It's been a while since I have been able to post, especially since I have been able to share pictures. The last couple of weeks has had its mixture of emotions. And tonight, I am particularly anxious... tomorrow is the day I have been dreading. Tomorrow! The past 8 weeks have gone too fast. On top of this sadness... we have spent our last two days grieving the loss of one of our own, Anny. Yesterday, I woke up due to tapping on my window. It was our watchman, Dadly. When I answered him, he informed me that we had visitors at the gate- it was a couple of relatives of Anny. Dadly went on to explain that she had passed away during the night. My heart sank... once again. I went to wake Cindy and we were just in shock for a good bit of time. We went right away with the women to the hospital. After waiting on the director of the mortuary, we then escorted precious Anny's body back to Madzanje. The Esther's House vehicle is a lot of things- holds a lot of roles... Ambulance, taxi, hauler, etc. The role I hate the most is its use as a hearse. Unlike the funeral of an infant, there is a period of time used for organization; therefore, the funeral wasn't until today. We spent most of today preparing for and attending the funeral. All of our kids put on their Upward's soccer shirts (their E.H. apparel) and proceeded with us to the ceremonies. Belinda, one of Anny's closest friends, led the group carrying a picture of Anny. I was SO proud of all of our kids... they sang with a certain joy and hope as we proceeded that was missing from the wailing family members and friends. As we entered the home where her body was being kept, our orphans grieved the loss of their friend greatly and it tore. me. up. Dealing with death is one thing, but comforting children who are dealing with death is tough. There were parts of the day that were very difficult... you just don't look at these happy, smiling faces, and think that they will possibly not make it to next month. However, there were also parts of the day that were hopeful and happy. Anny is now being held by her Savior. She is finally free from disease and sickness and pain. She is being loved in the best way possible by her Father.
Here is a picture of Anny at Esther's House a few weeks ago. Both of her parents are deceased. She grew up in a "child- headed household," raised by her elder brother and sister... just the three of them. Anny had such a hard life here on earth- it is comforting to know that she is no longer suffering. She trusted Christ through Esther's House. She will be missed.
After all of the ceremonies were finished, we headed back to town with all of the Esther's House team to have a farewell party. I love spending time with my friends here and tonight was wonderful, except that I knew the reason for the occasion. We have been packing all night and are trying to stay awake as long as we can so that we might be able to sleep on the plane tomorrow. I have a feeling that it is going to be miserable. We are departing Ntcheu early tomorrow morning in order to say all of our goodbyes and be in Lilongwe in time for our flight. The guys at E.H. will accompany us to LLW. Tomorrow is going to be so painful so I would greatly appreciate your prayers.
Anyways, here are some picture highlights of the last couple of weeks. Hope that you enjoy. The next time I post, I will be on U.S. soil! I am so thankful for all of the support I have been given. The family of God is really incredible.
Madzanje Baptist has started construction (brick making) on a new church building. Here is Joe next to the bricks they have made so far. So proud.
We are going to miss our Malawi mom so much.
Uncle Bruce with Z :)
I know this picture isn't so great, but it represents something so great. Every Sunday, after the adults have had their Sunday School lesson, the kids return to the worship center. They stand at the front and answer questions about their lesson they have just been taught. It is SO cute.
I have become Malawian now... carrying things on my head. I could do without the awkward stares and laughs, though :)
I have gotten way too attached to this precious baby.
One day, I will live here. How cute is this little place? I love it.
Yes. Mice. On a stick. Also known as a mouse-kabob... delicacy in Malawi. No thank-you.
I am going to miss her so much. She is one special lady! Please pray for Cindy and support her as she continues her 2 year journey!
Can it get any cuter? They are wonderful.
Getrude and I last Sunday. Today, the day of Anny's funeral, marks one month exactly to the death of their baby boy. Please continue to pray for Bruce and Getrude.
This is one of my favorite pictures. My favorite boys!
Bruce and Joe are very special to me. Their hearts for the ministry are so very incredible. The way that they care for Esther's House and our kids is awesome.
Here are our orphans with new Upward t-shirts. So happy!
A week or so ago, we received word that one of our girl's was very sick. We took her to the clinic and it turned out that she had a very bad case of the measles... there is an outbreak in our area currently. Patrick, the clinician, told us that she needed to be admitted into isolation at the District Hospital. When we arrived at the D.H. we were directed behind the main building to "measles isolation." You could say that we were a bit frustrated when we found that this was where they were being kept. Have I said that the hospital conditions are awful?
The tent was packed with patients- all laying on a thin piece of foam that was placed on the floor. Here is Cindy with Tandiwe... the staff thought it was hilarious when we explained that we were her guardians. She was so sick, but is doing much better now. Just another testimony of how God is using Esther's House.
I hope that you have been able to see at least a little piece of what has been going on this summer. It has been a life-changing experience that couldn't have been possible without each one of you. Thank-you so much. I have learned so much and a part of my heart will remain here forever.
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