Uncategorized Archives – Page 2 of 6

January 7, 2022

A Few Things I Have Learned – 41 Years of Marriage

41 years of marriage! Wow! How could I possibly be married that long? Today is NOT my anniversary in case you are wondering. But I have learned a few things after being married for 41 years though not nearly as much as I should have! Today I am going to share just a few things I have learned in 41 years of marriage and who knows maybe another time I will share a few more.

Early Marriage

When I was first married and still a college student at Freed-Hardeman I met a lady. I so wish I had met her more than one time. Monda Alexander introduced me to an older lady who was visiting campus. Unfortunately, I cannot remember her name. She was so excited when she learned that I was a newlywed. As we sat in the booth at the Lion’s Pride, this sweet lady shared some of her wisdom with me and I have never forgotten that meeting.

She told me that the huge love I felt for my husband would one day seem small compared to what it would grow to be. At the time I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it but I believed her. I think of her every few years when I consider how much my love for my husband has grown.

The naive girl is long gone but my love for my husband has only grown more and more as the years pass.

A Few Things I Have Learned in 41 Years of Marriage

Love grows, and grows.

Having a family is a lot of work but gives many opportunities to grow and multiply your love through family. Love for each other and each new addition. There is always more love to go around.

Commit to God and Pray

Commit to God. Marriage is a lot of work even under the best circumstances. Being committed to God and each other is key! Remember to pray for your marriage.

Sometimes there will be misunderstandings and that’s okay. Assume the best motives for each other.

Some seasons are hard but you will grow personally and as a couple through life’s ups and downs.

Don’t give up during the hard times. It will get better!

Dates

Make time for each other. Sometimes monthly dates or sometimes weekly it depends on your season of life. Maybe just movie nights at home when your kids are little or adding a candle to the dinner table after the littles are down for the night.

First Baby?

During the time we had the most teens at home we had weekly dates which turned into parenting meetings at times. We couldn’t go very far lest there be too much excitement at home. (there are stories). We would go to a little Mexican restaurant on the edge of town. (I was expecting my 10th child). One day the owner asked if this was our first baby. We laughed. After he was born we took the whole family to eat one day and they were a bit surprised or maybe shocked.

Listening and eye contact are important. These things say you are important to me. This applies to everyone not just spouses.

Building a great marriage takes work and dedication. It is worth it!

Study at being a better mate. You can only change you. It’s worth it! When you put in the effort to improve yourself surprising things happen.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Laughter is the best medicine. Sometimes there is just no other appropriate response. Laugh often! This is one of the big things I appreciate about my husband. He can always bring a smile and a laugh to even tough situations.

Sleep solves a lot of problems. Food doesn’t hurt either.

Overlook some things. One day when you are looking back you will realize some things were not as important as you may have thought at the time. Some not even worth mentioning.

Respect your mate.

Be considerate and kind. It always pays!

Show appreciation. You will notice it comes back to you.

Little things mean so much. A little Hershey’s chocolate bar or Diet Coke can go a long way in showing love or saying I’m sorry or thank you.

Make your mate feel special. Learn what speaks love to him. Learn his love language.

Keep getting to know your mate. Even after all these years I still learn new things about my husband all the time. He still surprises me.

Come grow old with me the best is yet to be.

April 17, 2021

Malawi Journal – Day 52 Sewing Workshop

I got up early this morning and got ready for the day. Wanangwa is headed to the shop and Mbwenu to check on the progress of the car. We are so hoping they have been able to fix it.

Flora and I go and pick beans. I pick some turnip greens and turnips for dinner. This is a new food for everyone here. Seeds sent from America. I am not sure that they like them yet. When we get back we sit on the mat and shell the beans. I really enjoy these times of sitting with the ladies doing everyday things and I know that I am going to miss them. That was a quick job and I set them on the propane stove to slow cook for lunch.

WBS

I helped Lawrence put together almost 100 packets for students who have been waiting on lesson two! Then I joined the sewing group while he continued to work on WBS, an all-day job.

A Sewing Workshop

A sewing workshop. Lawrence met a couple of weeks ago and talked with the elders about the possibility of setting up a sewing workshop in this area. They talked about how many men and women leave their homeland and go to South Africa for work. (In fact, two local young men have died while working in South Africa recently).

Men and Women

The decision was made to open it to men and women. First to members of the church and then to others. There was a lot of interest from men and women wanting to learn to sew. The elders took on the responsibility of talking with the people and compiling a list of those interested and working out the logistics.

Day 2

Today was day two of the sewing workshop. The students arrived in the morning and stayed all day. Our teacher is doing a great job getting the students used to the machines. I was surprised at how hard it is to do the treadle. It takes a while to get the right rhythm down to be able to make it sew.

The more advanced students were measuring and being instructed in cutting out shirt sleeves. This is done without a pattern, just with measurements! They also worked on collars and the trim on sleeves. They did a lot of observing but also some measuring and sewing. Three school shirts were completed today. There is still a lot of excitement in the group.

Hand Sewing

While all of this was going on I had a group of ladies hand sewing cloth sanitary pads. This might seem silly but this gives access to everyone whether they have a machine or not. Some are more skilled than others but all of the pads are useable.

Beans

I periodically check on my beans and when they are done I add some leftover ground beef with peppers and onions. They smell wonderful. Lawrence, Esther, and I have lunch in the house. I wish I had enough for everyone.

The students stay all day learning and no one eats or drinks anything. The boy next door has been looking for ways to make money. So after he finishes taking care of the livestock, I ask if he wants to go to Manyamula and buy snacks for everyone. He is very happy to do this.

Nsima and Greens and Snacks

Meanwhile, two of the ladies prepare some nsima and greens to share with the group. I give everyone a slice of a peeled turnip. The turnips receive mixed reviews. Some like them and some do not. Soon the boy returns with some kid’s snacks and cookies for everyone. They are all happy and appreciative.

Our workshop teacher brings the news that three school shirts are finished. Everyone gets ready to go home and the clean-up begins.

I start washing the turnip greens and chopping a turnip. Esther will cook the chicken and rice tonight. We get dinner ready just before we hear a car pull up! We are so excited the car has been repaired and is running well!

Someone is on the porch and has come to talk to our host family about a family problem. We finish dinner and then head to our room to give them some space to talk.

Lawrence and I make one last trip out to the toilet and stand and look at the massive sky. We enjoy finding constellations we can recognize. Esther comes out and stargazes with us for a few minutes. We head to our rooms for a second time. Esther sends me a text that Lawrence and I are talking too loud. I tell her I will try to control myself. Goodnight everyone!

April 14, 2021April 14, 2021

Malawi Journal – Day 50 Private Clinic, Shopping and Kids Following Me Home

Day in Mzimba

This morning we got ready for a big day in Mzimba. Several weeks ago we met Aaron who suffers almost daily seizures. We have been trying to figure out a way to get Aaron to the right doctor. We’ve messaged people, called a hospital, etc. No information. Finally, we decided to take him to the private doctor in Mzimba and get their advice.

First, we pick up Aaron and Christina, his mom and baby sister. Babies go everywhere with their moms because all babies are breastfed. We drop Wanangwa off at the shop and then drive to Mzimba. Our first stop is the clinic.

Private Clinic

There are more people at the clinic than I usually see there. I know we will have a wait. Mbwenu goes off to do his errands and I stay with Christina. I expected to see the receptionist that I saw last time but he is nowhere to be seen.

Soon we are motioned into the pharmacy. Because I am accustomed to the American medical system, I thought we must be speaking with the nurse. He turned out to be the doctor. In Malawi, everyone has a small medical book which they take to all medical visits. The doctor reads Aaron’s history and talks with the mother. Aaron doesn’t seem to like having his temperature taken. He checks his lungs. He’s a bit concerned with his cough but says his lungs are clear. There is some more discussion in Tumbuka, Chichewa, and English. I am so glad we came. I now have a better understanding of what has happened.

Help Found

Aaron was on one medication originally given by some visiting American doctors. When that medicine ran out he went back to the local doctor and they gave him a different medicine that did not control the seizures. So he has been suffering from almost daily seizures for months with no help.

The doctor has the original medicine and has agreed to call after one week and see how he is doing. If all is well he will continue this medicine for three months and have another check-up. The doctor gives me the bill. 9000K or about $11 US. This included the medicine which was actually handed to us by the doctor. I cannot believe that people have to suffer so long for so little. I am glad we decided to try this clinic first. As we are getting in the car Mbwenu chats with some neighbors who are also at the clinic. They are going to travel home with us.

Shopping List

I have a list of stops we need to make before we head home. We stop at my favorite meat store and I get meat and hot sauce. The shopkeeper hands me a candy.

Victoria is the place we exchange American funds because we get the best rates with them. That’s our next stop. They do not have enough cash for our exchange. The teller is not happy with her co-worker who did not go and get cash earlier when he was supposed to so she is shaking her finger at him. She tells us to come back in a bit.

Big Mart

I go ahead and do my Big Mart shopping which is next door then continue on down my list. All the while our friends wait in the car with the doors open. I bring them a snack. The open market is across the street and I visit my favorite stand and purchase green beans, carrots, onions, and tomatoes. He is out of green peas. Next, I go to the farmers under the tree in the back of the market. I found wonderful beans there last time but now we are eating beans from the garden. A lady shows me a huge cabbage and I purchase it for 400 K which is about .40 US. Unbelievable!

Fakani’s Print Shop

Fakani’s print shop is our next stop. We are out of World Bible School lessons again. We have 100 students waiting for Lesson 2! This printer got a new cartridge so we are able to get clear copies until our new lessons arrive. I drop off the order and head to the fabric store.

Today I am purchasing rolls of fabric in the local school colors. The new sewing workshop is hoping to specialize in school uniforms. Mbwenu lets me go by myself to the fabric store. He knows I love chitenge and I might be a while. As I am walking to the fabric store a man crosses the road and says sit. He does his fingers together like he wants me to give him money. I say NO! and keep walking. I make my purchases quickly this time and try not to look at all the varieties of chitenge.

Last stop the Wholesalers for water and more sweeties. I have learned not to call the little children sweeties! They think I am calling them candy or offering them candy.

We drop all of our passengers off and go home. Dinner tonight will be beef soup. Another American recipe to test on the family. I start the beef for dinner. It will take a long time to cook.

I decide to take a walk to the bakery to get buns to go with the beef soup I am cooking and I want to stop at Christina’s house. I have some clothes to give to Christina’s baby girl. As I walk all the kids along the way come to greet me and wave at me. I smile and wave and continue on my journey.

At one point I turn around and there are several children following me down the road. I stop and sing If You Are Happy and You Know It with the kids. They seem to enjoy this and then I continue on my journey. The crowd grows. When I am almost to the bakery I meet one of the bakers. She tells me there will be no bread until tomorrow. I turn around and sing The Lord’s Army with the kids and head to Christina’s house out of breath from walking and singing so much. The family all comes to thank me and accept the clothes. We say our goodbyes.

Back on the main road, the kids are waiting on me laughing and talking and asking me my name. We have to sing a song and then I continue home. When I arrive home there are a lot of kids with me. I call Esther to come to say hi to the children and I have them sing with her. She is surprised that all the kids followed me home. This was so fun! I wave goodbye and the kids wave and turn around laughing and running home.

March 30, 2021

Malawi Journal – Days 33-34 – Nursery School, Baptism, and Car Problems

Day 33

Today I cleaned my room and set up the new shelf for our World Bible School materials. We ate our breakfast and gathered things to take to the nursery school.

World Bible School Meeting

Lawrence had his weekly meeting with the World Bible School workers this morning. They discuss how their work is going. They turn in completed lessons and Lawrence gives them each their stack of graded lessons.

One of our problems with our work is running out of lessons. We brought a suitcase full with us and we have ordered some from Zomba. Now Zomba office is also running out of lessons.

Nursery School

Mbwenu and Wanangwa drop us off at the nursery school which uses the Tombolombo church building Monday – Friday from 8-11. The main purpose of a nursery school in Malawi is to introduce them to English. This is very important since most of their schooling will be in English. This gives them a head start. I give them each a coloring sheet and crayons to color their pictures. The teacher only wants us to give sheets to those who know how to color. Esther and I decided to trace their hands on the back of the paper. They have fun with this.

I have number cards for the teacher which are different colors. I go through the numbers and colors with the kids. Then the teacher has the children recite for us. They each say good morning. She takes them through a variety of things she has taught them. We give them each a bag of snacks. One little boy tries to escape so I ask the teacher if that is ok. She says “weewee”. So then everyone wants to go “weewee”. Some things are the same no matter where you are. All of the kids go out and pee in the yard.

A Baptism

Our car is back earlier than we expected. We say our goodbyes and head to the car. I am surprised that Wanangwa came back she was worried that we did not have enough food at the house to cook so she brought cabbage and tomatoes. She tells us there will be a baptism. Chiwemwe, the tailor! I saw some of the preacher guys talking with him when we left. He lives next door. We talk with him every day.

Our Car is Stuck

We go back to the house and pick up Lawrence and some of the guys and go to baptize Chiwemwe. After the baptism, our car sinks the front tire in mud. It takes a lot of time and work to free the car. The guys cut down trees, lift the car, and we all push. Another guy stops by and helps us push the car. We pop the bumper guard out. Eventually, the car is free.

Tuna Salad

We are behind schedule to go to the hospital. Wanangwa is worried about lunch. I tell her I can fix lunch. I quickly make tuna salad sandwiches and tomato slices, which is a new thing for them. They leave for the hospital.

Coloring – Shading

I gave the kids some sheets to color today. They call coloring, shading. Everyone loves to color young and old.

Car Trouble

I get a message the car has broken down again and I know they will be late. Rose’s son has malaria which probably caused the fall which dislocated his arm.

Mom Scares

Esther and one of the neighbor girls took a walk. She forgot to tell me she was going anywhere. I know they are in the area so I try to stay calm but I definitely am not happy. It’s getting dark and I have no idea which direction they have gone. I check to see if she took her phone and it is on the charger. Soon she is back and I have a little talk with her.

We finish supper preparations. Lawrence and Esther get the fish ready to cook. Fish are bought whole here and are not cleaned and gutted. They are frozen just as they come from the water. I cook cabbage and rice. Just as they are finished with the fish Wanangwa comes home and she and Esther finish the fish. Soon Mbwenu comes home with our friend Bless. The car is still not working.

March 15, 2021March 13, 2021

Malawi Journal – Day 23 -Laundry and Coloring

Laundry

I slept until 7 am today! First I took my bath and washed my laundry. I am hoping it will not rain. The process of doing laundry is to collect two tubs of water. I brought a small bottle of laundry detergent which I do not usually do but I learned from Eddie Schott who came last year. It makes it a lot easier than the bar soap I have used. I scrub the whites, then colors, and then dark all in the same water. Wring them out the best I can and then rinse them multiple times and then wring out again and then line dry. My arms are getting stronger. I am thankful that Esther insists on doing her own laundry!

Breakfast

Breakfast today consists of tea with fresh milk, boiled eggs, chips (fried potatoes), and tomato and onion slices. Raphael is the best chip fryer! He usually makes our chips on the days we eat them. I wash the breakfast dishes.

Mbwenu left early this morning to take his oldest son Tonny to catch the transport back to school. He was supposed to be back by 10 but has not shown up.

I write in my journal and update those who contributed to the songbooks. I am so thankful for the generosity of my brothers and sisters in Christ. These churches are being blessed because of it. Heavy rain starts and I run to retrieve my laundry and hang it about the house.

Coloring Sheets

I trace some pictures for the kids to color, they have a great time with this. Today I traced some parrots and flowers. Everyone loves to color from the young to the old.

Roasted Peanuts

Wanangwa roasts some peanuts and they are delicious. She has a trick for getting the salt to stick on the peanuts. She mixes a little water with salt while the peanuts roast. When they are ready dumps the peanuts in a bowl and adds the salt mixture and stirs really quickly while they steam. It works great.

Visitors

We have visitors. Christina Banda and her daughter come to visit. They bring us corn. Christina is sick and thinks she may have the flu or malaria and is going to the clinic tomorrow. I give her some ibuprofen and instructions. I didn’t find out until after she left that she is the mother to Aaron who has the seizures. She also has another child who is bedridden from childhood. This is so sad.

We were supposed to go to life group at 2 but Mbwenu has not returned he is delayed with car repair. There has been a series of car issues. He arrives home after 5 pm and has not eaten all day. We all go to Manyamula where I buy some more fabric. I buy a coke and coffee. Lawrence and Esther get cold water.

When we get home Wanangwa lets me and Esther help prepare dinner. Our menu tonight is cabbage, soup, rice, sima, goat livers, and fresh pineapple.

Another full day comes to a close.

March 12, 2021March 12, 2021

Malawi Journal – Day 20 – Market Day and Sharing Dreams

Elder’s Meeting

Mbwenu had an elders meeting this morning. I think they are making a plan for us to attend the life groups in the different areas. They sat out front and chatted for a while. I am glad it has cleared after the heavy rain and hail storm of last night.

We ate our breakfast and got ready to go to Manymula. For some reason, Lawrence and I both have an upset stomach this morning. We can see no cause and thankfully doesn’t last long.

Market Day

Today is Saturday, Market Day! People are everywhere! It reminds me of a flea market at home. People come from all around to sell their stuff!. This is the busiest day of the week for the regular little shops, and they are doing great business.

Visiting Matthew and Neema

We are checking on the bicycles. They are still working on them. So we head out of town to Matthew and Neema Phiri’s home. It seems a long way down series of narrow bumpy roads. We finally arrive.

All the neighbors were there to greet us. Matthew and Neema were obviously excited to see us. Introductions are made and then we take a tour of their farm. They have only been back on the land for two seasons. Matthew is very proud of his progress and has great plans for his farm and the community.

Chickens

First, the stop at the chicken house which has three rooms. One for local chickens, one for exotics, and one for new breeds. He explains that it is very hard to get protein. Next, he shows us a small home he had built for the farmhand who works for him. It is very nice.

Healing Hands International Agricultural Workshop

This community received an Agricultural Workshop by Healing Hands International at some point and is excited to show off the garden they planted using their new skills. It is completely fenced and has a drip irrigation system in place. The garden is growing great. We see several fields surrounding this garden. Maize is growing and groundnuts, which we call peanuts at home.

Sharing Dreams

Matthew is the village headman over 16 villages. As we talk under the trees he tells Lawrence that he is giving him land to build a house. Lawrence laughs and tells him he has only known him for one week. We are called in for lunch. Two local ministers are there as we gather around a table and share lunch. Our meal was the traditional chicken in gravy, rice, sima, and greens. Wanangwa brought soda from her shop for us to drink.

After lunch, Matthew takes us to the land he wants to give us and shares his dreams with us. He wants his community to know God and shows us where he would like to give us land for a church building and a house. Bruce is the local minister here who holds services under some trees. We chat with him for a while. He tells us about his work.

As Headman, Matthew serves as a judge for offenders and is hoping to build a courtroom, a community center as well as a medical clinic. The land he is showing us is in a central location for the surrounding villages. He spreads his arms over the land and says these are my dreams. Oh, the good he would love to do for his people.

While Matthew is sharing his dreams Esther and Wanangwa go with Neema to the cassava field and are soon back with cassava.

We go back to the house and exchange our contact information. We had a nice lunch and outing with Matthew and Neema. Neema also asked for a WBS lesson to take. We wave bye to all the children and new friends of the day.

Back to Manyamula

On our trip home we stop back at Manyamula. They were still working on the bicycles. We sat in the shade and watched them. We were very excited as I said yesterday that these were former WBS students and are doing well.

As we sat on the bench a very drunk school teacher named Job came to talk with us. He was very impressed with Lawrence’s mustache. He has a mustache too. Job teaches primary school. Job stayed with us for a long while. I finally had to excuse myself. Mbwenu was soon back and rescued Lawrence from the mustache admirer.

The bicycles were finished and some young people from our village were happy to be the first riders of four brand new bikes. They road them all the way home for us!

Back at home, Wanangwa cooks dinner. We eat dinner. I do some writing and we get ready for bed.

March 7, 2021March 7, 2021

Malawi Journal – Day 18 Our Trip to Mzuzu – A Long Day

Up Early

I got up early this morning. We want to be on the road by 6:30. We have a lot of things to do today, I have been compiling a list for days of things we need to take care of in Mzuzu so I checked the list to make sure we were not forgetting to take anything. The car was loaded and finally, we are on the road by 6:45.

Heavy rains last night cause it to take twice as long to get through Mzimba and on the main highway. Everything is green after the rains. The morning drive is breathtaking as it takes us through the forest and mountains. They are beautiful.

Our Trip Today

Our trip has one main purpose today, which is to visit Mzuzu Central Hospital. Five of us are traveling. 23 year old Chewemwe, his mom, Mbwenu, Wanangwa, and me. Chewemwe cut. his foot with an ax in December and spent two months in the hospital. He almost lost his foot and his life. As he started to recover they decided to send him home. They were concerned that he might contract Covid 19.

Applying Honey to the Wound

Chewemwe was sent home with oral antibiotics and instructions to change the dressing on his foot every day. He has finished his antibiotics weeks ago and is continuing to change the dressing every day and applying honey to the wound. The theory is that the bacteria will like the honey and leave the wound alone. His foot is still not healing well.

We have been quite concerned about Chewemwe losing his foot. It would be so tragic. A few days ago we visited his family and asked if he would like to go to see a specialist. They said yes, so we made arrangements for this trip.

Mzuzu Central Hospital

Lloyd met at the hospital. He is an uncle of Chewemwe. He had come ahead of us and made arrangements for us to be seen quickly. This was a huge help in getting through the gate and having the opportunity to see the doctor today.

They led us into the reception area to check-in for the visit. Behind the desk is a posted price list for each item. This gave me an idea about how much this visit might cost. They asked, “who will be paying?” I raised my hand. They said very well. We will hunt you down if you do not pay and they all laughed.

Our patient was escorted into the examination area. A few minutes later Lloyd came to tell us we should go and do our shopping because this was going to take a long time. Since we had a long list of things to purchase while we were in the city we agreed this was a good plan.

Shopping

Our list includes propane, songbooks, Bibles, a refrigerator, a printer, wholesale items for Wanangwa’s shop, and some children’s clothes. We stop and exchange the propane tank first. Next, we visit a shop that has both printers and refrigerators. They give us two prices for everything. One with a receipt and one without. We decided we would like to get a few more estimates since these are high-dollar purchases.

Mzuzu Church of Christ sits on a nice fenced piece of property. The grounds are well maintained. This is clearly one of the nicest church buildings we have seen in Malawi. There is also a classroom building and flushing toilets. We meet one of the church leaders, Robert to purchase our songbooks. We purchase 150 thanks to Lee and Jerry, Enoch, and the Southgate Church of Christ.

Robert travels with us and advises us where to shop for the printer and the Bibles. This is a great help because he knows the city and he gets a discount on the Bibles. Because of his help we were able to save money on the Bibles and over $200 on the printer. We drop Robert off at the Coffee Depot. I spot coffee and ice cream shops! We are definitely in the big city. The city is loud and people are everywhere. The roundabouts are busy and at one point blocked because the new president is supposed to pass this way. There are police officers everywhere along the route.

Kips

We do not wait for the president. For breakfast, we ate a banana in the car so we are ready for lunch. We stop at Kip’s for a nice lunch. Kips is a pizza place but also has traditional foods. I get the roasted chicken and rice, soup, greens, and a coke. It is all very good. The plate is huge so I get a to-go box and take part of it with me.

Mbwenu gets a call that our patient is finished so he leaves to pick him up and take them for lunch. The plan is for him to pick us up after we have shopped.

Wanangwa and I leave on foot to purchase some boys’ shorts. I find a nice piece of fabric to surprise Esther with a skirt. Then we hit the wholesalers! We shop until we drop. Wanangwa is no doubt the Proverbs 31 lady we ready about in the Bible!

The Holder

We buy so much that soon we leave some of our purchases with a “holder”. I am not really sure what they call him but we entrust him with our ever-growing stack of packages. I cannot possibly tell you how many wholesalers we visited. Soon we had more packages than I thought would fit in the car especially with the refrigerator, the printer, the Bibles, and the songbooks!

When we are almost through with our shopping Wanangwa leaves me with the holder as she runs back for one more thing. I watch some men playing the fastest checker game I have ever seen. They have a homemade board and bottle caps.

The car is to meet us at the holder. I spot the car driving by and wave them down. Mbwenu parks the car and then we begin the process of trying to fit everything into the car. We have to fold down the rear seats and after some juggling, we fit everything into the car. We pay the holder. The two men are upfront and we three ladies are in the middle seat.

Leaving Mzuzu

We make one last stop at Shop Rite and head for home with cold water for us all. It has been a very full day. We are all tired and quiet.

Arrested!

There are several roadblocks along the way. We have grown accustomed to these. However, at one roadblock the officer said you are arrested. I thought it was a joke! Some Tumbuka was exchanged and the only word I understood was sorry. We had broken the Covid restrictions. Under the guidelines, we were allowed 6 people but not 3 in a seat.

Mbwenu had to get out of the car and show our receipts for our large purchases and discuss our situation. He explained we are all one family and eat together. They ask what about the white lady. He explained that I was a Bible teacher and that we were paying for this young man to have the treatment and could not be left behind. They said all right, all right, and let us go. Whew!

It was getting dark as we neared Mzimba. We stopped and purchased some bananas and left town for Tombolombo. The roads had dried up while we were gone and this made the last few miles a lot easier to travel.

We dropped Chewemwe and his mom off at home and she expressed her appreciation for what we had done for her son.

Hospital Results

The family shared with us the results of the visit. He was given oral antibiotics as well as an antibiotic ointment. Chewemwe was given nutrition counseling to control his high blood sugar which was discovered during this accident. Today his blood sugar was over 400! He takes insulin every day. There is no family history either! He has to travel to Mzimba every Friday to have his blood sugar checked! There are no at-home meters.

Home At Last

When we arrive home Esther who stayed home with Lawrence had made chili for dinner. This is new for our host family. We eat and are ready to sleep.

Another full day!

March 4, 2021

Malawi Journal – Day 17- Baby Blankets, No-Bake Cookies, and Shopping

Ladies’ Class

Today I taught ladies’ class, 13 ladies, 1 baby. I taught them Ten Lessons on Honor from Romans 12, one of my favorite chapters. Romans 12 has a lot to say about how to treat one another. There were a lot of discussions afterward. Especially, questions about repaying evil with good.

Some ladies mentioned they cannot read and how this is helping them to understand the scriptures as if they were reading them for themselves. It’s. humbling.

These sweet sisters were also concerned for their sisters who are not receiving this teaching or understanding these scriptures. We talked about our example and sharing with their sisters what they are learning.

No-Bake Cookies

After the class was over I gave them a no-bake cookie. They really like these. I told them I was teaching Wanangwa how to make them and they teased they were not sure they could trust her to teach them.

Baby Blankets and Hats

When all our discussions were over we took out the baby blankets and hats and discussed the best way we as a group could use these for God. It was decided that most of them should go to the local maternity clinic. We will make little cards with a scripture on them and the church name. Four ladies will go to distribute these to the new moms. During our discussion, I found out that at least one lady can crochet. I have seen yarn in several shops but so far not the needles needed. I am excited to try to get crochet needles for these ladies to crochet.

We said our goodbyes and went home for lunch. Wanangwa had a driving lesson and drove us home. The roads are not great but the rain has made them worse. Frequently, cattle are on the road.

Shopping Day

After lunch, we went shopping in Mzimba. I am out of kwacha so I exchanged money. We had so much fun shopping together. Wanangwa ran into a friend of hers who wanted to know where I was from. When I answered Tombolombo there was an uproar of laughter.

How Much Beef?

I have been wanting to make chili for the family. In one of the shops, I found ground beef and told them I wanted to 2. I meant pounds but they thought kilograms. That was a lot of beef!! We had enough beef for four meals and that was being very generous with the meat.

Local Farmers

The local farmer area of the market is one of my favorites so we went there. I bought some beans to go in the chili. We also purchased some tomatoes, onions, and peppers from a sister. Then we found some fresh green peas and bought some of them too. I was offered some things which look like bugs. They are roasted. They really wanted me to taste them. Wanangwa said they eat them on sandwiches and like them but she told me not to eat them.

On this shopping trip, I found some cool square containers for school supplies and a basket with handles which I put on my head and caused a lot of laughter.

When we got home it was too late to cook the beans so I made a spicy meat sauce to go over rice and pumpkin for our dinner tonight. We also had bananas and fresh pineapple. Everyone liked it.

March 2, 2021

Malawi Journal – Day 16

February 23 – Day 16

Today is the funeral of the neighbor, a family member. Mbwenu and Wanangwa are busy with the preparations for the funeral. The women cook for a lot of people. My understanding is that it is mostly those from far away not the neighbors. People come from all over when someone dies. If they are in South Africa they wire money to help with the funeral. Mbwenu will be the master of ceremonies so he goes and buys food and receives the money which is being wired for the family.

Whenever we have been out and about and there is a funeral a collection is made from relatives, neighbors, and friends. When I was shopping someone came around and asked for donations. On this occasion, they wrote the names down. The money helps pay funeral costs and anything left is given to the family.

Esther and I busy ourselves with washing dishes and doing laundry. We sweep and mop the living room and porch.

There are a lot of kids as usual. We entertain them by drawing, singing, and swinging them until I got dizzy.

Esther and I made no-bake cookies for tomorrow. These are easy to do here because we can find the ingredients and we can make them without an oven. Next, we cook lunch: skillet biscuits, fried eggs, and sliced tomatoes.

Hungry kids stayed all day. The family does not usually feed all the neighbor kids so I didn’t either. I did feel comfortable giving them snacks that I had bought. After lunch, I washed the dishes outside as usual.

As I was washing dishes the funeral procession started. Many people had walked 15-20 kilometers to get here. There were probably 500 + people walking by in front of the house. People I had met from all over the area. Many stopped to greet me.

I wanted to video the seemingly never-ending line but I was concerned about being disrespectful so I took a couple of photos from inside. I hope you can get an idea of what I was seeing,

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

Malawi Journal – Day 8 – Our Return to Milala

Milala Visit 2019

In September of 2019, we visited Milala as a possible sight for our Rutherford County Walk for Water Well. Our son Gabriel made a wonderful video of the community, the people, and the source of water. We carried their story home with us and shared it with many of you.

Milala 2021

Yes, their dream of a close water source became a reality in 2019 and an Agriculture workshop too! Thank you Healing Hands International, Smyrna Church of Christ and the Rutherford County Walk for Water 2019 for providing this well to the Milala community!

When we arrive we are greeted by many villagers. We gather in the building and hear speeches of welcome and then the history. Elders of the village and local officials are hear to show appreciation for this life-changing gift and to share the it’s impact.

Ruth Orr

The leaders tell the story of Ruth Orr coming to visit. When Ruth came the church was meeting under a tree. Ruth helped them with the funds to build a church building. We met the man who donated the property. They spoke with heartfelt thanks for the gifts they have been given. These gifts improve their community, their health, and their lives.

They take us to the well. It is so rewarding to visit and see the well first hand and gardens. As we hear their stories of how improved their lives are and how thankful they are, we rejoice with them. This is our first time to have met the people who received a well we helped raise money for!

The Agriculture workshop gave them new skills to improve their crop yields and therefore improve their lives. They were able to use money from their first crop to help the church in Milala. They have high hopes!

Cecilia

We say goodbye to Milala and travel to Mzimba. Our car needs some repair. Wanangwa, Esther and I do some shopping while the car is at the mechanic. We meet up with Cecilia one of our students from 2018 who is a prison guard. She also helps to teach the women inmates. It is a joyous reunion,

Lunch at the Take-Out

We eat lunch at a local take-out and visit with our friends. After lunch Lawrence waits at the restaurant while we finish our shopping.

Esther finds a beautiful piece of material for a dress and a black skirt. I purchase mosquito nets and water. We go back to the restaurant to wait and I realize my mosquito nets are missing. Retracing our steps we find the shop keeper has held the nets for us! I am happy. We head back once again to the restaurant and find the car is still not ready.

Mbwenu decides he will wait with the car while Bless will transport us home. We ride with three other passengers who question us about staying in the village. They wanted to know if we find it hard. It certainly is not what we are accustomed to at home, but I am loving it all the same. I have never experienced any greater hospitality and I have certainly experienced some great hospitality. I am thrilled to be a part of such a Christian community all over the world I am just at home!

Esther, Lawrence and I take on the task of doing our laundry by hand. Soon it is on the line and drying. After a while a rainstorm blows in and we make a mad dash to retrieve the laundry and drape it all over the house.

In the evening Mbwenu and I talk about childbirth practices and the maternal mortality rate in Malawi. I would love to do something to improve this situation. I feel so helpless at times.

We have had a very full day, a wonderful day!

Early Marriage

A Few Things I Have Learned in 41 Years of Marriage

Commit to God and Pray

Dates

First Baby?

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Share this:

Like this:

WBS

A Sewing Workshop

Men and Women

Day 2

Hand Sewing

Beans

Nsima and Greens and Snacks

Share this:

Like this:

Day in Mzimba

Private Clinic

Help Found

Shopping List

Big Mart

Fakani’s Print Shop

Share this:

Like this:

Day 33

World Bible School Meeting

Nursery School

A Baptism

Our Car is Stuck

Tuna Salad

Coloring – Shading

Car Trouble

Mom Scares

Share this:

Like this:

Laundry

Breakfast

Coloring Sheets

Roasted Peanuts

Visitors

Share this:

Like this:

Elder’s Meeting

Market Day

Visiting Matthew and Neema

Chickens

Healing Hands International Agricultural Workshop

Sharing Dreams

Back to Manyamula

Share this:

Like this:

Up Early

Our Trip Today

Applying Honey to the Wound

Mzuzu Central Hospital

Shopping

Kips

The Holder

Leaving Mzuzu

Arrested!

Hospital Results

Home At Last

Share this:

Like this:

Ladies’ Class

No-Bake Cookies

Baby Blankets and Hats

Shopping Day

How Much Beef?

Local Farmers

Share this:

Like this:

February 23 – Day 16

Share this:

Like this:

Milala Visit 2019

Milala 2021

Ruth Orr

Cecilia