First, we went to the Feed the Children site where the disability center is located. We visited this site in 2007 and it was great to see how it looks now. They have received some nice equipment to assist with their physical therapy program like wheelchairs, large swings, standing frames, etc. These items go a long way in helping the kids grow stronger and move towards mobility. There were several kids there with their mothers doing their physical therapy and it was neat to see these folks get the help that they so desperately need.
This afternoon, we went to STEKA house. This is a home that serves abused and abandoned children. Currently, there are 33 children living in the home. They are cared for by Godknows (yes, that is his name) and his wife, Helen. The children are fed and cared for, given a safe place to sleep, and taught skills as they get older so they can get a job when they leave. Some of the stories of how the kids got there would break your heart. One child was left in a dust pile to die. Another child was taken from his parents because the mom was literally going to kill him. Still another was left in a drainage canal during heavy rains and was found when someone heard her crying. The stories are all tragic and we are so thankful for safe places in the world like STEKA house.
While we were at STEKA, we taught the children the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. The key message was that while sometimes people do things deliberately to harm us, God can use it for good. Then we did some Joseph color pages and also made bracelets using colors to symbolize things Joseph went through in his life. Thank you, Melissa for the colorful embroidery floss; the kids loved making the bracelets with it. :o) We all had a great time hanging out together, getting into the Word, doing crafts, singing, dancing, and praying. It was encouraging for us all.
The day was filled with joy as we visited places that provide a great service in Malawi. We walk most places here, and that is nice too since it is so lovely here. As I sit here writing this, I remember one more thing that I love about Malawi: the QUIET. My goodness, it is fabulous! At night, the silence just wraps around you like a warm blanket. My sleep is never better than it is in Malawi. There are no cars driving by, no horns or sirens, and no helicopters or airplanes. The mornings are filled with birds singing and an occasional rooster crowing or chicken clucking. No lawn mowers, weed whackers or trash trucks driving through the neighborhood. Just blessed peace and quiet. I could sure get used to having that every night!
Well, there is one little thing that has been disrupting my sleep here in Blantyre. Kelsey and Maribeth have adopted this orange tabby cat that they have named Sylvester. When Kelsey came to meet us in Lilongwe, she accidentally locked poor Sylvester in the living room without food or water. She put out lots of food, water and a cat litter box in the kitchen but closed the door between the two rooms and Sylvester was stuck for 3 days. When we got home, Sylvester went straight for the water when the door was opened. He was none the worse for wear but, mysteriously, we couldn't find any kitty land mines lying around anywhere. As we all know, kitties can't go 3 days without waste elimination, so we came to the conclusion that the poor cat ATE them because he was so hungry. I know. Sad. And gross!
Needless to say, Sylvester was a little miffed with Kelsey and he wanted a new friend. As most of you know, I am a dog person to the core but a basic animal lover in general. So I was talking to poor Sylvester all afternoon when we got home, telling him how sorry I was for his being deserted for 3 days. At first, he wouldn't give me the time of day (you know how CATS are), but at the end of the day, he gave me a big, loud meow which, I guess, signified that I was his new BFF. He proceeded to take up residence on my bed and has been my companion each night since.
Yes, I got stuck with the cat who eats poop. And, like most cats, he bugs. He gets restless early in the morning and wants to get down. Then come back up. Then go outside. Then he meows outside to come back inside. Like I said, he bugs. But I feel bad because Kelsey tried to kill him, so I let him stay. We'll see how long it lasts since he is interrupting my beautiful Malawian sleep! ;o)Okay, I better sign off. We have another busy day on the horizon! Today is the staff party where we get to meet Maribeth and Kelsey's team. Should be a good time of fellowship!
I hope you are doing well also.
Love, Pam
"From the place of His dwelling He looks upon the inhabitants of the earth." Psalm 33:14
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