On To London

We survived Addis Ababa!  We sure enjoyed having an actual hotel room last night. After a week sharing 12X12 huts with four other people, a spacious, air conditioned room with a king size bed and a shower and bath tub with hot water and water pressure was like being in heaven. Ranie took a shower and a bath and we both too showers before going to bed and again when we awoke. Even though it was only about  five hours later. We went to sleep about 12:30am and were back up at 4:30am. 

The hotel clerk recommended we catch the 6:00am shuttle to the airport so we would be to the airport two hours before our boarding time. Of course we were right on schedule so we breezed through immigration and security. So we had three fun filled hours in Addis Ababa's Bole airport. Actually closer to four if you count the 35 minute delay in boarding. The bright side to all of this is they switched our flight from a stop in Rome to a direct flight. That got us to London about 90 minutes earlier. 

Ranie didn't waste that time. She continued to make friends in airports. She renewed conversations with people she met on our flight yesterday,had a nice conversation with a young man from Ethiopia now studying in London and saw a western couple with what looked like a new born African baby.  she navigated over and found out they were a couple from Ireland, he's Irish, she's Spanish, who had just pick up their baby. The end of an eight year process for them. As we were boarding Ranie noticed a woman sleeping through the boarding call. She was a good Samaritan and tried to wake her with a gentle shake. After several attempts the woman didn't awake. I was beginning to think she was dead! By now several people were watching and encouraging Ranie to give the woman a good shake. So she did. The woman awoke with a start and was totally disoriented. It took her several seconds to realize she was in the airport. She was looking blanking at Ranie so Ranie asked, "Are going to London?" The woman said "yes", thanked Ranie and took off running for the gate. Everyone had a good laugh!

The fun didn't stop there. On the plan the woman across the aisle from Ranie was traveling with her two young boys. Ranie ended up holding the youngest on her lap for the first hour of the flight. I had a picture for you but I had a big brain fart and deleted the entire post.  this is a rewrite. I think it's from the brain damage I have from hitting my head so many times the upper bunk in the Malawi hut!

We are less than an hour from London so I think I can safely say I didn't get sick in Africa. Over half the team had at least one bout with "Zulu's revenge". I am shocked. I figured I'd be sick the first day and I'm such a baby I would have been sure I was dying of Malaria or some other dread disease. Of course I've probably just jinxed myself and I'll be sick the whole time we're in London. I hope not. 

I am very excited about this next phase of our adventure. I don't think it will be nearly as emotional as the Africa phase but as a history buff I can't wait to see places I've read so much about. I'll keep blogging and hopefully won't bore you. 

Landed in London at 2:50pm. Man that was a long fight! Screaming babies, flying very bumpy circles around Heathrow and a very old dirty airplane. I've had enough flying for a while. We took the train and the underground, London's subway, to Westminster bridge and walked across the bridge over the Thames, past Big Ben and the Eye to our hotel. Once we checked in, it took us a long to get to our room as it did to get here from the airport. I'm sure we walked several kilometers (notice the clever switch to metric?)from registration to our room. Nice room overlooking the Eye, Jubilee Garden, the Thames and Paliment. 

We are dead tired so no sight seeing today. We'll rest up and get started tomorrow. Since I don't have any photos from today I'll share a few more Africa pics.

Good Bye Malawi

Our time in Malawi has come to an end. I'm amazed at how quickly the time has passed. In many ways I am ready to go. In many other ways I am sorry to be leaving. I will miss the wonderful people of Malawi. They have been gracious hosts whom I now consider friends. I am particularly fond of Steven who is the village coordinator for Chilombo Village. He is a kind man who has overcome tremendous obstacles and now helps kids in the villages who  face what he has been through. 

The young women interns that helped us from the time we arrived were great. They helped us feel much more connected to the local population. They acted as our interpreters and cultural liaisons. They were the happiest most joy filled young ladies. They brightened every day for us. They are shining examples of what can happen when you invest in children. 

I think what I will miss are the children in the villages. They have almost no worldly possessions. The ones they do have are worn and dirty. Yet they are incredibly kind and engaging and gratefull for everything you do for them. Even if it is nothing more then hold ther hand or encourage them or pray for them. I am going to do my best to help them with some of the bare essentials like shoes, hygiene products and food. We can make a big difference with a small investment of time and remarkably little money. 

On the other hand, I won't miss the van rides. There is just no way for 17 people (or more) to get comfortable in a 15 year old Toyota mini van. I won't miss bumping me head half a dozen times a day on the bunk above me. And I definitely won't miss the power outages and cold showers. However it is those exact things that brought the team together. 

So this morning we loaded ourselves into the van one last time and headed to the airport. We said our bittersweet goodbyes and headed for the gate. Of course our plane had mechanical problems so we were delayed by nearly two hours. Of course Ranie found all kinds of interesting people to talk to while we waited. Including a Lebanese man who wants to build an amusement park in Malawi.  

We will part ways with the rest of our team when we arrive in Addis Abba. They will transfer to a flight to Rome and from there to the United States. We'll stay the night in Addis Abba at a hotel near the airport. I'm still a little nervous about that. Then tomorrow morning we take off for London and the final leg of our adventure. 

We made it safely to Addis Ababa! We pre paid for a room at a Radisson near the airport. Turns out it is a five star hotel. Too bad it's in Addis Ababa. We were met by a driver to take us to the hotel.  The drive from the airport looked like we were driving through a war torn area with bombed out buildings. At the hotel we had to X-ray our bags and they used a hand held metal dectoer on me before we could enter the lobby. I guess that's just a sign of the times. 

This room is quite a contrast to sharing a hut with four other dudes. The down side is we have get up in 5 hours to get to the airport. The bright side is will be in London at this time tomorrow. 

Back To Malawi

We ended our time at Kafunta River Lodge with another fantastic breakfast at 5:30am. Then back on the road at 6:00. I will always remember this experience and can hopefully came back some day. A short 6 hour ride and we were back in Njewa village, Malawi. After two nights in luxury, sharing a lodge with my beautiful wife, it's back to the 12X12 hut with four other dudes. Oh well it's only one night. Hard for me to believe the trip is over. We fly out tomorrow. 

We still had work to do before we left. COTN hosted a lunch for all of the children sponsored by our team members. Our team has committed to trying to find sponsors for another 20 kids when we get home. Ranie and I are looking for sponsors for four kids. Let me know if you're interested. Those 20 kids were invited to lunch also. 

We had a very nice time getting to better know our two sponsored kids, Binosi and Sevarina. We also learned about Maria, Falice, Rose and Betha. All girls looking for a sponsor. These girls generally get two meals a day, live in homes with no running water and if the have shoes, they have only one pair. We shared a nice lunch then gave Rose, Betha, Maria and Falice shoes or a clothing item before they had to leave. 

We gave Sevarina a bunch of school supplies in addition to a pair of shoes. We gave Binosi, who loves to play soccer, a soccer shirt and soccer ball in addition to his school supplies. Both of these kids are very shy but Sevarina couldn't help but smile. Binosi was literally jumping up and down he was so excited. These simple items are luxuries they would never see. I felt tremendous joy bringing some happiness into their lives. By the way, Ranie raided a Target sale before we left and paid less tha $20 for everything. 

After lunch we went to an outdoor market, called the post office, so people could by souvenirs. The "shops" are 4 or 5 foot long  3 foot deep spaces in the parking lot of several banks, near the Malawi post office (hence the name). These vendors are so aggressive they make lions look tame. When they saw a van load of Azungu (white people) pull into the lot it was like like a pride of lions after a buffalo kill. How do you like the safari references? Anyway, we all got out alive. Some even found bargains. 

We wrapped the day witha dinner hosted by the COTN Country Director at her " lodge". It was very nice with delicicious local foods. Then back to Njewa for lights out. 

I've attached a a couple photos from lunch. In the rush to leave for the post office, I forgot my camera and my phone was dead so I don't have photos of the feeding frenzy. 

For give my frequent spelling, grammar and format errors in this blog. Between writing late at night in bed and the auto-correct feature I have had a bit of a struggle. I was going to blame Ranie but figured you all know better than that!

Safari #3

Well I guess I've learned my lesson about shopping. I thought going shopping in a Zambin village would be more fun than shopping at home. Not so much. Ranie found a few nice things so it wasn't a total waste of time. When we returned to the lodge Ranie had a massage and facial while I sweat my way through a short nap. At 4pm it was time for our final safari. 

Safari #3 three started with us letting Abel,our guide, and Isaac, his spotter, know our goal was to see a leopard. Almost immediately upon our departure it started to rain. Turned out that was a good thing. Helped to cool things off quite nicely and didn't rain for long. We proceded to have wonderful encounters with elephants, giraffes and hundreds of Impalas ans bush bucks. But no leopards. We spoke with another safari group who said they had caught a quick glimpse of a leopard but they couldn't see it well. By the time we stopped for sundown drinks, and the sundown was awe inspiring, we'd still struck out on leopards. We did enjoy watching the hippos and elephants cross the river heading for night time grazing. 

Abel and Isaac were now on a mission to find leopards. The sun was down, clouds blocking most of the moonlight and Isaac was working the spotlight. Then it happened. In the distance, about 300 yards away the spotlight reflected off two spot in a tree.  It was clearly the eys of an animal. We approached to about 100 yards and we could see it was a leopard cub.  As we sat and watched we saw another cub in a tree ahead and to our right. Abel was determined to get us closer for a better look. 

Between us and the leopard cubs was a drying watering hole. The edges had mostly dried but there was still water in the toward the middle. Abel steered our Toyota Land Cruiser into the watering hole and stared to maneuver us closer to the leopard cubs. Of course we were all wondering where mama leopard was. The going was weary rough as as Abel tried to negotiate the deep ruts and holes left by hippos and elephants using the watering hole. In fact, we noticed a half submerged hippo about fifty yards to our right. As the Land Cruiser bumped to a rough stop, the leopard cub closest to us came ot of his tree and started exploring the watering hole. A short later the second cub left his tree and we lost sight of it. We watched the remaining cub play for about ten minutes as Isaac followed it with his spot light. 

When it was time to go Abel calmly announced, "Interestingly, we are stuck."  He them ask the men to get out of the Land Cruiser and push.  No big deal. We have two wild leopard cubs, a missing mama leopard and a hippo, the most aggressive of all the animals to humans, in our very immediate vicinity. So all us guys jumped out to help push. I had only taken two steps when I stepped in an elephant track. Not the stinky kind, just a big hole. The track was knee deed and I almost feel. The other guys were having similar problems. We were able to free the truck quickly and get back on our way with no loss of life or limb. However, one of the guys did fall and another saw something large drop from a nearby tree thought mama had come to protect her cubs. Thankfully it was a false alarm. 

Abel was now on the hunt trying to get us a better look at the cubs. Apparently seeing leopard cubs is very rare. Or find the mother leopard. After about 10 minutes driving through very heavy brush we spotted another set of glowing eyes. It wasn't mama but it was an adult male leopard. Abel got us into good position to the leopard walk across a field. Abel told us he thought the cat was heading for a nearby trail so he took us that direction.  We arrived where Abel expected the leopard to cross the road. When we stopped we noticed a lion and her cub walking in a drainage area to our right. The leopard was comic straight toward our truck. We all sat as still and quiet as we could. The big cat walked past us within five feet of our front bumper. I have to say this safari ride is definitely in the top five great experiences of my life. 

I tried to take pictures as all this was going on. I was able to snap one that isn't too blurry. I attached it for you. The video is better but I can't attach video. You can check it out when we get back. I've also attached a couple other photos from this evenings safari. 

This is our last night at Kafunta River Lodge. We had a wonderful time. The staff was friendly and helpful, the food great and views spectacular. If they could do something about the heat, this place would be perfect. 

Safari #2

UI'm sitting on the porch after our second safari watching the Baboons, Impalas and Wart Hogs graze just off the porch. We're trying to catch a little rest before brunch at 11:30. We have had a busy day so far. Up this morning at 4:30am. breakfast at 5:30. Safari at 6:00am and back to the lodge at 10:30. 

This morning the full group went on Safari. Before we reached the park we had seen a heard of Zebras and a family of Giraffe. We spent the next several hours watching Hippos, Elephants, Water Buffalo and a huge pride of Lions. I counted 16 lions lounging in the grass under a tree. They were all females and cubs. They were very lazy because they had recently killed a waste buffalo and had full bellies. Watching them reminded me of my house house after thanksgiving dinner! 

We went looking for the male and found him about five minutes later. He was off by himself relaxing in the shade of a bush. Our ride parked less than 15 feet from him. I stood to take a picture an that bothered him. He started to stare at us and let out a low growl. Abel, our guide, said that was our signal to leave. I wasn't too worried. I had Ranie and Rachi between the lion and me. 

We have one more Safari this afternoon/evening.  I hope we find a leopard this afternoon. Another group did see one this morning. The leopard is the only major animal we haven't seen. I think I said in yesterday's post that a jaguar had been seen in camp. I was mistaken. There are no Jaguars here. They saw a leopard wandering through camp. I wouldn't want to meet either one of them on my way to the bath room!

Before our next Safari, we're going into the village for some shopping. First time I've been excited about shopping since I bought my last set golf clubs. 

Here are some photos from today. 

Safari #1

The miserable trip in the van was worth it. The Kafunta River Lodge is beautiful. We arrived at about 2:30pm. Just in time for a delicious spaghetti lunch and a safety briefing. We can't walk at night without one of the staff because the animals come into the village. Last we it was two jaguars and a pride of three lions. The hippos are regular night visitors as are elephants. While we ate dinner hippos were grazing about 50 yards away. 

Four of us guys went on an evening Safari today. We left at 4:30 and returned at around 7:30. You ride in an open Toyota Land Cruiser with elevated seats. Our guide is Able and the spotter is Isaac. They did a great job. Within in 10 minutes we were watching giraffe graze about 10 yards away. That was just the beginning. We saw Impalas, Bush Bucks, Kudos, Hippos, Crocodiles, Lions, Elephants and a few small animals who's names I've forgotten. I was interrupted while I was writing this by an Elephant grazing on a tree five feet from our window. Mind you there is no glass in these windows. Just screen. 

By the way it is HOT here. It was still in the low 90's when we went to bed. 

Internet is very spotty here and very slow so I can't post too many pics. I did include a couple of my favorites. 

On Safari

We made it! Five and a half hours in a van with no air conditioning. About half the way was on bumpy dirt roads. Some of us guys are going out for our first Safari at 4pm. Here's a quick shot from our porch. 

Going on Safari

We're leaving for Safari, South Luangwa preserve, this morning at 8am. Plenty of time for me to get ready since I woke at 1am. I did fall back asleep a couple of times. The second time I woke, about 1:45, I was sleeping so hard I figured I must have been out for hours. You know that feeling like someone is smashing you into the pillow. I was disappointed I hadn't been sleeping longer but I had manged to create a huge drool puddle puddle.  So I had that going for me!  Anyway, I digress.  I decided to get up and write. I doubt we will have I nternet service at the park in Zambia so thought I would post something before we leave. 

I thought you might like to know a little about the members of our team.  I am amazed at how well we have gelled as a team. Most of us didn't know each other at all before this trip. So being thrown together in some difficult situations (tight living quarters, Rather primative conditions, emotional situations, not feeling well) people can either turn on each other or support each other. This team certainly chose to support each other. I thought you might like to meet the team. 

HOLLY: Holly is our team leader. She is a Regional Director for COTN. This is her second trip to Africa. She is very dedicated to serving needy children throughout the world. She organized the entire trip and all of our in country activities. Despite all of her responsibility to the team, she has shown she knows how to have fun. 

MIKE (AKA: Mookie): Mike, Holly's husband, is a youth pastor on his first trip to Africa. Mike and I have been friends for about three years. Mike is 6'6" tall and full of personality. He is a sensation every where we go because he is so big. Malawians are a realitively small people. Mike keeps everybody laughing. He spontaneously breaks into foreign accents (some real, some made up) or starts singing popular tunes with lyrics he makes up to fit the circumstances. 

MARCO: Marco is Mike's friend and a volunteer working with Mike's youth group in the U.S.  This is Marco's second time in Africa. As a child he lived in Mozambique. Marco is VERY funny and likes to goof around.  In fact I learned yesterday that he was a stand up comic in Los Angeles at one time. He is very insightful and loves the kids in the villages. Apparently they love him too because he always has one or two in his arms with several others clinging to his hands. 

LANA: Lana is a brand new COTN employee on her first trip to Africa. LANA is originally from Australia so we make fun of her accent. Lana in lovely inside and out (learned she was a professional dancer, Seahawks cheerleader and Lakers girl). The children in the villages flock to her. We generally find her sitting or kneeling with a flock of children around her. Apparently she doesn't like bugs. Every evening during devotions she squeals and jumps out of her seat at the sight or sound of any flying bug. Quite entertaining. 

RACHI: Rachi is from a small town in Ohio and is on her first trip to Africa. She is very creative and introspective. Rachi has become the team photographer and takes very creative photos and video. 

TOM: Tom is and independent business man from St. Louis. This is his second trip to Africa. Tom is married with two small children and sponsors three children in Malawi. Tom is bright, funny and listens more than he speaks. He is always willing to help out and is able to connect with the local teens and young adults despite the language barrier. Tom is a genuinely good guy. I like him a lot. 

JOCELYN: Jocelyn is a business woman on her second trip to Africa. She is married to Matthew. Jocelyn has a smile that lights up the room. Her heart for these children is obvious in every village and home we visit. Jocelyn is really fun to talk with. She and Matthew sponsor two children in Malawi. 

MATTHEW: Matthew is married to Jocelyn and they sponsor two children in Malawi (I know I just told you that). This is his first trip to Africa. Matthew works in the computer tech field. Sorry that's as much as I could understand. Matthew is the quiet thinker of the group. He is one of those people who doesn't say much but you'd be wise to pay attention when he does. He is a smart, insightful, funny guy.

RANIE: Ranie is my lovely wife who reluctantly came to Africa as a show of love to me. She really misses her daughters, granddaughter and of course Margaret the bulldog. The lack of internet and cell  phone service the first few days didn't help. Now that issue is worked out and she is feeling much better. Despite her home sickness you can see her heart melt for the village children as they flock to her. Ranie really connects with the teens and young adults. I am so proud of her for overcoming her fears and so blessed to have her as my wife. 

DONALD: Don a ruggedly handsome sinner trying to leave a meaningful legacy. This is my first trip to Africa. Ranie and sponsor one child in Malawi. For now at least. 

Day Five

 We started the day with another delicious breakfast (kidding).  We left the COTN compound at 8 am and headed for Chichere Farm, a home for 15 teenage boys and a 350 acre working farm.  The farm produces all of the food for COTN children's programs - including maise, peanuts, sunflowers, tomatoes and fruit. The boys work as assistants to the farm laborers during school breaks and during their gap year ( between high school and hopefully university). We met an 18 year old young man named Peter who was waiting for his exam results. He hopes to attend university and then law school. We learned that he needs a sponsor in order to attend university. Peter told us that he had visited San Diego in 2008 as part of a COTN group. He is so hopeful about his future.  There is so much need.  As we were leaving he asked Ranie if she was on Facebook.  They shared contact info and he promised to let her know when he receives his exam results.

Steven, our COTN coordinator, shared his history with the group during our return trip.  He was orphaned as a young boy and he and his younger siblings were raised by his older brother without resources.  They lived in horrible circumstances but he was able to attend school because COTN paid for his education through 12th grade.  He's a great example of what is possible when someone supports a Malawi child.

The highlight of our day was meeting our sponsor child in Mgawyi Village. We met Binosi, his parents and 2 brothers and sister.  They were a lovely family that was so grateful for the support they are receiving through COTN.  The mother thanked us for blankets, soap, clothing and Binosi"s education.  We walked through the village with Ranie holding Binosi's hand and carrying his sister.  He never let go of her hand.  We will be able to see him again on Tuesday when all the sponsor children attend a lunch.  We will be giving Binosi his gift at that event.  It was so amazing to see beautiful face.

There is a dance party this evening. We will likely be spectators because we are so tired. We leave for our safari tomorrow morning. It's a 4 hour drive so tomorrow will be another long day. At least the trip will be in a tour bus. Hopefully our days of 20 people in a Toyota van are over!

Africa's revenge has been making its way through the ranks. Four of or team members have been down with stomach problems. Fortunately I have been spared so far. For you folks at Ken Lee, I could fill a years worth of "News From Ken Lee" articles. 

Day Four

Today we had a chance to catch our breath. Although I have yet to sleep past 3am (today I was awake at 2),I am feeling energized. 

This morning we shared morning devotion with the students at the International Christian Academy, which is within the compound where we stay. The singing was inspiring. 

After breakfast we headed for the Crisis Nursery. This nursery houses children who lost their mothers during birth or who were abandoned. The nursery has about 6 months to find family to support the child. They work very hard to save these children from death or a life on the street. We were allowed to spend time, hold, play with the kids. We were all very touched. Several of our team members contemplated becoming international fugitives and smuggling a baby out with us. 

The exception to the six month rule is Toko. Toko is two and a half and clearly rules the roost at the nursery. He inherited HIV from his mom. Mom is still around so they trying to stabilize mom so Toku can go back home. 

I really thought visiting the nursing home would be hard emotionally. As it turns out, it was very uplifting. The home was immaculate and the babies were clearly well cared for and loved. 

Next we went to the Graduation ceremony of a long time COTN staff member. Then back to the compound for lunch and laundry. Meal times have been a real blessing. The team dines together, we laugh hysterically and really get to know each other. Laundry was ...different.  Fill a tub with water and some soap, agitate by hand, rinse in the sink, ring out and hang to dry. A lot harder than I thought. I was sweating like a pig!

We spent the afternoon with the high school seniors working with them on the strength finders curriculum. It was a lot of fun getting to spend some individual time with kids and learning more about them. 

We ended the day by going into Lilongwe for dinner. The staff found a very nice Italian restaurant. What a nice time being in a place a little more like home. We brought our driver and guide with us and treated them to dinner. It was a very small way of thanking them for all they've done for us. 

We stopped at 7/11 ( yes there's 7/11 in Malawi) and I traded $40 for 16,000 Kwacha. I'm rich!

Only 12 of us in the van this evening. There as so much room it felt like a stretch limo. 

Day Three In Malawi

We spent the entire day in Cholombo, the same village we did our immersion in yesterday. Today was project day so us guys helped put a roof on a home for a family. The women ran a day camp for village children. We had a great day and everyone is exhausted!

We replaced a rotting thatch roof with a corrugated tin roof. I've included some photos.  During the roofing project Ranie was is charge In charge of putting on a recreation program.  She planned for 100 children but nearly 400 children showed up.  The event was a success even though we were not able to implement the plan.  The big hit was leaving 4 soccer balls for the village.  The village chief came to the van at the end of our day to thank us for the balls.  The living conditions in Cholombo are really poor but the people are so full of joy. The children love to hold your hand and the adults are so appreciative of any help. It's so easy to fall in love with the children because they are so beautiful.  We left with heavy hearts and a trail of children a chasing our van.  If only we could do more...

For those keeping score, we set a new world record for people in a Toyota van that seats 7 - we had 20 adults in the van- quite a tight ride.  

Living Conditions

Thought you might like to know about our living conditions. The 10 of us are living in two 12X12 huts. Kind of like on Gilligan's Island only not quite as luxurious. The five guys are in one hut. The five women in the other. I thought married couples would have our own huts. Big swing and a miss there. 

The group rest rooms are 20 yards away for the men and 30 yards away for the women. Three shower stalls and several toilets. There is rarely any hot water. Yesterday day I awoke at 3am, pretty common for all us guys, and jumped in an early shower and had hot water. I guess there is only about five minutes so hot water because I told my team mates to hurry and shores because there was hot water. Apparently I had used it all because they all had cold showers. 

Yesterday's hot shower was a true luxury. This morning there was not water at all! Nope, that's not a typo. Turned on the faucets and got nothing but a gurgling noise.  Thank got for the shower in a towel body wipes Ranie packed.  We're starting our third day in Malawi and currently in the middle of of our 5th blackout. 

I promised daily blog updates. Kind of hard to do with no internet access. We bought wi-fi cards yesterday hoping with would be able to contact home.  Another swing and a miss. The power outages have apparently knocked out the wi-fi routers as well. Cell phones don't work either. Still can't figure that out. 

Oh well. As my brilliant daughter Alie once said, "It's all part of the adventure."

Day Two in Malawi

Nothing new here except I corrected the spelling of Chirombo village. I'm sure it's wrong in other posts also. 

I don't where to start or how to describe what we saw today. So I guess I'll start at the beginning. We woke very early, still on Cali time, and just enjoyed a beautiful African morning. Around 7:00 everyone started to stumble out of bed so we shared a breakfast of oatmeal with fruit and bread, had short devotional and hit the road. 

Today, Wednesday in Malawi, was cultural immersion day. Because of our packed schedule we only actually had a half day of immersion. The 10 team members were split into 5 teams of two for the morning. Ranie and I were on separate teams so our stories vary a little. We all started with a trip to the market. Trust me,we're not talking Walmart.  The market was a couple of acres of open air shops selling everything from live animals and raw meet and vegetables to fire wood, flour and clothing. We were given a list of items, the local language and 4,000 kwancha, the local currency.  We had to buy the items on the list so we could take it to a family in the village of Chirombo. We met our families and helped them with chores like watering they garden, more like a small farm, and help prepare the meal. 

So picture this. We have the same 17 people in our Toyota limo, plus 6 live chickens!  The chickens were the guests of honor at lunch. When we got to Chirombo I was stunned by the poverty. Most of the families lived in one room red brick homes with thatched roofs and no no plumbing or even windows. The walk to Daniel's, my host, crops was nearly a mile where he will work all day watering, weeding and tilling all by hand. His daughters walk 5 miles to school. And I'm not setting you up for a "when I was young story". They really do this every day because know one in Chirombo has a car and few have bicycles. 

After helping with the farming I returned to Daniels home and helped prepare the meal. First, that meant we had to slaughter the chicken. By we, I mean Daniel. My partner and I were spared from that task. Then we went into the "kitchen" which is a small area with a 48 inch ceiling. 

Really it is little more than a brick box attached to the back of the house with an open fire for cooking. My hosts got a good chuckle at how much I sweat. I couldn't tell exactly what they were saying but there was I lot of laughing and pointing at the "azungu" (white person) and mimicking me wiping my brow.

 

The morning trip was very humbling because for all the villagers didn't have, they did have joy. The children greeted us with hugs, smiles, songs and dance. They loved having their pictures taken ant looking at the photos on the camera playback. 

Our afternoon trip was to the Mtilisi home for widows and orphans. This program houses and feeds hundreds of children. Dozens of widowed women have have been taught how to sew and how to create their own small business. Without thieves programs these women and children would have nothing. When I say nothing I'm not be over dramatic. They would have no shoes, food, clean water, roof over ther head. They could try begging but would be begging from others who have next to nothing. At Mtilisi the children receive two meals a day six days a week and the women have learned a trade to support their families. 

Somehow, despite all they don't have, they have great joy. Everyehwere we went we were greeted with songs and dance. Some of it was choreographed for our visits, of course. But throughout the day the children would follow us around hold our hands, hugs the women spontaneously break into songs. They smile and laugh and praise God despite their circumstances. At times I felt overwhelmed by the poverty and need of these wonderful people. They have so much need. How do you help them? Where do you start?  I guess it doesn't matter where you start or what you do. Just start. They benefit and appreciate every bit of help and support they receive. Favor, one of the COTN students, when asked what Malawians think of Americans, said they think all Americans are rich and like to help other people. Compared to what people have here she is right about us being rich. 

Today was an emotionally draining day full of tears and joy. I feel so incredibly blessed by this the the people of Malawi. Funny I came over here hoping to be a blessing to them. It's true that God works in amazing ways.

Here are some pics from today adventure. 

Malami At Last

Sorry for the delay in posting. Internet has been about of a problem. I'll be posting a few day worth today. 

After over 30 hours of travel and more than 7,000 miles we arrived healthy, dead tired, but healthy.  The last flight was the worst of the three. We passed through the gate headed to our plane and were directed to busses and taken to a remote area of of the airport. A little nerve racking to be bussed away from the crowd and have our carry on luggage taken from us. Historically these scenarios don't end well but it worked out well this time. We landed on time, cruised through customs except when I thought I lost the iPad. 

We were greeted by the other half of our team, who were dressed in traditional African garb. We actually didn't recognize them. Then we piled 17 people, yes I said 17, into a specially outfitted Toyota van and headed to the COTN compound. I guess they have different seatbelt laws here since there were no belts in the van. The "fasten seatbelt" light was flashing the whole time. 

At the compound we settled into our new digs, five guys in one hut, five gals in another. No A/C and the fan is broken. We do have mosquito nets. Then it was off to Chitipi children's home. They greeted us with songs and dance. They were awesome. Check out the video below. Three year old Thomas, who stole the show and one year old Caleb, who stole Ranie's heart. Nearly 100 kids live there and they have to cook all meals on an open fire. 

We ended the evening with a brief devotional. It was very moving as people shared their highs and lows for the day. My high was that Ranie was here sharing this with me. We were also very moved when our teammate Tom met the child he has sponsored for 12 years. He hadn't seen him in 10 years. 

Here are some photos of our day.

Almost There

We've made it to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this morning at 5:30 a.m. (Africa time) I can't imagine how difficult life must have been for the early explorers and missionaries. They spent months or years traveling by sailing ship, camel, canoe and on foot to reach remote areas of Africa. I thought this 13 hour flight from DC to Ethiopia was going to kill me. My butt hurt from sitting so long, I think I have whiplash from trying, unsuccessfully I might add, to sleep during the flight, I spilled my trail mix and had trouble figuring out the bathroom door. Can't they put a simple hinge and lock on an airplane bath room door. I wonder what Stanley Livingstone would have thought hearing me complain about being fed three meals and given hot towels during this leg of the trip.  The flight was actually quite nice. Lovely flight attendants but the flight was packed. We enjoyed a symphony of crying babies throughout the flight but Most were more tolerant than the grown ups. I can't believe we flew over the Sahara desert!

We have a four hour layover in Addis Ababa then another three hour flight to Lilongwe. Haven't slept in over 24 hours (not for lack of effort) and probably won't for another 8-12 hours. That bunk at the COTN compound is sounding pretty good right now. I'm really looking forward to getting off planes and getting to work. 

Leg 1 Complete

We made it to Washington DC. The flight wasn't too bad. Of course the woman in front of me reclined her seat before the wheels left the ground but I survived. Now we get four hours of the best people watching in the world!  The rest of the team is catching a nap before the 13 hour flight to Addis Ababa. 

Final Countdown

We're down to the final few hours until we leave. We've packed and repacked a dozen times. Lost, and fortunately found, my malaria medicine. So we are ready. Today we learned there is a shortage of reading glasses in Malawi. So we gathered all the reading glasses we had in the house, about 10 pair, and loaded them into the suit case. We'll leave the glasses there for anyone who needs them. 

We're going to stop for a cheeseburger on the way to the airport since we probably won't have that meal option for a couple of weeks. I can't tell you how excited we are!  I'll be happy to get on the plane and finally be on our way.

And we're off!

Count Down To Africa

You may be wondering why we are going to Africa. Ranie and I believe two things. First, God is at the center of our marriage.  And second, God expects us to use our resources to help others.  We'll be helping families and kids in Malawi and learning more about the Children of the Nations ministries and programs. 

We'll be leaving in five days so the final crunch is on. We've had our shots - Polio, Hepatitis, Yellow Fever, Influenza, Parvo, Distemper, Rabies (ok, not really the last three). We've checked our lists a hundred times and even done a mock pack. That's when you pack for your trip a week early to make sure everything fits. It's amazing the things you have to pack - surgical gloves, anti bacterial gel, TP,  etc. 

Our journey begins on October 20th at 10 pm and we arrive in Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa at noon on Tuesday October 22nd.  We spend seven days in Malawi, travel to Zambia for a three day safari and then head home via London. Maybe we'll even have tea with the Queen!

Hopefully we'll be posting at least daily. Of course it all depends on our access to technology. Stay tuned and thanks for sharing our adventure with us.