Back at Madidi, waiting for Louise to pick us up for dinner. Hopefully I can catch up on the photos of all the posts Jon uploaded for me while we were in Nkhoma.

Before leaving for Nkhoma on Sunday morning, we stopped at the market, where Kim was in her element. She picked out the perfect onions, tomatoes, potatoes, oranges, apples, avocados, beans, garlic, cucumbers, carrots, mangos and a pineapple.  :)  Of course, Peter (standing next to her) was a big help in getting us good prices.

This is the whole Chief's Ministry Bible Study group that we met with on Sunday afternoon. It was wonderful to hear their testimonies and yes, I "preached" to this large group.  :) 

Leaving Nkhoma for Lilongwe

     We had a restful afternoon followed by a delicious chili and nsima dinner prepared by Kim and our cook Elisa.
     This morning I was up before sunrise. Unfortunately the water was off, but I got a bit of a shower. I was able to enjoy the early morning sun and got some great photos. It is Sad to leave Nkhoma, but we know we will come back some day.
     We'll be at Madidi tonight and so I hope to post some photos, if we have power. Would appreciate prayers for productive meetings with pastor Tad Juma and Louise today. Thanks.

Great Reunions and Stark Realities

     It is very cool today with a few light showers--perfect for visiting my WV children. Had a great time with both families. Met 4 generations of women at Phillipina's home and most of her siblings. Our boy Chikonzero lives alone with his maternal grandmother, Alefa. She remembered Jon and Joshua and asked how they are doing.
     We learned that most families in the villages only have enough food for one meal a day. We are praying for good rains to come in the next month--not too hard, just steady through March.  Back at the guest house for lunch, I was really touched as we thanked God for our food. In the States we take our food so for granted.
     This afternoon we have a break, so we will pack, prepare dinner (a challenge since the power is out) and rest. Tomorrow we return to Lilongwe where we will meet with Pastor Tad Juma of the Youth Dept. and Louise with FTS.
     I found out from Louise this morning that Mphatso got malaria. She is supposed to go to Scotland for a speaking engagement this weekend, so please pray for healing.

Taking Care of Business in Nkhoma

     I fixed breakfast for 3 Malawian men this morning. Amos was a big help in the kitchen. After we said good bye to Amos and Zuze, we cleaned up. Then we headed to the hospital where the medical supplies and baby blankets were gratefully accepted. 
     We stopped off at the WV office to confirm the time for our child visit. We did some shopping at the local market, then back to the Guest House for lunch. After that we walked around the mission center viewing the various locations for Y-Malawi teams to be accommodated. 
     After a few phone calls, I was off to meet with the head doctors at the hospital while Kim stayed back to prepare dinner. Will have another meeting over dinner and tea tonight. We'd appreciate your prayers for good sleep. Nkhoma has been much cooler than Lilongwe, so that is a huge blessing.

Storms in Nkhoma

     Power was off and on this evening. Had a thunderstorm that blew threw during dinner and cooled us down. Over dinner we had a great time getting to know other folks staying at the guest house. Off to bed,  we can sleep in if our bodies let us.

With the Chiefs Ministry in Nkhoma

     We had an awesome day. Peter, our FTS driver and friend helped us buy fruits and veggies from the street market in Lilongwe this morning. Then we picked up Amos and Zuze, Chief's Ministry leaders and headed to Nkhoma. 
     On the way, we stopped at the Maize Mill that is almost done. Then we dropped our things at the Guest House, fixed a sack lunch and headed to Nchema, the newest Chief's Center. We sang, danced, heard a short sermon, listened to testimonies and then I preached on Phil. 1;27-2:11. Hopefully it was helpful. Kim said a few words (12 to be exact). Then Zuze, Amos and the head chief spoke. God is doing amazing things in these villages where the chiefs are evangelizing their communities. 
     Back at the guest house now, but no electricity, so have our head lamps ready for dark to arrive shortly.  Thanks for your prayers. Looking forward to some rest and a meeting with the head doctor at the hospital tomorrow.