A Day of Port Visits, Rain, and Warm Welcomes (May 27)

 

Blog Post: A Day of Port Visits, Rain, and Warm Welcomes (May 27)

Today was a busy and fulfilling day of ship visitations alongside Guy. My day started early, arriving at the Mission to Seafarers center at 9:15 AM—just in time, as Paul and Guy were already waiting for me.

While there, Paul extended a wonderful invitation for me to join the blessings of the center this coming Friday, May 30. He asked me to prepare and bring a white stole and alb for the occasion, which I am very much looking forward to.

With our plans set, we headed over to the customs office to submit my application for port entry, and then it was time to hit the docks.

Stop 1: Breaking the Language Barrier

Our first visit was to a cargo ship with an all-Chinese crew. Because English wasn't an option, we relied heavily on translation apps to communicate with the crew member at the ship's entrance. Technology is a beautiful thing in this line of work! He was incredibly friendly and his face completely lit up when Guy handed him a newspaper and some snacks we had brought along.

Stop 2: A Busy Deck

The second cargo ship we visited was in the middle of a hectic day. The crew was busy unloading supplies and undergoing some sort of inspection. Recognizing how valuable their time is, we didn't stay long—we simply left them some snacks and information about the center in case they get some free time to visit Kobe city.

Stop 3: The "Fruit Port"

Next, we headed over to what I fondly call the "fruit port," because these are the specialized ships that carry fruit like bananas, kiwis, and oranges. The crew here was a mix of Russian and Filipino seafarers. We met a Russian crew member at the entrance who explained they were busy unloading cargo and trying to prepare for an early departure. However, the rain was throwing a wrench in their plans, hampering the speed of the unloading process.

A Quick Reflection on Today's Visits: On days like today, we aren't always able to go inside the ships. Most of our interactions happened outside at the gangway, offering a quick smile, a packet of snacks, and information about the center. When a ship is undergoing inspections or rushing against the clock, we never insist on staying long. Our goal is to support them, not disrupt their workflow.

An Unexpected Ride and a Warm Haven

The highlight of the day happened on our way back to the center. As we were driving, we spotted a group of seafarers walking along the road. They had come from a cargo shipping port that is normally restricted and quite dangerous to walk through, so we immediately pulled over and offered them a ride.

They turned out to be crew members from Myanmar. We brought them back to the comfort of the center, provided them with local maps and information, and Guy helped them exchange their money. It was wonderful to give them a safe space to relax, and we even offered to drive them back to the port later in the afternoon.

It was a day of quick connections, navigating rainy logistics, and providing a hospitable welcome right when it was needed most.