Time is Flying!

Hi, friends!

As we get closer to our departure date (just over six weeks away), I find myself getting even more excited about going back to Malawi. The below report from Maribeth is one of the reasons why.

Maribeth is one of our partners in Malawi. She and Kelsey room together and serve together. The following account seriously gave me goosebumps and reminded me of why I go to Malawi. Bringing light into these dark places is SOOO important. There are so many hurting little ones out there who need to know that they are loved and matter to the Creator of the universe; that He knew them and loved them before they were even born; that He thinks about them more often than there are grains of sand (Psalm 139).

Reported by Maribeth on May 22, 2011:

"At our church in Blantyre we have a Sunday program for the children who are living and sleeping on the streets of Blantyre. They live on the streets, begging and stealing because their their parents are dead, addicted, crazy or abusive. The streets are very dangerous at night especially. About 20 of them ages 6 to 18 years show up each Sunday and we teach them about God's love and give them Malawian donuts...

"We discovered that one of these little boys was being beaten by older kids, but with a beautiful team effort yesterday, he spent his first night in a lovely home for children, run by a committed Malawian couple. Though they have no real resources themselves, they have 28 children they are raising. 28 children. With all the things I am doing here, nothing was more important then yesterday. Our friend, David saw him being beaten and took him. Once Henry stopped crying, Kelsey gave him a banana. Then our pastor put us all in his car and drove us past the market. I ran and bought clothes and shoes in about 5 minutes, praying for the right sizes. Thanks God, everything a perfect fit.

"We drove to STEKA, which is the Children's Home. He was really scared and distrustful, having been abused like he had. I bathed him, singing to him in Chichewa about Jesus. His body was covered with bug bites, large scars, denoting serious past injuries. We put on his new clothes and sat him in front of the homes TV with the other kids. He watched Jesus children's dance videos (smile) for about an hour and then began playing with the kids outside in the yard. We stayed until the sun was going down and promised him in Chichewa that we would be back today. STEKA is in our neighborhood where we live, a 10 minute walk. We will see Henry today. Most likely he will come to our Malawi Montessori Christian School. Two of the children in this home already do. STEKA is one of the centers we work with through our Africa ABC project. Today, I can't think of another reason I am alive. Really, can't think of another reason to live. Can't think of another thing to give my life to."


THESE are the types of stories that makes my heart pump! Like Maribeth said, I can't think of another thing to give my life to. And I am so thankful to have you all with me on this journey. I couldn't do it without your support.

Sincerely,

~ Pam