An Amateur's How-To for a Mercy Ships Farewell

     In an attempt to laugh off the fact that we're leaving this ship in less than 72 hours, I have put together a lighthearted list of what to do when you're about to leave the Africa Mercy. This is not an exhaustive list, and certainly not authoritative, but it makes me smile. And after a few rounds of goodbyes it actually seems to be pretty accurate!

     1) The night before your departure date gather an embarrassingly large group of friends and go out to dinner on the town. Helpful tips: Make sure one of you speaks the local language. And ask what entrees they still have BEFORE all 18 of you have ordered, or they will return a half hour later and say they no longer have any chicken.

     2) Stay up late that night to eat treats and play games in the mid-ships lounge! (Beware of quiet hours, as your laughter may disturb nearby family cabins after 10pm...boo)

     3) The morning of your departure have one last communal meal, preferably out on Deck 7. If you're going homemade this takes some prep work, as you have to make all of your market runs ahead of time, but it's worth it!

     4) After all the procrastination has been squeezed out of the process, you MUST pack. So open your room for public packing time! Not only will you have company for this usually stressful task, you will be able to pack lighter because your friends will free you of any items you were wavering on taking with you...the most common things back home are priceless here (i.e. face wash, tea)

     5) When its time to disembark for good, walk down the gangway one last time and say a final farewell on the dock, surrounded by your friends. Rainbows and goodbye songs are an added bonus!