Update april/may

Dear friends

Here's a short work update. I am not that good in keeping up this blog as most news is more relevant for Dutchies. Anyhow.. trying to give you a short update:

Still working with Mercy Ships Holland in media /communications, and volunteer network (my 11th year!).
Living close to the office with my husband. Married life is good and we are busy with all kind of things, in the house, church and for missions. We are going to South Africa soon, for this and are exited about it. Never a dull momment :)

Anyway. About my job at Mercy Ships:

Still working with media and liking that.
Soon we will on TV here in Holland several times, It's my job to help the media prepare for it as a liaison to ship and the crew here in Holland.

Next week the French edition of the Life Guide will be presented to the Dutch consul of Togo here in Holland. This bible will be for the people of Togo. I am part of the team that pioneers this unique project (health for Life) in which we develope a Guide for people in developing countries to receive more info on prevention of aids/hiv, and other diseases along with a new testament in which they can read about Gods love. I am the Project coordinator for Mercy Ships and loving this project that is so close to the people and also to my heart. It's a lot of thinking, talking and organizing things like the presentation of the first copy, feeding back recent info to the coordinator(s) onboard and in our international office, talking about distribution, to who, when, why, feedback on the Guide itself, etc..
Hope soon we will hear stories of people that have been blessed by the brand new edition, we worked several years on to realize.

Most of my other work is communication to our volunteers, working with my new communication worker Carolina on press releases, media, website etc, communication in general (accumulating news/foto's/for email news etc). Recently we organized the third alumni day for MS volunteeers, was great again. I pioneered this in 2008 and now it almost seems to become a yearly thing, which I think we should do as we can show our workers that way that we appreciate them.

Also going into schools to do presentations about Mercy Ships, with my collegue Rahel. We have fun with it. Contacting the schools ourselves and planning the date, presentations powerpoints,etc.
Lots of fun

Want to know how we are doing personally? Let me know! I am also on facebook!
Geertje (geertje.ramsoebhag@mercyships.org)

House for sale

My house is for sale as I am moving in with Sham after our wedding in October. See http://www.mijnhuisverkoopikzelf.nl/woning/rotterdam/portlandstraat-2629.html for pictures :)

Many visitors on alumni day!

110-115 previous Dutch and Belgian crew members and staff of Mercy Ships gathered in Gorinchem (Netherlands) on March 28. They enjoyed each other's company and memories and heard about the current fieldtrip of the Africa Mercy to Benin.

"Keep organizing this!" said many when they left. "So good and fun!" "Great!", "Thank you for this special day!"

Recently returned volunteers were interviewed by Rahel Schutte, previous crew member herself and now working with the Dutch office of Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships Holland chairman Paul Nouwen also spoke. He returned from a Vision Trip to the Africa Mercy only weeks ago and was inpressed by the dedication of the volunteers and their lack of privacy and space in their living accomodation. He spoke words of encouragement and admiration about the volunteers on board and land.

The whole day was jointly organized by Dutch office staff and volunteers of the Mercy Ships Holland volunteer network, which started three years ago in Holland and Belgium. A great team made the program, decorated the location, poured the coffee and served lunch. I was in charge of the team and had fun with organizing this for the second time.

Screening in Benin

If you click on the title "Screening in Benin" you can watch a video of Mercy Ships screening new patients in Benin. The Africa Mercy will be there the next 10 months. Watch the amazing video!

Personal news from me: I am getting married on October 3. Let me know if you want to know more! :) Write me at geertje.vanderpol (a) mercyships.org

Geertje

It's been a while

As you can see, I am not so good in keeping up my news in English (sorry!). I am keeping track of my Dutch news better, but that doesn't help if you don't know Dutch, so if you want to know how I am doing, please email: geertje.vanderpol (a) mercyships.nl.
Geertje

Temp Mum

This is my newest friend Ruben. I am taking care of him on Thursdays once in a while. While it allows his mum (my PR collegue Anke, on picture) to volunteer in our office for a day. I am taking care of my house and him and working a bit from home. Great combi, right?

I became an aunt again

2008 started in a great way... My cute little nephew Jesse (2) became a big brother. This morning his little sister Elisa Anne was born. She is looking GOOD.
Much love,
Geertje
geertje.vanderpol@mercyships.nl