Twisted

This tree in Golden Gate Park has a beautifully twisted trunk. I love it.

Quiet Time

I recently dug out some sketches from my time in the Canary Islands while in dry dock with Mercy Ships. Living in shipyard is such a fascinating experience. But being in an industrial setting 24/7 needs to be balanced out the with a change of scenery every day or so. I took a bus to the old town in Gran Canaria and rested in this square at the Santa Ana Cathedral. 

I hit up the Plaza de España to be surrounded by a bit of nature.

Evening gelato runs with my fellow crew led us past a beautiful park, Plaza Príncipe de Asturias in Tenerife. I returned with my sketch book the next day. Away from the busyness of repairs and construction it was nice to be in an area of complete quietness. Sometimes I'm most active when still.

High and Dry

Every year the Africa Mercy (AFM) receives vital upgrades and repairs to continue serving the forgotten poor. This is an important stage in this Mercy Ships' efforts. The AFM is lifted out of the water and hauled onto train tracks back into dry dock in shipyard. Its a fascinating process to watch. There are so many aspects to this operation that ultimately make the medical outreach in West Africa possible.

Like the ship, non-technical crew often take this time away from the busyness of field service to restore themselves for the upcoming challenges that lie ahead. I sketched to reflect on the enormity of the ship and its purpose.