Tenth Anniversary of Maison Bethel

We have a thing called Mercy Ministries on Mercy Ships-- off ship programs with different organizations that crew can sign up for on their time off. For example, we have Mercy Ministries with orphanages, hospices, deaf schools, special needs schools, etc. You aren't supposed to take a camera to most, since we're there to build relationships, and not as tourists. The one exception to that rule that I've had so far is when I went to Maison Bethel a couple weeks back. The orphanage was celebrating their tenth anniversary, and we were allowed to take pictures at the event since it was a special occasion and everyone else was taking pictures too.

All the children got brand new, matching uniforms because of the occasion, and the girls put together a dance program for us.


The whole neighborhood attended, including a choir.

The local "king" was in attendance as well-- next to him is the nun who started the orphanage ten years ago on her own, with no outside support. Now, Catholic churches in France provide educational support for some of the children at the orphanage, but she still relies on local donations for food/clothing/etc. for most of the kids.

The event was planned extremely well. Granted, we were told to arrive by 9 AM and the program didn't really get started until about 10:30, but considering that we're working on "Africa time," that's actually really good. We had FOUR courses at the event, all served to us by the kids, and a bright pink cake at the end of lunch, which the children were really excited about.

My camera battery is now officially dead, so thanks to Cathy, one of my roommates, for all the photos. To see her blog, click here.