us and giving us direct relationship with God our heavenly Father. It marvels me to take time to stop and reflect; to take time out from all the excitement and planning, to know the real reason for the season.
I am sending lots of love from here to you all xxx
Good.
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