Jon here - Ruth went home to Australia for 3.5 weeks in July during the school Academy break. It allowed her some good time to catch up with family and to meet the two new grandchildren born whilst we have been away. It took about three days to fly each way, but it was worth the journey.

Mercy Ships has really struggled to get the government to sign a new protocol agreement which would allow the Africa Mercy to stay beyond the current Sep 5th old protocol expiry date. These high level negotiations involve the onshore Country Engagement Team and Executive in US rather than ship crew. 

Complex surgeries have been delayed due to the time needed for patient recovery. A decision to stay or go must be made by 6th Aug as it will take 30 days to prepare to sail. As always we value your support and prayers. Thank you for joining with us on the journey.

The orthopaedic surgical stream has been pushed back several months. So as well as being winter here in Madagascar it has also felt a bit like a winter time for the surgical ministry here with considerable uncertainty in the air. 

Below is our pdf newsletter for July.