life right now: 6 word phrases.

No more dry dock (for now).

The ship is in the water.

We are back in our cabin.

It truly is home sweet home.

Immigration is onboard to check passports.

Sea trials tomorrow, praying for success.

Ready for Madagascar, let's go now.

We trust God and His timing. 

Surely there'll be more to come. 

First Day of School

It was not the first day of school that we were expecting....but it was still an incredible first day of school!

As a result of the ship still being in dry dock, elementary school was held here at the Guest House (Junior High and High School were held on the ship "as usual").  

Facts:

• the Mercy Ships Academy is amazing
• we have some of THE most dedicated, flexible teachers EVER
• the Cash Kids really like school

Secret Fact:

The somewhat "obligatory" first day of school picture was successfully taken AFTER the first day of school.  Before school started, the littlest one was having a bit of a meltdown - by "bit of a meltdown" I mean a pretty major cry fest where the missing of all things - the ship, "home", Georgia, family in Georgia - came gushing from her eyes.  She was fine exactly 1 second after she "arrived" at school.  But it made for a less than ideal "before the first morning of school" - I had visions of us sharing a peaceful breakfast and praying together and taking a fabulous picture....that's not how it all went down.  Maybe taking an "after the first day of school" picture will become the tradition. 

 More Fun Facts:

• Emma's class was held in our room.  Gives the word "homeschool" a bit of a different twist.
• Eli and Caroline are in the same class (Grades 4 and 5 are taught by the same teacher - still separate classes, just together!)
• All of the kids are given stationary packs - we don't have to shop for school supplies (that's especially helpful when we're in not so developed places!).  One of their first assignments is to label all of their items.  

The sign emma made for the door (the crossed out part is a fire.  She said there should be no fires in kindergarten).

Eli's supplies all labeled and laid out. 

Emma happily working on her first homework assignments (I don't have to make up assignments for her anymore!!). 

Special "First Day of School" after school treat!  Brownie bites and bananas (the Woolworth's quickstop is full of wonderful treats!).  I welcome any excuse for a special snack. 

The first day of school was taxing for baxter the bear (we met Baxter when we first moved onto the ship - he's somewhat of a mascot for the elementary).  

We should have 3 more days of school here at the Guest House (scattered over the next week or so...I won't even go into an explanation about that).  And then - hopefully! - we'll be given the green light to move back onto the ship...and we'll have another first day of school on the ship!

I wish everyone reading this had the chance to know our teachers.  They are all such special individuals...gifted teachers who genuinely love our children!  They invest in them day after day...and in doing so, invest in our family and our community and our world.

As I was praying for our children and their teachers, I had such a strong sense of the importance of the investments these teachers are making in their students - and how these investments will impact the Nations.  Please join us in praying for the Academy - may this school year be one that honors God in every possible way.

Surely there will be more to come.

A Ship Out of Water: a few dry dock pictures

photos are from various sources 

(the joy of community, right?! sharing is caring.)

That green dot in the middle on the far right side of the last picture is a person...just a little size perspective for you.

We're hoping and praying that this ship will be able to go back in the water SOON...having to stay in dry dock much longer will mean major changes to lots of timelines, schedules and plans (including surgeries that have already been scheduled).

Our understanding is that the major issue is with the propellers - so if you happen to want to pray for blessing, favor, restoration and success for our propellers (and for those working on them!), that would be such a gift!

Surely there will be more to come.

Meanwhile in Madagascar

As we’ve been in Durban experiencing shipyard, plenty is still going on in Madagascar! 

Our Advance Team has been working to make sure things are ready for our return in early August.  Among other things, they are overseeing projects, continuing to meet with government officials and are keeping an eye on our dock space and the warehouse where plenty of equipment is being stored.

Jeremy, Scott, Harmen, Andrea and Franck...what a dynamic and special team!  

The Mada 2 Advance Team

The Screening Team is currently assembling in the capital city of Tana and will make massive efforts in screening before the ship ever sets sail from Durban.  This team is incredible – flying and riding all over the country full of so much compassion, kindness and excellence as they find the patients that will come to the ship over the course of these next 10 months.  

pc: mirjam

Below are pictures of a poster that has been distributed throughout Madagascar announcing all of the selection sights and dates (feel free to print off the middle picture and pray throughout the year for the screenings taking place!)(and many thanks to the lovely Andrea Diallo for taking and sending pictures of the poster).

The members of the screening team work tirelessly and relentlessly.  Their hearts are huge and dedicated as they meet with patient after patient – wanting with everything in them to be able to offer every individual a yellow appointment card but bravely facing the fact that this ship cannot help every individual. 

pc: mercy ships

Because of all of the work of the Advance Team, and now the screening team, the Africa Mercy will really be able “to hit the ground running”  when we arrive back in Madagascar.

We’d love for you to join us in praying for the Advance Team and the Screening Team – for endurance and strength, for health and safety, for wisdom in their decision making, for courage and hope.  Most of all pray that they will experience the love and presence of God in real and tangible ways – and that His love will overflow from their smiles and words and touches into the lives of every person they encounter (will you please pray that for the Cash Family as well?).

Surely there will be more to come. 

It's a wild life: Safari & Aquarium

There are far too many moments in life that make us go "What in the world?  How is it that we're HERE getting to do THIS?" (see previous post!)  There are too many delightfully wonderful moments that make us stop and remember that our God is good and He gives good gifts.

The past few weeks have been full of those...

• How is that we're on a ship sailing on the Indian Ocean?
• How is it that we're walking on a beach in Durban, South Africa?
• How is it that we're having a South African braai by a pool in the middle of winter?
• How is it that we're seeing giraffes and lions (well, one lion...eating a wildebeest)?
• How is it that we're inches away from some of the most amazing and beautiful creations we've ever seen?

The only way these things have happened is because God has lead us step by step...and we've tried to listen and obey as He leads.  We only want to be where God wants us.

And it just so happens that 2 of the places where He has wanted us in the not too distant past were on a day long safari enjoying His creation and at an Aquarium called Ushaka.

Safari

Fun Facts: 
A group of zebras is called a dazzle .
A group of giraffes is called a tower or a journey.
A group of rhinos is called a crash.
And, according to our delightful friend Lauren, a rhino is just a chubby unicorn.

We learn something new everyday!

uShaka Sea World/Aquarium

She's coming out of her shell a little bit. 

Eli was absolutely enamored with the sharks!

Lion Fish

Pineapple Fish

little fish would come and nibble away at your fingers...

Nope...don't know who this guy is.

Creative seating in the cafe

Waiting on the dolphin show

We made it on the big screen (kids are in the lower right corner)

Names/Codes of the female penguins

Sitting with the men made of trash

Sometimes where He wants us is pleasant beyond our wildest imagination.  Sometimes where He wants us is tough and trying.  Sometimes where He wants us is routine and "normal."  Sometimes where He wants us is unlike anything we've ever known before.

No matter where He wants us, He is with us.  And that's where we want to be....with Him.

Surely there will be more to come.