Saturday 13 February 2010

Hello Togo!

As we approached the dock the mass of colour and sound came into focus.  Awaiting our arrival at the end of the dock was a large group of people who were singing and dancing and praising God.  The Togolese churches had joined our advanced team to welcome us, bringing with them an ensemble of brass instruments and drums, which rang out a song we had learnt only the day before on the ship, There is no other God.  The mass of colourful outfits was astounding, many of the Africans dressing in their best clothes to welcome us, they waved scarves and other fabric as they danced, a great display of excitement as the ship pulled in, making their way along the dock with us until we ground to a halt and our mooring lines were attached.  As we stood and watched from deck 7 and 8 the first of our crew went down the gangway meet the Togolese dignitaries.  We have arrived in Togo!

 
The Pilote boat delivers the pilot to us who directs us through the port waters safely to our dock.

  
 One of the tugs that shuffles us into position, carrying some of our advanced team and land based personnel.

  
Some of the crowds gathered to meet us (including buses from the local churches and a very large drum!)

  
 The Togolese navy who live next to us, and lots of green trees!

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