First Impresssions of the VBS Team
After a long, exhausting couple of days of traveling we finally made it to Blantyre, Malawi, yesterday afternoon around 4pm. The size of the airport in Blantyre was a surprise, as we were the only airplane there and were unloaded via stairs onto the tarmac. Finding all of our suitcases and getting them out the door was definitely another chaotic experience, but we were very thankful to find that all of our luggage had made it! Exiting the airport, we immediately experienced the helpful nature of Malawians as they were eager to assist us with our suitcases. Florus and James (the driver) greeted us at the airport. After an eye-opening drive from the airport to the guest house, we settled in and enjoyed a delicious supper made by Florus & Janneke and Bep, which was very much appreciated!
So much to say...
A day, so full of so many emotions! So much to say, but alas, we lack the words!
Let’s skip to the highlight of today - visiting the home of each of our sponsor children. Mbousa Laimu, the pastor from the Chigumukire Child Care Centre, took us for a walk through the village
The Providential Meeting of Our “Son” Isaac by Diane Slingerland
A guest post by Diane Slingerland on her emotional meeting of her sponsor student Isaac Jailosi.
Expatriate Vacancy - Primary Education Consultant
Management in Malawi has begun implementing a new organizational structure which has opened up an expatriate position for Primary Education Consultant.
Visiting David Livingstone Christian Academy - by Ron Neels
In the few days that I’ve been here one thing that has come clearly into focus is that Malawi is a study of contrasts: wealth and materialism (in a small minority) on the one side, vs. abject poverty and despair(in a large majority) on the other. Wait! Did I say despair? That’s not true
Visiting Child Care Centres - by Ron Neels
March 18, 2024
Another splendid day in southern Malawi: 30 degrees and sunny. Another day of flopping around like a fish in the back of a Land Rover on a bumpy road. And another day of stunning scenery, unforgettable moments, and lasting memories.
Day 15-17 (Saturday - Monday)
This past Saturday we drove through the rolling hills of Thyolo "Cholo" on our way to Mt. Mulanje. The tea fields in this area are stunning. When we arrived at the mountain base we were greeted by many guides eager to offer their services. We were very happy that our driver was familiar with one of the guides.
Day 1 - Saturday
Our driver James picked us up in the morning and brought us to the bank to exchange money and then to the store to buy groceries for the week. The Malawian currency is quite colorful. And, as the value of the Malawian Kwacha is much less than US or Canadian dollars, you get a very large stack when you exchange money. Due to the value difference, we also had to wrap our heads around spending hundreds on a bag of rice.
Timotheos Overview Video
Our fundraising team in Alberta recently held a Shepherd’s Pie/Baking Table fundraiser. We designed a 13 minute video for the supporters to watch that evening. The first half of the video is overview of our programs in Malawi, the second half provides an update on the recent disaster relief.
Patience
Last week we wrote about the first impressions. This week as we think about the next set of impressions, the first thing that comes to mind is “patience.” Everything takes time, and lots of it. In Malawi they say: “The white people have the watch, and the Malawians have the time.” We are finding this to be true. We witness it on the jobsite in front of the guesthouse.