tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44220354749080938072024-03-14T11:24:02.951+01:00John, Jennifer, and the Logos HopeJohn and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.comBlogger357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-26853132644702886952011-06-09T21:05:00.004+02:002011-06-09T21:24:05.890+02:00Our Life in NaplesWe praise God that we're feeling settled in our new home city of Naples, Florida. We arrived last last October with our big U-Haul and now, over seven months later, I finally find the time to give our readers a quick update. I (Jennifer) have thought of our blog many times over the past months as blogging was such a highlight for me during our time on the Logos Hope. Many times, I've thought that I'd like to continue blogging on a regular basis again, but I haven't quite found a new topic on which I feel readers would be interested in. So for now, this site will be dedicated to our two-year adventure overseas on the Logos Hope. I will leave up all of our postings and gadgets on the side of the blog for any readers to view. I pray that God will continue to use our time on the ship for His glory. <div><br /></div><div>To give you a quick update on our lives, John and I are settling well into our new lives in Naples. We both have wonderful jobs in which we're making a difference for God's kingdom. We live in a beautiful condo, attend a fantastic church and are making great friends. Plus, we live just a short 10-minute drive from the beach, so you really can't complain. We live just a few minutes from Jennifer's family now, so we couldn't be happier. Moving back to the USA after two years abroad has definitely been a huge adjustment, but overall, we are thankful to be back on dry ground and living again in the USA. Blessings.</div>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-53882169948833484512010-09-14T05:10:00.001+02:002010-09-14T05:11:25.456+02:00First Week in CaliforniaWe've had a GREAT first week back in California. We're amazed it's only been one week. We've had a wonderful time catching up with friends and family. One of the major hightlights of the week was meeting our new baby neice, Daisy Anne. She was born on September 1, while we were in Hawaii. We actually had FOUR neices born during our two years on board the Logos Hope. My (Jennifer) brother and his wife had their second, a baby girl Lauren. And John's sister and brother-in-law had twin daughters June 2009 and then their third on September 1. Below are a few adorable pictures of our neices.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrMu-C-563DbNmvIAZt-4GTXIOsTePu5ePYs_tTkhfmTd6xDjmUtDWEvSuILDHcqVArDkWQTOErQSjnrZ_ti2dsBQuOSspaA2EzlnConhB7CS_vXr9tg9h5UM-Q7f9xDPxP_ycKuFlBJC/s1600/IMG_6831.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrMu-C-563DbNmvIAZt-4GTXIOsTePu5ePYs_tTkhfmTd6xDjmUtDWEvSuILDHcqVArDkWQTOErQSjnrZ_ti2dsBQuOSspaA2EzlnConhB7CS_vXr9tg9h5UM-Q7f9xDPxP_ycKuFlBJC/s400/IMG_6831.JPG" /></a> <br />John with baby Daisy. She was just eight days old in this picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj1L4Qss3wT8Q8TH4FdjUCiBLTFuKRGP3xo0evUXeOWnFXvj3Pa-pptTrF4W__yT-cJ1Q60L5tZOfHeQXalmQaLOVVQEw32ISWMR_FZ0k3l51_eDpjEWD0aLXQSxjic0bNQbxw3YB-40x/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOj1L4Qss3wT8Q8TH4FdjUCiBLTFuKRGP3xo0evUXeOWnFXvj3Pa-pptTrF4W__yT-cJ1Q60L5tZOfHeQXalmQaLOVVQEw32ISWMR_FZ0k3l51_eDpjEWD0aLXQSxjic0bNQbxw3YB-40x/s400/IMG_6829.JPG" /></a> <br />I'm in love with my new baby neice! I love being an aunt to four beautiful neices and a nephew.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9hEhV38PSfTpqgPq3Pgb3wbULAZ-5rJ8ElOlCy9VDA6EdEtIdZjO8Ww0zr4tDxujEKm0BxJJGCL1Ff8zMfsakam3To-wgH1z1R42-NgUJ0BBlEuEX46fmGKuWfwUH1qMmgQOWG4bHTO6/s1600/IMG_6840.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9hEhV38PSfTpqgPq3Pgb3wbULAZ-5rJ8ElOlCy9VDA6EdEtIdZjO8Ww0zr4tDxujEKm0BxJJGCL1Ff8zMfsakam3To-wgH1z1R42-NgUJ0BBlEuEX46fmGKuWfwUH1qMmgQOWG4bHTO6/s400/IMG_6840.JPG" /></a> <br />The twins are just over 15 months old now. They are identical, so John and I were having trouble telling them apart!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsznRhzmZxeHAd-Qvwb9aVasPrDFZ1TwDf05LqEuPDdq7Fl9mN97L0n1VsGFQfedE8cHUuaIgO_RVKehYE4FhEdIdMGBrWlD8E9CXlLb5-q-Da3ITbirQqWetJj_nG3o_rLz1Y-107CMmD/s1600/IMG_6884.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsznRhzmZxeHAd-Qvwb9aVasPrDFZ1TwDf05LqEuPDdq7Fl9mN97L0n1VsGFQfedE8cHUuaIgO_RVKehYE4FhEdIdMGBrWlD8E9CXlLb5-q-Da3ITbirQqWetJj_nG3o_rLz1Y-107CMmD/s400/IMG_6884.JPG" /></a> <br />True love.<div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-26980040981383396972010-09-08T01:00:00.003+02:002010-09-08T01:04:07.575+02:00Back in California!We arrived in California last night after our wonderful week in Hawaii. We were so surprised when our closest friends were all at the airport to welcome us! We are so thankful for an awesome welcome back to California. We'll be in California for about six weeks before relocating to Florida. We're so excited to spend these six weeks resting and recouping, and also connecting with John's family, our friends and our home church.John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-4617623363669870392010-09-07T21:23:00.000+02:002010-09-07T21:24:03.708+02:00More Hawaii PicturesA few more Hawaii pictures for you to enjoy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllEy8Lu-qYh14efTmYuG2VQijKK02SQjCNdz4w3wBdHXyBvsfaBq8Ca3IDAr04UFxhpNeb4qpU8sCPphQYtwTXTuA4ILfbdhyXYQnsBtdAAhFlqGAgn6DhfPNySrlOZZYG_R_WmrNBiGF/s1600/IMG_6489.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllEy8Lu-qYh14efTmYuG2VQijKK02SQjCNdz4w3wBdHXyBvsfaBq8Ca3IDAr04UFxhpNeb4qpU8sCPphQYtwTXTuA4ILfbdhyXYQnsBtdAAhFlqGAgn6DhfPNySrlOZZYG_R_WmrNBiGF/s400/IMG_6489.JPG" /></a> <br />My baby neice Lauren! She is such a doll baby!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUPs6C5JEaRC7-8hdiSehdwapEtYqGbIfE0m50VQxxAfZd_HpqVjo3JXfeAVD7jzzFNA_Rbpr-uFpS9ixB4rb9jLGGtn8anrp8IpsUAZc0fo1_G-6z6nXO6Ht599p8IP3P-awqy56c60e/s1600/IMG_6762.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUPs6C5JEaRC7-8hdiSehdwapEtYqGbIfE0m50VQxxAfZd_HpqVjo3JXfeAVD7jzzFNA_Rbpr-uFpS9ixB4rb9jLGGtn8anrp8IpsUAZc0fo1_G-6z6nXO6Ht599p8IP3P-awqy56c60e/s400/IMG_6762.JPG" /></a> <br />Pink ladies! Posing in front of Diamond Head -- me, sister-in-law Jen, mother Carol and Grandmother Mary.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjF9ad4M_txut7TgaBAwT3tUtEmsE1jIjgB2E74wXGbXmBT2PMNy1lSgSm8nWrNkh8SHAEnpPy3vcUmQQyLqqcTfPgXdFNTnhFavoqQ7hR4etPbdfeq9ZgYJ5ySZW3ppx4TlOnX_YPrY7/s1600/IMG_6778.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjF9ad4M_txut7TgaBAwT3tUtEmsE1jIjgB2E74wXGbXmBT2PMNy1lSgSm8nWrNkh8SHAEnpPy3vcUmQQyLqqcTfPgXdFNTnhFavoqQ7hR4etPbdfeq9ZgYJ5ySZW3ppx4TlOnX_YPrY7/s400/IMG_6778.JPG" /></a> <br />John really enjoyed surfing several times along Waikiki as Hawaii is the home of surfing! Here he poses with a wooden surf board from long ago.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeFlcQtzg4DYClDHhzobHq6G_j_V3lFWYUY1crxCWuQ8byGxmK2Dw_n01DKuAOuDtWEr6TAQIaEexU7KO3JWt3HPUrqONKa_lzivD0TzEcGhBpJo5nofXpCibJl6u6V-3oDTUWnf5BKk7/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeFlcQtzg4DYClDHhzobHq6G_j_V3lFWYUY1crxCWuQ8byGxmK2Dw_n01DKuAOuDtWEr6TAQIaEexU7KO3JWt3HPUrqONKa_lzivD0TzEcGhBpJo5nofXpCibJl6u6V-3oDTUWnf5BKk7/s400/IMG_6798.JPG" /></a> <br />Happy 1st Birthday Lauren!<div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-30975865290878341282010-09-07T21:15:00.001+02:002010-09-07T21:25:07.845+02:00HAWAIIWe had a WONDERFUL week in Hawaii celebrating my Grandparent's 65th anniversary. What a momentous occasion! We loved having the whole family together -- we had a 4-bedroom condo, so we all got to stay together! We really DID Hawaii.... we visited the Pearl Harbor Memorial, went to a luau, took hula and ukulele lessons, and went parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, paddle board surfing, and even swam with huge sea turtles! We had a fabulous time! We also had the wonderful privilege of celebrating my niece Lauren's 1st birthday with her on Saturday. This was our first time meeting Lauren as she was born while we were on board the ship. We absolutely loved getting to play with her and her big brother Gavin all week! We are so thankful to God for this great celebration. What a wonderful week!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75lGoHOE94MHhGc5kZNjFgYCE8Wdf_UpstnAC5uV4W47z-c3zZWHEkfg9GP0E-QbI5jPPEZRtNvOPgvL3pIh42Hwp2s4f_XJHcRU5RTG4HVaL9sQWudbsWQ9IOLTpaX27yD8E3aiS8LAW/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75lGoHOE94MHhGc5kZNjFgYCE8Wdf_UpstnAC5uV4W47z-c3zZWHEkfg9GP0E-QbI5jPPEZRtNvOPgvL3pIh42Hwp2s4f_XJHcRU5RTG4HVaL9sQWudbsWQ9IOLTpaX27yD8E3aiS8LAW/s400/IMG_6508.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ready for the luau with all our leis on!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfvIUfaPkWKDomdl73Kv0NRUQh9mf-lDz-UBWEicR6FNASAjHK0NH669qycGzWBngEfGFXwK9ZfPBTMT8spisGB4lisS4auyL21wo0Zh3Nvw57q8mihmPBN6IwoS7YMDM2OS79xN68ZUX/s1600/IMG_6544.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfvIUfaPkWKDomdl73Kv0NRUQh9mf-lDz-UBWEicR6FNASAjHK0NH669qycGzWBngEfGFXwK9ZfPBTMT8spisGB4lisS4auyL21wo0Zh3Nvw57q8mihmPBN6IwoS7YMDM2OS79xN68ZUX/s400/IMG_6544.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Beautiful palm leaf crowns.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvF5yIw-rM96lefFcguDuAj_w3UjJy93bX_ccOxkHAdqCIFG8axp0rvZamFe4Pc5KQhj9cdveoWv-OO9zGRhEZqgZ5O4LjT4hYVo-KuP-b7OuPLmOt9_7k5wKBJHZ7OkiKODM0R0GTdXC/s1600/IMG_6514.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvF5yIw-rM96lefFcguDuAj_w3UjJy93bX_ccOxkHAdqCIFG8axp0rvZamFe4Pc5KQhj9cdveoWv-OO9zGRhEZqgZ5O4LjT4hYVo-KuP-b7OuPLmOt9_7k5wKBJHZ7OkiKODM0R0GTdXC/s400/IMG_6514.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I love this picture of my brother Scott playing with his baby Lauren at the luau.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTLcm3pIGjjT9564QL908zHFeTf4Ou0Dl55jcYmSU0gvUXOvOW6967lTf_BRmNBr7C5Ps0v03jK-I8BdXTNceSkaCLymUan4oZGTS3pPaukmoVTsULG7TGIlF-qLe8HGSd9UWXdgs5d0d/s1600/IMG_6535.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTLcm3pIGjjT9564QL908zHFeTf4Ou0Dl55jcYmSU0gvUXOvOW6967lTf_BRmNBr7C5Ps0v03jK-I8BdXTNceSkaCLymUan4oZGTS3pPaukmoVTsULG7TGIlF-qLe8HGSd9UWXdgs5d0d/s400/IMG_6535.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Beautiful family!<div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none; padding: 0px; background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-14210319621190029072010-08-28T18:18:00.001+02:002010-08-28T18:23:56.269+02:00Re-Entry at OM USAWe've had a wonderful week here in Tyrone, Georgia debriefing at OM USA. We've had lots of great meetings with OM USA staff, but have also had time to relax, rest and recoup. Highlights were connecting with OM USA missionaries that are also from our home church PCC and spending time with a friend that lives locally that we worked alongside on board. We praise God for this wonderful transition week -- transitioning from ship life back into life in the USA. Tomorrow (Sunday) we fly to Honolulu to meet up with Jennifer's family to celebrate her Grandparent's 65th wedding anniversary. We can't hardly wait! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2fNQ452gUrPXtqfuNBSIAezEy-_-Vo_z0U6AUs0TGuueHt7km9JJWa3TvA6DvQkIslF4F3kDmsIhFSA4L55TTM_xkHnU49_MfZxw8u8AyLe6KZPGbsPpxLo5xG6GV7_wOSydthAnYdsE/s1600/IMG_6484.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2fNQ452gUrPXtqfuNBSIAezEy-_-Vo_z0U6AUs0TGuueHt7km9JJWa3TvA6DvQkIslF4F3kDmsIhFSA4L55TTM_xkHnU49_MfZxw8u8AyLe6KZPGbsPpxLo5xG6GV7_wOSydthAnYdsE/s400/IMG_6484.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>In our cute little apartment.... still wearing our African clothes! :)John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-23768675294434543962010-08-24T22:56:00.001+02:002010-08-24T22:59:14.994+02:00Farewells!We had a wonderful last week on board, so wanted to share a few pictures from our various farewells. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYJwuCiHDngzUEUsRcKxK3gS-WzrdckXVJ2NX8T6jjZyk5IkNdrbpXGc19R7BuaTNvV8wuNlzbwPBPF-ZHpDWilGVKTBI5Hk25f7yAiqIeydzfgEhsTCzAoicQ7lGPE9SL0YsxumBUT88/s1600/IMG_6481.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYJwuCiHDngzUEUsRcKxK3gS-WzrdckXVJ2NX8T6jjZyk5IkNdrbpXGc19R7BuaTNvV8wuNlzbwPBPF-ZHpDWilGVKTBI5Hk25f7yAiqIeydzfgEhsTCzAoicQ7lGPE9SL0YsxumBUT88/s400/IMG_6481.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Our last ship family night!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0hgy-a8s5jZ_2SkWrUiYPKmvFEpjRgdBsEU6n570IrtdT0ZObi5K8aPcOa9Q45-m6x8muY8EA0_agsKp-k7LFtVRhHvwcJxt7HuNbXhQQ4l0N971F_vuUyxYW9SoM_QjJ9kdoypLZSLH/s1600/IMG_2901.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0hgy-a8s5jZ_2SkWrUiYPKmvFEpjRgdBsEU6n570IrtdT0ZObi5K8aPcOa9Q45-m6x8muY8EA0_agsKp-k7LFtVRhHvwcJxt7HuNbXhQQ4l0N971F_vuUyxYW9SoM_QjJ9kdoypLZSLH/s400/IMG_2901.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Jennifer's training services team had a nice farewell dinner for her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71leCY7PbX7wFk0HbtzQkJM8Q-JpoeIALiTbe_GseNGMquQ9uP6SlfP4Qxv_hATFlhMPdfVMR7KjB_8sLJb_HBzcHVnTO5fq_hpfQ0j0pA7xwK4qN6uyz4seT6o4-ewj-XtSkslDjGfat/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71leCY7PbX7wFk0HbtzQkJM8Q-JpoeIALiTbe_GseNGMquQ9uP6SlfP4Qxv_hATFlhMPdfVMR7KjB_8sLJb_HBzcHVnTO5fq_hpfQ0j0pA7xwK4qN6uyz4seT6o4-ewj-XtSkslDjGfat/s400/IMG_2906.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Jennifer's STEP (short-term exposure program) also threw a fun farewell party for her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJOIL-dPUMGb-scAyjID4v2alBdmjq6ijwQnVdBni9LsRIZSFmYMOIMtKIz3KAb1ELzRaE9TqLurqg9XFV2xzpUkDb8dRRczln-5GmB2Fkgwv-CR9RW057GiEfqE_-zqFlP06Tkjseder/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJOIL-dPUMGb-scAyjID4v2alBdmjq6ijwQnVdBni9LsRIZSFmYMOIMtKIz3KAb1ELzRaE9TqLurqg9XFV2xzpUkDb8dRRczln-5GmB2Fkgwv-CR9RW057GiEfqE_-zqFlP06Tkjseder/s400/IMG_2903.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both;">John's boss Randy and his wife Kim took us out for a wonderful farewell lunch.<br /></div>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-91667595721636816822010-08-24T15:58:00.002+02:002010-08-24T16:02:09.051+02:00We're Home in the USA!We arrived home safely to the USA last evening! Wow, so crazy being back in the USA after being gone for such a long time. We traveled over 30 hours from Liberia (through Brussels and Chicago) and arrived into Atlanta for our OM USA debriefing. My favorite airport moment was the US Immigrations lady greeting us with "Welcome Home." I actually got a little choked up. We are so thankful to be home. We're staying in an apartment on the OM USA campus here in Atlanta and it's so wonderful! Thanks to all of you that were praying for travel mercies. All of our luggage made it in one piece, which is a real praise! :)John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-42644780368071910672010-08-20T16:54:00.000+02:002010-08-20T16:58:44.442+02:00One millionth visitor to Logos Hope!<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>One in a Million!<BR> <BR> Logos Hope receives her one millionth visitor in Monrovia, Liberia.<BR> <BR> LIBERIA - 19 August, 2010<BR> <BR> A major milestone was reached as the one millionth visitor climbed the gangway to visit OM's ship Logos Hope in Monrovia, Liberia, this week. Francis Mulbaha, a local university student, was welcomed at 1300 local time on Wednesday 18 August by Director Gian Walser (Switzerland) and Captain Dirk Colenbrander (Netherlands). The ship's mascot El Capitano was on hand along with crewmembers in national costumes. Excited, as well as somewhat overwhelmed by all the attention, Mr. Mulbaha said he had heard about the visit on the radio and was keen to come on board to find books for his studies as well as his family. To mark the occasion, Mr. Mulbaha was presented with a gift of books and a discount voucher for the onboard book fair.<BR> <BR> "To reach a million visitors is a wonderful testimony to God's grace and faithfulness," said OM Ships International CEO Peter Nicoll. "It is our privilege and a great responsibility to welcome so many people in these past eighteen months and we have seen so many lives changed as a result. This is only possible because of the faithfulness of partners around the world who support this ministry financially and in prayer."<BR> <BR> Just a few days previously, Logos Hope was honoured to receive the President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. "Knowledge is the one thing that propels any person, any group, any nation," said Her Excellency. "So when you come and get us exposed to the books you have, you contribute a whole lot to our rebuilding process." After a short welcome programme, the President mingled with local citizens on the Visitor Experience Deck, especially the young ones. The President has a passion for children, books and education and was very appreciative of the value of the visit of Logos Hope to her nation, still striving to recover from the devastation of civil war.<BR> <BR> As well as the high quality educational and Christian literature and events taking place on board during the visit, Logos Hope teams are involved in development projects on shore, including building projects, and medical and dental clinics. Accompanying Mr. Mulhaba was his brother, who came hoping to receive dental treatment. He was able to go straight from the ship to the dental clinic taking place just ten minutes away at the Redemption Hospital.<BR> <BR> Liberia is the third country in Logos Hope's tour of West Africa, following visits to Freetown, Sierra Leone and the ports of Tema and Takoradi in Ghana. In Sierra Leone, libraries in rural communities were established using books donated by Logos Hope together with the National Postal Service. Training for librarians was also provided on board to ensure the newly established libraries are well looked after and can provide access to life-changing literature for many years to come. On board, seminars on establishing and running a small business in line with Christian ethics and principles were provided in partnership with the international organisation 'A Call to Business'.<BR> <BR> During the visit to Takoradi, Ghana, a new record for visitors to Logos Hope in one day was set, with 12,028 visitors coming on board on the last Saturday in port. Interest in Christian literature was immense, and a Bible was bought on board every 52 seconds the ship was open! Every visitor has the opportunity to hear about God's love for them and many lives have been changed for eternity as people respond to the Good News.<BR> <BR> Since the ship's launch into ministry in February 2009, Logos Hope has visited 39 ports in 30 countries in Europe, the Caribbean and West Africa, to bring 'knowledge, help and hope'. Over two million Christian and educational books have been distributed through the book fair already.<BR> <BR> For latest news and further information including the future port schedule, visit www.omships.org. To support the ongoing ministry of Logos Hope, please contact your local OM office, or give online at www.omships.org/donate.<BR> <BR> <BR> Ken Miller<BR> <BR> Communications Manager<BR> <BR> OM Ships International<BR> <BR> </FONT> </P> John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-45139996773510721542010-08-16T11:43:00.001+02:002010-08-16T11:43:45.310+02:00One Week<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>We can hardly believe we have just one week left on board the Logos Hope. Please be praying for our last week -- for all the packing, saying goodbye to friends and bringing closure to our time. We have had a wonderful two years on board the ship. Time flies when you're having fun! We knew the time would fly and it did. Thanks!<BR> </FONT> </P> John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-70019889069308933942010-08-14T15:18:00.001+02:002010-08-14T15:18:34.141+02:00The President of Liberia Visits the Logos Hope Today!<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>We had the incredible privilege of welcoming Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to the ship this morning. We hosted a welcoming ceremony for her and her staff, in which John and I wore our American cowboy costumes to welcome her. She loved all of the national costumes! We are so thankful for her visit today and for her support of our ship. What an awesome honor to welcome a President on board the Logos Hope!!<BR> <BR> Her Excellency Sirleaf is the first female President to have been elected in all of Africa (elected in 2006). She has done an outstanding job in working towards rebuilding their economy after their devastating civil war.<BR> <BR> </FONT> </P> John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-35995286427915058052010-08-14T14:58:00.001+02:002010-08-14T14:58:53.102+02:00AIDS Hospital Visit<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB3gvxNzaKPUAI27JwGqTLGr1ZWItUy50EKB2Ppts32pupZkSNYJ2nfkV4c38zWzi5SDgQlwN7Vok4UPXftbSoT8bcvU0gQQiDOwAOqVMMFBBfclhk6yiKWzGO9ou5dgz25yH3ON00ibZ/s1600/IMG_2871-733103.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB3gvxNzaKPUAI27JwGqTLGr1ZWItUy50EKB2Ppts32pupZkSNYJ2nfkV4c38zWzi5SDgQlwN7Vok4UPXftbSoT8bcvU0gQQiDOwAOqVMMFBBfclhk6yiKWzGO9ou5dgz25yH3ON00ibZ/s400/IMG_2871-733103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505249280515135026" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQjV8LlmwJqjp1_WWOsJiLgf2vrxDS6COtTyI_h2nE6ba92JSRMEcCu7JJpUJuicyW3xbvPOtZlbO4TiSZR_9sqFcGfxiVZQLRMjxdaf3SnnCM5Sq2wuLO0nT5AfJ2XICiC3rCOel0_V9/s1600/IMG_2872-734347.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQjV8LlmwJqjp1_WWOsJiLgf2vrxDS6COtTyI_h2nE6ba92JSRMEcCu7JJpUJuicyW3xbvPOtZlbO4TiSZR_9sqFcGfxiVZQLRMjxdaf3SnnCM5Sq2wuLO0nT5AfJ2XICiC3rCOel0_V9/s400/IMG_2872-734347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505249285482301218" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1NWQFNe3xwxWie6IUSF8t_eBoRRNF-Il8WcZOOfDs4x6-555VaWVkTcb8fMCbKd3mqCzYEFAVXcBDjrA_msAzsrlHa_NnSRjmTFaKDH_xSBjY3iyF7s4m5h6PdEvuWy1PHqdbLPLq7td/s1600/IMG_2874-735359.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1NWQFNe3xwxWie6IUSF8t_eBoRRNF-Il8WcZOOfDs4x6-555VaWVkTcb8fMCbKd3mqCzYEFAVXcBDjrA_msAzsrlHa_NnSRjmTFaKDH_xSBjY3iyF7s4m5h6PdEvuWy1PHqdbLPLq7td/s400/IMG_2874-735359.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505249290933699202" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YZHnWQq-arKW-mh3y71BQpAZBRwKJNY_WjHoxPbOJ2zoSj0gRNdgCW0DecurPQjeKmD0qTfeAk_RNPq4bayuiF4HCaFonm9XJSixIhlDppSO9Ywyfw6MUBMXFCbaHYjfWmvKfXP2ngRX/s1600/IMG_2876-736273.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YZHnWQq-arKW-mh3y71BQpAZBRwKJNY_WjHoxPbOJ2zoSj0gRNdgCW0DecurPQjeKmD0qTfeAk_RNPq4bayuiF4HCaFonm9XJSixIhlDppSO9Ywyfw6MUBMXFCbaHYjfWmvKfXP2ngRX/s400/IMG_2876-736273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505249291800978818" /></a></p><!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Yesterday, I (Jennifer) had the awesome opportunity to visit an AIDS hospital here in Monrovia. Along with three others from the ship, we presented a program to the patients -- first to the women and children and then again for the men. I gave an encouraging message about God's strength -- that the joy of the Lord is our strength. We brought gift bags to each of the patients filled with basic necessities (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, etc.). We really enjoyed our visit and loved meeting each and every one of them and having the chance to pray with them. The patients receive visitors very seldom, so it was such a privilege to visit them and to bring to them the message of hope.<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> </FONT> </P> John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-16505759459056790432010-08-11T10:50:00.002+02:002010-08-11T13:26:48.451+02:00New ShipShots Video<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Watch the latest ShipShot video called "Hope Team." This is a great example of the types of teams we send out into the community on a daily basis. Enjoy! <a href="http://www.omships.org/shipshots">Click here.</a></span></p>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-58457393402564780342010-08-07T22:01:00.001+02:002010-08-11T13:25:14.406+02:00OM Ships Website<div style="font-family: times new roman;" class="Section1"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-size:12pt;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">This week, John and I participated in a re-entry training as we’re preparing to head home in a few weeks. The OM Ships website has a short article about it on the website today <a href="http://www.omships.org/">www.omships.org</a>. If you click on the photo, you can see John on the far left next to the window with a green shirt on and I’m next to him with a red shirt on. Check it out!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-36174334297013981822010-08-07T21:54:00.001+02:002010-08-07T22:08:54.377+02:00Liberia<div style="font-family: georgia;" class="Section1"> <p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:country-region st="on">Liberia</st1:country-region> is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by <st1:country-region st="on">Sierra Leone</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Guinea</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Cote d’Ivoire</st1:country-region>, and the <st1:place st="on">Atlantic Ocean</st1:place>. The population is approximately 3.5 million people and cover 43,000 square miles. The capital of <st1:country-region st="on">Liberia</st1:country-region> is <st1:city st="on">Monrovia</st1:city> (where we’re berthed) and over half of <st1:country-region st="on">Liberia</st1:country-region>’s population lives in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Monrovia</st1:city></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The history of <st1:country-region st="on">Liberia</st1:country-region> is unique among African nations because of its relationship with the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>. <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Liberia</st1:place></st1:country-region> was founded and colonized by freed American slaves with the help of a private organization called the American Colonization Society in 1821-1822, on the premise that former American slaves would have greater freedom and equality there.<sup id="cite_ref-AFP_3-0"> </sup> These colonists formed an elite group in Liberian society, and, in 1847, they founded the Republic of Liberia (Liberia denotes “liberty”), establishing a government modeled on that of the United States, naming Monrovia, their capital city, after James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States and a prominent supporter of the colonization.<br /></span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A military-led coup in 1980 overthrew then-president William Tolbert, which marked the beginning of a period of instability that eventually led to two civil war that left hundreds of thousands of people dead and devastated the country's economy. Today, <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Liberia</st1:place></st1:country-region> is recovering from the lingering effects of the civil war and related economic dislocation, but statistics indicate that about 85% of the population are living on less than $1.25 a day. <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Liberia</st1:country-region></st1:place> is considered one of the worlds poorest countries, with 85% unemployment.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" >As of 2006, <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Liberia</st1:place></st1:country-region> has the highest population growth rate in the world. Similar to its neighbors, it has a large youth population, with half of the population under the age of 18.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> </div>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-50496730045012129422010-08-06T16:00:00.001+02:002010-08-07T22:17:08.313+02:00Hello Monrovia, Liberia!<div class="Section1"> <p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" lang="EN-US">We arrived in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Monrovia</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Liberia</st1:country-region></st1:place> this morning! We are really looking forward to our two weeks here. We had a really smooth sail for our last voyage, so that was a big answer to prayer! We even saw a group of about 50 dolphins jumping and swimming right by our ship, so that was so special for our last sail.</span></span></p></div>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-49308069779529936702010-08-03T15:06:00.001+02:002010-08-07T22:29:23.843+02:00Goodbye Takoradi, Ghana!<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Yesterday evening, we set sail from Takoradi. Hard to believe this is our last voyage! I (Jennifer) got a little choked up thinking about embarking on our last sail and heading into our last port. We still can't believe how fast the time has flown. We're due to arrive into Monrovia, Liberia on Friday afternoon. In our two weeks in Takoradi, we had 63,972 visitors. Praise God!!<br /></span> </p>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-55539709934843336922010-08-01T20:55:00.000+02:002010-08-01T20:56:27.887+02:00AIDS Presentations in Jomoro District<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jfL-Qvef3uWMZOhdgRA4lT6lMX4M2dtj9D1n7YUjjNRt_s5zxDyqbLQv8KzXNAniJpwhLCKQ6IyA4cor1cBAsFblexesgxYKKTiG0KoLbqzSPv8DjQ8FP25tuuIUy_sXVILxqRDY4NuE/s1600/1-787888.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jfL-Qvef3uWMZOhdgRA4lT6lMX4M2dtj9D1n7YUjjNRt_s5zxDyqbLQv8KzXNAniJpwhLCKQ6IyA4cor1cBAsFblexesgxYKKTiG0KoLbqzSPv8DjQ8FP25tuuIUy_sXVILxqRDY4NuE/s400/1-787888.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500517320110844962" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyAQgp2hV9U2jElVHx3naZLJaQ_55o6x8rTBz-kBkRuf-zG48zcc5v21lP_PjHR8t0a4yUvMhq6Bc8BlptH7b_EDf9cfGUY-B2SY4MWkxjWjZAb1K80JO7dlXVbC9UTNlb5nsyx4TGE-2/s1600/2-789015.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyAQgp2hV9U2jElVHx3naZLJaQ_55o6x8rTBz-kBkRuf-zG48zcc5v21lP_PjHR8t0a4yUvMhq6Bc8BlptH7b_EDf9cfGUY-B2SY4MWkxjWjZAb1K80JO7dlXVbC9UTNlb5nsyx4TGE-2/s400/2-789015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500517324294385682" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EJlYHgy5kmrBmMB2QDnt9yZyJVEV2U2P1zteipQm2Q4F5-U_RJb4GxD3IRj7DdD3iFdqgaWh1GA0TmW7zOBZkV2CMg4QhcucuxiH_vkSWMzXTGAKANOq6VFqH1RMxEM_ggIikHxk1HsR/s1600/3-792442.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EJlYHgy5kmrBmMB2QDnt9yZyJVEV2U2P1zteipQm2Q4F5-U_RJb4GxD3IRj7DdD3iFdqgaWh1GA0TmW7zOBZkV2CMg4QhcucuxiH_vkSWMzXTGAKANOq6VFqH1RMxEM_ggIikHxk1HsR/s400/3-792442.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500517339884795506" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKflvO4ckuajikhuVhQHBDk6-cdHkKog3gtP6vS_gvIu0HIM9RP98djwNhfN3Q7HonKRX4oOR5uo9R2vh3PXxoQW4kfFjxea_q4Mn6B12ZsFZZVHk8-WYex2dbtJ6LPwk8c5UtHZ-19Yl/s1600/4-793666.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKflvO4ckuajikhuVhQHBDk6-cdHkKog3gtP6vS_gvIu0HIM9RP98djwNhfN3Q7HonKRX4oOR5uo9R2vh3PXxoQW4kfFjxea_q4Mn6B12ZsFZZVHk8-WYex2dbtJ6LPwk8c5UtHZ-19Yl/s400/4-793666.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500517344743691074" /></a></p><!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day -- what a dream come true! We spent the entire day giving AIDS Awareness presentations to remote villages in the Jomoro District of Ghana (by the border of Cote d'Ivoire). We were with a team of seven people from the ship and we each had a section of the presentation that we gave. Before giving our presentation to the villagers, we first had to stop and see the chief of each village to gain his permission to address his village. What an experience. It was one of those days that I had to keep pinching myself to believe this was really happening. What an incredible experience and honor both have been able to be on this team. Enjoy the pictures!<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> </FONT> </P> John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-47498670451787404502010-08-01T20:20:00.001+02:002010-08-01T20:23:24.676+02:00Record Breaking Day!<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Yesterday, we had a record breaking day for the number of visitors on one day. We had 12,028 visitors! Our previous record was just over 8,000 on one day, so we beat the record by 4,000!! Thank you Lord! We are overwhelmed with joy by the number of people here in Takoradi that have been visiting our ship. What a day to rejoice!<BR> <BR> </FONT> </P> John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-12861147164487378562010-08-01T20:20:00.000+02:002010-08-01T20:21:01.606+02:00Local Church this Morning<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>This morning, we had a wonderful time at a local church here in Takoradi. We were on a team with two other friends -- Steve (USA) and Alex (Russia). The service was so lovely... but long! Nearly 4 hours! :) We sang so many beautiful songs, complete with African drums and dancing of course. We delivered a ship presentation, drama, and a testimony and also gave a short presentation to the children's Sunday school as well. We felt so loved and welcomed. There was 200+ people in attendance and it was so nice seeing all of them dressed in their brightly colored traditional African clothing. This will probably be the last local church we visit, so we were so thankful for this a wonderful experience.<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> </FONT> </P> John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-30850441161587435612010-07-30T21:47:00.000+02:002010-07-30T21:58:18.597+02:00Chiefs Event + Nursing School<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOKFCkktbSia3-KLLsViuUJKYU7BoMU0mKqvoYxWszvRNUynaEsQKokh3cOH7ORDxfQfvakpSl3ouKtqS_jQtncVdgTWnkWYyONbIVnsWn91xSxhXQCvt1tATcnSUxTE6q0e1PLEwxc2P/s1600/IMG_2859-798598.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOKFCkktbSia3-KLLsViuUJKYU7BoMU0mKqvoYxWszvRNUynaEsQKokh3cOH7ORDxfQfvakpSl3ouKtqS_jQtncVdgTWnkWYyONbIVnsWn91xSxhXQCvt1tATcnSUxTE6q0e1PLEwxc2P/s400/IMG_2859-798598.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499791083976145314" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEEdnM2ReIgIvbaE4HGphjiqf9BmK2mM_RjPuBps6L7Rs9hUCHwGm2DG30Dzx-_AvwJfpRfM7bPZ8qy1sjpj45irSjy-F4xLwZAWUGLcpwyAsoEDqD4e-TgTUCoo-G78pbKJPoKLDjtpP/s1600/IMG_6480-799731.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEEdnM2ReIgIvbaE4HGphjiqf9BmK2mM_RjPuBps6L7Rs9hUCHwGm2DG30Dzx-_AvwJfpRfM7bPZ8qy1sjpj45irSjy-F4xLwZAWUGLcpwyAsoEDqD4e-TgTUCoo-G78pbKJPoKLDjtpP/s400/IMG_6480-799731.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499791092240168194" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cbYv0_yWEK2UXugfhTe1Ui3xQjZsCYvYC69ydsoYas0hGUhynCIjMLWlYNZjCAeqAdtw7AMU1F3VyZniCeTsHtsCALs2JDV0mR_DlSgEvUXz3QxFs543S6UFti1-2xn9Fp-M0OuqN9xD/s1600/IMG_6531-701377.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cbYv0_yWEK2UXugfhTe1Ui3xQjZsCYvYC69ydsoYas0hGUhynCIjMLWlYNZjCAeqAdtw7AMU1F3VyZniCeTsHtsCALs2JDV0mR_DlSgEvUXz3QxFs543S6UFti1-2xn9Fp-M0OuqN9xD/s400/IMG_6531-701377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499791099375281330" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoaxwGArStbX0pkOlG4EAHzNB3gCxTaaV8rKEx7lZQFTRT_SGeE6u24KWg6fDNNtF5ugZcWZyvE9pT4fvsYlCZe0IOXcVlD0fUiMyl9jnyRrwtY8A1k6EUngt3mTOasFVZE6ZvDfjJi2y/s1600/IMG_6533-702261.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoaxwGArStbX0pkOlG4EAHzNB3gCxTaaV8rKEx7lZQFTRT_SGeE6u24KWg6fDNNtF5ugZcWZyvE9pT4fvsYlCZe0IOXcVlD0fUiMyl9jnyRrwtY8A1k6EUngt3mTOasFVZE6ZvDfjJi2y/s400/IMG_6533-702261.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499791103988184290" /></a></p><!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Yesterday was a really tremendous day! In the morning, John and I were hosts for an exciting event on board. We had an event for all the chiefs in the area. Wow, what an experience! It's certainly not everyday that you meet 50 African chiefs dressed in their beautiful robes and lavish gold jewelry. The event coordinator asked several crew members to crew in their "national costumes" as the chiefs were also dressed in their traditional clothing. John and I dressed like cowboys and really had fun! :)<BR> <BR> Later in the day, I (Jennifer) joined a team of ladies from the ship to give an AIDS seminar to a local nursing school. What an honor and a privilege! We did a one-hour seminar on the social and emotional impacts of HIV and AIDS. There was about 150 nurses in attendance. They were very attentive and interested in our presentation. It was so encouraging to see so many young African men and women desiring to become nurses in their country. Now I can add to my list of experiences "college lecturer!" ;) <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> </FONT> </P> John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-29047403428072049512010-07-30T18:03:00.001+02:002010-07-30T18:42:14.915+02:00Check out the OM Ships Website!<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">The posting on the OM Ship's website today is about the school visits that John has been involved with as an actor. Check it out - <a href="http://www.omships.org">www.omships.org</a>. Interesting!<br /></span> </p>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-56890075314309086052010-07-27T22:41:00.001+02:002010-07-28T12:36:13.880+02:00John as the Captain!<span style="font-size:85%;">A few postings back (July 16), I wrote about John's debut in our children's program "The Greatest Treasure." Since, he's performed the play many times, so we thought you'd enjoy seeing a few pictures of John as "Captain Scally Wag" with his fellow sailors "Skittle" and "One-Eye Pete." :)<br /></span><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_4SMkWCuhcnxyWZ4S-8oGprwrR-s8eAFWcO-fzEyVXo1f2rABrL1rlkxObUHtWES1nwBDA9w5pvGpvGqk8r7etJSxQSCe4-eTIyNvzacwqTfiHMuiTKIwx5ywJfuhcDcjMAjbcYvqyAt/s1600/IMG_6140-786528.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_4SMkWCuhcnxyWZ4S-8oGprwrR-s8eAFWcO-fzEyVXo1f2rABrL1rlkxObUHtWES1nwBDA9w5pvGpvGqk8r7etJSxQSCe4-eTIyNvzacwqTfiHMuiTKIwx5ywJfuhcDcjMAjbcYvqyAt/s400/IMG_6140-786528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498689803642466946" border="0" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPOxkJrLjKvyuc2A919LcO6T4dHdgr8oGFKYJcmMzbhYtCA6Yv28hGJr8sOpwo-fnglYR-Xzt3zul7cP0sAeuu5H_v9lXMbPILXKrFSv97psnas9LqxsgnvDRxQPhp-2pubvsOjTTziNx/s1600/IMG_6181-788292.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPOxkJrLjKvyuc2A919LcO6T4dHdgr8oGFKYJcmMzbhYtCA6Yv28hGJr8sOpwo-fnglYR-Xzt3zul7cP0sAeuu5H_v9lXMbPILXKrFSv97psnas9LqxsgnvDRxQPhp-2pubvsOjTTziNx/s400/IMG_6181-788292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498689813710863554" border="0" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zj9i7wdg9MpBLTrlXCvxxT9dkREHATU4DyEB7GDRRDncei2I-HkUfxaQM2bECwRVEmj58xcaKF8AYe7BpGMTJ7jlY5ZEfJEvPLuKyQyJ7IOJSLrHogAzi0WLe4S4RC6VpSOAowv67ekN/s1600/IMG_6185-789564.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zj9i7wdg9MpBLTrlXCvxxT9dkREHATU4DyEB7GDRRDncei2I-HkUfxaQM2bECwRVEmj58xcaKF8AYe7BpGMTJ7jlY5ZEfJEvPLuKyQyJ7IOJSLrHogAzi0WLe4S4RC6VpSOAowv67ekN/s400/IMG_6185-789564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498689819368645810" border="0" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7Txo9_h2d1O2FI7d7aaGu7mJb2mk2kF42nX1qM3AXOszwKfzPCElf6-bkJ8ZIhO_8t2shrzlCuc4vtpDMws1S_UmA4K1h8s91HV5nHQaCKomk7qjY1T9yoSgFqCGq6NBDTg9HRZRTrgk/s1600/IMG_6189-790628.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7Txo9_h2d1O2FI7d7aaGu7mJb2mk2kF42nX1qM3AXOszwKfzPCElf6-bkJ8ZIhO_8t2shrzlCuc4vtpDMws1S_UmA4K1h8s91HV5nHQaCKomk7qjY1T9yoSgFqCGq6NBDTg9HRZRTrgk/s400/IMG_6189-790628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498689821985137058" border="0" /></a></p>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-19525897748043038582010-07-27T17:13:00.002+02:002010-07-27T17:17:18.260+02:00New ShipShots Video!A new ShipShots video was released today called "Legacy of Libraries." Enjoy! <a href="http://www.omships.org/shipshots">Click here.</a>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422035474908093807.post-39449057712344621032010-07-27T10:58:00.001+02:002010-07-27T11:26:30.244+02:00Marriage Revival Event<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">On Sunday afternoon, John and I MC'd an event on board called "Marriage Revival." What a GREAT event! We had 120 locals come on board for an afternoon of teaching and renewing their marriage. The main speaker was a local pastor/ professor (of business!) and did a fabulous job. In addition to enjoying MC'ing the event, we also really enjoyed the messages. We got lots of great new tips and ideas for a healthy marriage... from the African point of view! ;) What a blessing.</span></p><p></p>John and Jennifer Ashfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17967572236167598239noreply@blogger.com0