Well as most of you know, we spent 3 weeks in February back
in the U.S.! Madalo and I had a great time catching up with family and friends,
celebrating our new marriage, holding lots of new babies, going to San Diego
and Disneyland, celebrating my 30th birthday (my first one back
in the U.S. in 3 years!), and trying to do a little fundraising in the midst of
it all. It was quite the whirlwind and we were thoroughly exhausted by the time
we finally made it back home to Malawi. We needed a vacation after our vacation!
Everyone here in Malawi says we had a great time and were treated well by
everyone back in the U.S. How do they know? Because of all the weight we
gained! Culturally, here in Malawi, gaining weight while away is a sign that
you were well taken care of. Wouldn't it be nice if we thought that
way in the U.S. too?? I've already dropped ten pounds since coming
back!
Although we were tired, I quickly had to get ready for the COTN International
President and founder, Chris Clark to visit Malawi along with his wife and
co-founder, Debbie. The first few days of their visit they were accompanied by
an international board member and his wife, Bruce and Julie Donaho. So far
their visit has been great and they have shared a lot of vision, encouragement,
and training with the staff here in Malawi as well as learned some things from
the Malawi staff. Being the founders, and because in the early days they would
spend months at a time in Malawi, the children, especially the older ones, call
them “Dad Chris” and “Mom Debbie”. It's a unique organization where the
president is also thought of as "Dad" by many of the children!
I feel like I am working with COTN at a key time in its history. Behind are
many years of a small, family-style ministry and ahead it is developing into a
full-fledged international non-profit while still trying to maintain its sense
of family and community. It is definitely a great experience to be part of an
organization as it grows in this way!
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| One of the many new babies we met, our new nephew, Oliver! |
Madalo has gotten back into the swing of her work at African Bible College
(ABC) Community Clinic. She really enjoys being a nurse; treating and caring
for people as God heals their bodies and spirits. She is such a light to her
patients and fellow staff members, always bringing a smile and encouraging
words to those around her. I’ve heard more than once from some of the “higher
ups” at ABC that she is one of their best nurses!
Much Love,
Jeremy and Madalo
