AFM youth retreat!

"It was great until the jellyfish came."  That was Eli's response when I asked him about the youth retreat that he went on last weekend.  

The youth leaders (who are REMARKABLE) organized an overnight campout for the youth of the AFM.  They ventured a not very far distance away to a place called "El Dorado Beach" and braved a night away with a group of 6th-12th grade students.  (all photos thanks to Jenny!)

Here are some of Eli's thoughts on it all (I asked questions, he talked, I typed...and asked more questions):

After we left the ship we went straight to the place we were staying and set up our tents. Throughout the weekend we had a lot of free time to play on the beach and swim in the ocean.  The youth leaders had organized some games and we swam a lot.

What was the retreat speaker like? 
There was a guy named Justin (black shirt and grey shorts in the picture above) with us on the retreat – he’s from the US and is living here in Benin with his wife, Rachel.  They work at an orphanage a couple of hours away called Arbre de vie.  Justin talked to us a few times about hope. 

Did anything in particular stand out to you about hope?
The main thing I learned about hope is that we don’t always get what we want but we can still trust that God will provide for us.

What was your favorite part? 
The bonfire was probably my favorite part.  We had s’mores and we had fun being together.  We sat around the campfire and worshipped…and then we ended up singing fun songs.   Yes, I like the bonfire…and breakfast..and lunch…and having my shirt off most of the weekend...and sleeping at a table.

You slept at a table? Why did you sleep at a table? 

Because I didn’t want to sleep in the tent because my friend Mark was already in our tent and the tents weren’t really big enough for 2…unless you’re really snuggling and I wasn’t willing to do that.  So I fell asleep in a chair, at a table.  I woke up when the sun was rising and it got bright – probably about 7.

Any other thoughts? 

We had one of our Gurkas with us, Dil.  He stayed up all night. 

We had toast and egg casserole for breakfast.  Then we had more free time.  I swam out to the platform in the water – that’s when the jelly fish showed up.  It was really annoying and difficult to swim back to the shore. Nobody got stung...but I didn't like it. At all.  

After swimming back we had one more session and some lunch and then it was time to pack up and head back to the ship. 

Were you glad to be back on the ship? 

Yes...but I wish the retreat could have been longer – I was really enjoying myself.  I was glad to be back because there aren’t jellyfish on the ship…though there are some in the water just outside the ship.  But that’s ok because I don’t swim in that water.  

There ya have it.  A sixth grader's take on the AFM Youth Retreat!  

And now, a word about/for the youth leaders:

We can't say THANK YOU enough to the youth leaders on the ship.  These ladies and gentlemen volunteer on top of their volunteering...they give of their free time to invest in the youth...they are certainly role models and tremendous examples to the youth - and really to all the rest of the crew as well. 

Ryan, Ruben, Tyler, Keverly, Anna and Jenny - Thank you.  Thank you for investing in Eli...and in our family as a whole - by investing in him you are investing in all of us!  Thank you for being willing to share life with our students and for investing in them with your time,energy, efforts, prayers, care and love.  You are amazing individuals - and a FABULOUS TEAM.  Nick and I would be more than happy if our kids' lives ended up looking something like any of yours -- young adults loving and serving God.  Young adults investing in those coming up behind them.  Young adults who know how to love, laugh, dance and enjoy snacks (among other things).  

Surely there will be more to come.   

Mercy Ships Core Values according to Eli

And now it's Eli's turn to contribute.  Again, this was a school assignment (God bless the Academy for giving us so many things to share). Eli was happy to share it because it meant he didn't have to write anything else for the blog...

Values of Mercy Ships - Eli Cash - 2016

      A value is a word or phrase that you model your life around, whether it is money, love, or God. Values also influence your decisions.  Mercy Ships has four main core values, love God, love and serve others, be people of integrity, and be people of excellence in all that we say and do.

      The people on the ship are supposed to love God; we show this by going to the community meetings and participating in worship. The crew also shows this by participating in mercy ministries, because the Bible says that when we serve each other we’re serving Christ as well. Finally we show that we love and serve God when we came to the ship, God called us to go to the ship and we came.

      The crew is also supposed to love and serve others; they do this when they get each other food or snacks from the ship shop or the dining room. The crew also does little things for each other like holding open the door for the people behind them in the hallway. And finally the people on the ship show that they love and serve others by doing surgeries on the people who get cleared for surgery after screening.

      We also are people of integrity here on the ship. We show this by not stealing from the ship shop and café when we know that we can do it without being noticed. We also show this by getting only one of the food items that is under the one-per-person sign. The crew shows this in how they return the borrowed books from the library on time.

       The fourth value is showing that we are people of excellence in all we say and do. We can show this by being polite to other people by saying thank you to the dining room staff, or holding the door open for the people behind us.  We also show this by doing our very best in the jobs and tasks we find ourselves doing.  

     The four core values of Mercy Ships can be shown in different ways.The Africa Mercy is a great place and we can make the best of the good conditions given to us by not only following but living these four values.

Eli, School Picture, October 2016

Surely there will be more to come. 

A Giant See-Saw for a Home

Caroline wrote the following for a school assignment.  She gave us permission to share it here (reluctantly...but permission, none the less!!)

Have you ever seen a giant see-saw with hundreds of people on it? Well, I live on one.  It's a ship called the Africa Mercy. The Africa Mercy is a great place to live for the following reasons: our destinations, friendships, and community life.

Guinea, 2012

The ship goes to many exotic places - that is one of the main reasons why I love the ship! First, in August 2012 until June 2013 we went to Guinea.  There was an amazing hotel and pool with these adorable little kittens. There was also an amazing park which provided a great field trip spot and a good place to play.  Then, in August 2013 until June 2014 the ship went to Congo which had an amazing beach very close to the port. There were also with many restaurants with low prices and good food. In October 2014 we went to Madagascar.  It was so awesome we went for two years.(JK we went cause we had nowhere else to go because of the Ebola crisis in West Africa) There was a very grassy soccer field where we played Frisbee and there were many amazing spots that people went to for  relaxation during the weekend. Most recently, in August of this year (2016), we have arrived at Benin! Here there is an amazing treat called fanice! It is absolutely delicious. If you are looking for an international traveling home then you should move to the Africa Mercy!

               

At Arbre d'Vie Orphanage a few weekends ago

 I love the ship because of my friends who support me in smooth times and rough as well. First of all, I have met kids from all over the world. It is almost like visiting the world in one day. For example Maya, who is from America, and Anna, who is from Liberia, would have never been my friends if I had not come and lived here. Secondly, I see my friends almost 24/7 which makes our friendship as strong as steel! We ripstick on the dock a lot and we usually play Frisbee on Fridays! Unfortunately, being an MK (Missionary Kid) has its down sides. Often times my friends go back to their home countries or get reassigned. It makes me feel very sad; sometimes I sit and wonder why people have to leave. Still, I love the diversity of my friends.

Caroline and her sweet friend Elsa (one of those hard good-byes)

Although, the ship is very large we are all a very close community. To begin with, unlike other places, we have a school right here onboard. We have this funky celebration called Jabulani day were everyone dresses up using the basics of a theme. It is totally breathtaking! Also, everybody knows almost everyone else. I trust a lot of adults and I feel comfortable enough to just walk up to someone and say "hi" even if I do not know them.

Crew of the AFM, Congo

Obviously, the ship is one of my favorite places on the planet! I feel like everyone is as close as a giant “family” that travels together all around Africa. God bless the Africa Mercy now and forever!

Surely there will be more to come!

End of the School Year: Character On Display

In the whirlwind of the end of the school year (the week of May 22-26) and leaving the ship for our summer in Georgia (Friday, May 27) and then being with friends and family in various locations over the summer, I haven't taken the chance to post one of our favorite Mercy Ships Academy Traditions from this year.  Until now...

As in previous years (click on these links if you have time and are interested in reading more from 2015  2014 and 2013), we gathered in the International Lounge on the morning of the last day of school to commemorate and celebrate the end of the school year. As in years past, the teachers called up each student and read out words of Life, Truth and Affirmation -  a character trait and a special verse for each one.

Now, we certainly don't have anything against academic achievements being celebrated - but there is something remarkably significant about students being recognized and applauded for their character.  

It is with grateful hearts for the character God is developing in our children that we share the traits and verses that their teachers gave them.

Eli -- Understanding and Loyalty

Written by Ms. Remy: "Eli has been a loyal classmate and student this past year.  Eli is someone that his peers can count on.  He is patient and shows great self-control in challenging situations.  He has a deep desire to be kind and generous to those around him.  He is a loyal friend, always willing to lend a hand.  Eli has the ability to observe and understand situations and issues that occur in and outside the classroom.  His understanding can often help being the solution to a problem.  What a wonderful way to honour and glorify our Lord.."

Eli's verses -- Psalm 119:30-35

"I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.  I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.  I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.  Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.  Give me understanding so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.  Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight."  

Caroline -- Joyfulness and Obedience

Written by Ms. Remy: "Caroline comes in smiling and, if she gets the opportunity, she would be jumping up and down as well. She enjoys life and gladly shares this joy with her classmates and teacher.  Caroline is not only a girl filled with exuberance, she also has a beautiful obedient heart.  She respects and obeys her teachers and any authority figure set before her.  She wants to learn from them and accepts any feedback with grace. Her joy and obedience bring honour to God."

Caroline's verse -- Joshua 22:5

"But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you:  to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." 

Emma -- Joy

Written by Ms. Katie:  "Emma's heart is bursting with joy on a daily basis.  But "daily" does not even describe it accurately - her joy is more on a minute-basis!  She walks in the door with a smile, laughter, enthusiasm and exciting stories to share, and she stays that way all day.  Her enthusiasm knows no bounds - no matter what we learn, discuss or do, Emma is happy and excited.  She sees the joy in absolutely everything.  This joy is deeply rooted in her heart and it finds its way into the hearts and lives of the people around her.  There is no way to not be affected by Emma's radiating joyfulness, and this is a very special gift that God has given her.  What a powerful way to impact people's attitudes and lives.  This is a a rare and beautiful gift.  Never lose your joyful heart, Emma!"  

Emma's verse -- Romans 15:13

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him.  Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

We cannot thank God enough for the Academy and for the teachers that have invested so very much into our childrens' lives.

The new school year starts this coming Tuesday, August 9 (my goal was to post this before the new school year began! #score #2daystospare).  Please join us in praying for the teachers and students as they begin the 2016-2017 school year.  May they each be all that God created them to be - striving for excellence, soaked in grace and truth, looking for Him and to Him at every turn.

Surely there will be more to come.  

Paper Making Field Trip (we love Miss Katie)

This is the ever lovely Katie Stafford - Emma's teacher and a good friend of our family.  She recently wrote a blog for our internal communication forum affectionately known as "Navigator" -- we thought you'd like to see/hear her pictures and words from a recent field trip the Elementary Kids were able to take (and some bonus sea urchin activities!).

The end of the school year is upon us, and we have been busy with many fun activities and highlights! The elementary students recently had the opportunity to visit a local paper-making craftsman. What a memorable experience! We learned all about every step of the process, and then we got to do it ourselves.

Step 1: Beat the tree bark that has already been soaked and cooked for 8 hours

Step 2: Slap and spread the mixture over the screens in the water

Step 3: Design your own piece of paper using beautiful Madagascar flowers! Seal water over the top

Step 4: Leave the paper in the sun to dry. Thank the craftsman with a hearty “Misaotra Bessika!” Go enjoy ice cream before heading back to the ship!

Step 5: A few days later, admire your beautiful, hand-crafted Malagasy work of art!

Bonus! Sea Urchins!  : Racing and holding live sea urchins for a school-wide devotion time, led by our principal. What!?!?

Thanks, Katie, for letting us use your blog post.  And thank you for loving on Emma and teaching her so very much.  You've taught her so much more than reading and math and science, you've taught her kindness and generosity, gentlness and the art of laughter.  You've modeled the life of a woman who loves the Lord and lives her life for Him.  You've invested so very well in her and we will forever benefit and forever be grateful.  We would be thrilled if she grows up to be anything like you. We couldn't have asked for a better Kindergarten teacher.  We are praying God's absolute best for you as you transition from this place.  It's quite the understatement to say that we will miss you.  

The treasures and gifts of this place amaze us...Miss Katie and the Academy are certainly 2 of those treasures (not to mention sea urchins). 

Surely there will be more to come. 

le restaurant sans nom

Last Friday Nick and I had the chance to have a pre-lunch snack in a French Cafe.  The best part was that the cafe was downstairs (and free!).  As a way for her students to practice their French, Miss Myriam - our phenomenal French Specialist Teacher - had the students in grades 4 and 5 create a cafe for us to come and enjoy!

The students chose the name "le restaurant sans nom" - the restaurant with no name (though one of the Cash kids would have liked to have seen the restaurant called "le restaurant internationa" - the international restaurant - but she was outvoted).  They set up a corner of the cafe in a most delightful manner - complete with decorations and tables set with candles, origami decorations, French speaking tips and cacahuetes (peanuts).

We had such nice experience being served by the cutest girl in the class - her french speaking skills are tres bon (very good!).

Caroline's thoughts on the experience: "I enjoyed serving because I got to have conversations with my customers.  I liked figuring out what I was supposed to say and telling the chef what the people wanted in French.  I'm glad Miss Myriam let us do this...it would be fun to do it again."

ne sont pas ses yeux etonnante? 

Eli was serving in the "kitchen" filling the orders that his classmates were bringing to him.  The menu was very diverse - with options ranging from fromage et des crackers (cheese & crackers) to  brochette de bonbons (candy kabobs!) to jus de pomme (apple juice) and lots of other tasty treats. 

Eli's thoughts on the experience:  "We had to speak French the entire time.  My favorite thing we served was probably the candy brochettes - which was basically 4 pieces of candy on a toothpick.  It was very fun because we learned sort of what it's like to work in a French restaurant.  I enjoyed it...I got to serve food and make it - a chef and a waiter and a food put-er outer."

What a wonderful way for the students to practice French (and to let us practice our French as well!).  We're so grateful for teachers who give their students hands-on, meaningful experiences as they learn.

If you happen to be a teacher - or know of any teachers - interested in serving on the Africa Mercy, there are some openings for the 2016-2017 school year!  We love being a part of the Academy - and we'd love to have you as a part of it, too!  Something to consider.  

Surely there will be more to come!

Pictures from MSA Picture Day!

Our entire school! Mercy Ships Academy 2015-2016

The Lovely & Courageous Caroline, age 9, grade 4 (purposefully first since the middle one hardly ever gets to be first)

How we all actually feel about picture day. 

The Kind & Thoughtful Eli, age 10, Grade 5 (well done, Justine, in getting him to smile)

The ever adorable & giggly Emma, age 5, Kindergarten

Miss Remy with Grades 4 and 5;
6 students + 1 teacher from 5 different countries

Miss Remy has mad jumping skillz...just one of her many, many talents.  Another talent?  Keeping her area neat and tidy.  She's one special lady.  

Miss Katie & her 2 girls; an All-American class;
3 of the sweetest individuals on the entire ship.

The few, the proud: MSA Teachers.  So much excellence, experience, awesomeness and love on display in this picture.  

If you know our childrens' middle names you are more than welcome to create your own portfolio of pictures...print as many wallet sized photos as your heart desires (and any other size).  You can even create your own package - custom made to suit all of your Cash Kid School Picture needs...(the Facebook conversations about School Picture Packages and the point of wallet-sized photos has amused me).

Story time:
On the morning of Picture Day I happened to see the kids and teachers walking along the dock to the back of the ship where the pictures would be taken.  As I watched from our cabin window, the elementary classes each came out - lined up nice and neat, walking calmly with books under their arms (our teachers think of everything - even something for them to do while they wait for their turn in front of the camera!).  And then the Junior High and High School students came out...not quite so neat and orderly - but neat and orderly enough.  Some were carrying and/or riding the vehicles that can be seen in the pictures.  AND THEN I saw something I hope I never ever forget (I am so so sad that I didn't get a video...or even a picture).  I saw our science teacher, Mr. MacGregor (who happened to be wearing his lab coat as he so often does)(he wears it well!) riding along on one of the tricycles.  But the even better part?  Ms. Robinson - our most tenured teacher - was running behind him, pushing him.  The lab coat was flapping in the wind and both had looks of utter JOY on their faces.  What delight!!  What a beautiful reminder to enjoy life, to make the most of every opportunity, to be silly sometimes, to laugh...

We are so very blessed - so very blessed - day after day by the Academy here on the Africa Mercy.

Surely there will be more to come.