The End

Well folks, this is it.
After a quiet day on Wednesday ( shops were closed and there was a tense quiet ) God put his shield around us and life continued on Thursday.
My, what a trip this has been!
The learning curve for me has been over the top in that it is such a different culture and the communication is challenging. On the other hand, there have been so many God moments - as you heard in our daily blog.
The few "extra " days here were filled with: debriefing sessions with both Kawale and Biw. These were important times of building relationship and discussing how the week in their community went and how God was evident. At the meeting with Biwi this afternoon - God was very evident in that they repeatedly said - their learning in leadership especially - will not stop. How rewarding to hear that! In fact, a woman who had not attended our sessions, asked if Biwi would continue teaching on leadership because her friend had shared how helpful the teaching had been. All glory to God!
Today i also visited Village of Hope - an orphanage run by a couple from Waterloo . They are opening a school for the children this September and it was exciting to see one of the teachers from our teacher session last Thursday had just been hired. Since our translator - Bernadetta is the co-ordinator of this school - that was even more exciting. Two of the 4 staff have some great background knowledge. We trust the orphans will be the benefactors. If any retired teachers wish to help Village of Hope - they would appreciate help because during this year they want to assess all students to discern their level and then next year, include others from the area to help fund the program. Great place.!!!!
Then, my driver and I , after getting stranded with our vehicle due to car trouble, ended with supper at Steers - because he enjoys pizza. I thank God for a careful, reliable and wonderful man whom God put in our lives to help me understand the "African way" and to just be a good sounding board. Obed and Issah from last summer are the absolute best drivers anyone could have!
The red soil of Malawi is definitely under my skin and in /on my heart. The journey continues .... and only God knows what the next step will be.

The team is home now and i will be home Sunday night. Blessings on you as you continue to pray for our reentry. The culture shock in reverse is sometimes more difficult. Pray God will direct our steps as we seek to implement what we have learned here to our various roles back in CAnada. As they say: "May you and your family be blessed."

Lydia
WMBCMalawi 2011 team leader

Reflections out of Africa....

We woke up to the reality this morning that it was our last day to experience life in Malawi. After packing our suitcases we had the privilege of visiting the premie nursery at Bwaila Hospital where 14,200 babies are born every year ( the highest number of deliveries in sub-Saharan Africa). We were able to distribute numerous layettes into the hands of the mothers.

After enjoying lunch in the shade of a mango tree, we spent the rest of the afternoon making home based care visits in Mgona ( the largest slum around Lilongwe -50,000). Alice was excited to see the new library and Community centre that had recently been completed. This is the first and only library in or around Lilongwe.

Some of the words that come to mind when we reflect on our two week stay are:

-life changing

-hope

-God is good

-tears

-amazing dancing

-beautiful harmony

-being embraced in their community circle

-Africa is in our heart

-being called “fellow Malawians”

We will miss our driver Obed, the signs of African life, driving on the left side of the road, the smell of wood smoke from the cooking fires, our fellow team members and the warm faces of the widows and orphans.

Thank you again for your daily prayers that have sustained and empowered us.

Zikomo Qwuambili (Thank you very much) .

With grateful hearts,

Your WMBCMalawi2011 team.

Hope for the Handicapped...

We awoke today thinking our work here in Malawi had come to an end and some of us silently wishing we were heading for home.

Instead, we had the privilege of visiting Children of Blessing Trust, an organization run by a Canadian OT/PT Kathy Bowler. We toured the overcrowded facility that offers a variety of programs for special needs children and their mothers. In Malawi, children with disabilities are the marginalized of the marginalized and COBT (Children of Blessing Trust) is a haven and support group for these children and their families.

Recently a second building has been purchased and is undergoing renovations so that the growing number of children with disabilities will be able to receive physio treatment and preschool teaching.

Kathy put us all to work sewing various fabrics and objects on small fleece blankets for tactile stimulation for the handicapped. Later in the evening we enjoyed a delicious supper of steak, mashed potatoes, and fresh vegetables at Kathy and Steve Bowler's home.

Our hosts certainly made us all feel a little closer to Canada.

Sunset on the Savannah

• Early Saturday morning we went on a once in a lifetime adventure. After a stop at the pottery factory, the final leg of our 4.5 hour drive was 16km on a dusty, narrow, sandy African path full of potholes, which ended with our arrival at Mvuu. After a delicious lunch of Chomba ( Malawian fish) , roasted potatoes, and a luscious milk tart dessert, we headed on a Black Rhino drive that ended with a drink and popcorn as we watched the amazing red sun go down by the Shire River in the company of hippos, wart hogs, impalas, and a variety of birds.
• After watching the red sun in the west, we turned around to witness the beautiful full moon rise in the east. Our driver Frank also showed us the Southern Cross, which is only seen in the southern hemisphere.

• Instead of waking to the crow of the rooster, we heard elephants chomping leaves and hippos grunting outside our chalet. The 5:30 wakeup call was early, but well worth the safari hike where we were led by our guide in the front and scout with a rifle at the back for protection. We made sure we stayed out of the path of the elephant who was in close proximity, saw a variety of wild life, and returned for a 7am breakfast. The boat ride was a highlight in that God provided us with a glorious show of an elephant herd that had just come to the river for their morning drink. Nearby, a large number of crocs were sunning themselves on the river bank, and hippos were enjoying their morning swim.
• Everything from our lodging, to the food, service and guides was superior.
• Saturday evening and Sunday morning we took time to debrief in preparation for our homecoming.
• Tomorrow we are anticipating a day of helping at Children of Blessing which is a facility to empower mothers of special needs children.
• Your tired but happy WMBC2011 team.

Follow the Leader

As the sun rose this morning, we awoke knowing this would be our last day in the community of Biwi. It also marked our 15th day since our feet touched the red soil of Malawi. As we gathered to leave, we each had bags and suitcases in hand that were filled with clothes, school supplies, blankets and mosquito nets.

After Alice (our amazing teacher!) finished her two day teaching seminar, it was great to watch as she distributed the school kits to the 18 teachers that represented the 12 school areas. Their faces clearly showed their appreciation for all that was taught. Blankets and mosquito nets were given into the hands of three child-headed households.

As we reflect on these past two weeks, we are extremely grateful to a women who's heart flows with the love Jesus. Here are a few thoughts from our little family in Africa about our leader, Lydia.

~Joyful

~Strong Leadership

~Affirming our spirits

~Attention to detail & organization

~Covers our day with prayer

Thank you, Lydia!

Love from Naomi & Judith on behalf of the team

Empowering Teachers in Malawi

"EMPOWERING THE TEACHERS OF MALAWI"

Today Alice and Lydia met with 22 teachers at our hotel for a full day of teaching.

We had fun singing songs, playing games and growing in our understanding of early childhood development. They were all enthusiastic and very appreciative for all the ideas that will help them instruct the children in their schools.

Tomorrow we will have one final workshop where we will finish our presentation and distribute the materials among the teachers. Please pray for wisdom on how to share them fairly.

Bernadette our translator, summarized the day by saying "You have given the teachers more than a start, you have given them the best."

Alice - tired at the end of a long but worthwhile day!

“HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET…”

As a follow up to where our dusty feet took us yesterday, the pastor from the village of Biwi shared with us some very exciting news today.

There were three chiefs at our meeting in Ngala yesterday that did not profess to be Christians, who indicated that they wanted to make a change in their lives and villages, and they made a decision to accept Jesus. They also said that they were ready to start going to church, which was a huge step for them.

We started our day in Biwi with Joy and Sara teaching the children the flannel graph story on Creation, and singing choruses in both English and Chichewa. It was fun to watch even the smallest children take the lead in some of their songs.

Liz had a special presentation for the widows on personal hygiene, oral rehydration, and malaria prevention. A local Malawian nurse interpreted for her as well as adding insight from her own experiences with the people. The widows showed keen interest in basic health teaching. It was encouraging to see.

Once again our dusty feet took us on HBC (home based care) visits of the sick, to present them with packages of fortified porridge and sugar as well as pray and sing for them. We quoted scripture to bring hope to their destitute circumstances. We always come away so blessed when we can give them encouragement.

At the end of the day, we went to purchase mosquito nets for the orphans with the funds that were raised at home. They will be distributed in the various communities we have been working in these 2 weeks.

When we return to the hotel after working all day, we look forward to washing our dusty feet AND sandals. We are so blessed to have that privilege that we so often take for granted.

Blessings to all and thanks again for your continued prayers.

Liz and Joy for the team

God's Smile

As we neared our destination this morning beautiful mountains came in to view. One particularly stood out. Etched in it's rock face was what appeared to be a smiling mouth.

A cluster of chairs sat under a shaded tree as we entered the village of Ngala. These chairs were placed there for us. We had arrived and were now the villager's honored guests. Chiefs, widows and orphans had journeyed from neighboring villages to come hear what we had to tell them. It was humbling as the chief spoke, and asked that we please give to them all that we had to bring. As a team we knew that it was only with God's Spirit and love that anything deep and meaningful would be deposited into the people's hearts that awaited His message.

Formalities aside, the wooden chairs soon became empty as we sat amongst our new friends. As stories were told and songs of Jesus' love were sung, smiles became wider and voices rang in both English & Chichewa. Jesus was present in this rural village,27 km from Lilongwe.

The children & adults showed their enthusiasm as we pointed toward the open field and began our games! Soccer was clearly a sport the boys loved, and despite the frequent grazer (goats & cows!)that meandered on the field, the ball continued to be passed amongst the boys without hesitation.

The afternoon brought more welcomes as we met women and children that had gathered from various villages. Even before we got out of the van, women gathered around & sang in beautiful harmony. This was their way of greeting us as their guests. Along with telling stories, and singing we were also able to see the various IGA's (income generating activities) these widows were involved with. This included their gardens and hand-made wares.

As we said our good-byes and our van pulled away, I wondered a little more about that smiling mountain. Maybe it was God's reminder to us that He delighted in what happened that day. I imagined God with a great big grin as He looked down at all His children.

judith, for my amazing team

She's the lady....

Biwi... our new community this week.

What can we expect? How many widows and children will come? These were our questions when we headed out at 7am this morning. Well, what a surprise! There were 80 children, 23 widows and we can expect 25 teachers for training on Thursday. WOW! As you can imagine, we were kept very busy teaching, playing, cooking, and building relationships. Tonight we are preparing for the 25 teachers who will come for their professional development on Thursday. So exciting to see the widows, teachers and leaders taking notes during our teaching and nodding their heads when they agreed with the points we were making.

As the foundation for our teaching of the week, we taught the armor of God concepts. When we were done, Mabel, the executive director of Women of Action Ministry, asked for the teaching material because she wanted to use it for the discipling she does among the widows in various communities. It's encouraging to know they believe the material is relevant and will be used in the future.

At lunch time, the children ran in anticipation to have their bowls filled by the lady in blue.

Our youngest member Sara, was embraced so much by one of the women who has a son for whom she felt Sara would be the perfect wife. This was all discussed under the shade of an African tree.

'Til tomorrow,

Lydia for the team

Up, up Jesus... Down, down devil!!!!!

Today marked the first day we were able to meet with the the people in the community of Biwi. We were invited to join them to worship and hear the word of God, during there very lively Sunday morning service at the Biwi Pentecostal church. "UP UP Jesus..... down down devil" was the repeated introduction the church offered us to start the service. The congregation was very warm and welcoming, giving us some insight on what to expect in the upcoming week.

We were informed this morning before we left for church; that our driver waited in line a total of 15 hours yesterday to refill the fuel in our van, he was without food, as he was not going to loose his spot in line. Praise God for him!

We invited our driver to come along with us for lunch, and we were all very happy to have pizza, it helps us to all feel a little more at home. We just spent the rest of the Sunday afternoon catching up on our sleep, and taking some time to catch up on a few things we were now able to.

Thanks for the prayers, and I ask that they be continued as we embark on a new adventure.

Sala to the Kawale kids otherwise known as Sara

Day of Rest

After a busy,busy week we shut off the alarm clocks, got up a little later, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast around the pool. We spent some time talking about the activities and highlights of the past week. We all felt very positive about the week, recalling with fond memories the connections we made with the people of Kawale. We were richly blessed by their warmth and friendship. Our prayer for the widows and orphans of Kawale comes from Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Due to the fuel shortage we were unable to go to Lake Malawi as previously planned, so we ventured downtown on foot, as our driver sat in the que waiting for fuel ( 10 hours and counting). We enjoyed bartering at the local market and we all came away having successfully made a purchase or two. The highlight of the afternoon was an ice cream treat before we walked back to the hotel on this lovely winter afternoon in Lilongwe.

It was wonderful to have a day to relax.

Your notes of encouragement are greatly appreciated. We ask for your continued prayers as we prepare for the next week in Biwi.

Blessings to you all,

Liz and Gloria

Net Ball Grandma!

Once again the sun greets us brightly as we start our day, with only a slight breeze to remind us that it is winter in Kawale. Excitement builds as we prepare for another day with the widows and orphans. Relationships are blossoming with the promise of new friendships, although a bitter sweet sadness comes with knowing that today it is time to say good-bye to Kawale. Our day began with teaching and singing with children, each one eagerly wanting to participate in the activities of the day. A highlight of the morning was what every women loves-nail polish! We were not quite sure which was brighter the red, pink, purple and green polish or the all of the gleaming smiles-what fun! As the morning wore on the aroma of nsima and relish wafted through the air signaling lunch time. Then it was off to the school grounds for a rousing game of net ball. Women only of course! Embarassment clouded the situation as it was very clear that a 71 year old Malawian grandma had more stamina that most of us Canadians. As we returned to the feeding centre, we were all well aware that we would have to begin our good-byes. Gift were exchanged, speeches made and after many hugs, our van slowly pulled away leaving room for anticipation for the coming week. So long Kawale.

Tionna Mauwa,

Naomi

Bonding with the widows and orphans through dancing and singing…

Bonding with the widows through dancing and singing…

Leona told the story today of Dorcas and how she cared for the widows and poor children by sewing and cooking and visiting the sick.

Leona was able to relate to the widows as she has also experienced the same loneliness and sadness in losing her husband. Even though the widows in Kawale aren’t cared for in the same way they are at home, she was able to encourage them that God still loves them and He will take care of them.

After the story the widows started to sing and dance and because they felt like they had a special bond with her, they drew her into their circle to join them. They sang and danced to the glory of God.

Bonding with the orphans through dancing and singing…

It is so amazing to watch the orphans sing and dance! They sing and dance with such joy and enthusiasm and any time when there isn’t another activity planned, they are always ready to sing! They have learned our English choruses so quickly.. and they surprise us with how many other English choruses they have learned with previous teams. We love to hear and watch them sing and dance to us in Chichewa. Our action songs don’t hold a candle to their “action” songs..,

We never come or leave without lots of handshakes and hugs. They love to laugh and correct us when we try to speak in Chichewa. We don’t look forward to saying our goodbyes to them tomorrow as we have definitely bonded with them all and they with us.

Joy and Leona

Another full day in Kawale

We arrived early at the Orphan Care Centre then immediately headed out into the community for home based care visits to the sick. We offered encouragement, prayer, song and scripture. The passage we used today was Prov 3:24 “When you lie down you will not be afraid...”

Back at the centre the children enjoyed listening to the flannel graph story of Baby Moses and the bullrushes. We were taken back with the question asked by one of the children when he said “did the mother ever come back?” It shows us their fear of losing a parent.

The leadership training session with the widows and chiefs centered around the story of Elisha and the widow and the jar of oil which brought home the point of God's provision for His people. The chiefs were very appreciative and felt that the message was appropriate for them at this point in time.

On a lighter side, the children had a great time playing with the soccer balls, and playing “Duck Duck Goose”. The girls (and boys!) loved it when we painted their finger nails in bright colors.

Later on in the day we visited the vocational school in Area 44 to see the work in progress with plastering and painting for which Lydia had fundraised to celebrate her 60th birthday. The school has classrooms to accommodate pre-school to grade 4. Earlier Alice met with the teachers to discuss various teaching methods and new ideas to enhance their program. There will be more in depth training tomorrow for the teachers.

We value your continued prayer support that God will carry out His plan for the team as well as for the community of Kawale.

Alice

Suds of Joy

As our van bumped along the dusty roads this morning our voices spoke in unison as we once again said the Armor of God prayer we begin each day with. " Use me to take your peace & your hope into the world today.......put your truth in my heart & mind in a fresh way today".

When we arrived at Kawale, we were once again embraced with love. We often are told that we are not visitors, we are their sisters now. How wonderful to sit in a circle as the beans cooked over the open fire beside us and sing together, "It is well with my soul." This little place with it's red brick walls & tin roof is a place where Jesus fills souls and where peace like a river flows!

As the widows slowly trickled in from their LONG journey's walk, they were now able to be taught how to cut& package the soap they had prepared the day before. We were honored to be part of this "first" and what a delight to watch the faces of the widows as they saw their work come to completion. The joy increased as they plunked a bar of soup into the cold water and the basin became a well of bubbles. The dirty shirt with a few good scrubs became clean!

Throughout the day, as we fed the children, read bible stories, sang songs, taught teachers, spoke about developing their soap making business, it was never unlikely that a women would begin worshipping through song and dance. A circle of women and children would gather and joy would abound. And yes, we were always pulled into this circle, hands always quick to hold ours.

I think the team would agree, that our hearts bubbled over today. It might just be that LOVE was added to that recipe of soap today just to make those bubbles a bit bigger.

judith on behalf of the team

A tough day in the streets of Kawale...

Our team is emotionally overwhelmed, so we decided to share "group thoughts".

• We were warmly welcomed by the women of the Kawale program where we will be spending this week.
• A Malawian widow who's passion it is to train other widows in skills such as weaving, sewing, and soap making was in the process of teaching 5 Kawale widows the soap making process. This was their first batch and the widows were excited about the opportunity to develop their own business. Later this week, Naomi and the Malawian trainer will teach budgeting/entrepeneurial skills to these widows who will be monitored and given ongoing training to ensure repayment of loan ( within 6 months) for this business endeavour.
• Today we had the honor of entering a few homes in the inner city Kawale slums. There we took a few moments to talk with the sick and their care givers as well as pray for them, give them a bag of sugar, salt, and fortified porridge and sing for them. As we moved from home to home, the children were excited to join us, play, or have their picture taken.
• These Home Based Care weekly visits take place with pastor Kelvin, the chiefs and elders, on a weekly basis. The strength and fortitude they demonstrate in the care of the sick and dying made us feel we were on holy ground.
• Moments of joy and laughter amongst these difficult scenarios is the beautiful children who respond to our smiles, grasp our hands and radiate joy.

We are processing the sights, sounds and smells that we encountered today.