Hey everyone! First of all, I want to apologize if some of you are getting the same info a couple times. I am going to put this in sections, so that you can pick and choose what you want to read! I hope you all are doing great! Love you all and am so thankful for you.
PST MOBAY!
We had an amazing time with our PST (Pre-Ship Training). I got to know several trainers, as well as the 69 people that joined the ship the same time I did. I absolutely loved our venue for the training; with the exception of one thing…There were BUGS and MOTHS everywhere! It took some getting used to, but I finally got used to them. Another good thing about that is that we were VERY excited to get warm showers and no bugs!!! I enjoyed the opportunity to hear many amazing sermons, as well as practical trainings.
BUS RIDE TO THE SHIP
Praise the Lord! We were able to leave during the day, and I was able to sit up front and watch where we were going, as did several others, so the bus ride was not nearly as bad as it was to the camp. It was very exciting the first moment that I got to see the water! Since we were in the Mountains, and we arrived at night, that was the first time I’ve seen water THAT BLUE and BEAUTIFUL! Wow!
ARRIVAL TO THE LOGOS HOPE
WOO HOO! The long awaited time had arrived! It was so exciting going through port security, knowing that on the other side, the SHIP was right there! After passing through security, we loaded back onto the bus so that the bus would hide our view of the ship. We piled out, and then the bus left, exposing the ship and the ship’s company to us! I was very exciting! The crew was cheering and made tunnels that led up to the gangway, using their country’s flag. After we got inside, we had a welcoming party in the Hope Theatre.
MY CABIN!
So—as most have probably heard….I am on Deck 1, in a 10 person Cabin! Honestly, when I first found that news out, I was scared to death! I was thinking….how is this going to work!?! THANKFULLY, our cabin is the bigger of the two 10-person cabins! My cabin mates are precious. They are from Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Malaysia, South Korea, Holland (2 from there), Australia (2 from there) and ME! We are getting along very well.
MY JOB!!
I am a part of the Accommodation team. We are called the “Accom Angels”. We clean the ship. I am actually enjoying it! My hours are 6 am-3 pm. It is really nice though, because we can attend crew devotions each day at 7:45, as well as Angel devotions! I am enjoying getting to know the people I am working with. They are such a blessing and encouragement.
MY FIRST VOYAGE!!!
I am so proud to say, that on my first voyage from Montego Bay to Kingston, approx. 17 hours, I did not get sick!!! There were about 5 fellow angels that were sick this morning. We were able to go up to deck 9 as we sailed away from Montego Bay. It was SOOO beautiful! Wow! I really enjoyed that.
A LITTLE LH LINGO!!! (I think until the day I die, I will still think LIGHTHOUSE when I see LH! :)
Well, we have E-days. This is experience days. Sometimes we will go to different places onshore to do ministry, and other times we will stay on Deck 4, and share our stories, do face painting, serve in the i-café, or something along those lines. My E-day was this past Saturday. I went with at team of 5 others, and we went to the Care Center. This is a building in downtown Montego Bay that different organizations feed the homeless breakfast and lunch. We actually got lost, so we missed feeding them, but we helped clean up and had some great conversations with people. I was able to share with several people, and pray with 3 ladies who had various medical or emotional issues. I loved it! Then, that evening our team went to Deck 4 and assisted with the large crowds in the book fair. So, in a typical week, I work 5 days, and one E-day, and one off day. Also, as Angels, we do activities on Saturday afternoons together. This past week, they went to play soccer against a local team. I didn’t go on this outing because it was my E-day.
COMMUNICATION WITH ME!?!
If any of you are wondering, the easiest ways to contact me are email (either bsmith8121@gmail.com or Bethany.smith@gbaships.org) I actually have my g-mail account forwarded to my gbaships account. Also, one of my FAVORITE things is that I can receive phone calls! The ship has a satellite phone, which for you, is like calling Florida! The phone number is 954-518-7256. Feel free to give me a call if you want to, anytime after 3 pm. :-)
Well, I am going to go, but I hope you all are doing well! I will try my best to respond in a timely manner! :) I love hearing from you all!
For His Glory and His renown,
Bethany
