Emmanuel

We made a wonderful new friend in Sierra Leone named Emmanuel Shaw. A friend of mine from home, Rachel, met Emmanuel several years ago while she served on Mercy Ships. She has stayed in close contact with him throughout the years and played an big part in helping him found an orphanage called Mercy Children's Orphanage (www.mercyorphanage.blogspot.com). Before we arrived in Freetown, Emmanuel was a big help to our advance team. He also volunteered on board in our galley while the ship was berthed in Freetown.

John and I had the awesome privilege of visiting his orphanage last Sunday. Emmanuel picked us up from the ship early and we spent a full day going with him -- going to his church and then spending the rest of the afternoon at his orphanage in Waterloo. He has 10 children at the orphanage and also one biological child. The children were so sweet, friendly and well behaved. We brought lots of books with us for the children and also for Emmanuel and his wife. We had a great time reading the books to the children, singing songs, playing games and a few of the girls even braided my hair. We were so encouraged by Emmanuel's work. He has a wonderful property and grows most of his own food. Also, a team of six people from the ship were able to go out to the orphanage last week to help him build a new fence around his property. We were so glad we could help him in this way. Please keep Emmanuel and his children in your prayers.