Jaquot Psychiatric Facility

Jaquot Psychiatric Facility is about a twenty minute drive from where the ship is docked. Some crew visit this clinic faithfully each Saturday morning and sometimes I join them.

When we arrive we are greeted by some of the patients as we get out of the car. They usually join us as we walk around the property and greet everyone. During this time we find out how their week has been and are introduced to new patients or discover who has left.

After this we all head to a large room in the centre of the property where we do some singing and dancing. This is followed by a Bible lesson and a craft.

It has been such a joy to get to know some of these men and women who have spent the majority of the year in this facility.

Proudly South African

The South African Ambassador to Benin is so good to us. Last week we were invited to numerous events to celebrate Heritage Day in South Africa.

Many Mercy Ship Crew went to an exhibit hosted by our Ambassador on Saturday. Items exhibited ranged from South African fruit juices and wines to jewellery.

On Sunday evening we attended a concert to celebrate South African culture. Two groups perfomed on this occasion - a local musical group from Benin and then an acepella group from Soweto, South Africa called 'The Lions'. It was such a comforting feeling listening to this group of talented men singing songs like 'Meadowlands' (a South African classic) and then our national anthem.

The South African crew was treated to a private performance by this group the next evening when we attended a buffet dinner at the Ambassador's residence.