Sail Away

Yes! I'm finally connected with the cyberworld :)
Here in Toamasina, MADAGASCAR!!!
It has been 4 months WITHOUT internet, and that is such a challenge!
Cos I wasn't able to update this blog... and I'm glad to find it still here, despite MIA-ing for so long.

So where was I?
After the previous update,
- Doulos sailed to Durban and Richards Bay, South Africa (July-Sept)
- I was sent on a 2-week Action Team to Swaziland!!! (that was an adventure... working with an AIDS centre, and living in the midst of Swazi people)
- A 6-day voyage across the Indian Ocean
- Now I'm in Toamasina, Madagascar... and we leave on 11 Oct, for Antsiranana, the next port in Madagascar.

What was life like?
- in South Africa, had to walk around without any bag. Cos near the port was a mafia operation that mugged 15 Douloids in the 1st week in Durban (some at knife-point! But thank God for protecting their lives)
- in Swaziland, made friends with the Swazis. Went to prison 3 times, to share the Gospel :) And played with the orphans whose parents died from AIDS.
- in Indian Ocean, had a permanent headache cos Doulos rocked SO MUCH!
- in Madagascar, visited the most beautiful untouched beaches... and had Chinese food! Taught some children (at a rural river settlement village) action songs... and they loved it :)

So I'm still here :) well taken care of by the Lord.
Very grateful for His protection.
I've been taking Malaria pills for 6 months now... and my health is still ok.
Doulos will be heading into the French islands, and India in the months to come...
Thanks for your prayers, and your love :)
I miss you all... I really do.
But being on the Doulos is where God wants me for now...
and I hope to be a true Douloid serving Him and His people :)

Take care!
Lotsa love,
Jia
10 Oct 05, 1pm

JiA

ABOUT US

Doulos was purchased in 1977 Gute Buher fur Alle e.V. (Good Books for All), a private, non profit, charitable organisation registered in Germany.

Over 18 million visitors have been welcomed on board for tours, programmes and visits to the floating book fair. With stops in over 500 ports of call, this unique ship has visited more than 100 countries in including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and many island nations.

Doulos is recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship.

The Purpose

Doulos visits port cities throughout the world, supplying vital literature resources, encouraging inter-cultural understanding, training young people for more effective life and service, promoting greater global awareness, providing practical aid and sharing a message of hope in God wherever there is opportunity.

Jiamin, on board mv doulos now.. .... ....