Day 9 Monday

Day 9 Monday-

The last three days have been very restful.  On Friday, the staff of Somebody Cares had a “Thanksgiving Friday”.  We spent the morning in worship and devotions, everyone sharing what they are thankful for.  We shared a large breakfast (that consisted of beans, eggs, and lots of meat… lots and lots… when Chris wasn’t looking I unloaded quite a bit on his plate) J  The staff also put together an appreciation basket for Chief Theresa (or FED as they refer to her).  Each person brought something they knew/hoped she would like.  Chris and I got the opportunity to “spruce- up” the office bathroom a little bit.  We were able to add a mirror, tp and towel holders, a garbage can, cute coral towels, some soap and tissue.  Even in Malawi I was able to find something to shop and stage. J  Chief Theresa arrived home from South Africa in the afternoon and the staff was waiting at her home for her.  It is such a blessing to watch how the staff of Somebody Cares works together.  I have heard it said many times here that work is worship… and they worship together very well!

Friday evening ended on a not so great note when one of the vans was broken into and 4 laptops were stolen.  Although totally devastating the first and lasting response to this was immediate prayer and reminding each other that God is good, all of the time.  I just kept thinking how many tears, rants, and melt downs I could save myself if I would respond the same way.  But I know that this isn’t just a response but a heart issue… How easy that response is when you spend your whole day already walking and talking with the Lord.

Saturday was AMAZING.  Super restful.  We took a 2-hour car ride to Lake Malawi and spent most of the day laying in the sand and playing in the waves.  It was much needed.  The lake is BEAUTIFUL.  The sand is perfect.  The waves were great, and the best part- it’s a LAKE so no yucky salt water.  It was such a relaxing day.  Very much needed.  On the way to the lake we passed community after community.  Each one looked a little different, but all filled with beautiful people and lots of churches.  On the way home we stopped to do a little shopping at a market.  The craftsmanship of the wood carvings is amazing and we picked up a few fun things.

Sunday was another restful day.  We woke and went to church with Chief Theresa and her daughter.  It is a small church and is different from ours in a few ways.  Church is scheduled to start at 9am so we arrived at 9:30 because “they do a lot of ‘chat-chat-chat” at the beginning.  The pastor was about an hour late because he had to visit another church on the way, so we just sang and sang and heard a message from a few different people from the congregation.  Once the pastor arrived he delivered a message that again seemed to be directed right at me.  Like Mission we were right in the Word the entire time.  After church we went to lunch with the pastor and his family, at a place similar to KFC in the states and I had what seems like my 100^th Fanta while here.   From lunch we went back to Chief Theresa’s house and relaxed, watched tv, slept and enjoyed.

It is now Monday morning and I am sitting at the office.  We started this morning with a devotion from the pastor.  After, Keta brought together the entire staff to inform them of the computer theft that happened last Friday.  The theft of these computers is devastating to the ministry as these are their tools.  There have been quite a few thefts this year already and it seems to be never ending.  But as soon as the news broke IMMEDIATE PRAISE broke out.  God is good, all the time.  We just spent the last hour singing praises, knowing that no matter what comes against us (and things will come as you do the Lord’s work)  God is for us… God’s work is being done here.  He is delighted with this place.  Somebody Cares is in constant worship of God.  He if reflected in everything they do.  Everywhere they go.  It is so encouraging.  Keta continued worship by speaking about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  The three men who were thrown into the fiery furnace when they would not bow down to the golden idle (the things of the world).  They had faith in the Lord that he would save.  God is able.  And even if God does not save them from the fiery furnace they would praise anyway.  That is the mindset, the faith of the staff at Somebody Cares…  God is able.  We will praise anyway.  We are doing the work of the Lord.  I can’t even begin to describe it.  I wish you all could experience it.  No matter what, in times of need, in times of despair, in times of harvest… CONSTANT PRAISE.  

Love it all.  But really miss my boys.  Can't wait to see them in a little more than a week!  The internet has been touchy but I will try and write again soon.  Sorry for no pictures. I've been battling the computer/internet trying to get them uploaded but I am giving up! :)