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