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One of the advantages of moving many times is the growth of your spiritual family. We are thankful for all the friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord we got to know in the past 15 months here in Malawi. People from different parts of the world, with different traditions, yet united by the same faith in Jesus Christ, who is he Way, the Truth, and the Life.  What a blessing to experience that Fellowship with these new spiritual relatives in this part of the world.

Last Thursday we dropped off our little boys at the house of friends (what a blessing to have people willing to take care of your kids for a while) and drove with our older kids to Zambia. I was thinking about how it was going to be to arrive at Covenant College, the place where we lived and worked for more than 5 years. A place we poured our heart and energy in and where we had so many wonderful relationships. “Is it actually going to be nice to return to a place which you left 16 months ago?”

We arrived Friday morning, 10 am. The car had not come to a full stop yet but all of a sudden we were surrounded by many very familiar happy faces with warm, big smiles. We got out of the car and were greeted with hugs and double handshakes. It felt like coming home, seeing your relatives after a long time. Wow, what a blessing!!

We witnessed the graduation of 10 Covenant College students. What a joy to see them receive their reward for three years of faithful studies. More equipped now for the work they are called to, in the ministry of the Word. The event was an exhibition of God’s faithfulness most of all.

Joash and Rhoda enjoyed spending time with their Zambian friends and were disappointed when we announced our departure. 6 Students climbed aboard, the luggage was tied securely on the roof rack – the Landcruiser proved its value once more! We had to make several stops, climb the roof, loosen and tie again as we passed their houses on our way back to Malawi.

Late that night, after a long, tiring drive and border crossing we arrived back in Lilongwe (after we picked up our little boys from our friends house). Happy to get home again.

We feel at home in many places. The Netherlands – where our relatives live. America – where our sending church is. South Africa – where good friends live. Papua – where I grew up and still have relatives. Yet, when three year old Moses asked me “Mommy, where is our home village?” I could only think of heaven (John 14) and of the passage in Hebrews 11:

“…aliens and strangers on earth, longing for a better country, a heavenly one. God is preparing a city…”  But also this: “…Abraham obeyed and went…by faith he made his home…like a stranger in a foreign country…looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”