Today marks our third week in Malawi this year. It’s been quite busy lately with a couple of groups and individuals in country. Our time as of late has consisted of many trips to the Crisis Nursery, a few trips to the village and one trip to the doctor.

During the first week I spent my time mostly planning the events of the first few groups to arrive. Whenever we had the time we would go to the Crisis Nursery. We couldn’t help but stop by during the day, in the afternoon and on our way back to the lodge, which is another portion of this story. I was very happy to hear some of the stories about the infants from last year. Several of the babies that I grew to love, have found homes! One infant who was very sick last year was adopted by one of the Crisis Nursery staff members and is doing very well! With the countless infants that have come through the Crisis Nursery, the faces I’ve seen, and the number of unknown, or rather untold stories, it’s really nice to know the beginning to her new life. What was once a discouraging story is now a life with a promising future!

Two Girls in Matapila Heading Home to Cook.

We made our first trip out to the village about a week ago. It was like we were returning home! We went to Matapila, where I have stayed for weeks on end and where our relationship started almost a year ago. It was still early in the day when we arrived to Matapila, and the route we took had us pass by the primary school. Besides hearing a couple hundred Malawian children yelling, “Azungu” a few small voices stated more. “Justin” was on the lips of my friends, and though some didn’t believe I was there, they soon found out I was really back. We waited by the most recently constructed feeding center, taking a few pictures, watching the slow trickle of children come to investigate why we were there. I was greeted by some of the elderly friends from years past. Mr. Gwetsani was there, who still has the shoes I gave him two years ago. Annette, Ernest & Kalilani’s grandmother quickly recognized me and told me, “Ernest abwela kusukulu.” If I spelled it right it means he’s coming from school. Both Gwetsani and Annette help with Ministry of Hope programs in Matapila.

Children in Matapila playing "Duck, Duck, Chicken".

A few moments later I heard my name again, but this time it was a familiar voice. I turned to see Chikondi, my “thirteen year old translator’ running towards me. We hugged as though we hadn’t seen each other in a year, and he quickly explained to me, “I was told you were here, but I said, I don’t think Justin is here. So I came to see if you were, and then I saw you and thought, wow, Justin is here!” Unfortunately, the “Malawian tone” in his voice cannot be recreated in text well enough. We waited a little longer and more children started showing up for the program. One of the MOH drivers, John, started teaching the children a Bible lesson while they waited for food. Finally, I saw Ernest. It took him a while to be comfortable with me again, but then he quickly started holding my hand and using my forearm as a chin-up bar. The children are fascinated by the color of our skin, and love how when you use you hand to squeeze our arms, it leaves a fading white mark behind.

Justin and Ernest in Matapila.

We left that day feeling as though we were finally home! It was tough to leave so soon, but we knew that was only the beginning to an amazing time here!

Justin