Saturday we sat outside the gate on benches waiting as some of the men swept off the back of the truck. Then they loaded the benches into the back. Most of us sit on the benches, but a few people stand at the front near the cab.

The plan was to go to the new encampment village that we have been visiting. I decided against bringing my children’s materials because we walked a lot of paths last time and didn’t have a large group of kids meeting with us.

When we arrived, we were told that they were having a scheduled village meeting so we wouldn’t be able to stay as long. The chief would call everyone early to meet under his meeting place.

Eric came up beside me and asked, “Did you bring your teaching materials? You and Shadrick are going to lead a children’s lesson while we do an adult lesson.”

Every time I decide not to bring it, I need it!

I told him no, but I’m crazy and interesting enough that I could make it. I’m sure there are rumors in all the nearby villages about the crazy white lady and her Bible stories.

We began our lesson with a song , then taught them Genesis 1:1. I then shared with them the story of Adam and Eve, and how sin entered the world. I pretended like a snake talked to me from the tree, and ran behind the tree to hide. I always have so much fun teaching the kids!

The Lord blessed me with what to say, though I’m sure there were things I could have said better. I feel like my mind has been so foggy lately that I forget things more. But I know that He can give me clarity as I follow Him.

Later as I was showing Eric the pictures, he whispered, “Don’t you love your life?”

I love being a missionary wife! Yes, it can be lonely – some days more than others – but God always encourages me as I obey Him. There is so much purpose in serving the Lord!

There’s always something interesting happening too. As we were walking back to the truck last week, I walked right through a patch of army ants. Wow! I thought they would eat me alive right there! Everyone helped knock the mad things off me, not before they took a few bites, though. I love the fellowship with the Phokera ladies so I just stood beside the truck with the ladies…but the ants seemed to follow me and kept swarming me. One of the ladies had enough of watching me suffer, marched to where the men had taken the ladder, and carried it back. She propped it up against the truck and told me to get in. After she went through all that, I just obeyed. She didn’t know that I was lingering not because of the ladder, but because I just wanted to be with them. I always look forward to seeing the ladies there.

The kids have had fun lately going on bug hunts. They learned how to catch a bug called a kalooloo. They poured water down holes and the things came out, clicking angrily. Some people eat them.

They didn’t try those, but they did try termites. Even Eric and I tried them. They were like sunflower seeds – as long as you don’t think about it.

One of the most exciting things that has happened, though, is the birth of Pastor Nelson and Chrissy’s baby girl, Jane.

We have been enjoying any second we can hold her. They asked Abigail if she wanted her tied to her back. Abigail was so excited and probably walked around like that for at least an hour, and she still wasn’t ready to give us a turn with her!

I have recently been turning over more responsibilities in this church ministry to those helping here. It has been exciting to see them grow in the Lord and in their teaching ability. I thought I’d be a little sad to turn it over as I love teaching so much, but the Lord continues to give me more teaching opportunities so that I don’t feel too bad. I pray that these teachers will get a burden for the young ones they are teaching. The older generation is already set in their ways, but God can do something wonderful with this next generation.

December 1st marks 1 year that we have been in Malawi! I want to say it’s crazy – but it feels like we’ve just always been here. The Lord has allowed me to live such a full life, that sometimes it feels like I’ve lived several lives…some just memories.

Each time the Lord has brought changes in my life, He has impressed upon my heart a verse for that season.

When we went to Ukraine my mind was prone to discouragement, loneliness, and negativity. The verse He gave me was Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” He taught me to praise Him no matter what; to dwell on the blessings around me.

When He called us back to the States, my heart was breaking. He stirred my heart with Esther 4:14: “…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

In the margin of my Bible I wrote, “Who knows whether we have come to America for such a time as this?”

I had been praying for my siblings, and the Lord gave us many opportunities to witness to them. Especially with the recent passing of my brother, I am so grateful for that time!

The Lord also allowed my husband to lead a young man to Christ…who is now our pastor! Truly what a blessing!

As we prepared to go to Malawi, the Lord gently guided me to II Corinthians 12:9: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Continually He has reminded me of this sweet promise!

As my strength failed – His grace has been sufficient.

As I struggle with words, both in English and in a new language – His grace has been sufficient.

As I lost loved ones – His grace has been sufficient.

In every area He has called me to, He’s always worked through my weaknesses.

Sometimes I get frustrated at my own inabilities, but then I am reminded, it is only then that He may be seen instead of me.

Anything good you see, it’s only Him. May He receive all the glory in my life!

We have now met at the church property in Phokera 4 Sundays! It has been exciting to see the changes each week.

That first Sunday, Shadrick and I were dropped off at the old meeting place, and our old group of kids began to gather. Together we walked to the new property. I was so excited that many of the kids came to the new location. We have continued to see some come, but I’m missing some faces. That first Sunday, the adults met under a little tree and the kids met under the big tree.

That week, the people in Phokera worked together and put up a temporary shelter to meet under. We have had three services under it now. The children start there, then we move to the big tree.

This past week they put up temporary walls to help with shade and protection from rain. They will meet here until bricks are made and the new building is built.

We are continuing to evangelize in Phokera. One of those times we met with a family that had a new baby. The girls were so excited to hold the tiny baby! While they held her, I was able to witness to the family and the others who had gathered around. Many make professions and pray here – I don’t keep track of the numbers. I try to just faithfully witness, and I know that the Lord knows their hearts. I was excited to see this mother at the Bible study on Sunday though.

Eric and the boys went to a different area that week. While they were there, a group of kids gathered. Pastor Nelson wanted to witness to a particular lady, but he was afraid that the group of kids might make it difficult. He turned to Sammy and asked him to preach to the kids. Sammy was so excited! So with his Bible marked and Joseph, Pastor Nelson’s son, translating for him, that’s what he did! Sammy later shared that he had specifically prayed that morning asking for a chance to witness. He was excited about how quickly the Lord answered his prayer!

We weren’t able to go out one weekend as the mumps is going around, and poor Sammy got it. He is through it now. Thankfully, it was mild and no one else has gotten it yet…or if they did, they didn’t have any fevers or swollen cheeks.

If they haven’t gotten it, it’s only a matter of time as I had several children request prayer for it. They call it tonsillitis though. I’m always amazed how they continue on doing their normal things no matter what they have! I am not particularly scared of germs, but I am American in my philosophy that if you’re sick, stay home! Don’t spread it to everyone else. But that’s just not the way here.

The Lord occasionally brings His command to “take no thought…” to my mind. As missionaries often we have to “take no thought” about what we’re eating and drinking. We have to “take no thought” of tomorrow. There are sicknesses, snakes…and hospitals are far. I have moments where the worst case scenario pops into my mind. I know we’d have to travel 3 1/2 hours to the hospital, and that they might not even be able to help. Satan likes to bring that to mind occasionally. But the Lord says, “Take no thought! Trust me!” So, I pray, leave it in the Lord’s hands, and take no thought.

This past week we went back to the area where Sammy preached to the kids and adults who gathered. Again, a large group greeted us. This week Brother Shadrick and I did a children’s lesson.

A group of ladies also gathered and were very interested in talking with me. I had given each a tract and a John and Romans. I feel like I am very slow at the language, but I am able to greet them and share that God loves them, gave His Son to die on the cross for their sins, and a couple small talk things. I think this gave them the impression that I am able to talk more than I can! They began talking so much! One in particular I think was saying something about us being friends and wanting me to give her my hat.

I told her no, I only have one hat, but we can be friends. This got them going! They wanted a picture with me, so I said after we prayed.

After prayer I was surrounded by a group of ladies and kids. The ladies tried whacking the kids away with sticks, and also grabbing any part of me that they could for the picture. For one lady, that piece was my hair! First she held it up in the air. Later I saw that it ended up on a ladies head to look like she had blonde hair. I was definitely cracking up! And I was relieved when Moreen rescued me and pulled me towards the truck!

Between homeschooling and ministry, I have been working on finishing sheet music from my CD, A Friend Like No Other. The Lord has allowed me to finish two songs and one piano hymn arrangement. Those are now available on the website.

Bible college has finished for the hot season, and while we thought that things would settle down, it seems like we have been even busier.

My schedule hasn’t changed too much, but Eric has been busy preparing the land for the church in Phokera, as well as setting things in order here at this church.

Last week the men cleared the new church property. Then on Saturday, the kids and I stayed under the big meeting tree with the kids who had gathered. We did a little lesson and played a few games, and encouraged them to come to services for the kids’ class.

We are currently still meeting at the chief’s tree, but we will be meeting at the new property soon, Lord willing. I am excited, but there is some sadness as well. I just recently realized that I may not see many of the kids I am teaching in Phokera now when we move. It’s maybe only a 10 minute walk, but for a 4 year old coming by them self…I have a face of a little one coming to mind now. She always has the biggest smile, and comes with a toddler (almost as big as her) on her back. I get attached to each one!

The kids in Phokera were rascals this last time, though! I brought a different puppet with me. He is a Bible character with a beard. I call him Moses. One girl said that because she came late, she didn’t really get to see him and asked if I could bring him out again.

Well, that turned out to be the worst decision I could have made! Within a matter of seconds I was surrounded by about 30-50 kids all grabbing at him, pulling his hair and beard, trying to pull of his shoes. Holding him as high as I could, while trying to hold his shoes, I tried to muster out a cry for help to Eric, who was standing a ways off. Then I looked at Brother Shadrick, who quickly came and grabbed poor Moses. I’m not sure if I actually managed to call out any cries for help, so I’m glad they were paying enough attention to see my desperate need for help! I think I had a hard time calling out between laughing at how humorous the situation was and trying to tell the kids no.

I absolutely love working with the kids, but a safe place and privacy is greatly needed too. Recently we’ve had a few times when I have felt like that has been invaded. Our property is walled off and guarded, but kids frequently are welcomed to come play. We’ve had a few come recently who are more curious. One day in particular I was exhausted. I was out in the yard playing with some of the little ones when a couple newer girls came. They stood very in “my space” and just stared at me…no matter where I was or what I was doing. I decided to go inside and play piano. The girls proceeded to come up on the porch and look in windows. Sometimes it can be a little tiring, and you feel like you’re at a zoo – and you’re the animal! But God always gives grace!

Temperatures are rising and have been 110°-115°. We are having heat warnings here. Sometimes the air feels like the warmth from a blow dryer. It has made my fibromyalgia symptoms worse. Again, God gives grace, and doesn’t give us more than we can bear. Between the days of extreme heat, we will get cooler days – in the 90°s to low 100°s. That feels cool after the hot days! The Lord has also blessed us with air conditioners in the house. We have been turning them on in the evenings to cool things down so even if the electricity goes off, it’s a little more bearable and helps us get some sleep.

The water hasn’t been working so it’s been washing by hand again. But there are blessings even in that! I am thankful that we have a hose and I don’t have to go carry buckets of water home. I also have someone who helps me with laundry on Fridays. The water should be repaired soon, but it will probably be a regular inconvenience.

Other blessings of the hot season are:

Water wars!

Mangoes!

“Will you come back and tell the rest of our family and neighbors the Gospel?” James and Aliza (the couple that gave me the bird) asked us. So one Saturday we walked back to their house where they eagerly waited for us. Slowly some of those they had invited arrived and Eric shared the Gospel with them.

James and Aliza have been faithfully attending the Phokera Bible study since trusting Christ as their Savior. Repeatedly they say that they have never heard this before. At one time they shared, “All we knew was to go to church and pray!” Everything is new and wonderful to them. How exciting it is to see things from the eyes of a new believer!

We have been treating burn wounds on a little girl named Iada. Her brother, Samson, almost always comes with her, and you can tell, is very protective of her. They live in a village further away which I hope we can eventually go to, but for now, I invited them to come to our children’s church on Sunday. They have come a couple Sundays now and Samson made a profession of faith! He recently asked for a Bible. We had been given some boxes of New Testaments. What a blessing it was to be able to give this young man a Bible! I’m praying that he continues to come and grow in the Lord.

My teeth have continued bothering me, causing me to make several trips to the city. Just when I think it’s all fixed, something else happens! We do not enjoy these trips as the travel up the mountain is very exhausting. But we were excited to find slushies at one of the stores in town!

I was thinking that it would be a while before I would need to make another trip…and the next trip would be just for fun. BUT God had other plans.

This week another filling fell out and was very painful. I wasn’t going to be able to put this one off for weeks. We called and they had an opening for the next day. I was not excited, and almost felt depressed and exhausted the rest of the day. Pastor Nelson, Chrissy (his wife), Sammy, and I would go.

Since we were not planning on doing much, we did not have to leave as early.  I was able to get school done and eat something, which I think helps prevent headaches as we go up the mountain.  

Up we went.  Once you start ascending the mountain, the road is not as wide.  On one side is the mountainside; on the other is a drop off. There are no railings, and only enough space for two cars – yet cars still pass on the mountain!  We have seen vehicles that have gone off the side and were caught on the side of the mountain by trees.  

I was just thinking how bad it would be to break down on that road when our van came to a stop. What was wrong? We weren’t quite sure. One of the vans filled with people we had passed earlier drove past us. One man mockingly yelled out, “What’s wrong, white person?”

After a few minutes, Pastor Nelson started the engine again.  It worked!  We were on the road again!  We didn’t get too far before it slowed to a stop again.  At least this time we were on a wider road without the mountain drop off.

There were a few kids sitting around where our van stopped.  As they stared at as, we waved and I told Sammy to hand them some tracts.  One of the kids excitedly ran back down to his house to give it to his mother.

The top of the two houses were barely visible behind a mound, but we could here the mom start yelling in Chichewa things like,

“Tell them your hungry!  Tell them to give you money!  Say this to them,” then she switched to English and said, “GIVE ME MONEY!”

We were dying laughing at the car.  Sammy said, “I’m tempted to yell back, ‘I’m hungry too!’”

Mrs. Chrissy found that hilarious.

A moment later, the mom came up over the other side yelling at us (because her kids wouldn’t).  Mrs. Chrissy told her, “We’re hungry too!”

The woman looked shocked for a moment and said, “I’ll give you water.  You give me money!”

Mrs. Chrissy replied, “You don’t feed your visitors?”

The woman, still a little shocked responded, “Water only.”

They went on for a while, and Sammy and I tried to contain our laughter.

A small crowd continued to gather, or at least stop by to see what all the commotion was about; and we were able to pass out more tracts. An elderly lady was one of the last to come. When Sammy handed her a tract, she said, “No. I want you to teach me.” Sammy told her Mrs. Chrissy would. Mrs. Chrissy was able to explain a little and give her other tracts, but then we were able to get the van started again. Because I was already running late for my appointment, we weren’t able to stay much longer. How I wish we could have sat and clearly presented the Gospel to her! I am reminded, it’s not about me! God does not need me to speak. He is capable of using His Word, found in the tracts, without me to work on her heart and bring her to salvation. I pray that through the little time we had with her and the Word of God that is on the tracts and John/Romans we gave her, she will come to know the Lord as her Savior.

As we continued on I told Pastor Nelson, “Maybe God had us come just for them…but God didn’t need to break my tooth and the vehicle to get me to go. I’m not a Jonah!” We all chuckled…but then Sammy reminded me of how much I dislike this trip and probably wouldn’t have made it if I didn’t have to. The Lord knows and has a purpose – even in my tooth pain. Sometimes God has to break us to use us. Thankfully, I think everything is fixed now and hopefully this time, it will be a while before I have to go. Maybe the next trip will just be because we want to go.

It’s a calm, Sunday evening. An occasional breeze blows, which helps to cool us down a little. I am enjoying watching the kids play.

Famine, gas shortages, talks of protests against the current government swirl around us…yet God is at work!

Sunday a girl I have been helping treat came to church with her brother. I was so excited when I saw them sitting there with the kids! At the end of the lesson he raised his hand for salvation! A couple days later he was still talking with Brother Shadrick about how much he enjoyed it. I’m praying that they come back. Their village is a little ways away.

We have had several come from that village for wound care and beg us to go to their village to tell people about Christ. I pray that one day the Lord would allow us to do that.

Also just this past week, the Lord provided land for the church plant in Phokera! They met with several people, but most weren’t in ideal locations and the price they asked was usually ridiculous. The chief who has been allowing us to meet on his property, told us that he had land he would sell us at a reasonable price. The men met on Saturday and purchased that property! After purchasing the land, we put markers up. The boys enjoyed being able to write the ministry name in the cement. Lord willing soon we will begin clearing the land and putting up a temporary structure.

I have been busy planning our schedule for school and we began this week. I am praising the Lord for how smoothly this week has been going. Usually the first week is a little hectic, but not this time. The kids said our first day of school was the best we’ve ever had. I’m sure part is because they are all getting older, but I also know many of you have been praying and I greatly appreciate it!

The temperature continues to rise, yet it has not gotten to unbearable levels yet. I let the kids have a water war on one of the days it was over 100°. Because grass can’t grow here, it ended up being a big mud puddle. I looked over and Joseph had mud between his hands and was shaping a mud ball.

“No mud balls!” I yelled out.

“Awww!” They replied in unison.

Joseph excitedly yelled out, “Let’s make mud angels!”

“NO mud angels!” I quickly cried out.

Of course they were all disappointed.

I will be going soon to get my tooth taken care of. The cracked filling got worse because of my procrastination, and we’ve just had too much going on to go visit the dentist. Hopefully they’ll fix it this time and I won’t have to make the trip for a couple months.

Whenever I’m working, Jopeth is right there beside me, ready to help!

The other day Mercy was having trouble playing in her cowgirl gear so set it on the porch and ran off. When I stepped back out, I saw the cutest, little cowboy! Of course every cowboy needs to round up a few criminals.

Any time we’re out, Jopeth is there with us. He is frequently on the porch when I’m cooking and will stop what he’s doing and say, “I smell something!”

Lydia especially takes great pleasure in teasing him and will reply with things like,

“Is it Milo?”

“Nope!” Jopeth.

“Is it…” and she’ll fill in the blanks with anything or anyone nearby.

He’ll loudly respond with, “NOPE!!! It’s Mama cooking!”

It’s the cutest and always makes us smile. Pray for little Jopeth that he will trust the Lord and grow to serve the Lord.

The weekend was a little less busy as the Phokera Bible study on Sunday was canceled. I enjoyed the rest, but was disappointed as I always look forward to seeing Aliza. She and her husband, James, have already said that they will be joining our church once it’s formed. Also, the lady I gave the Bible to was waiting with her husband to come. I met her husband Monday though and he thanked me for the New Testament, saying that it was already making a difference in their family. I am excited to see God work in their lives! Thank you so much for your prayers for these ladies and their families!

We were in the middle of language lessons when suddenly Max came running up to the house.

He asked us to come quickly as one of the ladies who cooks for the college students was in labor and about to have her baby.

Brother Shadrick quickly got the truck and the girls and I jumped in. We drove to the road where she had knelt down waiting for us.

She and I rode in the back. It was such a bumpy ride! I couldn’t imagine being in labor on the bed of a truck bouncing down backroads! I tried to stabilize her some, but I know that she was incredibly uncomfortable! About an hour after we jumped in the truck, she delivered a baby boy!

For “boring people” who pretty much stick to our routines, we sure have a lot of excitement!

Last Sunday I had the special blessing of sitting beside both ladies that I had the privilege to lead to the Lord recently. I almost cried as I sat there between them! They both attended the Bible study in Phokera. One, Eliza, came with her husband and little daughter, Promise. The other came with her two little sons, who we have been helping with wounds. She has said that her husband will be coming with her next Sunday to Bible study. I pray that they do! We see so many make professions here, but to see someone taking steps to follow the Lord after – there is no greater joy!

At our church kids continue to ask for prayer concerning nightmares and witchcraft. One little boy asked us to pray for him as he is being forced to practice witchcraft. My heart aches as they share. I am sure many there are many others dealing with witchcraft and that is probably the reason for all of the nightmares. Pray that the Lord gives wisdom as we minister here!

Saturday we went out searching for a new village…but after walking almost 30 minutes with no houses in sight, we met some ladies carrying sticks to sell. They told us it was at least another 30 minute walk. Because we needed to meet the other soulwinning groups at a certain time, we had to turn around.

On our way back, we met a young man on a bike heading towards that village. We were able to give him a stack of tracts to pass out in his village.

When we arrived at the meeting place, I sat feeling a little like we hadn’t accomplished much that day. We were able to give out some tracts. I knew the Lord had a reason. As I thought about it a woman approached me and asked for prayer for her family. After praying for her, I had the opportunity to witness to her. Afterwards she prayed and accepted Christ. What a blessing!

It truly is a privilege to serve the Lord! I am not worthy to have these opportunities, but I am thankful that I can be a part. And even more thankful that I get to serve with these crazy kids, that I love so much!

Sunday, as promised, Aliza brought me a Guinea fowl. We were laughing at what are we supposed to do with it? And the Malawians were laughing at the white people because my kids were petting it and naming it already. We are very strange and interesting to them! Eric said that we ought to put a collar on it and name it to REALLY give them something to talk about!

We have had to go into town twice in about a months time because I’m having tooth troubles. I must admit that I dread it! It’s such a long trip and I struggle to find food to eat. I ended up eating something that we thought was safe, but contained gluten in it. I was so sick all the way home! I brought food with me this last time.

We were able to sit down for a coffee this last time, making the trip more relaxing and enjoyable. The kids had hot chocolate and donuts. They said the donuts tasted like “real” donuts and the hot chocolate was the best.

We still need to make a few more trips for my teeth. Pray that I can get everything taken care of correctly.