Friday Group 1

Hi all!

This morning, our group went back to the Seafarers Mission and took our training from yesterday into use for today when the cruise ship and it’s workers arrived.

At the store on level 1, Laura #2, Livi, Cheryl, and I took on the task of selling food, products, candy, and other necessities to the workers from the ship, which stayed busy and sometimes rushed, but went very smoothly and steadily. It felt great to help these workers who are time deprived have an easier time to get what they needed.

On level 2, Joe, Jared, Ben, Dan, and Julia helped with the packages the workers wanted to bring home. They would help organize them so that the transaction would be easy, smooth, and safe for the worker’s possessions. The workers were left happier because this way of shipping would be cheaper than shipping the packages all the way to where they live, and they felt their possessions were going to be handled safer and better.

On level 3, Laura worked in the MoneyGram where she would help people send money home to their families, either for cash pick up or directly to bank accounts. Laura sent up to $5000 in her largest transaction and sometimes smaller amounts like $100. She sent money to many different countries, including the Philippines, Croatia, Jamaica, and Indonesia. This job was stressful when the difference would keep changing between different currencies and it would get confusing at times, but they did an amazing job, regardless.

After the cruise ship left with its workers and new vacationers our group headed to the showers which are always fantastic. :) Then we went to an ice cream shop and enjoyed some ice cream on this very warm and sunny day, and it really hit the spot as we ended our hard work of the week.

For dinner, we had Indian food which was absolutely delicious. We loved trying all the different ethnic foods this week as some comfort zones were broken through and new discoveries were found.

Finally, tonight, we are starting to pack for the drive home. We are sad to leave, but very ready to sleep in our own beds.

Hope everyone back home had a great day as well! We’re going to get as much sleep in tonight as possible so we can be ready for the long drive tomorrow.

Love and miss you all!

- Leah Douma -