Catching Up

Jacob, Josh & girls crossing handmade bridge

It has been a bit over a month (or maybe two, sorry) since our last update and although the time is not that long, chronologically we are much further behind letting you all know what we have been up to and what God has been doing in our life’s. So for this update I will make a bit of a summery of the major blessings the Lord has given us over the past months, but not to take away from the daily love we feel from Him.

In late June we took a trip to the northern region of Malawi to spend the last few days with our Friends Josh and Doressa before brining them back here to Lilongwe so they could fly back to the good ‘ol US of A. We had an awesome time with them. They showed us so much hospitality taking us to a game reserve, lake Malawi, among many other things all the while packing up their life here in Malawi, at least for the time being. God brought them into our lives for many reasons and to Him we are eternally grateful. We pray that the states are treating them well and look forward to their return to this part of the world.

Playing in the waves of Northern Lake Malawi

Shortly after seeing Josh and Doressa off, we received the best gift we have had since our arrival here, Meg. Meg (Tonya’s mom for those that don’t know) gave us the biggest spiritual, emotional, and physical lift imaginable. It is one thing to write and talk to the one’s you love but getting to hug, spend time and have their presence when you have so longed for it is like nothing else. We spent her time here showing her our life. Taking her around the town, introducing her to our Comboni Family, to our friends and to the number of organizations we are involved in. We cherished every moment she was with us and even though she was here for almost two weeks it seemed like it was only a day or two. We thank God for her time here and look forward to our future embrace.

Josie and Grandma Meg in the market

While Meg was here, Lily was able to receive the Sacrament of First Communion. We had been preparing Lily for this most joyous day during our time and thankfully the Fathers were gracious enough to hold a small mass for this celebration at their chapel. We were joined by a number of Sisters from various communities along with Father Somanje celebrating mass and Father Kanyike attending. Watching Lily grow in knowledge and faith in our Father has been a wonderful experience in itself and to celebrate this sacrament here in Malawi is a gift from God that she will never forget.

Some of the other fun things we have done is taking most of our preschoolers on a field trip to

Lilyanna's First Holy Communion Mass

the Lilongwe Wildlife Center about 100 kids. Most of these children have never been out of the village and just to be able to go into town was a joyful event. We all took the tours, ate lunch, and then played on probably the most dangerous playgrounds on earth. Seriously, the slide was almost straight up and down, the raised levels on a “tree house had no rails and most of the equipment was either broke or just plain had razor sharp edges. I paint a grim picture but only as a parent and caretaker of the kids. They all had a great time and were talking about it for weeks. 

Our preschool field trip

   In July we had the pleasure to meet and spend time with one of father Somanje’s friends Valentina. She is now working in Zambia and had come to see father and we were lucky enough to also share in her time. Josie took right to her because of her playfulness and gentle way. They quickly became best buds and Valentina was all Josie could talk about. While she was here we were also fortunate enough to be witness to and involved in the meeting of AMECEA here in Lilongwe. Basically it is a huge meeting of an organization that includes the leaders of the Catholic church in seven different countries of this part of Africa. 

AMECEA

During the first Sunday mass of this meeting we were in church expecting to greet members from one of the countries as guests, and I looked up and thought I was dreaming. There in front of me was Sister Huwet, a Comboni Sister we had met and grown to love very much in Chicago! We were all so filled with joy to see an old friend that we never knew if we would get to see again. We were blessed to spend time with Sister Huwet and other Sisters from her area in Eritrea. During our time spent with Sister Huwet  she gave us reassurance that the life of a missionary is not measured in the “things” you have accomplished but in the love of Him and from Him that you give each and every day.

Tili tonse, First Holy Communion

One of our main ministries here has been to assist in tili tonse, which is basically the catechism of the youth in preparing them for the sacraments.  Most of the youth speak very little English and with a limit on our Chichewa it is a challenging ministry, but with the help of other teachers to interpret where our language skills lack, it has also been very rewarding.  To be able to share the word of God to these children who in many cases have very little else in life is a humbling experience. They come in the hundreds every Saturday, many dressed in what we would call in the states rags, some with shoes, some not. None of that matters though. We all come as children of God.  I was privileged to facilitate the receiving of the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation for well over 300 beautiful children of the Lord. To see the excitement and joy on their faces filled my heart with joy. We have now started a new year of tili tonse and we are excited to continue to share His love to the youth.

Josephine's 1st day of Reception/4K

Lilyanna and Josie have both started school at ABC Academy. Lily is in the fourth grade and Josie is reception (4k). Both are doing very well and we are thankful for the opportunity for them to receive a quality Christian education. Lily is on the swim team this year and Josie will be starting lessons soon. Both are building strong friendships with children from Malawi and many other parts of the world and we are happy to see them growing as beautiful young ladies of the Lord.

We thank God daily in our prayers for the love and support that all of you have given us during our time here in Malawi so far. Without your prayers, your support and the love and mercy of Jesus Christ we know that none of this is possible. Please continue to pray for us, as we will do the same.