After two days of travel, we arrived in Blantyre, Malawi, Africa on January 2. Before catching the second leg of our flight out of Johannesburg, we made sure to dress in appropriate “church” clothes (dresses for the girls and a clerical collar and jacket for Stephen) even though it was the middle of summer here. It was a beautiful day; hot with perfect blue skies dotted with puffy white cumulus clouds. We had been told to expect a large boisterous welcoming committee of church leaders, singing and dancing African hymns as we got off the plane. Instead were met by one Canadian woman. She immediately apologized and explained that the son of one of the key church leaders had died two days earlier from AIDS and his funeral was that afternoon. This, in a strange way was maybe the most appropriate reception we could have had, for it reveals much about the reality of life in Malawi.
We have been in Malawi for one week now and life feels overwhelming most of the time. Everything feels other worldly; the color of our skin, dealing in Kwatchas (Malawian money - $1 = K148), driving on the wrong side of the road (for all you Brits) and poverty everywhere! Each on eof us has experienced a myriad of emotions and shed tears. Yet in the middle of all the strangness, we continue to eat healthy, sleep soundly and worhsip God. Keep the prays coming, especially for Terra. She is having a hard time feeling like she belongs at her new school. Are middle school girls the same all over the world?
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11 comments:
We are so glad you made it to Malawi safely. Terra, hang in there! It took Dana about 6 months to make new friends in public school. You are in a new and different country! It may take awhile but things will fall into place. We love you.
Thinking about you and just know, Terra, that people around the world have the same needs --- a smile, kind word, and gentle thoughts. You have all these qualities to share. Grandma
Well, here we are "Blogging" after Jean helped Mother and me by phone.
We're in your corner to wave the towel, dry the sweat and encourage you to go another round. Old sayings
are "God helps babies and drunks" also, "God helps those who help themselves." I say, "God will help us every one, especially His children in Malawi."
Signed:
Dr. Do-it
Hello again. Testing being signed in "Grandpa." Now off to Thursday night's choir practice. Trying to get off Mother's account.
It was hard going to a different high school at first, but it only took a few weeks before I met people with common interests that are now my very good friends. Thinking about you, Schuyler
Though undoubtedly a somewhat unsettling beginning of your time there, as you suggest, in some ways it is a fitting start -- you wouldn't have felt such a strong call to go there if there weren't significant challenges to be faced. "Yet in the middle of all the strangeness, we continue to eat healthy, sleep soundly and worship God" -- sounds like you are where you should be, doing what God wants you to be doing.
Of course, Stephen might feel like he fits in a bit better if he just dons the loincloth that we gave him!
Wishing you the best; always remember that you're in good hands (God's, not Allstate's) and remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Wow! This is SO not the same as changing schools!!!
HI GANG
MIS YOU GUYS THINGS ARE OK
LIZ MARGIE AND STARTED THAT PROGRAM LOST SOME SEE THE DOG HE LOOKSLIKE HE MISS YOU GUYS.THIS IS MY FIRST TRY AT BLOGGING.ITS 30DEG.HEAR,THE GIRLS LOOK LIKE THERE HAVEING A GOOD TIME
UNCLE ART
Terra,
I really do hope that you feel comfortable in your new school by now (I know Johoness has ;) You'll be fine.
Much love,
Sydney
OOOO Terra we miss you so badly! I wrote about you in my blog so you can see it sometime. Check your email for the address!
Luv Ya
Rachee
Terra,
I'm praying for you especially. I know a little of how it feels to be isolated from friends and to be not only in a new country but at a new and weird school ... It's stinking hard. I hope you have glimmers of improvement every day. It won't happen at once. You're so in my prayers.
We miss you all.
~ kara
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