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For some reason, 2:30 am seems to be optimal writing time for me. We go to bed so early, and I have woken up at 2:30 every morning since we've been here.  I thought I was doing well to have made it to 8:30pm last night, but I am awake again. I am hoping we can get on a little more normal sleep schedule sometime soon. 

I want to try to recap some of the events of the past few days. So much has happened that it is hard to believe we've only been here for 3 days. Friday, Chris (an intern who is the only American who lives here with us) took us to the grocery store in town. Most of the people who live here are not able to shop there, but it is mostly for wealthier people and foreigners. They have a lot of imported goods either from Europe or South Africa. Even though it is the most Americanized of all of the shopping, it was still very intimidating. I didn't know what any of the products were since none of them look like what I am familiar with. I did the best I could. Then we went to check out and the total was 16,000 kwacha. I was very anxious because I could not do the conversion in my head to American dollars so I had no idea if I had enough money or how much I was spending. Turns out, the total was around $100. This came as a shock to me because we really didn't buy very much stuff at all, but it was so expensive. We are trying to figure out how we are going to adapt to the food because we can't afford to eat like that, and also it still doesn't taste like anything we are used to so it really doesn't seem worth it. 

After the grocery store, Chris took us to the village market for fresh vegetables. This is an open dirt field where people bring all kinds of things to sell, and it is where most of the people shop. This was a completely overwhelming experience. As we drove up people were surrounding our car showing their goods to us in hopes that we will buy from them. It is difficult because people know from the car and from what we look like that we are new and we have money. They desperately want to sell things to us, and we constantly have to say no. I have to say, though, the most memorable part of the market was just opening the door and smelling the horrible stench. I can't describe it; it was just bad. So, Chris navigated us to a vendor that he knows, we bought a few things and we left pretty quickly. 

Later in the day, we went to Chitipi farm, which is one of our children's homes that is located just a couple of miles from here and houses 35 children along with house parents and "aunties and uncles" to take care of them. They live in a house with one common area and then several rooms to each side where the kids each have bunk beds. The kids were so excited to show off their beds. They are very proud of them, as most of them had never slept in a bed before they came to live at COTN. Then they performed a welcome ceremony for us where they all sang and danced several songs. They each introduced themselves, some recited Bible verses for us, and a few told a brief version of their story and how they came to live at COTN. They told how one or both of their parents had died and what life was like. Several also saw their siblings die as well. They were then living with anyone who would care for them. Most family members aren't able to take in another child, so they slept on the floor of a mud hut, became malnourished, and some became very ill with no medical care. 

After the welcome ceremony, the kids took us all by the hand to show us around the farm. They have goats, chickens (they LOVE to run around and chase after the chickens...it's quite a sight), cows, vegetable gardens, and a pond. They learn about farming, and were very proud to show us the very successful crop of onions that they just harvested. They also are taught to sew. They go to school at the public school and they receive additional tutoring to help them get ahead. After you hear the stories of where they have come from, it is amazing to see the joy on their faces as they run around the farm and laugh and play with one another. The joy in that house is really contagious. Part of me wants to get a bunk bed and move in. 

After such an adventurous day on Friday, we didn't feel much like going out again on Saturday. We felt a little overwhelmed. Of course, we woke up Sat morning at 2:30 and we laid in bed until the sun came up around 5:00. We started unpacking all of our boxes and suitcases and cleaning, and we were very excited to have the house all arranged. We felt like we had done a whole day's work, and I was ready to eat lunch etc, and I looked at the clock and it was 8:00am. So, without any staff here on Saturdays, and without TV, internet, radio or anything else, we weren't sure what to do with ourselves. Chris came over and we sat on the front porch talking for several hours. Then, we ate lunch and talked for several more hours. Two of Chris's friends came over and we talked for a couple more hours. The three of us ate dinner together then played cards. And that was our day. So, I think this is what they mean when they say it is a slower pace of life here :)

Our first day in Africa

Well, here I am. 

We finally arrived in Malawi after a year of planning and about 48 hours of travel. As I lay in my bed at 3:30 am, I am searching for words to describe what we've seen and heard today. I have felt like I am in a movie because I have nothing to compare this to in my mind- this doesn't seem like it could be my life. All of the things I have seen so far are so different than anything else I have experienced. 

When we first got off the plane, the first thing that struck me was the unusual smell. There is just this distinct smell about this place that I can't describe. It is really going to take some getting used to because I don't like the smell at all. It's the air, the laundry, the dishes- everything. Michael has been laughing at me because, in general, I have the least sensitive smell of anyone. Now all of a sudden, I am obsessed with it. Also, there is a constant odor of smoke in the air. People burn a lot of things, so it is always smoky. 

When we arrived, we were very fortunate to receive all of our bags and made it through customs very easily. The staff picked us up and drove us from the airport. Along the way we saw many people of all different ages walking along the highway. There were kids riding bikes, kids in matching school uniforms, people carrying huge loads on their head and backs, and women carrying babies. 

We arrived at Njewa (pronounced inn-jay-wah), which is our new home. We live in a compound that is surrounded by a brick wall with guards and three guard dogs. Our house is a brick duplex and is very nice with tile floors. The COTN office is on these grounds also. The staff each introduced themselves with a warm smile and a handshake, gave us a tour, and cooked dinner for us. And that pretty much was the first day. 

Peace

Well, the time has finally come. 

There were some days when we thought we would never get there, but here we are. Some of you who read this will be as excited as we are, and others will be nearly sick with anxiety as you think of our journey. We have both had times of feeling overwhelmed and worried about what the future holds as we travel halfway around the world. As I worked through all of those fears I realized, though, that this is exactly where God wants me to be. All of the things in my life until now have lined up to bring me to this very spot. I feel absolutely confident that I am where He wants me to be, and there is nowhere else I would rather find myself. It has been difficult at times and will continue to be, and it is also very difficult for our friends and loved ones to see us go. But, I feel so honored to be chosen for this wonderful service, and I know that God is with us each step of our journey. I do not have fear anymore, only excitement, joy, and peace. A few weeks ago I desperately prayed Philippians 4:6-8.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I just feel so grateful to have received the peace that transcends all understanding. It is a good feeling to rest in the arms of the everlasting God. So, for all of you who love us- please don't worry and don't be sad. We are getting to live out our wildest dreams, we are being faithful servants to the God who created us, and we are getting to love on people who haven't received much love on this earth. I just don't think I could ask for anything more. We love each of you and are taking that love in our hearts with us to Africa.