God's rich variety

I've been studying the book of Ephesians with a group of women on board.

Last week we came upon this verse:  God's purpose was to show his rich variety to all the rulers
and authorities in the heavenly realms.  (Ephesians 3:10)

We talked about how God's variety is showing itself to earthly leaders as well- and does so on the ship!

When Guinea's president, Alpha Conde visited the ship,he commented on the many different countries we have  represented here.  He said that he thought this was a ship full of people from the United States, and was amazed that so many people from so many cultures can work together.
Here are some pictures of our diverse crew:

Here are a bunch from New Zealand.  Do you know that it takes 44 hrs to fly here from New Zealand?

I guess we can figure out where's she's from!

 

There are a lot of people from a lot of different places.

So many people.  And so many different jobs.

These folks are working in the dental clinic.

Anyone want to work in the OR sterilization room?

How about this job?  Does anyone want to hang off the side of the ship?

Of course, we have to have pictures of the OR team and some ward nurses!


We also had a church leader take a tour of the ship.  He wanted to know how so many denominations can work so well together.  He said that we should write a book!

It is amazing.  I'm amazed by all the different accents I hear.  (some of which I have trouble understanding)  We laugh at our differences.  What is that marmite stuff that the Brits eat?  And why do they put hot water in a cold drink?  And why does our friend from Austria think that the American girls are so "emotional?'  And what is that smell of the sauce that the Africans eat?

And my answer is that only God can make this all happen.  Only God can pull all these different people together to work toward the same purpose.

Debbie