Today we all had an enjoyable day the the Mkomobasa and Chigumukire childcare centers. As we drive down the road, the children excitedly race behind the vehicle chanting "A Mzungu, a Mzungu" which means "a white person". We are barely out of the back of the vehicle when we are bombarded with fist bumps, high fives, and handshakes. It was heartwarming when we said Good Morning to the children, the replied with the usual good morning and how are you, madam. Then then said " you are all so special!" It was so nice to hear from the children themselves how the week we spend with them is so appreciated.

Over the course of the past two days we have had a very thorough and welcoming introduction of a childcare center and foster home at both Mbulumbuzi and Mulinga. The teachers were very grateful that we were willing to spend a week at both centres. On both days we were able to help make and serve the nsima for lunch.

Today we had a very special day

I am feeling exceptionally blessed to be able to experience Malawi with both Ben and three of our children.

They have all been supporting a child since 2017 and today Katie got to meet hers! What an incredible experience. Beyond words. In 2018 I met Esnat for the first time, an incredibly timid preschooler sobbing on the nursery room floor, exhausted and clearly bothered by something. Today she ran to us, recognizing me from previous trips, with a large hug and incredibly warm smile. So, so special!

It's hard to believe we have come to the last days at the Nyamithuthu Center which also means the last days of the Vacation Bible school. This week, we have had an increasing number of children attending every day. We find it very special that the older, mature boys really enjoy and focus on coloring the parable pictures. Our good-byes to the staff and children were brief, as there were many interviews and meetings at the center for cooking mothers, guards, and with the children being chosen for high school. Although it is exhausting to work in the heat with so many children that have an abundance of energy, we are all sad to be leaving behind the teachers and children we have built connections with!

This week , we ran the program for between 250 and 350 children. We've again experienced the challenge of telling a parable while competing with crying babies, clucking chickens, children squabbling over who sits where or who gets to hold their shared plastic cup, and the many children walking in who are on Malawi time (aka whenever they get there). Just like at home, we notice that some children are attentive and some aren't. They are definitely doing well learning the Chichewa memory verse (Matt 25:13) and are making progress on the, for them more difficult, English Psalter we are teaching (290:1).

Sunday
We traveled to Namitambo for church with Bep today. The choir was amazing, and the sermon was on Genesis 1 and 2. The minister urged the members to take care of this land God has given us. For the locals, the minister made it practical to planning trees when they cut them down for fuel for fires. We enjoyed a restful afternoon on the Lord's day.

Monday
We started the day with week opening at the Timotheos office in Blantyre.

Well the ladies have been EXTRA, extra busy in Malawi… with close to 600 children showing up each day for Bible classes and activities they have been busy trying to keep things running smoothly and in an organized fashion. So because of that I am going to add some extra words for them to the pictures they have sent over. We hope they will continue to write a blog approximately every other day but also find it important that the ladies prioritize their well-being as well.

After a few months of planning, we have finally arrived at our destination.  We thank God for travelling mercies till so far.  My sister, Wilma and I met the two other volunteers, Kendra and Kate at the airport on Thursday morning, and from there we took 3 flights from Toronto to Blantyre.