Today we are getting on a plane and flying home to Texas. That meant yesterday we packed - deciding what to take home (not much), what to leave for our next trip (lots and lots) and what to give away. We also tried to make the rounds and see some of our friends for the last time this trip. We are blessed to have so many friends here - Malawians and ex-pats alike. This has been a great trip, we feel like we have perhaps made a difference in some people's lives, and we know they have made a difference in ours! If you haven't been keeping up with us on facebook, there are lots of photos there, too, and daily updates.
Again, thanks to all of you who have given of your money and of your prayer time to keep us focused and safe. Although there have been some pretty significant security issues in Lilongwe lately, we have remained safe on the ABC campus! I know some of that is due to our awesome guards, but I also credit the prayers of so many of you guys.
Jose will start college shortly after we return, please pray for him as he makes this transition. I will be back at work soon, and will need (as always) prayer coverage in my job.
Please pray for the people we leave behind. Many of them (ex-pats) are working to bring health and the gospel to Malawians. Many of the Malawians are ministering to their own people to bring them the peace that only comes through knowing the Lord, Jesus Christ. And ALL of the Malawians, and the ex-pats, live in a world where malaria, illness, death and lack of water and electricity are daily occurrences.
Now for some photos:
Caroline, our housekeeper at the Stoms. Since there have been as many as 4 people in this house, her job has been challenging! She is a sweetheart. Today is her birthday - she is thirty four, married with 4 children. Her birthday wish? Rice, chicken and coke for her dinner and maybe a new mosquito net for her youngest child (a 4 year old).
Next you see Jose and I with Charles, one of the guards who has become a friend. (All the guards here are ABC students). He came by for 'going away snaps' last night. He was getting ready to report for duty at a house on the upper campus. Notice his grab - he is dressed for the cold (50's last night). He has a wife and three children, but lives in the far north of the country. However, he applied for and got housing on campus, so soon his family will come and be with him. He served as Jose's translator in several village clinics. One of his classic lines as we are driving through town - 'In America, do they name the minibuses?' (the minibuses here are the main public transport, full to the brim with passengers and cargo, and with interesting names, like God Be With Us, etc.) Ummm, no Charles, we don't even have minibuses! He is a great guy and we will miss him!
Third picture is the two of us with Mr. and Mrs. Whiskas. We stopped by to tell them goodbye and found Mr. Whiskas suffering from malaria. Please pray that he recovers completely!
Lastly is Jose with a box of Orion-Pies - like little tiny Moon Pies that he found in a new store in town (we found yesterday, ahh, too bad so late in the trip) called Chinese Food Stuffs. haha. Actually, these things taste pretty good. (OK, maybe we have been here too long!).
Again, thanks to all who have been a part of this trip. We will be home Wed. afternoon (if all goes as planned).
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