Today's the Day!

Well, I can't believe that departure day is upon us but here it is! My bags are finally packed after making some difficult decisions about what I could and couldn't take. Unfortunately, I have 15 pounds of material left over that I am hoping the rest of the team can fit into their suitcases. We shall see...

I am very excited about going back to Malawi! Just a few of the things I am most excited about are:

1. Seeing Violet, who is the child that Chuck and I sponsor. She will be eight years old in July and I am excited to see how much she has grown during the last year.
2. Seeing how the Widow's Program has progressed. The first year, there were 20 women in the program and, last year, there were over 40. I can't wait to see how many women are in the program this year and earning an income from items they create themselves. They are who all the material, yarn and sewing supplies are for, so I am sincerely hoping we can get everything over to them. It is life-changing for them.
3. Seeing Maribeth! When we get to Blantyre, you may all be able to hear us shouting with joy at seeing our sweet sister! It's been almost a year that she has been in Blantyre doing great things. I can't wait to see her, see the classrooms, help paint walls, put up chalkboards and just fellowship with this dear girl (see http://www.acts3.org/blog/montessori.php for more info on what she is doing there).

Our schedule for the next two weeks will be something like the following:

* Depart from San Francisco April 24
* Arrive in London the morning of April 25 (10 hour layover)
* Arrive in Kenya the morning of April 26
* Arrive in Lilongwe, Malawi the afternoon of April 26
* Drive down to Blantyre, Malawi on May 2
* "Cultural Excursion" at a nearby park May 6-7
* Depart from Blantyre the morning of May 9
* Arrive back in San Francisco the afternoon of May 10

As you can see, it takes a long time to get to Malawi! That's why we go for two weeks... :o)

I will be updating my blog as often as we get a chance, which will likely be when we have layovers in airports. Thank you for all your support and prayers!

Lots of love,

~ Pam