Last blog post

***I wrote this blog entry during our last couple of days in Malawi, but was unable to post it as our Internet connection failed to work before we left on Tuesday morning!***

It’s hard to believe that our 12 weeks here has come and gone and that we’ll be heading back to the U.S on Tuesday. It’s both an exciting and sad time.

We attended Madzanje Baptist Church yesterday with all of our residential children and staff—it really was an incredible morning. Our residential kids are ages 5-8, and they have formed a sort of “children’s choir.” My new favorite song that I learned during this trip is “How Wonderful is Your Name.” When Precious, one of our 8-year-old boys, sang the opening line, it was difficult not to cry. When all of the little ones sang the chorus with him, it really was impossible. I’m going to miss them more than I can put into words. My heart aches when I think about the fact that I don’t know when the next time is that I’ll be able to see them. I love them so much.

Even with all of the challenges we had, I woke up every morning unable to feel anything but complete gratitude for all that the Lord has blessed me with. It really is a miracle of God that I even had the chance to come back to Malawi. I don’t know if or when I will be back, but I know that God’s plans are perfect. I’m incredibly grateful for the time He’s given me. If there is one thing I left Malawi knowing for sure, it is that God is always faithful; He truly overwhelmed us with His protection, provision, and love. God is amazing.

It’s a weird feeling, to have your heart be in two completely different worlds. As much as I love my country trying to transition back into a “normal” life in the U.S is difficult. Missing Malawi, missing these sweet children, missing this ministry in Malawi is not something you ever get over.

Please keep our Malawi Mom, Cindy House, in your prayers—she is working as the Director of Operations for Esther’s House. It’s difficult to even explain the kinds of challenges that you are faced with without experiencing life there for yourself, but she has a very big role in Malawi—Esther’s House would not be the same without her. We are sad to be leaving her, but if ever anyone was truly gifted for this work and ministry, it would be Cindy.