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!
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