EMAS Canada Malawi Team 2010

2010-10-23T16:54:00.000-03:00

Our photo gallery

Your can view our pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/MalawiTeam

2010-09-27T20:30:00.000-03:00

Presentation

Everyone is invited to a presentation of our recent mission on Sunday, October 3rd, 7:00 pm at Island Wesleyan Church in Hampton. We will be sharing slides, videos and stories. We are looking forward to the opportunity to share with family, friends and supporters.

2010-09-12T19:37:00.002-03:00

Day 18
Sept. 12, 2010
Home
We all made it home today, but our bags didn’t. As soon as we arrived in Halifax we heard word from Air Canada that all 12 bags were left behind in London. We had a very tight connection and the Ethiopian flight from Addis to London was 30 minutes late. So we had to scurry along to even catch the Air Canada flight ourselves – we had to go through security and one team member had the thorough search, and then we still needed boarding passes. But we are grateful to be home. Hopefully our bags will follow tomorrow.

After being together for 18 days, we will miss each other. We have shared a lot these days. We look forward to opportunities to share of our experiences with our supporting churches, Englewood School, and any other group who would like us to present.

Day 17
Sept. 11, 2010
Addis Ababa Airport, Ethiopia
Our day began with breakfast at the Kuka Lodge. It turned out to be quite an experience to get our eggs just right, especially for Sarah. It proved our growth in the spiritual fruit called ‘patience.’

While we awaited our ride to the airport, Victoria met one of the Kuka Lodge staff whose dad is a pastor and who was able to listen to one of the songs from Sunday’s service and translate the words into English. She marvels at these “God incidences” that have so marked this trip.

Due to the diesel shortage, a mini-van was hired to take us all to the airport. We decided to arrive early for our afternoon flight to avoid being bumped due to overbooking. Limbani joined us for the trip to the airport, and we were also seen off by Gift and Haldon. Checking in was uneventful and we breezed through customs. Our flight from Lilongwe to Addis Ababa was uneventful. We now have a several hour layover while we await our Ethiopian Airlines flight to London.

Final good-byes to Malawi were hard. Some team members sense it is their last trip; others are already thinking of the next mission. What is for sure is that for all of us, Africa has left its mark in our hearts and we will be forever changed.

2010-09-11T08:49:00.001-03:00

Day 16
Sept. 10, 2010
Kuka Lodge, Lilongwe

Our journey toward home has begun. Our itinerary called for a trip to Lilongwe via Dedza, but due to a shortage of diesel fuel that part of the journey was scrapped in order to take the shortest route. That meant we wouldn’t take the interesting drive up the escarpment with the switchbacks and drive up along the Mozambique border.

We said our good-byes this morning and left the Lifeline Malawi compound at 9:00 am. Although we are ready to return home, saying good-bye is hard – bittersweet. For those of us who were her for the first time, many new friends have been made. And for us returning ones, re-acquaintances made and also new friends made.

Since we arrived in Lilongwe earlier than previously planned, we had lunch at an Italian restaurant, Mama Mia. From there some last minutes shopping for souvenirs and some interesting foodstuffs we want to take home with us. Our returning bags might be pretty heavy.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing at the Kuka Lodge. Chelsey and Hank have begun the colossal task of selecting the 100 or so best photos from all our pooled pictures (one team member has taken over 1000 pictures).

This evening, we went out for supper with the Lifeline Malawi staff who work here in Lilongwe. It was pizza. The staff very much appreciated our work and commitment as a team, and we in turn are very grateful for our Lifeline Malawi hosts. We are very thankful that we have been able to accomplish our mission and we all feel fulfilled and grateful for the seeds that have been sown and the lives that have been touched. It has been a privilege to serve, and again, our gratitude goes out to our family, friends and supporters who have sustained us through prayer and financial support.

Tomorrow we begin the long flight home and tonight will be our last horizontal sleep until we get into our own beds at home.

2010-09-10T15:35:00.001-03:00

Day 15
Sept. 9, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

So, here we are. It’s hard to believe that we are spending our last
night here at the guest house at Lifeline. We arrived 2 weeks ago –
strangers some of us and old acquaintances for others. But we leave
friends.

A final reflection was shared for the morning devotions with staff by
Hank. He encouraged and challenged the host team to fix our eyes on
the prize – the author and finisher of our faith and to run the race
towards Christ throwing off all that hinders.

Marilyn was delighted to be asked to name a beautiful newborn baby
girl. She chose the Biblical name Esther.

Connie and Sarah were escorted by James into Salima to purchase some
soccer balls to leave at the compound and school. They also purchased
some buckets to leave at the latrines at the local Chilambula School.
It didn’t seem right to do a health talk on the importance of proper
hand washing when there was one bucket to share between 700 plus
school children.

Our final day at the clinic was bitter sweet as we worked alongside
our new friends for the last time. It’s hard to believe our time here
has come to an end. It was interesting (to say the least) to work in
the clinic during the power outage. The flashlight (torch) sure came
in handy!

John (who attends the church in the village where Sarah and Victoria
attended on Sunday) went above and beyond the call of duty today. He
located the newly converted Muslim man, who gave his heart to the Lord
on Sunday when Sarah and Victoria were present. He also brought along
the church elder who gave testimony of his conversion from Muslim to
Christian faith. Sarah and Victoria had both been wondering how the
man was getting along and concerned that he was being discipled.
Unknowns to them, he too was requesting prayer from them. It was a
wonderful experience to be reunited at the Lifeline mission house and
to be able to share and encourage and have a time of ministry through
prayer.

The clinic renovation project was “handed over” to the village leaders
with a short ceremony. It involved speeches by our team, as well as
words of thanksgiving from the village chief. Some work remains to
complete, but we have been assured by Lifeline that it will be
finished in a timely fashion.

We were graced by Pastor Matemba at the supper hour who came to
deliver a final farewell and deliver a note of thanks to the team. We
were delighted to share the supper meal with him – traditional nsema.

2010-09-09T07:15:00.001-03:00

Day 14
Sept. 8, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

Today was Chelsey’s day to meet up with a long lost friend, Den-deni!
He just showed up at the “Jesus” film which we showed in the
Chilambula Church this evening. She had given up hope, evening
checking at the school when we did our health promotion talk and
vitamin distribution this morning. So she is thrilled. Although he
was taller, he looked exactly as we remembered him in 2007.

The church filled for the film and several indicated their desire to
become followers of Jesus. We were thankful that the technology
worked well (generator, projector, sound and indoor lighting). Thanks
for the Lifeline staff who assisted hooking everything up.

Marilyn again gave the health talk this morning to a general assembly
under a tree. From there the screening for scalp ringworm and vitamin
distribution became somewhat chaotic as there was more pushing and
shoving by the kids then in the Matowe School. However, we
accomplished our goal. Connie had a ‘moment’ when Mr. Vincent told
her that it is fine to give a health promotion talk on hand washing
but that they only have one bucket of water for over 700 kids. So,
off to Salima tomorrow to get a few more buckets.

Sr. Gertrude was thrilled to attend the Matowe Roman Catholic Church
for a visit from the bishop. She rushed to be there on time (9 am)
but he didn’t arrive until about 11 am so she said, “I had lots of
time to pray for you all.”

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow will be our last day here in Ngodzi
and that it will be time to say good-byes. The clinic renovation
project as been proceeding smoothly, but it won’t be completely
finished before we leave.

2010-09-08T07:43:00.001-03:00

Day 13
Sept. 7, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

6:30 am Brian’s devotions had a focus on the prayer of Ignatius
Layola – “Work as if everything depended on God and pray as if
everything depended on you.”

7:00 am Breakfast

7:45 am Sr. Gertrude took charge of putting together one of the long
lost wheelbarrows that had showed up yesterday.

8:15 am The whole team departed for Matowe, the outreach clinic site,
half the team to do a medical clinic and health promotion at the
school and the other half to work on the building project. Today at
the worksite the mudding of the walls was being done with great skill
by the local tradesmen. The breeze block windows and the moving of the
never ending pile of bricks were completed by the PEI team. For the
medical portion, Marilyn was the key note speaker for an assembly on
health issues. The assembly was held under a tree in the school yard!
She did an amazing job. The children (numbering around 700) sang after
the talk while Hank and Marilyn danced for them. Vitamins were
distributed to each child at the school by visiting each classroom
(grade 1 class had 153 students with one teacher – wow). The children
were all screened for scalp ringworm and anemia.

1:00 pm The team headed back to the compound for lunch. After lunch
Connie starting counting pills for distribution tomorrow in the
Chilambula School. Sr. Gertrude and Brian stayed on at the building
site.

2:00 pm The medical team worked the afternoon clinic

4:00 pm More pill counting while Marilyn, Chelsea and Victoria headed
out to do a home visit on a palliative care patient with some type of
cancer of his leg and dropped off a wheel chair. They ministered to
him with prayer and encouragement.

6:00 pm Dinner of Chambo fish, head and skin on!

7:15 pm Back to pill counting and blogging, finishing around 9 pm.

9:00 pm Some heading off to bed. The roosters start crowing outside
our windows around 5:00 am.

2010-09-07T07:41:00.001-03:00

Day 12
Sept. 6, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

Well, it appears that those of us who ate a snack at Livingstonia
yesterday are paying the price today, as most of our team is feeling
under the weather. However, we still had a full day at the clinic
renovation project and here at the main Lifeline Malawi Clinic. Both
Chelsey for our team devotions and Marilyn for staff devotions did an
awesome job.

The highlight of our day was our participation this afternoon in a BCI
(behaviour changing intervention) which is a presentation of several
dramas and teaching on HIV/AIDS prevention. This program has been
temporarily suspended due to lack of funds but we were able to provide
some money for today’s drama. We left at 2 pm and drove to a remote,
mostly Muslim, village where people of all ages had gathered. The
dramas all teach the message of abstinence before marriage and being
faithful to one partner (polygamy is still practiced here, especially
among Muslims). They were funny and captured the attention of
everyone. Hank gave a talk and led in opening and closing prayer.
Several of the first timers of the team took the opportunity to visit
a few village homes. They were struck by the simplicity and lack of
furniture in the houses. One elderly lady appeared to have had
leprosy and lived in a reed home, as opposed to most of the brick or
mud homes in this area.

Tomorrow the whole team will be going to Matowe (where our building
project is happening) for an outreach clinic. This evening the team
is counting out vitamin pills to hand to the village children
tomorrow.

2010-09-07T07:40:00.001-03:00

Day 11
Sept. 5, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

Sunday, church day! This morning we all went out two by two to
village churches and all had incredibly rich experiences.
Sr. Gertrude and Connie left early (6:45 am) to go to early mass at
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. The people were so friendly,
coming out to meet them as they arrived and making them feel very much
at home. Apparently Connie really can sing and she started “Mulungo
Ali Pano” as a solo, but soon others joined. They were invited into
the priest’s home after the service. They discovered that the church
had been built by Canadians.

Sarah and Victoria were welcomed by a jubilant choir who escorted them
inside the church and seated them. The most significant moment
happened at the end of the service when a man who had come into the
service late confessed that he was Muslim and after hearing the
service and testimony decided to give his heart to the Lord! This was
an immediate and direct answer to prayer in the service just moments
before. After this, the whole congregation broke out in celebration
much like we would imagine the angels do in heaven when one lost
sinner comes home. At the end of the service the choir again escorted
Sarah and Victoria back to the waiting van.

Brian and Marilyn went to the Matowe church, the same village where we
are doing the clinic reconstruction. Brian brought the message and
they too experienced the incredible worship and music that we are
becoming accustomed to in African churches.

Hank and Chelsey also had a wonderful time. Their highlight was a
young boy (approx. 11 or 12) who played the drum incredible well and
sang a lead part in a song presented by the youth that truly impressed
us. We just wanted to pack him up and take him home; what a gifted
boy. Chelsey brought greetings and Hank preached.

This afternoon we went to Livingstonia which is a resort on Lake
Malawi north of here. On the way we stopped at the “carvers” where we
bartered for (many) souvenirs.

This evening the team invited the Lifeline Malawi staff to a movie
night featuring “Faith Like Potatoes.” Popcorn and pop was served and
the staff and families were challenged in their faith by the movie,
which is based on a true story of a white farmer set in Zambia and
South Africa. We couldn’t but notice the contrasting cultures as we
watched it with our Malawian friends.

2010-09-05T19:13:00.001-03:00

Day 10
Sept. 4, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

Dearest Readers,

Today we woke up to monkey’s scampering across our roofs, hippopotamuses grunting just yards away in the river and tracks from an elephant that came to check out the camp last night.

We had a wonderful breakfast and went out on a river boat cruise. The team was so blessed to witness all forms of wildlife! Two elephant swam out to us and began a playful tousle with us watching very few meters away. These two elephants put on a show and entertained while letting us get some wonderful pictures. The hippo’s also kept an eye on the team and there was a scary moment when we accidentally bumped into one with the boat! There were also many baboons, impalas, ‘toilet seat deer’ (water bucks), warthogs and many interesting varieties of birds.

On the way home from our safari we stopped in a small town called Balaka for some shopping. Some of the team got their first taste of bartering and some (Victoria) picked it up rather quickly! When we arrived home we ate a great supper and then started getting ready for our day of ministry tomorrow morning. We are going two by two to villages churches.

2010-09-03T18:54:00.003-03:00

Day 9
Sept. 3, 2010
Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park

Our day began with a relaxed start by sleeping in until 0600hrs,
followed by breakfast and we were off in the jeep on our excursion to
Liwonde National Park. The almost four hour drive south was
adventuresome. Our most gracious driver James managed to avoid all
goats, bicycles and passersby.

Upon arriving to the park, we relaxed while waiting for lunch to be
served. The dining room overlooks the dock where the boats launch for
the river safari which we will be taking tomorrow morning. We very
much enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by a relaxing swim in the
outdoor pool. We then gathered for an afternoon tea before embarking
on our afternoon/evening safari. There were many impalas, mongoose,
wart hogs, water buck, and other 4 legged creatures of which none of
us seem to remember the names. Oh yes, monkeys, baboons, and various
birds. There was a brief sighting of elephants. Unfortunately, our
screaming in excitement and the very squeaky brakes on our Land Rover
scared them away, after the bull threatened to charge us.

Then we watched the sun go down over the lake with a huge hollowed out
baobab tree in the foreground.

Upon arriving back at the lodge, we were escorted to our outdoor
dining room on sand floors with a blazing fire in the centre of the
room and live entertainment. Many of us ate too much.

As we write this, we can hear the hippos snorting nearby. It will be
an interesting night.

2010-09-03T18:54:00.001-03:00

Day 8
Sept. 2, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

Our day began again with a beautiful sunrise over Lake Malawi. Our
team devotions were led by Sarah on Psalm 139 and was very moving.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs, toast and cereal. We again split into
two groups for the day.

On the way to the construction site, the team stopped to pick up some
freshly prepared goat; they will be true Malawians by the end of the
week! Then Connie got her sugar fix, thanks to James the driver – a
Coke.

It was a really hot day on the work site today but a lot of work was
completed. The second window was finished and the third window is
half-way done (Brian didn’t want to leave until it was done –
dedication). The inside of the clinic has been cleared of all the
rubble and the walls are ready for plaster. The cement slab for the
latrines was poured and is drying. The children helped moving the
bricks and Connie opened the clinic early, nursing many of them with
cuts and scratches.

The traditional meal was shared again today! Gertrude and Connie
played ball with the children and sang for them. In return the
children, workers and surrounding people sang to them. After lunch the
girls spent some time worshiping together with the village women in
the school house. Even though they didn’t understand the language,
God’s presence was very near.

Lifeline Malawi asked our team to assist in distributing specially
designed wheelchairs donated by Rotary which were then presented on
their behalf by the medical half of our team. The truck was loaded
with twenty-one wheelchairs and we set out to two villages where
recipients were previously identified. People with disabilities from
paraplegia to various neurological disorders had gathered with their
caregivers under a tree.

What happened next were the most exciting unplanned moments where God
moved amongst us in ways we could never have imagined. We felt as
though we had been teleported into the biblical times and Jesus
himself was walking about teaching, ministering hope and healing to
all those afflicted. We were open vessels broken and spilled out for
Him extending His hands and feet and heart to all those who were
brought to us. We were stretched, challenged and were humbled by
God’s magnificent grace and presence among us. There was a freedom
and liberty to carry out the Great Commission in a very real way.
Hank and Victoria shared messages of hope and God’s heart for the
moment. The team prayed with several people and one man got up out of
his chair and walked a circle around the tree! What a moment!

This afternoon we were back at the clinic seeing patients and
assisting wherever we could.

Our two by two teams for Sunday have been determined and messages are
starting to be prepared. Tomorrow we are off early for Liwonde
National Park for our overnight safari.

2010-09-03T18:53:00.001-03:00

Day 7
Sept. 1, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

We had another awesome day today! We actually had a rain shower early
this morning. Here are some team highlights of our day:

At the clinic renovation site, an elderly lady approached Connie for
prayer, and she was elated to pray for the lady’s painful legs. The
lady was deeply moved and they finished in a long embrace.

Sr. Gertrude’s highlight was the children’s help in moving bricks.
She thanked them profusely in English, and they responded in Chichewa,
and then Gertrude switched to Chichewa, they to English.

Sarah’s highlight was spending the day with Nelson (and Chelsey), who
spent significant time teaching them about HIV/AIDS and the history of
Lifeline Malawi’s AIDS work. Then they followed two patients who came
for HIV testing. One was positive, one negative. They followed the
positively tested patient through to the end and were impressed by the
thoroughness of the assessment and counseling.

Chelsey spent the day (in black) at the clinic and was excited that
Hope (one of the clinical officers) allowed her to shadow him (Chelsey
is in pre-med). They saw a pregnant lady with malaria and Chelsey
helped prepare the malaria smear which tested positive. She is a keen
learner.

Marilyn spent the day again with pregnant women and their babies (her
passion at home working with CHANCES). No deliveries today but she
participated in immunizing expectant mothers against tetanus to
prevent neonatal tetanus, which is common here.

Supper was Brian’s most cherished moment of the day, four or five
pieces of perch out of Lake Malawi. He deserved it, working hard at
the construction project.

Hank worked with Pastor Yunusu (pronounced Eunice) who translated for
his patients (many children with very high fevers from malaria and/or
pneumonia). He was extremely encouraged to hear that the staff
devotion that he led two years ago on “Living Worthy of Your Calling,”
was still remembered and being shared around.

Victoria’s day was punctuated by “God moments.” She really saw Him at
work connecting all the dots in the various circumstances she found
herself in (sharing at the women’s ministry at the church, praying for
a brained damaged boy who often comes to the Chilambula church
meetings, staff devotions on Joshua and it being her son Joshua’s 9th
birthday at home.)

We left home one week ago tomorrow. Seems like ages ago, we have
experienced so much. Thanks to all of you following our blogs and
keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. Our communal journaling
every evening acts as debriefing as well an outlet for much needed
laughter.

2010-09-01T08:43:00.001-03:00

Day 6
August 31, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

Our day started with team devotions led by Sr. Gertrude. After
breakfast the medical team members stayed to work in clinic, while the
others left to work on the clinic remodeling project.

Arriving at the work site the Malawian construction workers welcomed
us (Brian, Connie, Gertrude and Chelsey) with handshakes and Chichewa
greetings. The work started in the interior, the team had to break
down a small room made of bricks and mortar. Sister Gertrude got tired
of using a hammer and chisel, and decided to kick down the wall! Saved
time and impressed the workers. Brian (a.k.a. Pharaoh) worked
alongside Daniel, the Malawian foremen, to complete an entire window
made of breezeblocks. Brian worked hard and worked the rest of team
just as hard too! The hole was dug for the latrines and bricks started
to be laid along the bottom.

The village chief, Kazati, arrived and worked along side of the team.
He had a meeting with the village men and women at the work site and
decided to honor our work with a festive meal. A goat was chosen and
prepared on site, cut into bite-size pieces, along with all the
intestines, and put it into a pot. None of the members of the team had
ever seen goat and nsema made from scratch. It was an adventure! Brian
was given a large portion of the intestines, and quite enjoyed it.

Chelsey met an older Malawian worker named Kenneth. Informing him that
this was the name of her father, he proclaimed her his daughter.
Affectionately known as ‘Kenny,’ he announced to the chief that he had
adopted her as his fourth daughter and to call her by her new Chichewa
name, “Gysomo”. Kenny also gave the rest of the team Chichewa names,
Connie was given the name “Chisisi” (‘memory’ in English), Brian was
given the name “Chikondi” (‘love’ in English), and Gertrude was given
the name “Nyachisale” (‘Grandma in English.’)

Chisisi, Nyachisale and Gysomo followed the women to the community
pump to fill the buckets of water for mixing the mortar. Gertrude
decided it would an experience to help the woman carry the water back
to the work site – the traditional way. The women laughed as Gertrude
and Chelsey carried buckets of water on top of their heads (getting
thoroughly soaked in the process.)

The medical team also had a very diverse and busy day. The morning
began at the medical centre with staff devotions. It was a very
touching experience to be included in this and Victoria shared some
scripture and spiritual thoughts. The word she shared really helped us
to get off to a wonderful start. We split up and went to our
“assigned” areas, meeting back at the guest house for lunch and some
debriefing.

Marilyn spent the morning in the maternity. The woman (Florence) who
delivered yesterday was on her way home with her new baby by nine am.
She packed up her bag, wrapped up baby and basically began the walk
home. No need to think about car seat safety.

Sarah worked in the dressing room with Smart and Victoria spent the
morning with Nelson learning about HIV/AIDS testing and treatment.
She was able to connect at an emotional and spiritual level with a
woman who tested positive through a hug and prayer. The afternoon was
spent in the clinic seeing dozens of patients, lots of malaria,
pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and quite a variety of other ailments.

Supper was rice and beef stew, and just as we sat down the lights went
out again (thanks for the team that installed solar powered LED
lighting system).

2010-09-01T08:42:00.002-03:00

Day 5
August 30, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

No sleeping in this morning. Most of us were up flashing pictures of
the sun rising over the mountains on the horizon and Lake Malawi in
the foreground. Breathtaking – the freshness of a new day!

Connie led the morning devotions which she shared from her heart.

We spent some time planning as a team what the next 2 weeks would look
like. We discussed the presenting needs of Lifeline, the skills
available on our team and some ministry opportunities. We have a
rough plan that is more than likely to change as the days unfold. We
are quickly learning that circumstances are always subject to change.

The team toured the clinic this morning seeing all the aspects of
service here from the entry point of registration to assessing,
teaching and education, diagnosis and treatment. It was an eye
opening experience for sure for the health care providers in our group
to see how health care is delivered here. It was disheartening to see
empty pharmacy shelves and patients coming back requiring a new
prescription because what was ordered was not available. The downturn
in the economy and the disaster in Haiti are being felt here.

Marilyn was able to observe the miracle of new life in the new
maternity ward and was left speechless by the event! It was
encouraging the see the maternity ward operational, although more
supplies are needed for more complicated deliveries.

Lunch was shared with the Lifeline Malawi staff and ourselves. Goat
stew!! Bon appetite! Mingling with the staff, talking about their
work, their culture and life here in Malawi was a special experience
for all of us.

After lunch the team traveled out to the project site and perused the
surroundings. The job will be to refurbish an outpost treatment
clinic. Walls are coming down and being rebuilt, the roof is being
repaired from leaks and latrines are being built. There are no real
bathrooms there except a crack in the floor. There was significant
discussion about how the work crew was going to address this situation
while working. Connie or Chelsey – it “Depends.” Sister shall
decide!!! No one argues with Gramma.

A very interesting sundown experience as we’re sure there must have
been a full moon with missing persons, search parties and
uncontrollable giddiness. We do believe the reality of being here is
settling in as we all see the work to be done and the organizing it
takes to make things happen. We are all optimistic and keen to be of
service.

The supper hour was very entertaining as the stress and planning of
the day was relieved with deep belly laughter. Some people (not
mentioning any names here) haven’t had enough sleep – Connie. She’s
the one that threatened to strangle the turkey with Chelsey’s head
wrap. This sent Chelsey racing in fear to advocate for the poor
turkey’s life. She didn’t want to see it on the breakfast table. It
was amusing to say the least. Who were they searching for anyway??

Brian and Marilyn pulled out their tennis racquets and balls and
rallied some village children. They had a good rally going and loved
the experience of teaching the kids and watching them interact.

Marilyn is working on her Sarah voice – a special one just for her. It
is a fearful thing having Sarah look like a spy at dinner!! $29.99
Wal-Mart hearing aids are doing the trick while Marilyn is in voice
training.

There is a new “Victoria’s secret” in Malawi and it’s not lingerie.
“The Hankster” was challenged to a bologna/ cream cheese/ hot chili
garlic sauce bunwich by Victoria. The outcome? Delicious.

One final thought – today, we were amused by several varied critters
including a large praying mantis, flying ants, spiders in the loo and
lizards in the bedroom – but there’s an upside to that too ‘cause they
eat the “skeeters!”

2010-08-30T13:25:00.001-03:00

Day 4
August 29, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

We started the day by sleeping-in, in spite of our good friend the
rooster. Breakfast was at 8am with everyone thankful for a restful
horizontal sleep. It was an adventure just climbing out of the
mosquito netting.

Hank led devotions with a focus on Revelation 7. “Everyone was there -
all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And John 17 “But also
for those that will believe in me…..Just as you Father are in Me and I
in You.”

We had a lovely breakfast and were all ready to go to church by 9 am.
Next was the walk to the village church that Chelsey, Connie and Hank
had helped to construct. The children came out to watch and walk with
us. Our first glimpse of village life and what was to come later in
the day.

Church was lively as is so typical in African services, with lots of
beautiful singing accompanied by enthusiastic drumming and lots of
body movement. Some of our team members were caught up with the
rhythm, while some will need work in that area. We brought greetings
and Hank was asked to preach.

Sister Gertrude and Connie were invited into a home by one of the
women at church and are hoping to have the opportunity to do so soon.

We returned to the guest house for lunch and had a short time to chat
and rest and then went on a tour of the fishing village along the
lake. Our guides and translators Daniel and Limbani were a big help in
translating and filling us in on some local activities.
The photo’s of the fishermen will give you some idea of how being on
this lake with the fishing is a reminder of what things would have
been like on the Sea Of Galilee, the men fishing, the children
playing, the women washing the clothes. It was pretty amazing!
Sarah was touched as she was reminded of the cycle of fishing to
agriculture, the hard life, the hope of catching, the drying…

The high light of the day during this tour of the village was the
children, so many, bright eyes, big smiles all interested in us,
wanting their pictures taken and then big laughs when seeing their
pictures on the LCD screen. Follow us along often up to 50 or 60 at a
time. At any given moment one of our team members would be lost in a
sea of children. Most wanting to pose, holding our hands, gathering
around, following us along. Each of us felt a connection to the
children. What joy.

Victoria experienced a personal God moment while writing in the sand
the dates Nov. 29/09 – Aug. 29/10 with the same stick she used to
write the same dates in the sand in PEI. The dates signify 9 months
from the date of God’s call on her heart to go to Africa. Today is
the day of the call being fulfilled in humble obedience. It signifies
the birth of something new – new beginnings. In a way, writing in the
sand was like God drawing a line in the sand connecting the nations
and the bridge is love. As she wrote in the sand she was quickly
enveloped by a whole flock of children.

2010-08-30T13:24:00.001-03:00

Day 3
August 28, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

After long hours of airports and flying we safely arrived in Ngodzi
and were greeted by Gift and Lambini. All our luggage arrived safely
except the wheel barrows so an extra two hours was spent trying to
find them – no success yet.

We were welcomed by a beautiful sunset on the drive home. Excitement
mounted as we got a glimpse of the familiar surrounding of Lifeline
Malawi Clinic and community. The extra time spent at the airport
caused us to be traveling in the dark for the last half of the trip
and Connie (who was riding passenger seat) had her eyes closed the
whole time.
Arriving at the compound we were greeted in the dark – there was a
blackout. We were served dinner and the lights came back on half-way
through the meal.

No one dared challenge Sister Gertrude to an arm wrestle for her bed!!
We all made our respective nests and there was much discussion around
what we would all wear the next day. The mosquito nets were dropped
down over the beds and we were able to be horizontal for the first
time in over 50 hours.

So, here we are. This has been a unique journey to this place. For
me (Victoria) it has been highly spiritual and today is almost too
overwhelming as it is exactly 9 months from this morning Nov. 29/10 on
a Sunday morning in church where God called me on this mission. And,
here I am now in fulfillment of that call. The tears are streaming
freely. God is soooooooooo good. God is sooooooooo faithful. What is
the significance of 9 months? 9 months is the season of being
pregnant and giving birth. This has been a spiritual pregnancy for
me. I cannot articulate what God is birthing in me. I don’t know if
I will have any understanding in it for months or even years. That’s
okay. All I say is God – have your way. I am your willing and
faithful servant.

The word for today from my devotional is: GOD WANTS TO DO MORE FOR YOU
THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, SO START ASKING BOLDLY. Lord, I want your heart
for this mission. Have your way in me I pray. Unite us as a team to
serve you with Your hands, Your feet, Your lips. Have us – we’re
yours!

2010-08-30T13:23:00.002-03:00

Day 2
August 27, 2010
Heathrow Airport, London

WOW, what an adventure we have had already! We landed in London this
morning around 10:30, stowed our extra carry-on bags, traveled on the
Heathrow Express train downtown (15 minute ride). And from there took
a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour of the city. That included a cruise up the
River Thames. We saw quite a bit of London and were entertained along
the way. Our group of eight managed to stay together for the most
part, except for one rather tense incident when only five of us
“hopped on,” then after convincing the driver to stop, only one person
“hopped off” .We reunited after running a few city block (in flip
flops and complete terror of never reconnecting!!!!) to catch the bus,
praying all the way that we would meet.

We are now checked in and have cleared security, waiting for another
overnight flight. We will land in Addis Ababa and then end our trip in
Lilongwe sometime tomorrow afternoon. Thank you, Lord, for keeping us
safe and guiding today. We pray for a good night rest and peace for
tomorrow.

2010-08-26T22:17:00.000-03:00

Day 1
August 26, 2010
Halifax Stanfield International Airport

So…… here we sit in the departure lounge.

Wow – ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. There have been tears, belly laughs, cameras flashing, luggage luggin’, hugs, goodbyes and hello’s. There is an overwhelming sense of tranquility and peace. God’s hand is soooooooo on this!

We pulled up to the departure lane at the airport and were greeted by the most wonderful personal valets (Victoria’s Uncle Larry and Aunt Rosie), and one who gives swirling hugs (Don). Then we were greeted at the ticket counter by an Air Canada angel in disguise who was so gracious, fun and kind. Our wheelbarrows squished through the security scan without incident, thanks to Master Packaging and Sister Gertrude!! The luggage is all accounted for. Nothing lost yet.

Excitement is in the air – a tangible sense of expectation. The question is: how is it that a team of 8 checks in and only 1 window seat. Sister is not pleased.

We have 4 repeat travelers and 4 newbies! A perfect mix. Unity. Intergenerational.

Our flight tonight is to London, where we will spend our layover tomorrow on the “Hop-on Hop-Off” London bus tour.

2010-08-25T22:26:00.000-03:00

Sendoff Tomorrow, August 26th at 5:00 pm

For those who wish to send us off tomorrow, we will be leaving Wholeness Family Clinic, 20461 TCH, Crapaud at 5:00 pm. We are taking two vehicles to the Halifax Airport where Victoria's relative's have offered to take our vehicles at park them at their residence. Our flight from Halifax is close to midnight at 11:45 pm.

Thanks to all those who are covenanting to pray for us. Pray that check-in with our wheelbarrows will go smoothly. An of course for safe travel and health for the team.

2010-08-23T21:45:00.000-03:00

Packing

Tonight we packed our bags and had our last pre-travel team meeting. Here are Victoria and Sr. Gertrude, assisted by Darren Darbyson (team leader of 2009 construction team), packing up two of the four wheelbarrows that were donated. We are grateful to all those who donated building supplies that will be used in our clinic renovation project, and then left for Lifeline Malawi use into the future.

Excitement is high. In just 3 days we will be on our way!

2010-08-22T13:40:00.002-03:00

Commissioning Sunday

Today our team was commis-sioned in our various home churches. Here Victoria, Sarah, Connie, Chelsey and Hank are commis-sioned by Pastor Joel at Island Wesleyan Church. Brian and Marilyn were commissioned at First Baptist in Charlottetown and Sister Gertrude at St. Peter's in Seven Mile Bay.

A highlight for me (Hank) this morning was commis-sioning Paul and Betty MacPhee for their three month mission to another area of Malawi in the south, hosted by Iris Ministries. Paul and Betty were on our 2007 team and after the Sunday service where we all shared in village churches, I vividly remember her saying, "I have found my calling." So to see them launching out on their own mission trip was incredibly awesome and I am grateful for the part I have been able to play in their lives by introducing them to Africa and in turn helping them find an ideal host for a more extended mission. Betty is doing children's ministry and Paul will work on the facilities of the orphanage that Iris Ministries oversees. So we as EMAS Canada Malawi Team 2010 which them God's riches blessing as they leave just a few days after we do.

Tomorrow night we meet to pack! Time is short now!

2010-08-15T15:01:00.001-03:00

Less Than Two Weeks to Go!

Here's our entire team and we are down to the wire - less than two weeks til arrival in Malawi. On the front row from the left we have Marilyn Cameron Hall, Sr. Gertrude Gillan, Sarah MacQuarrie and Chelsey Lake. In the back row Brian Hall, Victoria Dulisse, Hank Visser and Connie Trowsdale.

We are of course excited to be this close to our time. We have been active fund-raising and are very thankful to all of you who have supported us financially and helped us reach our goal. Now we are down to packing, our own personal spiritual preparation, and then the hard part of saying good-byes to family and loved ones. Please do continue to hold us up in your thoughts and prayers. Please pray for health for all our team members.

2010-05-22T07:05:00.001-03:00

10 K "Ride for Malawi" - Saturday, May 29 at 10:00 am

Our team will be riding bicycles (or walking/jogging for non-bikers) on Saturday, May 29th from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon to raise funds for our clinic renovation project (see previous post May 1).

Our route is as follows:

Start at Cornwall Town Hall
Proceed West on TCH and turn onto Ferry Road
Take Ferry Road to York Point Road and turn left
Follow York Point Road back to TCH
Return to Cornwall Town Hall via TCH

We would very much appreciate your support. You are welcome to join us for the ride (bring your kids), encourage us along the way, or provide financial support through sponsoring one of us. Donations can be made at the Cornwall Town Hall during the ride. Donations can also be dropped off at Maritime Christian Bookstore, Wholeness Family Clinic in Crapaud, or mailed to Malawi Team 2010, PO Box 90, Crapaud, PEI C0A 1J0. Cheques should be made out to EMAS Canada and receipts will be issued for gifts for $ 20.00 or more.

2010-05-01T16:59:00.002-03:00

EMAS Canada Malawi Team 2010
Bringing hope, healing, and dignity to the people of Malawi, Africa - Aug 26 to Sept 12, 2010

Our mission
Our partner in Malawi is Lifeline Malawi, a Christian medical ministry founded by Dr. Chris Brooks of Calgary, Alberta. His clinics in Ngodzi and Kasese serve a large population of rural Malawians with no other access to medical or spiritual care. Our mission is to assist Lifeline Malawi by bringing hope and healing through medical care, teaching, challenging village leaders to improve the health of their people, and offering spiritual encouragement to Lifeline Malawi staff and local church leaders.

Clinic upgrade
Lifeline Malawi medical staff regularly provide medical services in this primitive clinic structure. We as a team have been challenged to restore hope and dignity to this village by renovating their clinic. A brick and steel roof structure will be more permanent, water proof, provide privacy for patients, and help improve the delivery of much needed health services to these villagers. The anticipated cost for reconstruction will be around $10,000.00.

How you can help
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to send a humanitarian team abroad to help make the world a better place. We appreciate your support through our fund raising activities, as well as through your thoughts and prayers.
A donation of just $ 2.00 will purchase one brick toward the reconstruction of this clinic. Income tax receipts will be issued for donations of $ 20.00 or more by our sending mission, EMAS Canada. Please write cheques to “EMAS Canada” and earmark them Lifeline Malawi Project. Mail them to: EMAS Canada, PO Box 820, Stouffville, ON L4A 7Z9 or you may wish to make a donation online at http://www.emascanada.org/donatenow.htm and choose "Malawi - Lifeline Malawi"

Thanks for your support and prayers

We will keep updating this site as our planning and fund-raising proceeds. Please check back often. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We still have 2 vacancies for MDs on the team and we pray they will be filled soon.

2009-04-07T12:28:00.000-03:00

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
PEI

From Darren, Team Leader:

Well we made it home safe and sound and it was great to see our families and friends at the airport. It has been a wonderful experience for us all and I wish to thank everyone that helped make this trip possible. Thanks to everyone who donated to the Building Fund and all the volunteers who helped raise the funds, without whom this trip could not have been made possible. Thanks go to Lifeline Malawi for all the logistics and support that needed to be done to sponsor a group to Malawi. Thanks to our families, friends and Church families who supported our calling to Africa. I'd like to thank all the team members of Malawi team '09 for the great work you did and for making my job easy. Last but not least I'd like to thank God for calling us to Malawi and putting the African people on our hearts, for keeping us safe and for an experience few will ever forget. Until our next journey back to Africa, God Bless......Darren.

2009-04-06T08:47:00.001-03:00

Monday, April 6th, 2009
Frankfurt

We made it to Frankfurt okay and have about 3 more hrs to go before taking the flight to Montreal. The flight from Johannesburg is one long haul, 10 and 1/2 hrs. We are all a little travel weary and are looking forward to sitting down in one place for awhile. We said good bye to Kees in Johannesburg where he will spend some time with family, sad to see our entertainment leave. All is going well and we shall see you all tonight.

2009-04-05T17:18:00.002-03:00

Sunday, April 5, 2009

From Darren:

Only have a minute to write as we are on the way to the airport. Just finished church with Chris and his family. The weather is cool and it looks like a good for traveling. Had a wonderful meal with Chris's family and the Laforts. We are all good and looking forward to seeing our families. Sad to leave our Malawian friends and have many fond memories. We'll see you all on Monday (5:43 pm at Charlottetown Airport) !

From Chris & Heather Brooks:

The team has departed… a great team! They were an encouragement to me personally, especially seeing their faith in action here in Malawi and in the lives at home. Thanks so much for organizing them to come.

Thanks again… be blessed.. until next time,

2009-04-05T17:16:00.001-03:00

April 3rd, 2009

Well our last day of construction has come and gone. Both our team and the Malawian workers are sad to see the end of the project. Friendships were formed and I’m sure we won’t forget each other over the years. We were able to get as far as the forms built for the ring beam, almost all the walls finished and the door frames put in. Andrew and Anita cooked up a special supper of two different fish dishes and various veggie dishes. Afterwards was spent packing by candlelight and flashlights as the power went out during a brief thundershower. Tomorrow we are off to Dedza and then on to Lilongwe for supper with the Brooks’ family. On Sunday we begin the long journey back to Canada.

2009-04-05T17:15:00.001-03:00

April 2nd, 2009

Work continued on the inside walls and the door frames were all installed. It was a bit cooler today and some of the Malawian workers found it cold, to us Azungo’s (white people), we found it rather quit pleasant. This afternoon we took a trip to Mua and went through the Catholic Missions museum. The history of the Catholic missionaries start in Malawi was displayed on the walls plus the history of the different tribal traditions. Afterwards we took a walk about the beautiful grounds and gardens. A lovely waterfall lies at the base of the mission grounds, there children and adults swam. Along the shoreline tall bamboo trees stood majestically in the sunlight. On returning to the Lifeline Malawi complex, a rainbow sat over Lake Malawi with dark clouds all around and the fishing boats below. Pastor McDuff blessed us with his presence for supper. He is looking at ways to show the Jesus film in the surrounding villages.

2009-04-05T17:14:00.000-03:00

April 1st, 2009

Violet from the Clinic came and collected Maria, Paul, Gertrude and Chris and took them to the Chilumbula School where they observed the classes overflowing with children. The children were wonderful and sang songs to them and they in turn sang to them. Mr Vincent told Paul that he is very gracious for the latrines that the ’07 Team funded. They look great at the back of the school. The gang then took a Chilumbula taxi (rode on the back of a bicycle) back to the Clinic. Work continues on the house and we were able to finish off 4 main inside walls. Late in the afternoon Nelson took us to a village where Lifeline Malawi was putting on a HIV/Aids Drama. This is one of the ways they get the word out on HIV/Aids prevention as there are very few TV’s and few radios in the area. Many people came from all over to see the drama which lasted for about 2 hrs. At the end of the drama Darren was asked to give a speech on how HIV/Aids affect all races and cultures.

2009-04-05T17:13:00.000-03:00

March 31st, 2009

The heavens opened and it poured rain for about ½ an hour just before we got up this morning. The rain cooled things down but once again we worked in the mud. Everyone was in good spirits and it was easier going with the cooler temp, Kees found it too cool. Today we just built more of the inside walls and cleaned up the work site of broken bricks. Dr. Brooks gave us a tour of the maternity clinic which should be opening soon. It is a wonderful building and should help immensely with decreasing the child birth mortality rate here in the area. With the economic downturn in the world, the funding of starting the clinic has been greatly affected. More funds need to be raised to pay for the wages of the staff and material.

2009-04-02T17:12:00.001-03:00

March 30th, 2009

Well there is no more mud as it has been some hot! We haven’t seen any rain since arriving which has been great for building but it can be stifling at the work site and trying to sleep at night. All went well today on the building site. The back and side outer walls are now ready for the ring beam (cement on the top layer of bricks to reinforce the walls and roof). The inside walls are coming along nicely and most are ¾ of the way competed. Some door frames were inserted and tomorrow they are planning on starting on the window frames. Needless to say it is starting to look like a fine duplex. Dr. Brooks arrived to bring out some supplies and will join us for the evening. Everyone here says hello and prays you are all doing well. The wind has just picked up as I am writing this and it has cooled things down some, I hope it keeps up.

2009-04-02T17:10:00.002-03:00

March 29th, 2009

Today was the day we got to worship in “our church”, or as Pastor McDuff has begun to call it, “PEI #2”. As we entered the church we were greeted by a much healthier looking Pastor McDuff. He is feeling better and passes on his blessings to the churches in PEI. We were blessed with beautiful music, dancing and praising. Darren gave the greetings, Kees and Chris the message. It was good to be back home for some of us and to introduce the new members of our team to our Chilumbula brothers and sisters. After service we loaded up and headed to Livingstonia where we had lunch and a dip in the pool. When we got back to the mission house we celebrated a wonderful day and Maria’s birthday. Andrew and Anita had baked a cake for the occasion. Now that the team is well rested, we are ready for another week of construction.

2009-04-02T17:10:00.001-03:00

March 28th, 2009

This morning we had a bit of variety in activities. Chris and Gertrude went on a 6 am walk and saw one baboon and numerous impalas and monkeys. While I (Maria) slept in an extra half hour until 6 am, Darren, Kees and Paul went for an early morning dip in the pool. We had a wonderful breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, fruit salad, muffins and toast. While I had gotten up to go get some ketchup for my potatoes, one cheeky little monkey thought that it was a good idea to zip across the table and steal my toast. Another monkey was used as a diversion to keep the others from seeing the theft. I was just happy that he didn’t steal my bacon. After breakfast, we went on a boat tour up the river where we saw multiple hippos, lots of different birds, an iguana and a few crocs. One croc was sun bathing up on a bank and we were able to get some nice pictures of that one. After the tour we went back to catch our ride back down the river to meet up with Maurice and we then drove back to Ngodzi. Tonight we had an authentic Malawian meal of Sima, relish and goat. We ate it the traditional way, with our fingers. It was very delicious and quite a different eating experience.

2009-04-02T17:09:00.001-03:00

March 27th, 2009

This morning we started the trip to Mvuu camp in the Liwonde National Game Park. After driving to Liwonde, we were treated to a lovely boat trip up the Shire River. During the trip up the river we saw numerous hippopotamus, crocodiles and various birds. Once settled into our chalets and a quick dip in the pool, we set off on Safari! Along the route we were never at a loss of things to see. We saw antelope, wart hogs, baboons, various birds, a mongoose and a herd of elephants. Lots of photos and video were taken. After a wonderful meal everyone was feeling the effects of a long week and it was time to turn in.

2009-04-02T17:07:00.002-03:00

March 26th, 2009

After breakfast and another beautiful Malawian sunrise it was off to the job site. The work began building the back wall higher and getting the corners put in so we could begin work on raising the level on the side walls. As we started work we were blessed by a visit by a much improved Pastor McDuff! He is still weak but looking and feeling better. He felt well enough to go with Chris and the LLM Clinic staff to an outreach clinic in Matowe. There Chris got to listen to a lot of chests and see many cases of Malaria. While working away back at the job site, Daniel passed me (Darren) a cell phone and told me to answer it when it rang. I did as he asked and was shocked to hear the voice of Wiseman the man who taught us to lay bricks the time we built the church. He is now up in a village to the North about 120 km’s away. It was good to hear the voice of a dear friend. Everyone is looking forward to going to the Liwonde National Game Park tomorrow.

2009-04-02T17:07:00.001-03:00

March 25th, 2009

This morning Chris and Kees went to the clinic. Eric discovered that Chris is a RT and has asked him to teach a lesson about neo natal resuscitation. A good day was had by all carrying and laying bricks. Maria has decided to change vocations and become a professional brick layer. Kees thinks since she is an art student she should combine the two and design and build fireplaces. The afternoon heat was difficult to work in and trips from the brick pile were slow and steady with many breaks under a small tree. The inside walls are now the same height as the outside ones at about 3’. We have started the staging and building of the back wall higher. There was a bit of excitement just before quitting time as a Black Mamba snake was discovered by one of the Malawian workers. Pat Laforte dropped by for a visit and brought out Darren’s luggage, eureka clean clothes! Gertrude, Maria and Chris headed into the village in search of sugar cane. They looked like the Pied Piper as they returned to the compound with all the children following.

2009-04-01T11:52:00.000-03:00

March 24th, 2009

We woke to another beautiful day in Malawi. The winds were light and the sun shone brightly. In the morning Maria and Gertrude went to the clinic and were able to see the morning HIV and Malaria Prevention lessons given to the patients. The mid day was extremely hot and the shade was a welcome place to be in between hauling loads of bricks or laying bricks. The building is coming along nicely and we have about 3’ of walls up all around. The workers are from a local construction company called Dumbo Construction and we are learning lots. There is only one fellow working with us who we recognize from the time we built the church. His name is Daniel. Other old colleges who we see here are Cedric and Gift. They are working on another project here in the compound. Today we walked up to the church and as we went through the village we looked for familiar faces and hoped to see the kids we shared with in ’07. Today I found Malcolm one of the young children who helped us at the church. Darren and Chris are getting quite handy at mixing cement by shovel. Kees, Gertude, Maria and Paul are becoming very good at laying bricks and mortar.

2009-04-01T11:51:00.000-03:00

March 23rd, 2009

Today was our first day of work, we got up early and Darren lead us through devotions. After breakfast we headed out to the pad that was all ready for us to start building on. During the morning we loaded and transferred bricks down to the work site. While the men kept working, one of the nurses, Violet, came and took Gertrude and myself (Maria) to the Orphanage where we met the teachers and the kids. The kids demonstrated what they have been learning, and I got to teach them how to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider. In the afternoon, after the crew laid down the first few rows of bricks, we were able to try it for ourselves. After a few pointers, we started to get the hang of it. Darren and Dr. Chris went to see Pastor McDuff today. He’s very ill and has tested positive for Malaria. They had prayed over him and ask that you could please keep him in your prayers as well. It was a long day, but a good one. We’re hoping for a good night’s rest tonight so we can get up and start working early in the morning again.

2009-03-29T12:47:00.000-03:00

Sunday, March 29

We are doing excellent and have a hard time to get to the internet.

From the last time we wrote the blog, the walls of the house are now 3/4 completed. The window frames are now being built. The workers are doing a good job. We went to Mvuu camp in Liwonde National Park this weekend and saw lots of elephants and crocodiles.

Today, Sunday we worshiped in OUR church as a group. Darren did the intro, Chris and Kees the message. Lots of dancing and praising. Pastor McDuff is doing better and sends his blessing to PEI. He has renamed the church PEI #2.

We are Livingstonia right now and enjoyed a dip in the pool and lunch. We are heading home now and will be ready to work tomorow. We will celebrate Maria's birthday tonight!

2009-03-23T12:15:00.000-03:00

March 22nd

We made it! Maria couldn’t believe the difference form the riches of the newly renovated airport in Johannesburg to the poverty of the airport at Lilongwe. Every bag arrived except Darren’s but I think he will be okay if it comes in the next few days. If not things are going to get pretty stinky!? We met Dr.Chris Brooks at the airport along with Pat and his wife Ann. They updated us and prayed for this time which was great! I was able to call home to tell Kim we made it safe and I will need to get some minutes for our cell phone. Sister Gertrude had seen many villages as we flew into Lilongwe and the experience came to life as we weaved through the roads to Life Line Malawi in Ngodzi and passed the same type of villages. Paul was amazed at the number of people traveling along the road on foot and on bicycles. We were so pleased to see the Church and the new buildings popping up at the clinic (maternity building). Tonight has been very relaxing. Dr Brooks is with us and we had a wonderful supper. Chris says to tell everyone he is happy to see old friends and some new blood. We all plan to get a great sleep tonight after such a long trip and the concrete slab should be ready for tomorrow for us to begin work. We love you all and are so excited to be here. Continue to pray for good sleep and health. Also, for the muddy conditions not to slow things down too much.

2009-03-23T12:12:00.000-03:00

March 21st

After landing in Frankfurt, half the team decided to go sightseeing and see what the city had to offer. Kees, Gertrude and Paul decided to hold down the fort and check out the airport. Once again we were blessed with a beautiful day and the walk about Frankfurt was very pleasant. Chris was on a mission and took over 200 photos. One has him beside a teddy bear as tall as him. We are all back at the airport at this time and only have 5 more hours to go before boarding the flight to Johannesburg.

2009-03-23T12:07:00.000-03:00

March 20th

Today was the day we started the journey to Malawi. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day, the sun was shining and the winds were light, a much better start than in 2007! Family members and church family met us at the airport to send us on our Great Adventure. Maria is looking forward to getting some rest as she just finished one of here last papers for university this morning. She should get lots of rest as it will take us approx. 2 days to get Ngodzi.

The flight from Charlottetown to Montreal went without a hitch and our short stopover in Montreal was welcomed. The trip to Frankfurt went smoothly with a few of the members getting in some sleep. Chris was pretty keyed up about being on his way to Europe for the first time.

2009-03-22T15:13:00.002-03:00

Sunday, March 22

Safe arrival in Malawi!

Chris called Kim this morning with the good news that the team arrived safely in Malawi. Greetings from Dr. Chris Brooks.

We continue to wish the team well and our prayers are with them as they begin their project tomorrow.

2009-03-21T07:15:00.003-03:00

Friday, March 20 Charlottetown Airport

The team is on their way!

2009-03-01T21:30:00.003-04:00

Malawi Team 2009

Standing from left to right is Chris Lee, Sister Gertrude Gillan, Paul MacPhee, Darren Darbyson, Maria Gaudin and Kees Visser

We will be leaving for Ngodzi, Malawi on the 20th of March and will return on the 6th of April. Our Short Term Missions Trip is to build a duplex to house three staff members (and their families) that will be working for the Lifeline Malawi Medical Clinic's Maternity Ward in Ngodzi. Over the past two years we have raised the funds to purchase the materials to help build the housing. This years team is made up of six volunteers with diverse backgrounds and talents who all have a heart for Africa. Our team has three returning members, Paul, Kees and Darren who went to Ngodzi in 2007 to help build the Chilumbula Church. Chris Lees' wife, Kim was on the 2008 Medical Team with Dr. Hank Visser and now Chris has the chance to go. Sister Gertrude and Maria have always wanted to go to Africa and have answered the call. Maria is a student at Mt Allison University. Please keep us in your prayers and thank you for your support.

Job 14:15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

2008-10-13T10:37:00.002-03:00

Presentations coming up and check out our web album!

We will be presenting about our mission on Sunday morning, October 19th at 10:30 am at Island Wesleyan Church, Hampton, PEI.

We are also planning to make a presentation for our community on Sunday evening, November 2nd at 7:00 pm. This will include stories, our video, and lots of pictures. This will also be at Island Wesleyan Church.

Check out our pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/MalawiTeam/MalawiMedicalTeam200802#

We look forward to sharing with churches, schools or groups about our experiences.

2008-10-01T16:41:00.002-03:00

Day 21
Oct 1, 2008
Pearson International Airport

We are waiting for our flight to Halifax and then the drive home. We are all tired from our long flight from Ethiopia. Getting our bags rechecked in Washington took much longer than anticipated and then we discovered that we weren't all on the same Toronto-Halifax flight. We left Stephen in Toronto and Mark will catch a later flight.

This is our last day together as a team. We have become close, will miss each other, but thankful to get back to our families.

Thanks to all who have been praying for us.

2008-10-01T16:30:00.001-03:00

Day 20
Tuesday, Sept. 30
Addis Ababa

Our day in Addis ended in a cold, wet splash! As we were being taken through a leper colony by Dundee and Tamarat, Ethiopian friends of the Harris’s, along with three teachers from Bingham Academy (Jane, Summer and Christina), the heavens opened and it poured. We weren’t prepared and were all soaked to the bone, and cold. Here in Addis with an elevation of 7600 feet it is much cooler (sweater and jacket) weather. And of course because it’s in the northern hemisphere, the rainy season is just ending.

Despite the wet chill, we had a good day being shown around by our new acquaintances. Addis is a large sprawling city of contrasts – modern skyline with shanty town slums next to modern buildings. The poverty we saw here hit us differently, and really quite hard, particularly the homeless on the streets, the begging, and the conditions in the leper colony. Somehow the dignity of the villagers in Malawi and their pride in their compounds, and the laughter of the children were missing.

Our whirlwind tour included a lion zoo, an Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral and Museum, a women’s ministry where they bake pastries and run a small café, a short talk by Anthony of the Joshua Campaign ministry, and some last minute souvenir shopping.

At supper at the hotel this evening we realized that it would be our “last supper” together as a team. We gelled well as a team and are all thankful for everyone’s contributions, the laughs and tears together, and the prayers that gave us strength from on High.

Tonight’s flight to Washington is an all nighter, then it will take us all day to get home from Washington.

2008-09-30T07:26:00.000-03:00

Day 19
Monday, Sept. 28
Queen of Sheba Hotel, Addis Ababa

We had a good day of travel today arriving in Addis Ababa around 8:00 pm from Lilongwe, via Lusaka, Zambia. After breakfast at the Kuka Lodge, Morris our faithful driver these two weeks picked us up with the van and Chris with his pickup truck for our luggage.

The Lilongwe airport was all decked out for the arrival of Malawi’s president – guard of honour in full uniform, a marching band, red carpet and all kinds of people brought in by the “truckload” to show support. He arrived by private jet just as we were being taken to our plane. We could see all the pomp and ceremony from our plane seats before takeoff. The extravagance of the occasion, in light of Malawi being 6th poorest country in the world, didn’t sit well with most of us.

The flight to Addis was uneventful. After arrival it took us a while to get our hotel vouchers and the bus to the hotel. But we’re here, had supper while they were still cleaning our rooms. We made contact to Jim and Marion Harris’s friends here (they are friends from PEI who spent a year in Addis as missionaries) who will take us around the city tomorrow.

2008-09-28T12:51:00.002-03:00

Day 18
Sunday, Sept 28
Brook's Home, Lilongwe

We attended church this morning at Capital City Baptist Church CCBC with the Brooks. It was an English service, truly international with involvement of many nationalities. We had lunch at the Lilongwe Golf Club (4 nationalaities of us) followed by a long road trip to the Kasase Clinic north of here. On the way back we staked out possible accommodations for a 2009 construction team.

We are at the Brook's home for supper, then another night at the Kuka Lodge and off to the airport in the morning.

2008-09-27T14:31:00.002-03:00

Day 17
Saturday, Sept. 27
Kuka Lodge, Lilongwe

We began our day with packing and our final breakfast. Several people came to the guesthouse to say farewell, expressing their gratitude for the work and contribution we have made. All in all we feel we accomplished our mission and we are so satisfied with the malaria net project. And of course everyone wants us to come back!

Our road trip to Lilongwe went via Dedza, up the escarpment on a winding, scenic drive. Although slightly hazy, the views were still spectacular. This is an incredibly beautiful land!
At Dedza we shopped for souvenirs at the famous pottery there, followed by a lovely lunch in their café. From there to Lilongwe, some shopping for famous South African chutney we have all grown to love made by Mrs. H.R. Ball, and then on to the Kuko Lodge, our accommodations for the next two nights.

We’re invited to the Brook’s home for supper, from where we also hope to have Internet access to post our most recent blogs.

Day 16
Friday, Sept. 26
Ngodzi

We wrapped up our mission this evening with the showing of The Jesus Film outdoors at Pastor McDuff’s church. Originally we planned to be indoors but the word in the “street” was that there wouldn’t be enough room inside – they were right and the crowd grew throughout the evening. It was a great ending to our mission.

Kim had a dream she believed was from God in August. In the dream an angel said the word or name “feria.” Myrtis and Mary had done some street evangelism on Thursday and went to a woman’s home whose name was Feria. Kim was able to meet with Feria, who had newly accepted Jesus into her heart. She came to the Jesus film with her three small children. Kim was able to pray with her and an instant friendship was formed. Feria will always hold a place in Kim’s heart.

We held a wrap-up and debriefing meeting with the medical officers to discuss ways that future medical teams could help. We hope to write up a summary of helpful information for any medical professionals who may come in the future, to better familiarize them with the way the clinic operates and how to prepare for being helpful in a clinical role.

In the afternoon we finally got our trip (in Dr. Brook’s pickup truck as the van broke down) to the Mua Mission founded by Catholic missionaries (“White Fathers”) in 1902. They have a hospital and the present long-term missionary since the 1970’s is Fr. Claude from Montreal. He developed an interest in anthropology and researched the history of Chewa people of Malawi. He built a museum at the Mua site, illustrating his research as well as the history of Christian missions, starting with Dr. David Livingstone who sailed up Lake Malawi in 1861 in search of an inland waterway across Africa. The grounds around the hospital and museum are very picturesque.

Mark and Stephen finished their clinical work in the morning, and we all tied up lose ends. Tomorrow morning we will be packing, saying our “goodbyes” and maybe shed a few tears as we say farewell to our lovely “spot on the lake.”

Day 15
Thursday, Sept. 25
Ngodzi

Good Morning Sunshine. Another sunny day in Malawi! The T. today is again 31.

To start our day Mary had devotions on 11 Corinthians 10, challenging us to seek, peace, patience and compassion.

Our jobs today were to tie up lose ends. Hank set up the technical parts for the showing of the Jesus film on Friday night. Please pray that many hearts will be touched and won to Jesus through this film.

Kim , Myrtis and Connie cut bandages and dressings for the nurses to use in the procedure room. It was tedious work but a lot were made and this was appreciated by the staff.
Hank and Stephen met with the HSA’s for a meeting concerning the distribution of more nets following our departure on Saturday to Lilongwe to begin our long trip home.

Mary was busy in the pharmacy counting pills. This is very helpful for Cornelia and Prisca who at times are very overworked.

Mark and Stephen helped to organize some areas in the clinic. Many articles have been donated but little time is available for the staff to get the medical supplies into areas where they are most useful.

After we learned of the need for more bibles in the churches in the surrounding area, we decided to collect some money, amongst ourselves, and purchase bibles. Our final total was 12 bibles in Chichewa and 4 new testaments in English to be distributed to the churches we visited on Sunday and to Pastor McDuffs church. Pastor McDuff said, “ it truly was an answer to prayer.”

This afternoon Kim, Stephen, Mark and Hank went to Salima to get some fuel for the van, post our blogs and do necessary business. Myrtis, Mary and Pastor McDuff went to visit some people in the nearby village. These beautiful people were so appreciative, that white people would visit them in their home. Several asked us to pray with them and invite Jesus into their heart. We were so blessed by the openness and transparency of these people. Mary and Myrtis were truly stretched.

Laugh of the day: Mark picked up some rocks to juggle for the children but they were frightened and ran away leaving Mark to juggle his rocks without an audience. They soon realized this was very entertaining and joined him laughing with excitement.

2008-09-25T09:20:00.005-03:00

Day 15

Salima

Here is our latest team picture with our van loaded with the last of the first 1700 nets that we have distributed.

We are winding down with tomorrow being our last day in Ngodzi. Saturday we return to Lilongwe, Sunday we get to see the Kasese Clinic, and then we fly out on Monday.

Thanks for all your love and prayers.

2008-09-25T09:09:00.000-03:00

Day 14
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Ngodzi

We began our day with team devotions led by Mark on the Parable of the Sower. He used the different “soils” of the parable to challenge us to think about how we might respond at home to what we have experienced here (from apathy, to temporary concern, to a life change).

Connie and Hank went out on the final net distribution for this week. Tomorrow we will hear exactly how many nets were given out and about plans to continue after we leave. We have already informed the staff here that funds for additional nets (approximately another 4000) have been raised. That would bring the total to about 6000, a significant legacy that we are able to leave behind thanks to the generosity of donors at home. The villagers have been SO APPRECIATIVE and we want our family and friends to know that.

Stephen, Myrtis and Mary went to an outreach clinic at least an hour away, close to the escarpment (mountain). It was a busy clinic, 156 patients seen, in the scorching heat. They were late getting back, so our afternoon plans to go to a museum founded by a Canadian priest in Mua had to be postponed.

The main clinic in Ngodzi was less busy today, as it usually is in the middle of the week. However, there were several severely sick patients that challenged us (a child with cerebral malaria and a newly diagnosed AIDS patient with Kaposi’s sarcoma).

This evening just before supper we were saddened to hear that Kinn’s brother passed away of AIDS at the age of 37 (Kinn is a Malawian lab technician and a very likable fellow who has been sharing a room and meals with us at the guesthouse). This brought the AIDS epidemic closer to home, touching someone we have gotten close to.

Day 13
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Ngodzi

Stephen led our team morning devotions about reaching out to other cultures. After breakfast, Mark did a teaching session with the clinic staff on resuscitation of the newborn.

Today, more nets were distributed, and many given out door to door by the team. The expressions of thanks from the village chief and from some of the recipients were that the nets “were a gift from God”. In the clinic, many if not most of the patients are suffering from malaria, some very seriously, particularly the young children, so the nets will make a definite difference in this community when they are all distributed and used.

Kim saw baby Sophia again in the village; she is the youngest of 8 children. They’ve been calling her Sophilia, so that might stick.

All the women, and Hank, went to the village school today. There are 1250 students and 10 teachers, teaching in 2 shifts mornings and afternoons, class size of about 75 children! Some classes are outside under the trees. We see the work of other organizations like World Vision in the village, with school improvements and a feeding program. Last year’s team helped with building materials for toilets for the school and they are working well.

Then Myrtis and Stephen led a children’s program at Pastor McDuff’s church with over 150 kids. They did a craft to illustrate their message using tongue depressors. The school and the church were happy to receive some of the donated balls that we brought over and the kids wasted no time starting games with them.

The clinic time was busy with some extremely ill patients.

Everyone’s tired and missing home but looking forward to another productive day tomorrow. We have invited the Lifeline Malawi staff and families to come to the guesthouse tomorrow evening for a showing of the Jesus Film.

Day 12
Monday, Sept. 22
Ngodzi

On the way back from Livingstonia yesterday, we stopped for more shopping, and then had to find fuel for the van – and suddenly it was dark as we were headed home! Driving in the dark in Africa is not for the faint hearted. Our driver and all of us were pretty stressed but thankful to get home safely. The deep darkness, all the people and bicycles along the road with no lights, and oncoming traffic make it hair raising.

Today the temperature hit 31 degrees and we are feeling the heat and humidity. Kim was on crowd control during the net distribution today – there was a lot of commotion among the women as they waited for their nets, a real palaver! She calmly confronted the crowd with pointed questions which settled things down so that the rest of the nets could be distributed. Our initial 2000 nets are really only a drop in the bucket to address the needs here, and we are glad that more funds came in after our departure to help address the remaining needs.

We had a good day in the clinic. Mark, Stephen and Hank all worked with a translator and saw lots of interesting cases. Some of them are a challenge diagnostically due to the lack of x-rays and sophisticated lab tests. We do what the regular Malawian staff do – the best with the limited resources.

This afternoon the girls went to see baby Garnet in his compound. They gladly received the gifts the Stewarts had sent along but the baby continued to fuss having his picture taken.

We have started preparing for the Jesus Film which we hope to show on Friday evening in Pastor McDuff’s church. It looks like we will be using a generator and we checked it for reliability. And tomorrow, we (mostly Myrtis and Stephen) will be doing some children’s ministry in the afternoon.

As we write, a breeze has started off the lake and hopefully things will cool down for sleep.

2008-09-21T11:46:00.002-03:00

Day 11
Livingstonia
On Lake Malawi east of Salima, north of Ngodzi

This is our first "live" blog since arriving in Malawi. We are north of Ngodzi for a short visit to a lovely beach resort. They have Internet WiFi here!

Our morning services in the local villages went awesome. Everyone was really blessed by the lively African worship. Kim, Stephen and Hank brought messages and the others greetings.

This afternoon we stopped for some "souvinirs" at the "carvers" - and the girls, and Mark, got some great deals. Myrtis can teach us all how to bargain for a GREAT deal.

Love and blessings to all our family and friends. Thank you for your ongoing love and support.

2008-09-21T11:38:00.002-03:00

Day 10
Saturday, Sept. 20
Ngodzi

We were awakened early by an elephant in the camp! Apparently he had been regularly making an appearance at night and this morning he was being chased from reception by a staff person. He ended up helping himself to tree branches for breakfast between two chalets, before finally moving on to the river’s edge.

During breakfast we had a visit from a monkey, who stole a muffin from a child’s plate. Apparently he usually targets a child’s food rather than an adult. After finishing our omelettes we were off on our boat safari. Again, there was lots of wildlife to be seen – a couple herds of elephants, lots of hippos, crocodiles and birds.

After the river safari, by 11:00 am, we had checked back and were on our way back to the guesthouse. The power was out when we returned but came on in a couple of hours. For supper we had Malawian food: nsema (maize) and goat (very tough and lots of bones). Then we had a visit from a critter (rodent) that has been making the rounds to our bedrooms at night checking for food. Mark thought he could catch it by throwing the volleyball at it.

Tomorrow we are going to village churches two by two, so those sharing the message have been busy preparing.

Weather today: Hot (30 degrees C). Weather tomorrow: Hot. Next month will be the hottest month of the year here, we are told, sometimes up to 40, so it seems to be headed that way.

Day 9
Friday, Sept. 19
Mvuu Lodge
Liwonde National Park

Since today was a break in our work, we were allowed to sleep in until 7:00 am breakfast, followed by team devotions led by Connie centred on serving the poor. Then, by 8:30 we were headed off to the Liwonde game park for our safari. We arrived just in time for a delicious lunch in the thatched roof lodge overlooking the Shire River, which drains out of Lake Malawi at its southern end.

After lunch some of us enjoyed a refreshing dip in the pool while others had a nap. Then at 3:30 we went out on our safari game drive which lasted about four hours, to well after dusk. The dry season weather was PERFECT for game viewing – all the animals were congregated close to the river. So within minutes of leaving the lodge, we saw a herd of elephants! We were all very excited, especially to see the baby ones. From there it was sighting after sighting of impalas, baboons, waterbuck (“toilet seat antelope”), sable antelope, kudus, bushbuck, mongooses, many beautiful birds, etc., etc. We stopped at the water’s edge to watch the sun set, where we saw a hippo come out of the water, crocodiles, a turtle and warthogs. It was so peaceful with the Land Rover’s engine shut off, listening to the jungle sounds, and we so enjoyed seeing the creatures God made for us to enjoy!

After the game drive, we were treated to scrumptious dinner around an open fire to the beat of African drums and dancers. There was a huge spread which included four kinds of meat. We felt guilty being treated to such a feast while we remembered the poverty of the people in Ngodzi. It took us a while to process our feelings.

At 10:00 pm the generator supplying power to the resort shut off but they have solar powered batteries for backup lighting. Since we could hear the hippos coming up on shore, it was time for the guys to walk the gals back to their chalets. We look forward to the river safari in the morning.

Day 8
Thursday, Sept. 18
Ngodzi

Kim started our morning with devotions based on Philippians 1:29-30 on how we deal with pain. Right after breakfast, Mark did his presentation of “fits” – the local English for seizures. He did a great job and was well received.

The net distribution in the village of Chiwaula wasn’t as orderly today as previous days. Apparently the HSA’s started calling out names from a wrong list (another village) and the villagers became agitated. Finally, things settled and 215 nets did get distributed. Stephen brought greetings and Myrtis also shared on “gifts” – the best gift of all being the gift of Jesus.

Mark and Mary went out to the outreach clinic today. They saw 28 people and 8 were tested for HIV, and 3 were positive. Here at Lifeline, they see about 50 new cases of HIV infection every month.

This afternoon, we had a chance to check out the stores and markets of Salima, the nearest city about 40 km up the lake. Kim found her fix of chocolate (Snicker bars) and Connie found the Coke (cola) she was craving. We stopped at St. John’s Anglican Church for Stephen (same name as his home church) and he went in during a youth choir practice. He exchanged addresses with the leader and took pictures. Kim also wanted a picture of the Church of the Nazarene (her church at home).

On the way back to the guesthouse Kim, Connie and Mark tried the local bicycle taxi service for the last stretch from the highway. They thought it was great fun! Reactions: “I feel more African now” – Kim. “It was fun because of the reactions of the villagers to the sight of an azungu (white person) on the back of bicycle” – Connie.

Fright of the day: A mouse in the girl’s room eating Connie’s and Myrtis’s treats.

Laugh of the day: Mark and Eric examining a patient in a dark mud and thatched makeshift clinic – Eric thought the patient looked pale and Mark figured if you can see him he must be pale!

Weather today: Hot! 30 degrees, humid and no wind – getting hotter.

Evening view: Candlelight (to keep the tiny flies that gather around the lights at bay) and about 40 fishing boats on the lake with lanterns (fishing tiny fish like minnows).

2008-09-20T08:05:00.000-03:00

Day 7
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Ngodzi

Mary started our day with team devotions on how Jesus loved children and how we must all be like children to enter the Kingdom of God. After breakfast Mark, Myrtis and Connie went to Malendo to give out 188 nets. As in the previous distributions, the villagers who received nets sign with their thumb print.

Mary attended the antenatal clinic where she saw a 7 month pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia and a blood pressure of 194/120, a potentially fatal condition. After much coaxing, she agreed to transfer to the government hospital in Salima.

Kim assisted in the dressing room today, and dressed a 5 or 6 year old boy who fell into a fire and had extensive burns to his right arm and leg. Her next case was a woman with a heel abscess that needed I&D (incision and drainage), done by Hank. She also treated several tropical ulcers.

In the afternoon, we joined a HIV/AIDS drama group in a remote village where they preformed three skits illustrating various modes of HIV transmission and how it can be prevented. We were impressed by the powerful acting, the attention of the crowd (including the children), and the village chief’s public admission that he was HIV positive, but living a full and apparently healthy life. Hank gave a brief message The village session was closed by prayer from a village elder. On the way home 16 of us squished into a 10 passenger van!

To Kim and Connie’s delight, we had chocolate cake for dessert. This evening Mark is preparing for a talk tomorrow on treatment of the seizing child.

Weather forecast: Becoming more humid (today no wind, temperature 28 degrees Celsius, and humid).

Quote of the day: “We will always be serving in [ministries] where things are wrong. Our response to what we see defines how Christlike we are actually becoming. If we see weakness … our call is to supply strength.” (The Three Battlegrounds by Frangipane)

Answered prayer of the day: Myrtis’s lost suitcase was found at the airport and now baby Garnet will get his presents!

Laugh of the day: Myrtis couldn’t tell the difference between a white ambulance and a blue van!

Craving of the day: Kim – chocolate.

2008-09-20T08:01:00.001-03:00

Day 6
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Ngodzi

This morning our team split into three groups. Hank and Kim were off to a village outreach clinic along with a nurse, HIV screener, and pharmacy dispenser to the village of Matowe, about 8 km from here. Together they saw 22 patients and screened several hemoglobins with the portable meter that we brought. Kim dressed a baby’s foot that had been deeply burned in a fire. They are able to give a variety of medications in the field.

Mark stayed at the clinic, observing with Andrew (one of the clinical medical officers). He taught Andrew to do his first thoracentesis to drain fluid off the chest of an older man with pneumonia, probably tuberculosis. Then, he had a chance to spend time in the HIV testing and counseling area, learning in-depth about the excellent program and counseling available at the clinic. About 15% of all tests done are positive for HIV.

The other team members went to Mbalame, another village 10 km away, for mosquito net presentation and distribution. When they arrived, a large crowd of women and children had gathered, and were singing as they arrived. Steve gave a speech (some in fluent? Chichewa) and the HSA’s gave a demonstration and teaching about the use of the nets. We were very impressed by the organization done in advance by the HSAs, with a detailed list of families and the exact number of nets to distribute.

Tonight we had our first taste of traditional Malawian food, with nsema “seema”, a paste of maize flour that tastes a bit like cream of wheat. It is rolled in the (right) hand into a little ball and dipped, in our case, in goat stew. We’re all tired, with full stomachs, looking forward to tomorrow.

Laugh of the day: Mark introduced himself to Pastor McDuff on four consecutive days thinking he hadn’t met him yet!

2008-09-16T10:19:00.003-03:00

Day 5
Monday, Sept. 15
Ngodzi

After team devotions and breakfast, we were met by Pastor McDuff and baby Garnet with his mother! This was the young fellow that Garnet Stewart named after himself during the 2007 Team’s stay. He looked healthy but hated having his picture taken; he cried up a storm!

We were then given the tour of the clinic by Eric, the Clinical Officer in charge here. We were impressed by the clinic’s ability to diagnose and treat HIV positive patients, and the compliance of patients in taking their drugs. This is a significant contribution to the needs in the community where AIDS is so rampant.

After our tour we had a meeting with Eric and the Health Surveillance Assistants (HSA’s) about net distribution. Then we were off to a nearby local village (Mwazalamba) and distributed over 200 nets to families previously identified as high risk (children under 5, HIV positive, orphans, chronically ill, elderly). We had a village meeting with chief and Mark made a speech on behalf of our Canadian donors. We then demonstrated how to use the nets and made the presentation of the first net, and were all moved by the experience. The village women broke into spontaneous singing and clapping, so typical of African culture.

The team divided into two groups to go house-to-house and experience the living conditions in the village. A typical thatched roof village house would have been 8’ X 10’, usually one room, no furniture and concrete floor. Children by the dozens followed everywhere. For Janet and Betty, please know that the hokey-pokey still is carrying on in Africa (led by Connie)!

In one home, Kim had the honour of naming a three week old baby girl, and named her Sophia, which means “wisdom”. She and those of us who witnessed it were all moved to tears. This is starting to become a regular event!

Steve and Mark returned to the clinic with Eric for the afternoon. He showed them through the laboratory (can do hemoglobins, urinalysis, malaria smears, acid fast bacillus for TB, HIV testing and CD4 counts) and the lab techs Enfred and John taught them a lot in a short time. They have on their wish list a chemistry machine and the ability to do a full CBC. They can test glucose but have run out of strips and will welcome the ones we brought. Steve and Mark then spent the rest of the afternoon observing in the consultation rooms with the medical officers. Later, after the rest of the team were back from the village, Prisca in the dispensary put us to work putting drug doses in dispensing bags and doing an inventory of available drugs and dosing forms. We also presented the Zip-Loc bags that we brought to help protect the medical records that each patient carries.

Finally, our full day ended with dinner and a beautiful moonrise over the lake as the fishermen were pulling in their nets. (extra beautiful in the dark when the power went out).

Quote of the day: “Let us not be blind with privilege”….

2008-09-15T11:19:00.002-03:00

Day 4
Sunday, Sept. 14
Ngodzi

What a great day we had on our first full day in Africa, and a Sunday at that! But not without a fearful night for several team members. Myrtis wrote in her journal: “Our first sleep in Africa; sleep came quickly but at 1:00 am was wakened by a gripping fear—fear of bugs, fear of intruders, speaking in public, fear of what is expected of me—a very real and choking fear. I knew this was not of God. I called in all spare angels not on duty! “In the name of Jesus cast out the demon of fear.” Connie and Kim shared that they too had been wakened by fear and they too prayed through
it. Kim: “One thing I’ve learned already is that I can’t count on me.”

We went to worship this morning at the church which the PEI Team helped build last year and would you believe the white people were late and they had started without us! What a way to walk into a church to the beat of the drums and to hear music as we approached from down the dusty road”. Watching them all dance and sing tells us that we all need to “loosen up”. It seems that we care too much about what other people think of us, how our kids need to be controlled in service, etc. In today’s worship, the children were in the centre of the service, and even the youngest were dancing and singing and free to just be kids. Little children were looking after even younger children, with a few preschoolers with infants on their
backs.
We were given a place of honour at the front of the church and our attempts at singing the Mulango Ali Pano song sounded a lot better with the African choir drowning us out. Hank and Connie were deeply moved to be back in the church they helped build and brought greetings on behalf of folks at home.

In the afternoon we took a stroll along the beach, past the fishing boats on the shore, and through the village. A couple of kids became ten, then twenty, then maybe fifty, all wanting to hold our hands, and have their picture taken by “azungu” (white man). The women were shy but smiled and waved from their homes; the men were more reserved. This must have been how the Pied Piper felt walking through town.

Tonight for supper we had Pastor McDuff join us to talk about his ministry and plans for the upcoming weeks. He was excited that the team had brought “The Jesus Film” in Chichewa language, both to show and to leave with him for future ministry use. We talked about our fund raising for mosquito nets and asked about that. He told us how malaria was a burden for everyone here, including his own family. Mosquito nets are expensive to buy for local people, and the government distribution is limited to some pregnant women and younger children, and not widely implemented. He sleeps with all of his family members under one single net that is old and has holes in it. He has invited us during our stay to his own home, and we will plan to bring 4 new nets to them.
He was a useful resource to learn a little about the family structure and culture here in rural Malawi. We were impressed by his English proficiency, and that led to his testimony about learning the language. He felt called to learn English, and felt that God had given him the gift of English virtually overnight, much in the same way as “speaking in tongues”. A teacher at his seminary then mentored him and paid his way through a diploma program.

Tomorrow we’ll have an orientation to the medical operations in preparation for regular clinics later this week.

2008-09-14T13:46:00.003-03:00

Day 3
Saturday, Sept. 13

Lifeline Malawi Guesthouse, Ngodzi

We have arrived safely and glad to be in the guesthouse after travelling for over 48 hours. Our flights were all on time and uneventful, but long, especially the Washington to Addis Ababa leg. We breezed through customs at the Lilongwe Airport with our yellow team tee shirts. We wondered about all the stares, but we found out later that canary yellow is also a political party colour. We were grateful to be met by Dr. Chris Brooks, his wife Heather, and Pat and Ann Laforet. Also there to meet us was a big truckload of mosquito nets, which they had just purchased with the money we raised! We loaded our bags on top of the nets on the “lorry” (truck).

The road trip from the airport to guesthouse was as always for those new to Africa, “eye popping,” to use Myrtis’s words. The extreme poverty, the goats and bicycles along the roadside, and the happy waving children, struck us all. The country side is brown this time of year in the dry season but the jacaranda trees are in full bloom, a beautiful deep violet. And it’s much cooler than we anticipated, and with some breeze off the lake, we reached for sweaters during supper on the guesthouse veranda.

Pastor McDuff dropped by for greetings and Connie and Hank were so glad to see him and give him the photo album done up by Janet and Chelsey Lake of the 2007 team. He was thrilled. We look forward to worshipping at “our church” tomorrow morning; he already mentioned that we need to sing the Mulango Ali Pano song. We were glad to see that the cross, which had apparently been attacked by termites, was up again.

We are all turning in early this evening after Dr. Brooks gave us a pep talk and explained some of the Malawian customs. We’re all pretty sleepy; Stephen was nodding off at the supper table!

It seemed like The Shack was required team reading as we had five copies between us. Several team members used the long flights to read it. Here is a quote that struck us as we begin our mission: “If anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again.”

2008-09-12T10:04:00.003-03:00

Day 2
Washington D.C.
Dulles International Airport
Departure Lounge

As we walked through the airport this morning in Washington, a lady wearing Moslem headdress whispered to us, “please pray for me”. We don’t need to know why, our God is great and knows all. Pray with us for her.

We all slept reasonably well last night at the Comfort Inn. Our connections have been great so far; we had no trouble rechecking our bags this morning. Myrtis thinks we are still high on adrenalin! She found out what a great friend Mary is, she offered to let her use her toothbrush. Keep praying for us.

We are sitting waiting to board our flight headed for Ethiopia. We are now entering a new phase of the trip where we are becoming the minority. Some of our eyes are about to be opened to how our God is a God of diversity.

We are all anxious to get our feet onto African soil—Connie would like to be “zapped over there,” so you can probably tell she’s tired of airplanes and airports. Our flight today is a long one, leave this morning, fly into the east, fuel up in Rome, and land in Addis Ababa Saturday morning.

2008-09-12T00:11:00.002-03:00

Day 1
Washington, D.C.

We arrived safely in Dulles International Airport in Washington and are bedding down for the night in the local Comfort Inn.

Here we are in Halifax before clearing US Customs. We're all excited but it was hard leaving family. Our flights were on time. Just a moment of panic in Boston when someone on the team temporarily misplaced their passport -- but thankfully found it. Just too many zippers in these fancy purses that Connie recommended!

Tomorrow is our long flight from Washington to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, arriving Saturday morning and then onto Lilongwe.

2008-09-07T14:52:00.002-03:00

Commissioning Sunday

As the remnant of Hurricane Hanna poured out the last of her torrential rains over the Maritime Provinces, our team was commissioned this morning in our various home churches.

Here, Pastor Joel Wydysh of Island Wesleyan Church, challenges Myrtis, Connie and Hank to fulfill our mandate, while our church family promises to support us in love and prayers.

Connie and Hank both were part of the 2007 team that helped build the Chilambula church in the Ndodzi area (and Myrtis drafted the words on the cornerstone that we installed), and we look forward to bringing greetings next Sunday to the congregation there.

Please pray for safety and good weather for travel, especially as it is the Atlantic hurricane season and we have a layover in Washington, D.C.

2008-09-04T20:53:00.002-03:00

Packing Medical Supplies

One week before departure and the packing has begun! Here are Mary, Myrtis, Kim and Connie packing donated medical supplies. Our stuff is bulky but not heavy, so no fear of our bags being overweight. We pray that they will all arrive safely with us.

2008-09-03T21:48:00.002-03:00

Selling Nets in Fredericton, N.B.

Here are Drs. Mark Messenger and Stephen Hart, our team members from Fredericton N.B., selling mosquito nets in the Boyce Farmer's Market on Saturday morning, August 30th. The response was tremendous with enough raised to purchase over 1000 nets! We continue to be grateful for the tremendous response to our malaria net campaign.

We are now just one week away from departure. Tomorrow the PEI team members are packing the donated medical supplies.

2008-09-01T09:37:00.002-03:00

Thank You For Your Generous Support

We are just a little over a week away from our departure from Canada on Sept. 11th. We are so thankful for the generous support that we have received in our Malaria Net Campaign. Thank you for helping save lives!

Here I am after a presentation to the children in Vacation Bible School at Island Wesleyan Church. I challenged each child to buy one net, and they came through, raising close to $ 200.00!

And we have had the same response from others - school classes, businesses, and individuals. So a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have donated. We are so encouraged.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers in these last days of preparation.

2008-05-28T20:59:00.002-03:00

Malaria Net Campaign

Our major public health initiative will be a campaign to help fight malaria which still kills over one million African children yearly. Our goal is to raise money in Canada, allowing us to purchase hundreds of mosquite nets which will be distributed to families with children in the remote villages bordering on Lake Malawi. Parents and village leaders will be taught about malaria and the role of nets in its prevention.

You can help save lives by purchasing nets for CDN $ 5.00 each. Receipts will be issued by EMAS Canada for donations of $ 20.00 or more. To make donations by phone call Ellen toll-free at 1-866-648-0664 and mention "Lifeline Malawi Malaria Net Project." Or visit http://www.emascanada.org/OnlineDonations and choose "Malalawi - Lifeline Malawi" to make a donation on-line.

As a team we thank you for your love and support.

2008-05-18T19:49:00.003-03:00

Malawi Medical Team 2008
Sept 12 - Oct 1, 2008

Front row: Mrs. Myrtis Boulter, Mrs. Mary Walsh, Mrs. Kim Lee
Back row: Mrs. Connie Trowsdale, Dr. Hank Visser, Dr. Mark Messenger, Dr. Stephen Hart

We are excited about the opportunity to serve the people of Malawi by partnering with Lifeline Malawi. Our team consisting of 2 family doctors, 1 pediatrician, 2 nurses, and 2 medical receptionists will serve in the Lifeline Malawi Clinics, teach, challenge village leaders to improve the health of their people, and to offer spiritual encouragement to Lifeline Malawi staff and local church leaders.

Thank you for your prayerful support as we prepare for our mission. If you would like to support a public health initiative which we will announce shortly, charitable receipts will be issued through EMAS Evangelical Medical Aid Society. Donations should be earmarked "Lifeline Malawi Project."

We will keep our friends, family and supporters informed about our preparation progress and our daily journal from the field.

2007-05-13T19:10:00.001-03:00

Visit our picture album at http://picasaweb.google.com/MalawiTeam

2007-04-15T09:14:00.000-03:00

Malawi Team 2007 Presentations - video, pictures and stories

Sunday, April 22nd, 7:00 pm - Island Wesleyan Church, TCH, Hampton

Sunday, April 15th, 7:00 pm - O'Leary Nazarene, Parkview Drive, O'Leary

All are welcome. We look forward to sharing about our rich experiences. Please call us if you or your group would like to invite us to share.

2007-04-05T07:54:00.000-03:00

Day 20
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Home

Home and reunited with family! We are all grateful for a safe and uneventful trip home. Long waits in every airport and tired, but very thankful.

Hank spent quite of bit of time during the trip home editing video for a 15 minutes video clip that the team will present in our home church on Sunday. There will be much more work go into our final video and slide presentations. We look forward to sharing with all those who so lovingly supported us through thoughts, prayers, and gifts.

For now, it is time to spend time with our families. There will be lots to share and we trust that our families will be able to understand the deep impact all our experiences will have on our lives. We are forever changed.

We will continue to use our blog as a means to communicate our presentation times.

Again, thank you for your prayers and support. And thank you to Lifeline Malawi for being wonderful host partners for our team.

Malawi Team 2007

2007-04-03T11:14:00.000-03:00

Day 19
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Nairobi

Our flight from Lilongwe to Nairobi was uneventful after a leisurely breakfast at the Kuka Lodge and ample time to get to the airport this morning. Dr. Brooks stayed with us until we cleared customs.

We now have a six hour layover as we await our flight from Nairobi to London later this evening. Lots of time to kill. Looks like we have Internet access, so opportunity to update our blogs, and add a picture.

(Here we are on Sunday, April 1st, after the dedication service, with Pastor MacDuff. The plaque above the door we brought with us, and the cross was carved and painted locally.)

Day 18
Monday, April 2, 2007
Lilongwe

By 7:30 this morning, we were all ready and packed up for the road trip to Lilongwe. Final goodbyes were said and we were off up the escarpment, out of the Rift Valley, which Lake Malawi is part of. What a scenic drive! We climbed about 4000 feet and enjoyed some great views.

Our first stop was the Dedza pottery. Here they make lovely pottery that is hand painted on site. Most of us bought some gifts to take home. We also enjoyed a coffee break in their beautiful café with a lovely view of their gardens. But what we really enjoyed was the cooler and dryer air up on the plateau – really the first break we have had from the heat since arriving.

From Dedza we moved on to Lilongwe and stopped at the market. This was the first time in a typical African market for most of the team members. African cloth was on the shopping list for some of the gals.

The rest of the evening was spent at the Brooks’ residence where we enjoyed a lovely home cooked meal by Heather. We debriefed with the Lifeline Malawi field staff. Then back to the Kuka Lodge where we will spend the night in preparation for our flight out tomorrow.

2007-04-02T16:40:00.000-03:00

Day 17
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Ngodzi

Today was the summit of our mountain – exhilarating but also the start of our goodbyes and sadness to be leaving – a real roller coaster.

The dedication service was awesome with visiting church leaders, visiting choirs, and a full house in the new church (approximately 500 people). After introductions and music, we all went outside to the front of the church for the unveiling of our marble plaque, installed above the main entrance, with the inscription in English and Chechewa, “Thank you for allowing us to help you build this church – to the glory of God.” We were all deeply moved. This was followed by the dedication of the church by Bishop Matonga.

Next, after being reseated, were the necessary speeches by the pastor of the new church, Pastor MacDuff, Dr. Chris Brooks on behalf of Lifeline Malawi, Hank as Malawi Team 2007 leader, and Bishop Matonga. Everyone was highly appreciative of our contribution to making this church a reality in only two weeks – something no one here ever saw happen before and seen as a true miracle. To be honest, several team members were skeptical when we first saw the site that first Monday two weeks ago.

Then we were given the opportunity to sing the Chechewa songs we had worked on. The crowd literally cheered us on as we switched from English to Chechewa with “Alive, Alive.” Then we sang the original song inspired by Betty, “Mulungo Ali Pano,” which means “God is here.” It was a real hit and we were invited back up to repeat it, with the whole congregation joining in – a highly moving time for us all.

Bishop Matongo then gave a rousing message on “The Ideal Church” from Acts 2 in English and translated into Chechewa. Here is a quote from his message when describing the African tendency for events to start late: “Africans don’t have watches, but they have time; Canadians have watches but don’t have time.”

Following the service we were treated to a meal of rice and goat meat, along with the visiting leaders, while we were serenaded by the most beautiful African choir music we ever heard.
In the afternoon, there were a steady stream of people stopping by the guest house to say thank you and good bye. Some team members are already talking about the possibility Malawi Team 2009.

Closing thoughts as we are packing up to leave Ngodzi in the morning:
“Kind of like you’re leaving your other home.” – Fred
“Sad to be leaving; we grew on them and they grew on us.” – Garnet
“It was great to be called up to repeat our song; it made us feel so appreciated.” – Paul
We started out as acquaintances, we became friends, now we are leaving as brothers.” – Darren
“God is here. Mulungu ali pano.” – Connie
“Thankful that we got the building serviceable, and that we had a good connection with the Malawians.” – Kees
“The Malawian spirit of gratitude is a humbling experience.” – Janet
“We demonstrated that across the racial and geographic divide, we can truly be united and join hands in working for the greater good.” – Hank
“I will always remember the children – their joie de vivre.” – Betty
“To come to Africa, and walk with the poor, is to walk with God.” – Chelsey

2007-04-02T16:37:00.000-03:00

Day 16
March 31, 2007
Ngodzi

The day began at the school where Fred and Hank led seminars for the leaders of the surrounding churches. Fred spoke on tithing and Hank on the Four Pillars of Leadership. Both seminars were well received and many questions were asked and answered.

Our afternoon consisted of leisure time in preparation for the evenings festivities. The Jesus Film arrived and Hank spent much time jury rigging a system that would function properly to display the film!!

The heavens opened up and the rain came down at the start of the evening so the sound and film was moved inside the church. Once everything was in place and a few choirs had sung, the moon came out as did a beautiful clear sky. The decision was made to move everything back outside as the church was filled to capacity and many people were outside looking in. There were approximately 2000 people in attendance for the celebration.

Arriving back home we found we were locked out, and Daren squeezed through the bars on our windows, breaking one on the way, so that everyone could fit through. What a sight!

Day 15
March 30, 2007
Ngodzi

Mission accomplished!

We finished up our work on the church today – the ridge cap on the roof, poured the concrete stage, and finished up the front outside. We also installed the plaque we brought with us and installed the wooden cross we had carved and painted. Both of those events were moving moments for the team.

This evening the opening festivities began with an outdoor rally using the flat bed of a truck as a stage set up beside the church. There was lots of music, dancing, and a guest speaker from Lilongwe. We participated with three of the songs we prepared, one we had learned in Chechewa. We were disappointed that the “Jesus Film” that was planned was not available, but they are hoping to have it for tomorrow evening’s rally.

We are all in wind down mode now, but very thankful to have been able to contribute as we have. We look forward to the rest of the weekend festivities, especially the official opening on Sunday. And we are looking forward to be being reunited with family at home and sharing about our incredible time here.

Day 14
March 29, 2007
Ngodzi

Great progress was made on the church today. The steel went on the east roof so all that remains for tomorrow is the ridge cap. Chelsey and Fred took the wooden cross to a painter and it should be ready for installation tomorrow. They also ordered six doors which won’t be ready before we leave. We decided to install the plaque above the front door and that should be done tomorrow. And we have started cleanup of the grounds. So everything is looking good for completion of our mission tomorrow. The finish line is in sight!

The gals spent part of the morning at the orphan daycare. They presented storybooks and soccer balls to the volunteer teachers, and demonstrated the “parachute” with the children. Connie took her Poloroid camera and gave them photos to keep.

Chelsey enjoyed playing soccer with the Malawian kids on the compound this evening. Then we enjoyed a wonderful cool breeze off the lake during supper – a real treat.

Day 13
March 28, 2007
Ngodzi

Today was the big day for naming of the new baby. Proud Garnet along with the ladies of the team went to the home of Moses’ sister Emily. The baby was Christened “Garnet” by his Godfather Garnet Stewart who prayed that the baby would become a strong man in the Lord. Gifts were given to the mother and baby Garnet. All the relatives were in attendance for this special occasion.

Hank attended a meeting of the area village Chiefs along with Lifeline Malawi staff. The purpose of the meeting was to allow the Chiefs to express the medical needs for their villages and on how Lifeline Malawi might assist in improving public health. The Chiefs gave Dr. Chris Brooks and Lifeline Malawi a strong vote of confidence.

The steel went up today on the western side of the roof, it of course the hottest day we’ve had since arriving in Malawi. Fred, Kees and Darren got to experience what it was like to be a fried egg on a skillet as they put on the steel roofing. The inner two office walls are completed and the parging (plastering with cement) on the front of the church is complete. The pointing (finishing) of the brick is well under way. The cross for the front of church arrived back from the carvers with the inscription looking wonderful. At the school, one of the latrines is dug and the brick to make the pit safe during the rainy is near completion. The other latrine is being dug.

2007-03-30T10:58:00.000-03:00

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!

2007-03-26T06:38:00.000-03:00

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

2007-03-25T12:56:00.000-03:00

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

2007-03-22T15:46:00.000-03:00

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!!!

2007-03-22T15:45:00.000-03:00

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.

2007-03-20T13:51:00.001-03:00

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.

2007-03-20T13:51:00.000-03:00

2007-03-18T09:36:00.000-03:00

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!

2007-03-18T01:39:00.000-03:00

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

2007-03-16T09:24:00.000-03:00

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.

2007-03-15T21:05:00.000-03:00

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.

2007-03-12T19:31:00.000-03:00

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.

2007-03-11T13:32:00.000-03:00

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.

2007-03-09T08:57:00.001-04:00

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.

2007-03-02T08:55:00.000-04:00

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.

2007-02-25T16:32:00.000-04:00

19 Days to go

Three weeks from today we should be touching down in Malawi after two nights of travel. Two back to back “red eye” flights are challenging physically, and I trust we will all get some sleep en route.

Fred Fall (right back row) is our “professional builder” and I am sure we will be looking to him for the “how to’s.” Fred has a construction business and along with the Malawian foreman, will direct our efforts. Pray that there will be a real sense of working together between our team and the Malawians. May we learn from each other.

2007-02-24T10:54:00.001-04:00

20 Days to go

Garnet Stewart (2nd from right back) brings a wealth of construction experience to Malawi Team 2007, having gone through several home construction projects himself. Garnet works in tractor and farm equipment sales and this will be his first international mission experience. We appreciate his willingness to serve. Pray for his wife Diane on the home front during our travels.

2007-02-23T10:03:00.000-04:00

21 Days (3 weeks) to go

Kees Visser (middle back row) makes the team a perfect 10. He is a member of the Charlottetown Christian Reformed Church and is a retired farmer, with previous mission experience doing construction in Grenada. He has been to Africa numerous times and his experience will be valuable on our team. We are grateful for his willingness to serve and warmly welcome him on our team.

We have our borrowed duffle bags from the Summerside Community Church team and we are ready to start packing the donated items that we are taking with us. There is room for more and we can accept donations at Wholeness Family Clinic, 20461 Trans Canada Highway, Crapaud.

2007-02-22T09:09:00.000-04:00

22 Days to go

Great article by Mary MacKay in the Guardian today, Section C. Thanks Mary!. Have a look at http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=12726&sc=100 but be sure to buy The Guardian.

It’s been incredible how the community has rallied around us and we are so grateful, and so thrilled, to represent PEI in Africa. Pray with me that this is just the first step in an ongoing partnership between the South Shore area of PEI, Lifeline Malawi, and Ngodzi, Malawi.

2007-02-20T12:33:00.000-04:00

24 Days to go

Paul MacPhee (2nd from left back row) is a drywall seam filler. He and his wife Betty have been keen participants on Malawi Team 2007 since day one. Pray that their hearts will continue to be stirred for missions and for Africa.

You can also see our team picture on the Wholeness Family Clinic website under International (click here).

2007-02-19T10:11:00.001-04:00

25 Days to go

Darren Darbyson (left back row) is our ex-military guy with lots of international experience. This is his first mission trip and he will be overseeing our baggage. He is also organizing our day in London during our stopover there. Pray that a real passion for missions will be birthed in his heart during this trip.

2007-02-16T12:48:00.000-04:00

28 Days to go

Four weeks from today is our departure from the Charlottetown airport! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers as we prepare.

Chelsey Lake (right front row) is our youngest team member. This will surely be a life changing experience for her. Pray that what she experiences will leave a genuine passion in her heart to bring hope and healing to the African continent. Chelsey joins her mom Janet on this mission. And remember her dad, Kenny, holding down the fort at home.

2007-02-15T19:02:00.000-04:00

29 Days to go

Janet Lake (3rd from left front row) brings the gift of music to our team. She is Island Wesleyan’s worship leader and an excellent guitar player. She has found a guitar that she will take to Malawi to leave. Pray that she will connect with a Malawian who has musical gifting and passion, and a willingness to learn to play the guitar. Janet is joined by her daughter Chelsey.

2007-02-13T12:31:00.000-04:00

31 Days to go

Connie Trowsdale (2nd from left front row) has had a dream and a calling for missions for years. She is answering that call and we are thankful for her. Connie is a prayer warrior and very perceptive of people’s needs. She will be a great asset to the team. Please pray for Connie as she backs the team up with prayer and intercession.