Today was a special day in many ways. Celebrating Jack turning six here in
Embangweni was very special. Ellis and I
loved being a part of the Dubose celebration as well as the celebration of
Jack’s birthday with everyone today. I
believe we lost count of how many times and ways he heard the “Happy Birthday” song. Jack got his wish of a pocket knife, Meer
cat magnet, and matches. We taught a new
version of happy birthday to everyone here, dubbed the “South Carolina” version
that includes the “cha cha cha!” The
matches and birthday candles stuck in the roasted potatoes for dinner were
quite a hit since we were eating by candle light because the power has been out
since lunch. We have not had a “dessert”
since arriving in Malawi outside of local fruit that can be peeled. The last two days we have had amazing little
bananas. Chicken continues to be the
biggest hit of all with the group. The
boys yell “I want chicken!” when the food arrives at the table and since I
don’t eat meat, there is always one extra piece that they fight over. Today Jack received the extra piece at lunch
and dinner. J We have not had water since early this
morning and therefore each room received a bucket of sanitation water as the
evening approached. It was bucket baths
by torches (known to us as flashlights) for all tonight!
We LOVED the vacation bible school activities today and
commented many times on the wonderful manners, beautiful singing, artistic
abilities, and overall delight to sing, learn, and share the good news of Jesus
with each other. They taught us songs
and we taught them songs. The many years
of singing at WPC “It’s Elementary!” and
choir was so well received today that our group has been asked to sing at both
church services on Sunday - the English service at 8:00 a.m. and the Tembuka
service at 10:00 a.m. Trey, Kim, and I
were proud of our children today as they led songs, acted out bible stories,
and interacted with the children.
The hospital was not too busy today, so Kim and Trey were
able to join us for VBS activities and go back and forth to check on patients
because we were in the chapel at the hospital.
We needed the help of everyone for our afternoon group of younger
children because they doubled from when we started to when we ended. The word is spreading that we are here! Thankfully we came prepared with enough
activities and extras that we have a game plan for VBS tomorrow. Our friends from England, Lauren and Ellie,
also want to help tomorrow as well as two new friends of Helen’s we met today
that are staying at the Guest House. Helen’s
friends, Toby and David, from Dallas, TX are traveling the world and are half
way into their one year journey. Good news too that Toby is an IT guy and has helped us figure out the Malawi internet - which is still slow but now we can get it consistently and post pictures!!!
Trey taught a lesson to the hospital staff on heart failure
as it related to the case of a boy at the hospital. Kim was able to check on her C-section
patient from yesterday and see the new little baby girl. I had the opportunity to meet several special
friends of the Easley’s and Kellett’s. We
have enjoyed children stopping by to see us at the Guest House and have shared
bubbles with them which they absolutely LOVE!
Tomorrow we hope to see a Malawi sunset from a hill that is about 8 km
away where we’ve been told you can see all the way to Zambia. The stars are absolutely amazing tonight with
the lack of power. So even in the midst
of no water and power, I’d have to say it’s a day I hope I never forget!
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