50 KM mountain bike race in Luwawa Forest and the Lion King with CUREkids

Extending my time in Malawi

Received my contract that will extend my time in Malawi until December.  I'm thankful that I'm able to stay here longer and CURE for giving me the opportunity.  I'm not sure what happens after December but the option is open here to extend my contract into 2014.  I've got several things in mind - but I don't have definite plans.  

I got sick for the first time since November last night.  I went home from the hospital about 5pm and went straight to bed but I hardly slept - I was stomach sick and couldn't keep anything down, even water.  I fell asleep in the bathroom twice.  I finally went to sleep without getting up again around 4am.  Feeling better today and I was able to eat lunch.  I had forgotten how bad it sucks to get sick here.  You almost want to die.  At least it wasn't not malaria, I've been off anti-malarial medication since rainy season ended last month.    

Lawrence, my sidekick, is planning on getting married before I leave Malawi.  The guy is in love and talks about it nonstop.  I'm happy for him and can't wait to celebrate.  There is lots of dancing at malawian weddings, like 5 hours.  I've only been to one wedding since I got here so I'm looking forward to it.  

We are taking the children and guardians/moms in the hospital to a production of the Lion King tomorrow.  It should be loads of fun to get the kids out of the hospital to see lots of dancing and singing.  The production is being directed by a friend, german volunteer, who comes to malawian mondays at the guest house.  

Ian and Hazel, couple that helped me co-lead young adult bible study on tuesday nights are preparing to leave Malawi for Scotland.  Hazel is pregnant and due in July and they will stay at home until October. I'm not sure how this will affect the group but I pray that it continues to be meaningful and fruitful for the peeps involved.  

I've settled at one church now - Blantyre Baptist.  I was jumping around every week and didn't feel like that was the healthiest thing to do.  I am trying to connect with people and get involved, lay some roots for the first time.  I know my time is limited here but I felt like it was on my heart to find a church home.  It is 95% malawian and thats important to me.  I didn't feel connected at a church that was full of only ex-pats.    

Lamentations 2:22-25
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.