Day 12
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Ngodzi

Progress on the church was steady today – the rafters for the porch are done, the strapping for the main roof is done, so, ready for steel tomorrow. We continue to be on target!

The gals had a tour of a nearby orphan daycare facility. Forty children receive a daily meal and are taught by two volunteer teachers. Tomorrow they will be receiving the teddy bears made by the Summerside ladies’ group, as well as clothes, shoes, and books.

Hank joined the Malawi Lifeline clinic staff on an outreach clinic in Chitipi, a village not too far from here. With an interpreter he saw and treated about 30 patients with conditions ranging from malaria, wound infections, to pneumonia and AIDS.

Garnet’s visit to his namesake was postponed until tomorrow.

Darren, Fred and Garnet share a room and everyday we hear of their antics during the night. Apparently, they try to share one fan among themselves, which gets turned toward Garnet after his nightly visit to the girl’s bathroom.


Day 11
Monday, March 26, 2007
Ngodzi

The rafters went up today! The bricklayers continued to build the offices as well as a new bathroom behind the church.

Work on the school latrines started today. Fred advised Mr. Vincent this morning that the gals would be coming to help build the new latrines behind the school. He was very grateful although he did not feel that white women should come and help build the latrines. Fred informed him that white women do work, which surprised him. Fred jokingly replied, “Our women need to work to get food. They don’t work, they don’t eat.”

Hank, Chelsey, Watson and Moses went into Salima this morning to an internet café to post our blogs and attempt to send emails. After 35 minutes, they each read one email, sent one email and posted their blog so they didn’t dare upload any pictures because the connection was so slow.

The big news of the day was an honourable request bestowed upon Garnet! Moses invited Garnet and Chelsey to meet his family last Thursday. Since then his sister gave birth to a baby boy! Moses approached Garnet today and requested that they both come back to visit tomorrow and Garnet has been given the honor of naming the new baby! After very excitedly telling the rest of the team this news, he chose the name… Garnet!! Garnet was positively beaming! Tomorrow, they will return, along with the rest of the gals, to his sister’s house to have a small baby shower!

Day 10
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Ngodzi

Today we all experienced church, African style! We went two by two to five village churches in the area. Some preached a message, while others gave greetings. The worship was very lively with lots of singing and dancing accompanied by drums. The church buildings varied from a school, to churches with thatch roofing, dirt floors, and no seating. Others had concrete floor with wooden benches and a steel roof. What made the experience so memorable for all of us was the joy and gratitude of the people, the unity we all felt with them, and the vibrancy and exuberance of their worship. For the offering, the basket was at the front of the church and people brought their offering of food or money forward, dancing and singing. At some churches people who were sick came to the front to be prayed for by the pastor and team members. New members were welcomed by the church.

The highlight of the afternoon was calling our home church family during their worship service. They arranged a speaker phone so the whole congregation could hear each team member’s brief report. Our church family cheered us on.

We had another delicious meal tonight and practiced our songs for the upcoming weekend celebrations. Although it rained last night, it is still very hot and humid.

We continue to covet your thoughts and prayers as we begin week two.


Day 9
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Ngodzi

Hank, Kees, Betty and Connie were serenaded by a hippo munching on grass right outside their chalets during the night! The hippo left around 5 am, just before we got up.

At 6:00 am some of the team members went on a morning walking tour where we saw many baboons, warthogs, impalas, birds, and elephant tracks… but no elephant yet! After breakfast we finished our safari by boat; it was by far the most exciting part of the safari. We saw elephants! Although everyone was very excited to see the four elephants by the river, Connie was ecstatic! We saw crocodiles, iguanas, and a lot of hippos! At 10:00 am we set off for home by boat on the river. During our drive back home, Betty, Fred, Darren, Paul, and Chelsey finished writing the Chichewa team song! We arrived back at the mission lodge at 2:00 pm.

Pastors Watson and MacDuff briefed us on the upcoming weekend opening festivities which start on Friday night with a showing of the “Jesus Film” in the Chichewa language. We are also preparing some music for the opening celebrations.

Several team members will be sharing in several area churches in the morning, and are busy preparing this evening.

We had our first authentic Malawian meal tonight, nsima (pounded corn) and goat!
“I loved the goat meat” - Hank & Everyone else.
“It’s funny… you have to eat it with your fingers” – Chelsey
“Quite tasty” – Kees
“Turn the lights on so we can see what we are eating!!” – Garnet

Day 8
Friday, March 23, 2007
Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park

Today we took a break from our building project and went on an African safari in the Liwonde National Park at the southern end of Lake Malawi. We left Ngodzi about 8:30 am by road, accompanied by Pat and Ann Laforet (Lifeline Malawi Field Directors) and arrived at the Shire River by 11:30. Some of us then went up river by boat while the other half of the team went overland in a bumpy Land Rover. Those of us in the boat got an early chance to see hippos, crocodiles and lots of river birds.

At the lodge we were treated to a delicious lunch followed by a wonderful swim in their pool. “Heavenly” was the most popular team descriptor. Then afternoon tea and off on our safari in a converted Land Rover with “theatre seating,” with our guide and driver, Charles. We were soon seeing lots of wildlife (impalas, baboons, and lots of hippos). We rode around looking for the black rhino and the elephants, both of which eluded us this evening. Our safari went on until well after dark with a spot light looking for nocturnal critters. We were thankful to see a hippo right of the water (they stay in the water all day during the heat and come out just after dusk to feed for the night, often wandering several kilometers from the river).

Back after our safari by 7:00 pm we were all hungry and ready for dinner at 7:30. Another delicious meal prepared by the lodge staff and ready for bed by 9:00 pm.

Back to our chalets we noticed the sign, “Beware of hippos” – the hippos apparently wander around the chalets at night. The chalets themselves were a unique design of wooden poles and lots of screen, absolutely nothing to stop the jungle sounds around us.

All in all a fun day, although we were all disappointed in not seeing an elephant yet. We pray that we will find some tomorrow.



Day 7
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Ngodzi

Today’s highlight was helping Pastor McDuff get his bicycle back on the road. We picked up Pastor McDuff and his bicycle at his home and drove to the next village for new tires and tubes for his bicycle. We only found one tire and two tubes, so we drove into Chipoka (next major town) and found his other tire in the market. Then we returned to the guest house and had his tires installed. Later, he arrived at the church building site on his bicycle beaming from ear to ear. He hadn’t been able to afford new tires for months (CDN $ 15.00).

The building project continues to progress on schedule. The east wall is almost complete and a concrete “ring beam” across the top of the bricks was started on the south and west walls. We built a wooden cross for the outside front of the church, which will have the inscription “God is Here” in Chichewan. Inspiration for the saying came from Mr. Vincent, the headmaster, who proclaimed, “God is here,” when the gals presented him with the donated school supplies.

Hank joined some of the Lifeline Malawi medical staff on what they call an “outreach clinic” in a remote village north of here. In a very simple mud and thatch structure built by this village for these mobile clinics, he and the other staff saw about 90 patients with lots of malaria and a large number of kids and adults with coughs. And of course, lots of HIV infection and AIDS, as everywhere in this part of Africa.

Thoughts and quotes of the day:
“Mulungu ili pato” (God is here) – Betty
“So little means so much here.” – Fred
“Everywhere you go everyone is happy and friendly.” – Garnet
“I had a very nice talk with Pastor McDuff about everything from the price of corn (CDN $ 10.00 per 50 kg) to the afterlife.” – Kees
“The children are fascinated by my arm freckles; they try to pick them off.” - Connie
“Our entertainment for the evening: Bat watch at six, hippos at seven.” – Janet
“I am more than impressed with the work ethic of the children helping build the church; they don’t stop all day.” – Darren
“I received a gift (a model house made of – we’re not sure) from one of the young boys (Kevin) on the Lifeline Malawi compound.” – Chelsey

Day 6
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ngodzi

Today was a day of extreme emotions for many of us-from being moved to tears by the desperate conditions of the local school to the elation of hearing the church choir practicing for the opening ceremonies in their partly finished church.

The school headmaster, Mr. Vincent, gave the gals the official tour of the school today, and we witnessed the barren conditions in which the children learn. The younger grades sit on the floor with no school supplies. To make drawings they have to do it on the ground outside with their finger. We presented them with a globe and a soccer ball and they were extremely appreciative. We were told their most urgent need was a new toilet facility. They have the bricks, but the mortar is expensive. We will return in the morning with some of the school supplies we have brought with us.

Hank spent the day in the Lifeline Malawi clinic where he saw first hand the great medical needs here, from many children with pneumonia to both children and adults with AIDS. He was very excited to see the clinic extension that was being built in 2005 when he visited there, now in full use and well equipped.

At the church work site we poured the concrete lintels over the windows and doorways. We installed the doorframes and finished the windows in the west wall of the church. There is only two-thirds of the east wall to finish. After three days it is incredible to see the progress!

Connie had the most fun shopping today at the outdoor market place. We bought some beautiful carvings that we bartered for, a new experience for most of us. We were all very shy barterers in the beginning, but became more confident as time went on.
“I left with a bunch of pussycats and came back with some tigers.” – Fred.
Chelsey exchanged her hat, wallet, and a pen for a beautiful carved table.

On the way back, we stopped at the church and the choir was singing on the stage.
“Awe inspiring” - Connie
“This IS the reason we are here” – Hank
“I just couldn’t believe it. They were there practicing already.” – Garnet
“Wow. Like heaven on earth.” – Janet
“They were so lively and joyous, they lifted me up.” – Betty & Paul

Baggage finally arrived yesterday (Forgot to mention it in yesterday’s blog). Hallelujah!!!

Day 5
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Ngodzi

We woke to a beautiful sunrise over Lake Malawi. Janet led devotions this morning on caring for the poor. She cited Bono on “to be close to God is to be close to the poor because he commands us to love the poor”. The day started out very hot and there was no breeze. We were overwhelmed by the amount of children that showed up to work. A simple empty plastic water bottle is invaluable to them and this caused some chaos as we passed them out for a job well done on hauling bricks. The Headmaster from the local school arrived and told the children to go home as there were too many children around the worksite to be safe. Some of the women noticed that many of the children were not healthy with anemia and chronic coughs.

We made excellent progress on day two. At the end of the work day the three windows on the back wall were installed, the west wall was almost finished with two of the three breeze block windows near completion. Most of the trusses have been constructed for the roof and the east wall is well on its way up. We are waiting for the doors to arrive so that we can complete the south wall and west wall.

Instead of waiting for transport back to the compound some of us decided to walk back the 800 meters through the village. Along the route green leaves were laid out across the road to indicate a funeral was taking place for the 2nd Chief. Anyone entering this area on bike had to dismount and walk quietly past the funeral hut. Any vehicles that passed had to slow done and make as little noise as possible. Those that were walking kept their voices down.

Janet spoke to Pastor MacDuff regarding who would be interested in learning how to play the guitar and pursuing it for worship during church service. He was overwhelmed with the offer and stated that he would like to learn and use it in his church for worship. The food has been more than excellent. Supper tonight was fish that came out of Lake Malawi.

Day 4
Monday, March 19, 2007
Ngodzi

Hank started the day with Devotions reading from Nehemiah. Prayer time followed with each member expressing their concerns about their roles here in Africa. We all prayed for unity, strength and a real realization of our purpose. After breakfast we headed out to the worksite where the Malawian men had begun the foundation. Introductions were made and Pastor MacDuff welcomed us warmly. Work started off slowly but picked up the paced once Dr Brooks was able to obtain more trowels. It didnít take long before the two nations were comfortably working side by side. Even the children of the village pitched in feverishly to haul the bricks to the walls that were being erected. They were full of cheer as they laboured endlessly in the heat. All told, the front wall, part of the back wall, a portion of the west wall and some of the trusses were built. Needless to say the heat increased but the enthusiasm never faltered.


Day 3
Sunday, March 16, 2007
Lilongwe

For seven of us, placing their feet on African soil was an exhilarating moment. For others of us, the nostalgia of acacia trees and that certain African aroma in the air, is always moving. And then there is the wonderful service on Kenya Airways that is so friendly, prompt and attentive.

We arrived in Nairobi at 7:30 am after an nine and a half hour flight. We viewed a beautiful sunrise over Africa from the plane. At Nairobi, just a brief layover, change of gates, and on to Lilongwe via Lusaka.

After an hour and a half drive from the airport, we finally reached the Lifeline Malawi compound. The drive was an eye opening experience; we saw many, many Malawians walking along the side of the road. We saw children tending to cows and goats. At the compound Dr. Chris Brooks assigned us to our rooms and we were able to shower and change. We arrived sans baggage so we will have to make do with the kit on our backs. Dr Brooks wife, Heather prepared a delicious supper and then Hank ran through our daily schedule: 06:15 Devotions, 06:45 Breakfast, 07:30 leave for the worksite. Everyone went to bed fairly early to prepare for our first full day of work.

Day 4
Monday, March 19, 2007
Ngodzi

Hank started the day with Devotions reading from Nehemiah. Prayer time followed with each member expressing their concerns about their roles here in Africa. We all prayed for unity, strength and a real realization of our purpose. After breakfast we headed out to the worksite where the Malawian men had begun the foundation. Introductions were made and Pastor MacDuff welcomed us warmly. Work started off slowly but picked up the paced once Dr Brooks was able to obtain more trowels. It didnít take long before the two nations were comfortably working side by side. Even the children of the village pitched in feverishly to haul the bricks to the walls that were being erected. They were full of cheer as they laboured endlessly in the heat. All told, the front wall, part of the back wall, a portion of the west wall and some of the trusses were built. Needless to say the heat increased but the enthusiasm never faltered.


Day 3
Sunday, March 16, 2007
Lilongwe

For seven of us, placing their feet on African soil was an exhilarating moment. For others of us, the nostalgia of acacia trees and that certain African aroma in the air, is always moving. And then there is the wonderful service on Kenya Airways that is so friendly, prompt and attentive.

We arrived in Nairobi at 7:30 am after an nine and a half hour flight. We viewed a beautiful sunrise over Africa from the plane. At Nairobi, just a brief layover, change of gates, and on to Lilongwe via Lusaka.

After an hour and a half drive from the airport, we finally reached the Lifeline Malawi compound. The drive was an eye opening experience; we saw many, many Malawians walking along the side of the road. We saw children tending to cows and goats. At the compound Dr. Chris Brooks assigned us to our rooms and we were able to shower and change. We arrived sans baggage so we will have to make do with the kit on our backs. Dr Brooks wife, Heather prepared a delicious supper and then Hank ran through our daily schedule: 06:15 Devotions, 06:45 Breakfast, 07:30 leave for the worksite. Everyone went to bed fairly early to prepare for our first full day of work.

Day 3
Sunday, March 16, 2007
Lilongwe

For seven of us, placing their feet on African soil was an exhilarating moment. For others of us, the nostalgia of acacia trees and that certain African aroma in the air, is always moving. And then there is the wonderful service on Kenya Airways that is so friendly, prompt and attentive. We arrived in Nairobi at 7:30 am after an nine and a half hour flight. We viewed a beautiful sunrise over Africa from the plane. At Nairobi, just a brief layover, change of gates, and on to Lilongwe via Lusaka.

We are safely in Lilongwe and the team are on their way to the guest house at Ngodzi. However, our 19 bags haven't, so please pray they will arrive tomorrow.

Internet access will be limited so we can't do daily posts.

We are grateful to "be on the ground."

Day 2
Saturday, March 15, 2007
London

Our Toronto-London flight went without a hitch after a short delay for de-icing in Toronto. We did however arrive four hours later than our original Halifax-Toronto itinerary. So, that meant that we had much less time for London sightseeing.

After changing airport terminals, quick? bathroom breaks, and storing our baggage, we hopped on the Underground (London Subway) and Darren led us on a “whirlwind tour” of London. We saw Big Ben and heard the two o’clock carillon. We strolled around Westminster Abbey, took a group photo, and saw lovely swans and pelicans in St. James Park. The daffodils were out in their full glory. Then a hasty subway ride back to the airport, English fish and chips, and a frustrating Heathrow security clearance. Thankfully, we did all get through will everything with lots of rearranging.

Now, we’re poised for another overnight flight to Nairobi. Who chose this itinerary anyway?

Good news though—our bags are following us!

3 Day
Sunday, March 18
Nairobi

We have safely arrived in Nairobi and looking forward to our flight to Lilongwe. We had a great day in London yesterday. We are all well but tired from two back to back overnight flights. It is exciting to be on African soil.

Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

The Team

Day 1
March 16, 2007

The threat of a snow storm in the Maritimes led to a significant change in our opening itinerary. When we went to check our luggage in Charlottetown early this morning, we were advised to drive to Halifax to catch our Halifax-London flight. They warned us that our Charlottetown-Halifax flight might well be cancelled as the result of the storm.

So after some quick phone calls we left PEI with two vanloads and headed for Halifax. Upon arriving there, they told us our flight to London was cancelled. However, Air Canada was very helpful and within 30 minutes were were boarding a flight to Toronto, with an onward connection to London. They knew we were coming and indicated that our luggage, shipped from Charlottetown earlier in the day, would be taken care of.

We are now at the gate in Toronto for our flight to Longdon. So far, they don't know the status of our bags. We trust they will follow us.

1 Day to go!

Bags are packed and ready for the ride to the airport tomorrow. We finished our packing this evening and tried on our new hats. We pray that the supplies and gifts will be a blessing to the people of Malawi. And we pray that the bags will safely find their way to their destination.

4 Days to go

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our community in donating tools, medical supplies, and gifts to take with us. Here is Cathy Cairns busy packing our duffle bags, making sure they are not overweight while every nook and cranny is used. Please pray that these supplies and gifts will brighten the lives of those in Malawi we go to serve.

5 Days to go

We had a wonderful sendoff and commissioning by our home church, Island Wesleyan. Pastor John Symonds, our interim pastor, challenged us with a message entitled, “The Door.” He then had us come forward for the commissioning prayer, with family and friends standing behind us. We were encouraged and challenged by songs like, “Hope of the Nations” and “We Speak to Nations.” All in all it was a moving morning.

7 Days to go

We are down to the last week! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers during this last week of preparation and packing. We pray for health for the team and lots of rest before our two days of travel. And of course we hope and pray for good weather here as we leave so that our travel schedule doesn’t get interrupted by flight delays.

14 Days to go

We are down to the final two weeks of preparation. The team met last evening and some of our collective fears were named: heat, inadequacy, snakes and bugs, leaving family behind, food, and toilet facilities. Some others likely weren’t named. Please pray that with God’s strength we will overcome our fears and accomplish the mission we have been called to.