Presidential nosh

One thing you can always say about Mercy Ships is that it gives you opportunities to meet people and visit places that you would never otherwise experience. Last night was one of those events. The whole crew was invited to the Presidential Palace to have a meal with his Excellency Yayi Boni, the President of Benin. Unfortunately Rachel-Elise was poorly so couldn't go, and Anne volunteered to stay behind and look after her, so it was just me Iona and Nathaniel (and 300+ crew members)

What do you do at a Presidential dinner? Well we waited in a large meeting room for over two hours first, then were allowed into the (very posh) dining room where we sat at tables seating 9 for another 30 minutes or so before the President made his entrance. Then he presented some very prestigious awards to Don Stephens (founder), Deyon Stephens(co-founder), Dr Glen Strauss (eye surgeon and VP of medical stuff), Ken Berry (CEO of AFM) and Daslyn Ouenounou (Mercy Ships Benin Country Representative). Then there were some speeches, then FOOD - YES!! By this time it was after 9pm and Nathaniel and Iona were almost passing out from fatigue and hunger - but they behaved impeccably. Fish, Chicken, Rabbit, Goat (I think), rice, noodles, chips (YES), salad.... yum. Oh and wine and Coca-Cola.

This was accompanied by some local Beninese dancing from about 5 different groups which the kids found particularly interesting. A very colourful, memorable and honouring experience. We weren't allowed to take cameras but if any photos get published by our comms people I'll stick them on here.