Bienvenu to Togo

Bienvenu to Togo- Welcome to Togo.
We have arrived- Praise God for safe travels.
Just after 10am this morning we picked up our Pilot and pulled into the port of Lome, Togo. On route we passed numerous fishing boats reminding me of Benin- true to it they were bailing water out of the boats before having left the port.
We were up early anticipating the sight of land but the horizon was hazy. Around 9:30 we could just make out the beaches in the distance and a constant flow of exiting cargo ships indicated we were close to the port.
Pulling around the break wall we could hear a band. In front of us were several dirty big cargo ships. Spotting a crowd of people on the wharf we soon gathered which berth was to be our home for the next 6 months God willing. I say God willing because the Togo election campaign starts this weekend with the election scheduled for the 28th Feb. Whilst little unrest is hoped for the police presence is high and check points are common. The 2005 elections saw much unrest but 2008 was relatively peaceful. That is a prayer point for sure.
Many people colourfully dressed and waving excitedly gathered on the dock. The bands of brass instruments and drums beat out the turn “Our God is the most High God”. We could sing along with the people as we had become familiar with the song in Benin last year.
Due to the elections the gathering on a large crowd is strictly prohibited so only those approved by the Port officials and government would be there to welcome us.
Almost in slow motion we safely touched the dock and were tied- down came the gangway and the official welcomes began. In usually African style the official party of government was unable to make it due to the upcoming elections- I stood and listened as the welcome was translated to English- I am still unsure who made the welcome speech.
This is the fourth time that Mercy Ships has been to Togo- but this time is the first time with the new ship so the people are eagerly waiting.
Due to the elections we are unable to have a mass screening for patients so instead teams will into designated towns and clinics to do multiple smaller screens. Already a baby boy was scheduled to join our infant feeding program immediately- that is his mother was to meet us on the dock for his feed to start- however they are yet to turn up- maybe tonight or tomorrow- the concept of time is a mystery here.
As I sit looking out at the port a large cargo ship is been loaded with bags of grain. Rats and cockroaches are common residents here- as with any site associated with grain. Lorry’s are moving everywhere, large cranes move back and forth , shipping containers balance precariously on fork lifts and grain hoppers line the horizon. This is a busy working port....we will have no shortage of entertainment to watch over breakfast.

Today we all dressed up for the occasion and celebration as dignatories came on board. Behind me is the Togolese Navy - two ships in total.

Praise God for our safe arrival. I look forward to filling you in on the adventures in Togo.
Au revior.