Day 53
Our time is nearing the end of this trip. So many things to do and so many goodbyes. There are so many people coming to say goodbye that I can hardly keep up or get packed. I am so sad to leave these people.
The sewing workshop continues all day today. The group is having a great time learning and their excitement continues as they learn more. They are very excited to show me what they are working on each day and how much progress they are making.
Lawrence continues his constant work on World Bible School. He will be meeting with one of the elders today and making some final plans for our WBS workers. It’s hard to believe our two months are almost over.
I am packing and distributing leftover items that I have not given away. I am leaving some of my clothes behind too.
Day 54
Our Last WBS Meeting
Early this morning our WBS workers are already gathering outside for their final meeting with Lawrence. They are always excited to talk about their work. This morning they are discussing their study groups. A green car pulls up in the driveway.
A Special Gift
Neema and Matthew Phiri are here with a few other people. They have a seat in the yard and explain that they are on their way to a funeral and have come to say their goodbyes. Matthew asks if he might have a word with Lawrence. So the WBS workers take a short break from their meeting.
Neema is very excited to get her graded lesson. 100%. Matthew and Neema introduce us to their companions. Matthew has brought his brother Kings to meet us. Then Matthew surprises us by presenting Lawrence with a beautiful hand-carved cane with our names and the date of our trip carved into it, as well as the name of his village.
Large Print Bible
Matthew has admired Lawrence’s large print Bible several times and I had secretly planned to bring him one on our next trip. Lawrence decides to go ahead and give him the Bible. He is thrilled and praising God!
We are sad to say goodbye to these sweet people. Lawrence returns to his meeting. I greet another visitor who has shown up to meet us. Victor grew up in this area and is back for a visit from South Africa. He is planning to come back and make his home here. Victor is very interesting to talk with. He is full of questions about the United States. We try to satisfy his curiosity.
A New Sister
When Lawrence finishes his meeting it is time to go pick up a young lady who has asked to be baptized. Victor accompanies us. We pick up Thandiwi and drive to the stream. She looks like a teenager. I find out that she is actually married and her husband is already a member. Thandiwi Makamo is one of the WBS students our team is working with. This is very exciting for us all.
Day 55
Market Day!
Today is market day! I love all of the sights and sounds. Colorful chitenge’s hang from displays in the market. It seems everyone is here selling something. Beans, tomatoes, fish, maize, chitenges, buckets, etc. There is a van with a loudspeaker which is attracting a lot of attention. People go upfront and dance. There is a large crowd. It is intended to draw a crowd and sell more of its products. Everyone is having a good time.
Maize
Esther and I wanted to do a little shopping. I feel bad that I have almost nothing to take home. We are on a mission to drop off more maize. Wanangwa has already sold several bags of maize today that were delivered this morning and people are asking for more. She sets up the maize a little ways away from her shop. I run the shop with some help from Tomaida (Wanangwa’s sister).
While I am at the market I meet with Bertha, the tailoring teacher from the vocational school. I give her the fabric for the skirt she is going to make for me.
Malawi Snacks
Esther bought some snacks she wants to take home to share with the grandchildren. The car is leaving for home. I see our friend Bless! When we get home we see the students are still working on their sewing projects. They are supposed to have a short day today because of the market day!
We find out one of the boys in the village has been drinking. Esther and I are so sad for him. He seems to be heading on the wrong path for a young man his age. There have been several incidents that we have suspected he was responsible for. He does not have a dad in the home. We pray for him but do not know a real way to help.
Old Socks – New Toys
Esther has been having fun making toys for the kids out of old socks. The kids and parents are thrilled. There are not many toys to be seen.
