Wings of love to people in need

18 September 2016

Update 18th September 2016



One of the frustrations of life in Africa is the frequently changing 'rules', interpretation or random application of them and the constantly moving goalposts. One of the things I like about this system however, is when you seem to be on the wrong side of the rule, you can usually negotiate a reasonable outcome . . . at least until next time!

Some of the disappointments we experienced in our first few days back in the Zambezi delta were a bit like this. We sat with the various groups (failed agricultural projects, lack of self-motivation with education and struggling churches), heard their perspective on their problems and where the goalposts had moved to and 'negotiated' some understanding with those involved which turned into some good outcomes.

One of the pleasant surprises of this trip (moving goalposts again) was the amazing friendly, cooperative, trouble-free journey through all the airports (fuel, flight panning, customs, immigration etc). We came home encouraged - and in record time!
Joel coming to pick us up at Nhamacara – our first clinics in the delta for 11 months.

Boys trying to be men. No option to wince in front of everyone else!

Chaderaque carefully cuts away the dead skin from Chiraz’s infected hand.



Conflict resolution at Luawe. Everyone had the opportunity to say their bit. The women accused the men (justifiably) of not working hard enough. Unfortunately in this culture, position of responsibility seems to bring with it a sense of entitlement . . . Mario – the leader, had 'borrowed' the money that they had all worked to generate. In the end, he handed it all back, they all had a bit of a laugh and agreed to work together again and make the ag project succeed.

We then had an official hand-over of the repaired irrigation pump and the extra length of hose they had purchased with some of the money they had generated. They agreed they need to divide their group and start a second ag project. So, a good outcome eventually.

While Joel gets to do most of the flying, I get to catch up with maintenance around our Marromeu base (Quite a deal!). We found most of the screws holding our roof on had rusted through! A very corrosive environment here.

Thank you

Dean & Kaylene

for the Mercy Air team

05 September 2016

Mercy Air Community Awareness Day

Mercy Air recently held its second community awareness day at the Bagdad Centre near White River.
Landing at Bagdad
We flew the Kodiak and a helicopter in for people to get a close up look and had a few stalls where people could find out more about the work we do.
Many people sat in and had their pictures taken.





 Many others also took the time to ask us questions.
For the kids there was face painting ...
 ...and Zippo the Magic Clown made an appearance.
 There were stories for the younger kids ...

..as well as a bouncy castle.
 The local Casterbridge Music Academy provided some excellent live music...
 ..while others could just sat around and enjoyed the afternoon.

We also ran a paper plane competition with the winners receiving a short flip in the Kodiak or helicopter.
Competition was fierce ...

 ..and the winners were able to see White River from the air.


The winners back at Mercy Air after their flight
Thank you

The Mercy Air team