Hope and closeness: Inga Thom connects the seafarers in Cuxhaven!

Hope and closeness: Inga Thom connects the seafarers in Cuxhaven!

Cuxhaven, Deutschland - Cuxhaven is an important port location in Germany that houses a large number of shipping companies and seafarers. Inga Thom, a committed employee of the Seemanns mission Cuxhaven, is committed to the goal of facilitating the life of seafarers, which are often separated from their families for months. It is one of only two full -time mission and is supported by around ten volunteers.

On a warm summer day, Thom visits the ship Corelli, a chemical tanker, where the fragrance of freshly baked cinnamon snails meets the air. The ship cook Frederic Macauba, who has been at sea for five months, estimates visits to the sailor mission. "If the food is not good, the mood is not good," notes Thom, which shows how important simple things are at sea in life. Sailors from countries like the Philippines often come to him, and communication is usually done in English.

sailor and technology

Thom's work also includes the provision of SIM cards and internet access for the seafarers, who have the opportunity to stay in touch with their families. They often have to get by with limited data volume, which significantly limits contact. With an internet router that the sailor mission provides, however, the men can now telephony unlimited-a real lifesaver for the seafarers who often live in isolation.

"I have a constant exchange with the seafarers," explains Thom. She listens to her stories, worries and wishes, and often brings small gifts. These interpersonal contacts are of great importance for the seafarers, since they are often far away from their home country and their families. Many of them mark the day of their return in advance - as with Macauba, August 23, where he will return to Manila.

The sailor mission itself has a long history that goes back to 1886. As a diaconal facility, it is part of the Protestant churches in Germany. In Cuxhaven they are one of 33 locations worldwide. Their main task is to help the seafarers, be it when changing money or through organized leisure activities in the Seemannsclub. Thom knows the challenges with which the seafarers are confronted and tries to help them where they need it most urgently.

human contact counts

Another important aspect of their work is the creation of community and celebrating moments that appear to other people for granted. Birthdays, for example, are often celebrated far from family and friends. Thom sometimes brings small gifts with this, as recently for the young cadet Igor, who celebrated his birthday on board the BBC Coral. "It's just a little way to show you that you are not forgotten," says Thom.

Last year, the sailor mission made around 1,700 visits to various ships and had around 4,900 encounters with seafarers. Thom plays a crucial role in this, because she not only helps the sailors to cope with their everyday life, but also does a cultural exchange between different nationalities. These encounters make their work alive because she hits people from all over the world who would otherwise never have contact with a country man in Cuxhaven.

thom feels as a privilege to make these connections and often hear stories that make you smile. "This is the most international job in Cuxhaven," she says, and it becomes clear that her daily work includes much more than just distributing information or help. It is the interpersonal contact that is important for the seafarers and who helps them feel less lost in their often lonely world.

Inga Thom's commitment shows how important small gestures of charity and understanding are in the life of seafarers. Your task is not just a professional challenge; It is an expression of a deep human coexistence that connects across borders.