numbers and preparation.

Our Group Managing Director, Donovan Palmer, likes to use numbers.  It's become a bit of his tradition to start any time of sharing with "___ (insert number) of days until the new ship is ready." or "we're on day #____ of the Field Service."

In honor of his leadership, character and kindness, some Cash Family numbers:

• 29 days until Nick & Dianna's 15th wedding anniversary (May 11, 2017)
• 49 days until the end of the school year (May 31, 2017)
• 68 days until we depart the Africa Mercy (June 19, 2017) 
• 90 days until we arrive in Columbus, Georgia (July 11, 2017)

While we are preparing to move back to Georgia, there are plenty of people who are preparing for the next field service in Cameroon.

The Advance Team - some are already in Cameroon; others will be heading there soon

These screening posters that have been distributed throughout the country of Cameroon have been serving as a beautiful reminder that preparation is important and is pretty much continually going on.

These posters have also been reminding me that the work of Mercy Ships doesn't depend on us.  At all. Some of you who love us very much might like to argue that point :)  but the fact is that we've done what God has asked us to do for the time frame He has asked us to do it.  And that is enough.  And once we depart the Africa Mercy, God will continue His work in, on, and through the vessel - and in, on, and through us.

The other night, Emma was quite sad. She was sharing about how hard it is to say good-bye.  In an effort to reassure her and help her sort through her feelings, I said, "You know, when we move back to Georgia, we won't have nearly the number of good-byes that we've had on the ship."

She said, "You mean, we won't be leaving again?"  

"No...we won't...and we probably won't even travel outside of the country for a while."

"But we have to leave again, don't we?"

"No...we're moving back to stay..."

"But Mama...we're missionaries...and missionaries leave their country."

"Oh, sweet girl...sometimes missionaries leave their country....but what makes someone a missionary is that they love God and want to share His love with others....we're going to be missionaries in Columbus, Georgia.  That's where God wants us...the only reason we'd leave is if He says to...and we don't think that will happen - at least not for a long time."

A Papa and his 3 children who all received eye surgeries

A recent Dress Ceremony celebrating successful obstetric fistula surgeries.  (fun fact: the OBF surgeon - Dr. Andy Norman, upper left corner - has roots in Lincolnton, GA!)

It's been a privilege to be here on the Africa Mercy these past five years...loving and serving God...loving and serving others...trying to be obedient to be and do all that He has asked of us....and now we get the chance to do more of the same in Columbus.

For now we'll keep preparing...slowly sending our things back in small packages with crew who have extra room/weight in their luggage...figuring out who on the ship needs what of our things that we're giving away...already in awe of how God is preparing the way for us (a post on that to come!)...seeking to finish our 68 days in this place well (this week that looks like orchestrating and facilitating all things Easter for the crew of the Africa Mercy!).

Surely there will be more to come.

Internet Official: An Announcement from the Cash Family

I suppose it's time to make things internet official.  We've shared this with our friends, family, and supporters and we're pretty sure most of our Mercy Ships Community/Family is aware...  but just in case there's someone out there that doesn't know -- our time on the Africa Mercy is drawing to a close.

OUR FIRST SAIL! Heading to GUINEA. 

Here's the scoop in bullet form (though each bullet could easily be turned into a blog post of its own):

• Back in 2012 we committed to Mercy Ships for 4-5 years (though when we arrived we realized that kind of commitment was unusual -- most people sign up for 2 years or less...  or for an indefinite amount of time.  Nick has felt pretty strongly about a 4-5 year time frame for us all along...  but I wasn't so sure -- I kind-of imagined us being here for much longer...  I imagined our kids graduating from the onboard Academy...  but God did what He's so faithful to do -- He gets us all on the same page.)
• We knew that the end of this field service (Benin) would be 5 years...
• All along we've been saying "God, we just want to be where you want us" (that's what got us into all this in the first place :-) ) -- so we were certainly open to staying...  and open to going....
• This past summer we spent significant time praying and asking God for clear direction as to whether we should extend our 5-year commitment with Mercy Ships.
• He brought us all to the same place of knowing that this would be our last field service.  
• In June we will be leaving the Africa Mercy and heading back to Columbus, Georgia. 

Easter in CONGO

When God was calling us into Mercy Ships, there was a moment where He used a song to confirm that He was indeed calling us out of Teen Advisors as much as He was calling us in to Mercy Ships.  There was a line in the song that said "The one who called you in will call you out."  And, even though I've never heard the song since that day pulling out of the driveway at Christ Community Church (honestly, I've wondered if it was actually a song or something that God did special just for me), He's using the same lyrics to call us out of Mercy Ships.

It's interesting to try and wrap our minds around the "lasts" -- we enjoyed our last Christmas on the ship a few months ago...  we just had our last Ash Wednesday Service...  we are in the midst of our last season of Lent on the ship...  soon the kids will be in their last quarter as students in the onboard Academy.  Eventually we will attend our last Community Meeting...  respond to our last fire drill...  lead our last Worship Gathering...  host our last meeting with the Chaplaincy Team...  enjoy our last waffle Friday...  and, finally, take our last walk down the gangway.

Visiting the Lemur Park in MADAGASCAR

With the short-term nature of service onboard and all the constant coming & going of Crew Members, we've been saying good-bye ever since we arrived in this place...  so that's nothing new...  but it's a different kind of good-bye when you're the one doing the leaving.

There is a deep sense of peace surrounding this transition.  Peace about finishing here.  Peace about moving back to Columbus.  Peace that He is with us and that He has good plans for us!

We know that transition can be difficult -- and we're going into it with eyes wide open -- but, so far, pretty much everything about this transition has had a sweet peace about it. We're not sure why but God is making the way so smooth and we are so very grateful.  We are absolutely amazed at the things that are already lined up / are lining up for us in Columbus.

Sharing a meal during Aunt Amy's visit in BENIN

Our hope and heart is to finish well here on the Africa Mercy.  Ever since we made our decision that this field service would be our last, we've done our best to stay fully invested and to serve God and His beloved people here -- and maybe because we know it is our last, we've been able to stay fully invested

Please pray for us that we finish our commitment on the Africa Mercy with excellence & effectiveness.  And thank you.  Thank you again and again and again, for making it possible for us to be here!  Your financial support, prayers, encouragement, friendship, and love have made the past 5 years (and really our lives!) possible.

Surely there will be more to come.

A glimpse into what's next: GEORGIA, USA

A letter to my sister.

Dear Amy,

What a remarkable person you are.  You came all the way across the ocean to sit on the couch and share coffee with me.

Thank you for the financial investment you made to come visit us on the Africa Mercy in Benin. Thank you for getting shots and taking malaria medicine.  Thank you for enduring the hassle of the travel (...on both sides of your trip.  Just how many trips through immigration did you take?!).  Thank you for navigating foreign airports and for not melting into a discouraged puddle on the curb when you couldn't find us straight away at the airport in Benin.

You jumped right into community life here...from getting an extensive tour of the ship while we "drove around looking at Christmas doors" and caroled our way around the decks (you've seen places that many of our crew never have!) to happily putting your shoe out on Christmas Eve and helping to deliver gifts around the ship...you contributed more than you realize!

You easily fit right in and made life all the more enjoyable.  We're so glad you were here to celebrate Christmas and New Years with us....and thanks for participating in the everyday normal of our life here.  I appreciate how you let all 5 of us just be us.

From sharing waffles to going to the pool to walking to get icecream and enjoying our favorite restaurants...from playing clue and banangrams and beat the parents (expertly, I may add)....to enjoying the inexpensive coffee and the plethora of options in the dining room - your presence was a welcomed addition to us these past 2 weeks.  

Thank you for giving me the chance to see this vessel and her work afresh through your eyes.  Going to the Hope Center and down to the wards and being in the rehab tent with you refreshed my heart in ways that I can't fully put words to.

...And experiencing Ouidah with you was extra special. Knowing how very much you care about freedom and justice and the right treatment of humans continues to speak volumes to me.

I loved getting to be with you as you were introduced to the craft market and the fabric market (and the ever-challenging art of just walking away) and to shawarmas and to the sights, smells, noises and amazing vehicle-carrying skills that make up the streets of Benin.  I love that you had Ani make you so many wearable and giveable souvenirs.

You embraced the slice of this incredible continent that you encountered with so much love and courage.  It's beautifully different here....and you chose to see the beauty (like you always do).

Speaking of beautiful things, I can't believe I didn't take you to get a sugar cake!  Next time we're in Cotonou together we'll definitely hit up La Galette a Sucre.

Thank you for believing in us as a family - and for believing in me as a person.  You give me way more credit and accolades than I could ever deserve.

Thank you for loving us enough to come be a part of our world (sounds alot like Jesus to me).  The gift of your presence is absolutely priceless and we will always be grateful for these 2+ weeks that we were able to share with you.  We made memories that will last a lifetime.

As you arrive back home, we hope you settle back into life in Athens peacefully - but forever changed because of what you got to experience in and around the AFM.  May you find plenty of willing ears ready and eager to hear about the goats on the roof and how you helped with the casting.  May there be plenty of people interested in hearing about Noelle's smile and Elizabeth's lovely face.  May you even have words to describe the not so delightful noise of needlegunning.  

We love you so very much.  Thanks for loving us in such a significant and tangible way.

For all of the Cash Crew,
Your littlest YOUNGER sister who also happens to be your friend (always and forever),
dianna

Surely there will be more to come.

the month that was November...

You may need to get your face close to the screen in order to see the numbers and words and pictures...but we wanted to share what's been going on in the Hospital of the Africa Mercy - what YOU'VE been a part of...

Amazing numbers.  Even more amazing?  The lives behind each and every number.  The patient served...the crew member serving...the families forever changed...the hope and healing experienced in very real and tangible ways.  And even MORE amazing?  Our One True God who sees and knows each and every single one...

Surely there will be more to come.

Africa Mercy Psalm

For the end of Mada 1 - based on Psalm 136

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good...

His love endures forever.

He opened up an entire new region of Africa unexpectedly...
His love endures forever.

To Him who equipped us for the task…

His love endures forever.

Who brought us through the mist of the unknown and rough seas...
His love endures forever.

And kept us safe in our precarious berth…

 His love endures forever.

To Him who kept us safe from tropical storms…

His love endures forever.

Who provided all of our water...
His love endures forever.

His faithfulness confirmed His promise in ways seen and unseen...
His love endures forever.

Who connected our paths with the right patients…
His love endures forever.

He saw us through every surgery...

His love endures forever.

To him who heals bodies even when surgery or medicines fail..
His love endures forever.

He healed every wound…

His love endures forever.

Who restores movement to contracted joints...
His love endures forever.

Whose presence filled our Hospital causing infections to vanish, new skin to grow and left hearts overflowing with hope...

His love endures forever.

During stress filled times, He answered my every page...

His love endures forever.

To Him who provided our largest HOPE center ever!

His love endures forever.

He saved lives through training! 

His love endures forever.

Who provided a way for us to minister to orphans, the elderly, prisoners, the deaf & disabled...
His love endures forever.

To the ONE who created the colourful richness of harmony in the music of Madagascar and blessed us with a day crew that sings praises while they work..
His love endures forever.

And opened the floodgates of the internet!
His love endures forever.

For the everlasting supplies of fruit & veg…
His love endures forever.

For the day when the cheese came…
His love endures forever.

To Him alone who created all the lemurs…
His love endures forever.

Who provided a close friend at just the right time…

 His love endures forever.

He kept us safe in 3 different countries...

His love endures forever.

To him who alone does great wonders...

His love endures forever.

Let us give thanks to the God of heaven.

His love endures forever.

Glimpses into the Beautiful Ordinary Bits

Sometimes it seems like a blog post should be full of significance...life change, big events, lofty thoughts. And while there are certainly plenty of stories of life change in this place (and big events and lofty thoughts!), there's something sacred about realizing that it's the familiar and the mundane that can often hold the most significance and beauty.  

These are just a few pictures that were taken on an early morning run...views and places and markers that are a part of our daily lives...

View from the top of the gangway

My (dianna) favorite roof in all of Tamatave

Street side shops - as the day goes on they fill with people and goods

The white building is the church closest to the ship

Home sweet Home. 

Early morning football matches 

Coconut carts - this is one of probably 25 that we pass as we're running

A side street

 A bike repairman's ledger

Incredible plant life

The road back home

The "yellows" that mean we're almost back.

It's amazing when we can recognize the significance of the everyday - we want to do that more and more!  It's in the everyday that the bits and pieces of beautiful come together to create our lives.

What ordinary thing is a part of your daily life that is actually rather extraordinary when you really look at it? What do you need to take the time to recognize in order to capture all the beauty God wants to give you?

Surely there will be more to come.

Wrapping things Up in GA

It’s hard to believe that our 6 weeks in the States is coming to an end (well, to be more accurate, our 6 weeks in THE State – The great state of Georgia!  Our travels took us all over Georgia…but we never ventured into any other states!).  It has been a WONDERFUL time...so very full in so many ways.  We are so very thankful to have had this time with friends and family.

For your reading pleasure (and for a glimpse into our hearts and minds), all 5 Cashes have answered 2 questions -- 2 questions that help us to look back and forward:  

• What's been the best moment, meal and/or memory of these past 6 weeks?

• What are you MOST looking forward to as we head back to the Africa Mercy?

Before sharing the answers, one other thought for us all: this morning at our beloved Christ Community Church we sang the familiar words "I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind."  With tears streaming down our faces, we're so very thankful for that Truth - He is going before us as we travel back to Madagascar...and He stands behind us as leave this place we love so much.  He's got us in front and in back and all around (and He's got all those who have hearts involved in our coming and going as well!).  Our God is Faithful...and we are grateful!

On to the questions and answers:

What's been the best moment, meal and/or memory of these past 6 weeks?

Nick: My favorite thing has been the warmth that we’ve been shown – the loving, kind and generous welcome we received from so many.  So many displays of hospitality from people inviting us to stay with them, people cooking us meals, people hosting us in their homes for a visit or playdate.  It’s been such a warm and loving time back home.

Emma: 2 things: jumping and playing football and a 3^rd thing:  going to McDonald’s and I’ll even say a 4^th:  icecream with Yaya & Benny

Caroline: Spending time with all my family…grandparents…cousins…in Warrenton and Columbus.  And the trampolines - I liked having so many trampolines to jump on – at the White’s, at the Taylor’s, at the cabin….And driving the golf cart.  And spending time with the White’s.  And all the good American food we ate – candy corn, plain cheeseburgers, Cali n’ Tito’s, American French fries, really good Mexican food at that Mexican place and spaghetti.  I also really enjoyed the coolish weather (everyone else thought it was cold).

Dianna:  The Cappucino Blast that I had from Baskin Robbins in the Landings (NOT the one from the BR downtown).  So many rich and meaningful conversations.  The news that Molly is having a GIRL.  A fresh realizing of JOY.  Time with just Nick at Callaway Gardens.

Eli: Spending time with my family.  Seeing people again.  Eating chicken nuggets, burgers, French fries. 

What are you MOST looking forward to as we head back to the Africa Mercy?

Nick: I’m really looking forward to returning to my role onboard as a chaplain.  I’m excited about really pouring myself into building up the community of faith onboard. 

Eli:  Seeing friends and playing at mid-ships.  Not having to drive everywhere. 

Dianna:  I’m looking forward to being back in our own space and getting back into our routines. I’m excited to see friends and continue building on relationships.  Other things that make the list: wearing flip flops most everyday, opening the mail and packages that have arrived since we’ve been gone, and the possibility of more skype time with friends and family!

Emma: Going to school and seeing my teacher and doing crafts.

Caroline: I’m not most excited about school…but I like school so I’m looking forward to school.  I’m looking forward to seeing my new teacher (“me, too” chimed Emma) and my friends (“me, too” chimed Emma). Using the good internet (“me, too” chimed dianna).  Working in the café on Sundays (“me, too” chimed dianna).

Hope you enjoyed the interviews :)  Please do be praying for us as we head back to the Africa Mercy - and join us in thanking God for the wonderful gifts He's given us these past 6 weeks!

Tomorrow (Monday) we’ll head to the airport in Atlanta and share one last meal/snack with family members….then we’ll get on a plane that will take us to Paris.  Then we’ll get on another plane that will take us to Tana, Madagascar.  We’ll land late late late at night on Tuesday and get up early Wednesday morning to ride the bus down to Tamatave.  Hopefully we’ll arrive to the ship late in the afternoon on Wednesday.  Kids are due to be back in school first thing Thursday morning.

What a journey….it’s been a good one, it will continue to be a good one.  We’re so thankful for every single person that is a part of this journey with us. 

One last thought:  for anyone who may have left us a message on the phone that we were using while we were here, we are REALLY REALLY sorry if you wanted us to call you back…we didn’t know how to check the messages…

And a little heads up for those of you on the ship:  our Georgia accents are a little thicker than when we left 6 weeks ago.  

Surely there will be more to come. 

Made it to Madagascar

We arrived safely in Tamatave (aka Toamasina), Madagascar this morning!  

We are so grateful for all the prayers that have been poured into our safe sail and smooth arrival. 

Here are just a few favorite photos from the day:

First glimpse of Madagascar

Jordan's foot sticking out of the pilot's entrance on deck 3

Looking for the pilot boat 

The Pilot Boat!!!  We were most excited to see that guy on the right in the blue and black jacket!!!

A few precious friends waiting for us on the dock

Emma's "I Love You's" to Nick on the dock

KJ & Mirabelle!

2 incredible Dutch Men that we are blessed to call "friends"

2 happy Cash Fellas

Our home.  Tied up to dry land. 

We are excited to be here and excited to be a part of the story God is writing in Madagascar.  We are very aware that He was at work long before we arrived...and He will be at work long after we leave...but for this time, may we be used in any and every possible way to bring hope and healing to some of His beloved creations in this lovely country.   

Please pray for the crew of the Africa Mercy as everything gets into "full swing" this week.  Many screenings will take place in the days and weeks to come as we seek out the patients that will fill the wards and halls of our hospital.

We can't wait to share the stories with you!  

Surely there will be more to come.