After meeting at the San Diego airport and traveling to Dulles Airport (wherever that's at...no really, we weren't sure), we traveled all the way to Ethiopia. Woah, long flight! Several movies, tv shows, card games (such as B.S.), 3 meals (yes, 3) and 13 hours later we finally made it to Ethiopia. Then, off to Lilongwe the capital of Malawi! We got our passports stamped and then were warmly greeted by the extremly friendly and hospitable COTN staff.
We were jetlagged but we did not waste any time after getting to the COTN Malawi headquarters. We went to Mtsiliza, a small village nearby, and were welcomed by about 100 children with singing, dancing, laughter, and lots of smiles.
On July 3rd, we toured African Bible College (ABC), which was beautiful. Did I mention that everything is so beautiful here? I (Kirsten) have only really traveled in the United States, so everything here is new and so picturesque, and I can't seem to get enough photos of everything and everyone! Anyway, we toured through ABC's library, clinic, the fields, basketball/netball courts, and swimming pool and the elementary school.
After the ABC tour we were warmly welcomed once again in a village called Chirombo. "Azunga, azunga!" is what we hear when we travel around in the COTN van. Azunga means "white person." It is amazing how many children come running out of their houses to chase our van just to see us, hold our hands, and ask us our names.
On July 4th we shot off fireworks and sang America's National Anthem! Just kidding. We actually walked to Mgwayi (another small village) and visited 50 beautiful faces at a preschool and 250 amazing young kids at an elementary school. The Malawian children can't grab our hands and arms fast enough! It was neat hearing about the education here and the similarities and differences from the schools in America.
Anyway, between the rat (more like a cute mouse) that rummages through the pots and pans each night as we worship and do our devotions, attempting to communicate using Chichewa, the power randomly going out (sometimes while in the shower...scary), and watching the children run after the bus just to be with us awhile longer, it's been quite an adventure so far! And it is so evident that God is moving and working in this place and through his children here. We are so excited to continue this adventure and experience here!
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