Hi blog followers -- We arrived safely this morning, tired, but feeling like the two weeks went by too quickly. The Africa dirt has been washed down the drain, chocolate chip pancakes have been eaten, and washing machines in high gear.
We can't wait to sit down with everyone to tell the stories and share pictures of our experiences. We are working on a consolidated photo site and I'll post the address once it is set up.
The challenge for us is to stay up until this evening so we can get back on EST time as quickly as possible. Sleep was not easy on the 15 hour flight home. (The good news is that we no longer have to stop for refueling in Dakar, so it is just one very log leg).
We apologize for not blogging toward the end of our trip but as expected, we had no means of communication while we were at Lake Malawi. You should know that we had a truly relaxing time of reflection and spent time planning next year's trip.
One of our discussion topics was the "God moments" we experienced while in Malawi. I won't mention others as we agreed to keeping our discussions to the team, but I do want to share one of mine because it represents how present our God is, when we just take the time to sit back and see it.
- I think I had related that we had the children make shiny gold crowns as part of the VBS program, as a reminder of Queen Esther's bravery. While we were in Khwamba, we continued to see crowns each day until we left. We ran the same program in the village of Matapila. On Day 3, we were driving back into the villages and I mentioned aloud that I hadn't seen any crowns since the first day and that I hope our message came through as strongly as it did in Khwamba. I was really questioning the work we were doing. Within a minute, one child with a crown came into view, then another, then 2 more. We all sat there in amazement as we noticed the message of reassurance we had received. This remains one of my favorite moments of the trip. I am too easily distracted with life to notice God speaking to me and to have this unfold to our group as in that moment in our van on a dusty, bumpy road, was just awesome.
We are glad to be home and reunited with our families and thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
Lisa
Monday, July 11, 2011
They're in!
The plan landed at JFK this morning, much closer to scheduled time than early, but they are IN.
As of 7:15 they were just on line at customs/immigration and will still need to make their way through collecting their baggage and drive back out to NJ.
At this point it looks like they'll get to the church - traffic dependent - somewhere around 9:30 or so, or maybe just a few minutes earlier.
See you there!
As of 7:15 they were just on line at customs/immigration and will still need to make their way through collecting their baggage and drive back out to NJ.
At this point it looks like they'll get to the church - traffic dependent - somewhere around 9:30 or so, or maybe just a few minutes earlier.
See you there!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Flight arrival information
The team will be arriving back in the area Monday morning, early. For those interested in tracking their flight in from Africa they are on South Africa Airways Flt # 203 which is scheduled for arrival at JFK at 6:40AM although the flight appears over an hour early. (When was the last time a DOMESTIC flight was an hour early??)
If all goes as hoped and planned, they've wiz through customs at that hour and could be out at the church as early as 8:45 which is earlier than originally thought.
I'm sure they'll all be dying to tell you stories about the 2 weeks in Africa and share photos and memories in doing so. I for one can't wait to hear!
See many of you tomorrow morning at the church!
Marc
If all goes as hoped and planned, they've wiz through customs at that hour and could be out at the church as early as 8:45 which is earlier than originally thought.
I'm sure they'll all be dying to tell you stories about the 2 weeks in Africa and share photos and memories in doing so. I for one can't wait to hear!
See many of you tomorrow morning at the church!
Marc
Friday, July 8, 2011
Friday evening update
On Thursday, the team wrapped up another successful trip in terms of their mission and volunteer work and were headed to the Lake area for a couple of days to unwind, reflect on what they experienced and debrief amongst themselves before beginning their long journey home.
Lisa said that all in all, even with the nervousness about the unavailability of gasoline for their van, they managed to accomplish what they wanted to, including home visits, work on the irrigation system began last year, home repairs, bringing the first ever electricity to a specific feeding center, and more.
The team's spirits remained high throughout the almost two weeks of hard work and they were looking forward to 2 days of downtime at the lake.
They said that they'd likely not have a means of communication with us back home until heading back into the city just before packing and heading out to the airport this weekend, so we wouldn't hear much until at least Saturday.
It seems they're all very energized from what they've been through and most are already coming up with ideas for next time!
We should have information about JFK arrivals for Monday morning later this weekend and I'll use this blog site to hopefully keep all up to date on when the team should arrive back at LCPC as well.
More soon.....
Marc
Lisa said that all in all, even with the nervousness about the unavailability of gasoline for their van, they managed to accomplish what they wanted to, including home visits, work on the irrigation system began last year, home repairs, bringing the first ever electricity to a specific feeding center, and more.
The team's spirits remained high throughout the almost two weeks of hard work and they were looking forward to 2 days of downtime at the lake.
They said that they'd likely not have a means of communication with us back home until heading back into the city just before packing and heading out to the airport this weekend, so we wouldn't hear much until at least Saturday.
It seems they're all very energized from what they've been through and most are already coming up with ideas for next time!
We should have information about JFK arrivals for Monday morning later this weekend and I'll use this blog site to hopefully keep all up to date on when the team should arrive back at LCPC as well.
More soon.....
Marc
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Thursday- Quick recap of successful projects!
The team finished up the third day in Matapila with completing the expanded irrigation project in the vegetable garden. The size of the garden tripled and the irrigation system was enhanced. All of the drip tapes were replaced and a solar powered pump is now delivering water to the irrigation tank.
VBS went really well and we had over 100 kids learning about how God changes lives. It was exciting to see them wearing the crowns we had made on Monday throughout the rest of the time we were there. Once again the children aplauded and cheered when they recieved a toothbrush and toothpaste, thanks to the kind donations from Colgate-Palmolive. Lisa gave them instruction on proper technique and were excited to go home and start brushing.
The soccer clinics went really well at Matapilla. The young girls were so energixed to recieve the cleats and jerseys for their teams. They held out their feet for a photo shoot and were proud and grateful for what we brought to them.
We had a special treat when we went to Joseph's (center director for Matapila) home for a lunch of nsema and chicken with gravy and greens. We met the regional tribal head of the area who looks after 40,000 people. We got to hear about his plans and the struggles that he faces as chief. He was impressed about the projects that we brought o the people in his villages and asked for our email adresses so that we could stay in touch!
Heading to Lake Malawi today for some time of reflection and contemplation before heading back home on Sunday.
ps- for those who care....Our breakfast chef, Perry, who was a former chef at the Egyptian and French Embassies, prepared a fantastic feast for David's 58th birthday, which is also the independence day of Malawi. Complete with party horns and chocolate cake!
Miss you all back home, and see you in just a few days.
VBS went really well and we had over 100 kids learning about how God changes lives. It was exciting to see them wearing the crowns we had made on Monday throughout the rest of the time we were there. Once again the children aplauded and cheered when they recieved a toothbrush and toothpaste, thanks to the kind donations from Colgate-Palmolive. Lisa gave them instruction on proper technique and were excited to go home and start brushing.
The soccer clinics went really well at Matapilla. The young girls were so energixed to recieve the cleats and jerseys for their teams. They held out their feet for a photo shoot and were proud and grateful for what we brought to them.
We had a special treat when we went to Joseph's (center director for Matapila) home for a lunch of nsema and chicken with gravy and greens. We met the regional tribal head of the area who looks after 40,000 people. We got to hear about his plans and the struggles that he faces as chief. He was impressed about the projects that we brought o the people in his villages and asked for our email adresses so that we could stay in touch!
Heading to Lake Malawi today for some time of reflection and contemplation before heading back home on Sunday.
ps- for those who care....Our breakfast chef, Perry, who was a former chef at the Egyptian and French Embassies, prepared a fantastic feast for David's 58th birthday, which is also the independence day of Malawi. Complete with party horns and chocolate cake!
Miss you all back home, and see you in just a few days.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Wednesday update
The team reported in by email this morning saying all is still going well, although everyone is getting tired from the hard work. Spirits remain high however which appears to be energizing.
The team will be back at Matapila for their third day at the feeding center there. Home visits began this week which are always big highlights for everyone, and Lisa who had been looking forward to a specific home visit to a little girl who she first met as an infant a couple of years ago named Valentina. Valentina is healthy and growing up and doing very well, but was still scared of Lisa and the visitors. They were able to present a bible with an inscription in it translated to Chichewa, the local Malawi language was an important and beautiful moment.
In addition, VBS is on-going. and going well. The kids made gold crowns in the craft program to remind them of the bravery of Queen Esther.
The team also led instruction at the center for how to brush your teeth and gave toothbrushes and toothpaste to all. Certainly another highlight for the kids having never seen this nor had access to a brush before.
The team will be back at Matapila for their third day at the feeding center there. Home visits began this week which are always big highlights for everyone, and Lisa who had been looking forward to a specific home visit to a little girl who she first met as an infant a couple of years ago named Valentina. Valentina is healthy and growing up and doing very well, but was still scared of Lisa and the visitors. They were able to present a bible with an inscription in it translated to Chichewa, the local Malawi language was an important and beautiful moment.
In addition, VBS is on-going. and going well. The kids made gold crowns in the craft program to remind them of the bravery of Queen Esther.
The team also led instruction at the center for how to brush your teeth and gave toothbrushes and toothpaste to all. Certainly another highlight for the kids having never seen this nor had access to a brush before.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Sunday news, both good and bad
Hi all - first the good news today. The chicken house that was started and worked on by the team during the 2010 visit is set for expansion thanks to generous funding from the LCPC family and friends. The chicken house is going to be rebuilt and greatly enlarged, clearing much more room to raise valuable chickens as a sustainable source of nourishment for those nearby.
As the photo below shows, construction is underway and while much work is yet to be done, you can see the progress already on the enlarged facility!
Also, in so far as today's Sunday, the team's going to church. Paul Sigmund has graciously offered to help deliver a sermon today while there. You may recall from prior years communications that church services in Malawi can be an "all day affair", going on for 4-6 hours and sometimes more. It's a truly joyous and spiritual occasion with much song and dance, prayer and giving of offerings which in their case are often grain and other supplies to help those in need.
The team has encountered a challenge, however and are asking us to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. It seems the national gasoline shortage in Malawi is taking a toll on their ability to source sufficient gas to make the drive each day from where they are staying to the feeding centers and nurseries. Many gas stations have no supply and others that do have lines a mile or more long.
The team was able to obtain a few liters of gas today - enough to get them through the day - but each day will become more and more challenging if they are not able to continue to refill their gas tank.
For those unaware, the fuel shortage there is so profound locals are even turning to websites like Facebook to find sources of refills. See here:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_192822307434950
Wish them luck in their efforts to continue to be able to travel within the country given this deeply limiting challenge.
Until next time...
As the photo below shows, construction is underway and while much work is yet to be done, you can see the progress already on the enlarged facility!
Also, in so far as today's Sunday, the team's going to church. Paul Sigmund has graciously offered to help deliver a sermon today while there. You may recall from prior years communications that church services in Malawi can be an "all day affair", going on for 4-6 hours and sometimes more. It's a truly joyous and spiritual occasion with much song and dance, prayer and giving of offerings which in their case are often grain and other supplies to help those in need.
The team has encountered a challenge, however and are asking us to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. It seems the national gasoline shortage in Malawi is taking a toll on their ability to source sufficient gas to make the drive each day from where they are staying to the feeding centers and nurseries. Many gas stations have no supply and others that do have lines a mile or more long.
The team was able to obtain a few liters of gas today - enough to get them through the day - but each day will become more and more challenging if they are not able to continue to refill their gas tank.
For those unaware, the fuel shortage there is so profound locals are even turning to websites like Facebook to find sources of refills. See here:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_192822307434950
Wish them luck in their efforts to continue to be able to travel within the country given this deeply limiting challenge.
Until next time...
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Saturday updates
Lisa was able to phone home today after a long day of volunteering and helping people build or repair roofs on their homes. Families in Malawi were very gracious for the help the team offered, giving gifts including a live chicken as a sign of their gratitude. The team graciously accepted the chicken and other gifts of homemade food, and later donated the chicken to the Ministry of Hope.
In addition, the team also had a truly joyous moment when for the first time, the Feeding Center that was having electric brought to it thanks to the new solar panel installation had lights turn and light the room. The children applauded the light, knowing they can now continue their studies even after dark thanks to the gift of light. Lisa said the moment the lights went on and those there had such an emotional reaction to the first light it was truly life changing for everyone.
Finally after three days at the feeding center, the number of kids being fed has literally multiplied. The first day had between 200 and 300, the second day almost twice that, and the third day, twice again. it's remarkable what an impact visitors coming and showing love can have on people.
In addition, the team also had a truly joyous moment when for the first time, the Feeding Center that was having electric brought to it thanks to the new solar panel installation had lights turn and light the room. The children applauded the light, knowing they can now continue their studies even after dark thanks to the gift of light. Lisa said the moment the lights went on and those there had such an emotional reaction to the first light it was truly life changing for everyone.
Finally after three days at the feeding center, the number of kids being fed has literally multiplied. The first day had between 200 and 300, the second day almost twice that, and the third day, twice again. it's remarkable what an impact visitors coming and showing love can have on people.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Soccer clinic starts
The team has begun their plans for the girls' soccer clinic. Many of the supplies brought over by Emily and the team have been distributed to eager girls looking forward to practicing and honing their skills.
It sounds like everyone had a great time learning soccer together!
It sounds like everyone had a great time learning soccer together!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Weds/Thurs pictures
The team wanted to share a couple of pictures from the past day.
Here's a shot of some of the girls with their great new dresses! They seem so happy with their new outfits and really look beautiful in them!
In addition, Paul and the guys have made some great progress in the installation of the solar panels. Here's a shot of Paul with the "electric board" already installed on the wall!
Looks like the trip's shaping up to become a great success for all!
As Ward saw, the kids at the center are very excited to see our visitors!
Here's a shot of some of the girls with their great new dresses! They seem so happy with their new outfits and really look beautiful in them!
In addition, Paul and the guys have made some great progress in the installation of the solar panels. Here's a shot of Paul with the "electric board" already installed on the wall!
Looks like the trip's shaping up to become a great success for all!
As Ward saw, the kids at the center are very excited to see our visitors!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Weds in Khwamba
Lisa found she can email from Ward's Blackberry. At some level that's a huge discovery given the general perception that those phones work simply EVERYWHERE which clearly we've learned isn't true.
She said that they had a great day in Khwamba at the feeding center where they fed roughly 300 kids until the food ran out and the volunteers had to make more.
The first day of VBS was also a success and even showed the kids a world map giving a sense of perspective of a world outside of their own line of sight.
She added that the solar panel installation is going well and that it was neat to see everyone watching intently to see what is going on and what's being installed.
Finally, she said as they drove away they watched kids walking home wearing gold crowns that they made to remember Esther's bravery.
All in all it sounds like a full, rewarding and great day.
She said that they had a great day in Khwamba at the feeding center where they fed roughly 300 kids until the food ran out and the volunteers had to make more.
The first day of VBS was also a success and even showed the kids a world map giving a sense of perspective of a world outside of their own line of sight.
She added that the solar panel installation is going well and that it was neat to see everyone watching intently to see what is going on and what's being installed.
Finally, she said as they drove away they watched kids walking home wearing gold crowns that they made to remember Esther's bravery.
All in all it sounds like a full, rewarding and great day.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday in Malawi
This blog is coming to you from the US Embassy - no, we're not in trouble; just doing some business and checking out the digs our taxpayer money funds.
Yesterday was a great day spent at the nursery with 15 babies; the youngest is one week old. Very moving experience as we consider where these babies would be without the nursery to take care of them. They each have a unique and tragic story and we'll hear more of these when we return today.
Also lots of shopping for more supplies in preparation for our trip to Khwamba tomorrow. Paul doing his engineering work to build a ladder and ensure we will be safe building the roofs.
Next blog update will come when we get another surge of power (yes, cold showers again today) - ugh.
Love you all and please continue your prayers...
Yesterday was a great day spent at the nursery with 15 babies; the youngest is one week old. Very moving experience as we consider where these babies would be without the nursery to take care of them. They each have a unique and tragic story and we'll hear more of these when we return today.
Also lots of shopping for more supplies in preparation for our trip to Khwamba tomorrow. Paul doing his engineering work to build a ladder and ensure we will be safe building the roofs.
Next blog update will come when we get another surge of power (yes, cold showers again today) - ugh.
Love you all and please continue your prayers...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday in Malawi
Today began with cold showers; yes, now it feels like Malawi. Beautiful day in the 70's. Met with the MOH team for an overview and plan out the details of our visit. One obvious note has been the long lines for gasoline - there is currently a shortage and the gas stations that have gas have lines so long that people run out of gas while waiting. This will impact our day as we need to book in time to fill up between drives to the feeding centers.
The men are off to purchase materials for our projects and the gals are headed to the crisis nursery to hold babies - a true highlight.
All are well and healthy.
The men are off to purchase materials for our projects and the gals are headed to the crisis nursery to hold babies - a true highlight.
All are well and healthy.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
They've arrived !
Great news! Lisa called early this morning. The team has made it to Malawi and have checked into where they will be staying. All made it safe and sound. All luggage, including all supply and tool crates made it there too! I could hear a sense of relief in her voice, for sure!
Given the timezones and almost a whole day on planes, the team will be taking it easy this afternoon and are already preparing for dinner. The hard work there starts early tomorrow.
More updates coming as I hear more from Lisa and the team, but having heard the news of their arrival I wanted to make sure I shared it with everyone.
Given the timezones and almost a whole day on planes, the team will be taking it easy this afternoon and are already preparing for dinner. The hard work there starts early tomorrow.
More updates coming as I hear more from Lisa and the team, but having heard the news of their arrival I wanted to make sure I shared it with everyone.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
This Morning's Send Off
Here's this year's Malawi team just before they are headed to JFK for their long flight to Malawi via South Africa. Family and friends circled up with LCPC Minister Don Feuerbach to say a prayer before sending them off.
But not before we all sang Happy Birthday to Lisa!
LTC
Friday, June 24, 2011
Final Preparation
The team leaves in less than 24 hours. The bags and crates of materials will be packed up today and loaded for our early morning departure at 7:00am. Here is our list of activities while in Malawi:
We will spend a few days at two rural feeding centers: Matapila and Khwamba (hundreds of children gather here daily for their meal of porridge and beans). While at the feeding centers, we will:
- Expand the drip irrigation system we piloted last summer - enlarging the plot 3x
- Install solar panels - this is the 2011 pilot and we hope to have enough power to charge solar lanterns, lighting in the center and some local cell phones
- Run soccer clinics
- Teach dental care and distribute hundreds of toothbrushes/toothpaste
- Run VBS program focusing on how God loves the world, regardless of what country you live in
- Repair thatched roofs for some of the widows
When not at the FC's, we will be spending time at the crisis nursery caring for the babies, attending a local church service and meeting with local folks to understand the culture and community.
This will probably be the last blog until we arrive, so please keep the team in your prayers as we travel. God bless...
We will spend a few days at two rural feeding centers: Matapila and Khwamba (hundreds of children gather here daily for their meal of porridge and beans). While at the feeding centers, we will:
- Expand the drip irrigation system we piloted last summer - enlarging the plot 3x
- Install solar panels - this is the 2011 pilot and we hope to have enough power to charge solar lanterns, lighting in the center and some local cell phones
- Run soccer clinics
- Teach dental care and distribute hundreds of toothbrushes/toothpaste
- Run VBS program focusing on how God loves the world, regardless of what country you live in
- Repair thatched roofs for some of the widows
When not at the FC's, we will be spending time at the crisis nursery caring for the babies, attending a local church service and meeting with local folks to understand the culture and community.
This will probably be the last blog until we arrive, so please keep the team in your prayers as we travel. God bless...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
At home support
As we prepare for our departure, we are very reliant on our "at home" supporters who make this trip a reality for us. These are the folks that mostly remain unrecognized as they are the ones making the preparations happen behind the scenes. In recognizing them, I fear overlooking a name as our supporters have helped in all facets. If I forget you, please do not take it personally. I blame my middle age brain. I am bursting with love for these folks that have given so much for these children.
Thank you to Walter, Lucy, Mary, John, Lorie, Ron, Stan, Don, Jim, Peter, Sue, Lois, Beth and the folks that I will recall after posting this blog. You guys mean the world to us and I hope you know how impactful your contributions are to these kids.
Thank you to Walter, Lucy, Mary, John, Lorie, Ron, Stan, Don, Jim, Peter, Sue, Lois, Beth and the folks that I will recall after posting this blog. You guys mean the world to us and I hope you know how impactful your contributions are to these kids.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Malawi Team Prepares for Journey - June 2011
It's been close to a year since we were in Malawi and for some, it feels like last week. The 2011 travel team departs on June 25, 2011 and will arrive back home on July 11. Liberty Corner church commissioned us this past Sunday with other missionaries leaving for Tennessee and China.
The 2011 Team:
David and Emily Cutler - David is the trip co-leader and this will be his 4th trip. Emily is just completing her junior year at Ridge HS and is excited to bring her soccer skills to the children of Malawi.
Paul and Diana Sigmund -
Paul has been leading our capital initiatives over the past 3 years - drip irrigation, swing set construction and this year the installation of a solar system at one of the feeding centers. His daughter Diana is graduating from Morristown HS this week and is looking forward to spending her 3rd trip playing with the children and managing the VBS program.
Ward Scheiderman -
Ward is returning this summer for his 2nd trip and has been actively involved in the chicken growth and sustainability project. Ward also uses his accounting skills to ensure we don't run out of money.
Kristen Power -
Kristen is just completing her junior year at Ridge HS. Kristen brings her experience from past mission trips to Appalachia and Honduras with her to serve the children of Malawi.
Lisa Mandel -
Lisa will be traveling to Malawi for her 5th visit and co-leads the trip with David. She is looking forward to finding yet more babies and children to love.
The 2011 Team:
David and Emily Cutler - David is the trip co-leader and this will be his 4th trip. Emily is just completing her junior year at Ridge HS and is excited to bring her soccer skills to the children of Malawi.
Paul and Diana Sigmund -
Paul has been leading our capital initiatives over the past 3 years - drip irrigation, swing set construction and this year the installation of a solar system at one of the feeding centers. His daughter Diana is graduating from Morristown HS this week and is looking forward to spending her 3rd trip playing with the children and managing the VBS program.
Ward Scheiderman -
Ward is returning this summer for his 2nd trip and has been actively involved in the chicken growth and sustainability project. Ward also uses his accounting skills to ensure we don't run out of money.
Kristen Power -
Kristen is just completing her junior year at Ridge HS. Kristen brings her experience from past mission trips to Appalachia and Honduras with her to serve the children of Malawi.
Lisa Mandel -
Lisa will be traveling to Malawi for her 5th visit and co-leads the trip with David. She is looking forward to finding yet more babies and children to love.
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