God is Good!

Wow!!!! This was so much different than we could have ever imagined. It was so very interesting when we drove up the countryside on our way to Mzusu. For the first 150 Kilometers it was very similar to Namibia, and I was kind of homesick for there. Then we started to get into the mountains of northern Malawi and everything changed. It looked kind of like our mountains but with a distinctive African twist. There were trees of Africa mixed with many trees we would see in the States. Then, would you believe we started seeing pine trees. That is right, pine trees. There is the largest man-made pine tree forests in southern Africa in Malawi. That was a shock.

When we got to Mzusu we got our second shock. After a bumpy ride down several torn-up dirt streets with houses on the side, we came around the corner to a sea of people with the women dressed up in purple and white dresses, singing and dancing their hearts out. We got out of the car and they proceeded to parade us around and then into the house, where we were seated like kings in Brasswells living room. All this time they continued to sing to us. Then there were several introductions on all sides and we were each asked to share a word with them. I was so proud of the boys and what they had to say. Then they fed us and again they treated us like kings. I am sure the food we ate was way beyond the churches means. We were indeed humbled.

Yesterday we travelled up here to Rumphi, and then went on to the Beteri training center which is about a 30 minute ride out of town on old dirt roads. When we got there we received almost the same greeting as we received before. We then got into meeting, and Charlie spoke first about servant leadership. Then after a long break so the others could eat (we did not), then we met again and Dan shared with the pastors on the importance of the gospel and how they need to be bold, gentle and blameless with the gospel. Then we had trouble with our accomodations (they were poor for Brasswell's standards) so we needed to go and make other arrangements. The place is quite modest, but I am sure top notch for this area.

Today, it was my turn to teach. After several small delays, we were off. Down the road we went. Then all of a sudden, an alarm in the combi (van) went off. Long story short, we were out of water. And we were also low on oil. We were stranded with what seemed like no option. Then someone came with some water and we began to fill up the reservuoir with water. We were stuck there between an hour and 1 1/2 hours. I began to think God did not want me to teach today. But, we finally got the engine cooled down, and got back on the road and to Beteri. God was so kind to me and gave me exactly what He wanted them to hear. After a break for a late lunch, then Charlie shared the vision of Coast for a shared responsibility for the building of the training center there. Because it was so late, we could not travel to Kalopa today. So, we had to arrange lodging at the same place as last night, and tomorrow morning, bright and early, we should be headed to Kalopa. We may even see animals tomorrow.

Well, I must go. Please continue to pray for us. We have had many bumps in the road that I have not had time to share, but God has been so good and faithful. Pray that we continue to be kind to one another and not get on each others nerves. The next 2 days will probably be the hardest of the trip. But, if the last 2 days are any indication, our hearts will continue to be blessed beyond our comprehension. Our lives will forever be changed by this experiences for sure. The people here have to trust God in ways we just cannot possibly understand. God is Good!