July 22, 2016

This morning, after a great night’s rest under my first-ever bed net, I was feeling refreshed and ready to go…….except is was 4:00 am and still dark outside :).  For those who know me well….you understand that this is not typical for me…  Nonetheless, I took advantage of the time by leisurely getting showered and ready, and as soon as the sun began to rise, I sat on the porch with my book. It was chilly this morning – probably in the 50’s - for those who, like me, do not know much about the southeastern African climate, it’s dry season here, similar to our winter months – no rain, so no crops, and a lot of dust.  

John meandered outside with an offer for tea (which is wonderful here, btw), and I gladly accepted.  We chatted outside, enjoying the cool air and the sounds of Malawi.  After Kathy joined us and the three of us ate breakfast we headed to Kasungu National Park, a 2 hour drive, ….more sitting…..but definitely worth it.  On the way, we stopped by the Linde Motel where we will be sleeping tonight after Kasungu.  

We also made a quick stop for a snack - pineapple Fanta and a box of oatmeal white chocolate cookies for the road.   After driving a while we notice the beautiful mountains which pop up all around Lake Malawi – they are amazing to see.  And, along the way we pass a lot of villages where the people are busy – boys on bikes heavily loaded with large branches, (seriously, we could learn something about physics from these boys!) girls and women (some with infants and toddlers carefully swaddled to their backs with beautiful fabric) carrying produce or water on their heads (for the record, these women are STRONG!), men leading teams of oxen or donkeys, and goats and chickens roaming in and among it all.  It’s a delight to witness.  I briefly realize at this point that I haven’t checked my phone all day…and I don’t care. 

We continued with our sunny ride down the M1 (kind of like a US highway) and attempted to take pictures of the “phiri” (hills/mountains).  Mphatso points out the clinics and churches and schools that are possible because of the generosity of our synod (NWSWI) I have a moment of pride/gratitude for the money and time people have given to make it happen.  I hope ministry, by this definition, continues.  We made one last stop in a village at the base of Kasungu Mountain; nearby, many women and children were pumping water into large bins.  (The well was a gift that came from some donors in our synod)  Some of the kids were excited to take a few pictures with us, and even more excited when we showed them the pictures afterward :).  I will never forget the joy on their faces and the warmth in their smiles – we waved goodbye to each other as we drove away – in the truck I say a silent prayer that none of them go hungry – and I thank God for the gift of that well – my prayers don’t seem like enough.    

We arrived at the park around noon-ish…still not really sure what time it is!  The Lifupa Lodge is our host for the day.  The grounds are gorgeous!  It’s filled with small huts that rest at the base of a lake, which we quickly found out is also a watering hole for many local wildlife.  After we explore the grounds for a bit, Grant and Blessing lead us to the Jeep that we take on a two-hour adventure through the bush.  It was unbelievable – I felt like a kid the entire time, my head practically hanging out the window, as I took photo after photo of native animals in their natural habitats.  

When the safari was done, we ate a late lunch at the lodge (delicious!) and headed back to the Linde Motel.  About half way home it began to get dark, and we ran into a few “diversions” (detours) that made our drive home kind of adventurous – I am grateful for Derrick’s driving skills – he has LOTS of experience on the narrow, bumpy Malawian roads filed with vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and large trucks. 

I have since settled in to my new sleeping space for the night.  Tomorrow, we will be traveling to Salima  I have been very grateful for the opportunity to be among the people and in some of the villages where the local pastors are serving – it will certainly give me a little added context when teaching next week. 

My prayer for the day:  That generosity will always overcome greed, that kindness will always overcome hatred, and that relationships will always be the most important thing we invest our time in.  Amen.