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“This day is more special because you Filipinos are with us,” said MC Lita Teodosio (Philippines) at a meeting for Filipinos on board. On Sundays when most domestic helpers have a day off, thousands gather in Victoria Park and around the Hong Kong Cultural Centre to socialise. The majority of those who came to Doulos were in need of words which would build up their sense of worth. The Filipino crewmembers from Bacolod, Cebu, Manila, Davao, Tarlac and Laguna sparkled as the paraded in their regional costumes. Uplifting music accompanied ladies in the 'Shout For Joy' dance as the crowd chanted, “Filipino, Filipino, Filipino!” With time for 'chicka-chicka' or chat at the end of the programme, the guests were blessed by their time on board.



香港官方開幕式
Hong Kong official reception

12 Jun, 2009 :: Hong Kong, SAR China  

“In all the years I’ve sailed, I’ve never seen a skyline like this,” said Captain Harry Nikken (Netherlands) of Fragrant Harbour at the Doulos Official Reception in Hong Kong. As this is the old ship’s ninth visit to Hong Kong, MC Andrea Choi (South Korea) emphasized, “The most important aspect of Doulos is its people and purpose.” Doulos and her focused crew did not come for the glamour of the city lights, but instead, “to be a life-saving boat,” said Director Daniel Chae (South Korea). “Thank you for bringing love and hope around the world,” said Representative of Harbour City, Ms. Canis Lee said as she responded with a gift for the Doulos crew to remember Hong Kong.




扶養一個外交官
Raising an ambassador

17 Jun, 2009 :: Hong Kong, SAR China

Father Pil-Hun Park (South Korea) and son Eun-cheol Park (South Korea) talk about Doulos family life. “As we live in an international community, my children learn many great things from various cultures,” said Pil Hun. One thing he has found difficult is teaching the Korean language and values as they need special attention. “I have become more expressive in love for my children as I interact with parents who express their love more directly towards their kids,” he commented. Pil-Hun asks Eun-Cheol what he did during the day and they eat three meals a day together, unusual for most children living on land. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Eun-Cheol declared, “I want to be an ambassador!”

忠僕號的開放日
Doulos open day

19 Jun, 2009 :: Hong Kong, SAR China  

The Doulos Open Day in this diverse modern metropolis port of Hong Kong was very well attended. Crewmember Natalja Steblau (Russia) commented, “The people here today are talkative and ask a lot of good questions.” A big pliable world puzzle awaited a brainy visitor in one corner of the ship’s conference room while crewmembers from South Africa, Switzerland and Mongolia chatted with people of all ages. Representatives of Disneyland Hong Kong set up two booths to entertain the little ones. Disney worker Joseph said, “Our hope is that our presence will bring more people to the ship so that they can see what Doulos is really all about.”

溫暖的歡迎
A warm welcome

22 Jun, 2009 :: Hong Kong, Hong Kong  

It’s not the name brands that visitors to the Doulos book fair remember, but rather, the friendly faces. Interesting items on display include a Learning Backpack with an all-inclusive learning programme for preschoolers and the Littlest Pet Shop Sliding Puzzle Book for five years and up. Meanwhile, business men and women peruse the Business Section. The list of the top 50 best selling books says Doulos postcards beat the rest. Visitor Tokudo Michael Luke Hideo got a welcome surprise when he was chosen by staff to receive The Story of A Remarkable Ship booklet, book fair coupons, and a Doulos souvenir. “I’ll definitely be visiting Doulos again!” he enthused.

無價的經驗
Priceless experience

24 Jun, 2009 :: Hong Kong, SAR China

Serving onboard Doulos is an experience in life that no money could buy. “Doulos is like a boarding school in a huge world,” said 25 year-old Siriwan Najeen (Thailand), known as Tam. Before applying to become a Doulos volunteer, Tam worked as an employee in a book store. After waiting three months for an interview and preparing to go to the ship for one year, Tam finally joined the crew in February 2008. One of the benefits of this cross-cultural community life is that Tam learns from others' backgrounds, experiences and opinions. Tam said, “Like a boarding school, I have a lot of struggles on the ship and also, I have a lot of fun.”

遠離家園的辛酸
Far from home

26 Jun, 2009 :: Hong Kong, SAR China 

A group of 224 Indonesians, mostly ladies working as domestic helpers, gathered on board the ship recently. They listened closely as Cel Rosario (Philippines) told her story of working as a domestic helper in Singapore for six years before coming to the ship. “For three years, I suffered,” she recounted. Four ladies later talked about how their hometown had been hit by the tsunami and said how they could really relate to Cel’s times of suffering and difficulty, being far from home. The group responded warmly as they heard how Cel experienced God providing for her needs, and how she came to be on board. “My former employer is still one of my supporters,” said Cel.