To come back to the 'make-up' subject. I was just thinking as we are counting down to go on furlough (89 days from now!!!) how sad it is we never get to make-up from bonding with relatives in The Netherland. In the last nine years we have been here at the missionfield, many nieces and nephews have been born, 3 of them we have never met, but are walking around already, 6 siblings have gotten married who's wedding we couldn't attend and we have missed out on countless family meetings, like birthdays (very important for the Dutch) etc etc. I also realise my kids don't bond with grand parents, aunts & uncle's and cousins in those few weeks we spend on furlough (8 weeks in two years), they hardly know them, we practive names before we visit as 'normal' kids would (especially in Holland, such a small country). We will never be able to make-up for those years. Maybe my kids will only get to 'share life' with grandparents when they are too old to do fun stuff with them and live in a nursing home orso. I am not trying to get your sympathy but give perspective. If you are considering taking your family to the missionfield, this in one of the hardest things for me as a mom. And over time it is getting harder.
Let me share what happened to Nyenyezi Ministry this passed week. As we had a National Malawian Holiday I started the day with a good cup of coffee, when my phone rang. Grace called me to report a break-in at Nyenyezi. I immidiately went over and found the Moweta and Muhone family, confused, disappointed and shocked. At midnight, 5 men had come in, broke in our middle classroom to find the builder sleep in the store room. They asked for the laptop...which we don't have for the ministry, took his phone, tied him up and stuffed his mouth. The went to the teachers house (Moweta family), broke in, tied up the husband, wanted to tie up his wife Aida (the teacher) too but she asked them not to because she was feeling sick already. They asked for the laptop again, which we do not have, took two phones, all their money, pulled off the blankets they were sleeping under, also from their three kids who were sleeping, wanted to even pull their mattrass, but left as it was taking too long. We have reported it to the chief, the police and other community members. The chief has decided to put guards in place for us as he said "Nyenyezi is the pride of our community, we have to make sure you are safe!" Wow, that is good to hear. I hope to replace the stolen items as soon as I can.
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| Womens literacy class in session. |
As we were discussing more, Grace shared with me how the Lord is blessing the literacy classes. She and Aida teach about 50 women, every morning, in three different levels; beginners, advanced and english. Women from far villages had come and asked if they could also please join. A good and positive rumour about Nyenyezi is going around! Every day is being opened with a Bible study. Slowly on we see the transformation we are praying for. One morning the group was is an intense discussion about forgiveness....tears were flowing....finally reconsiliation took place. Some women cried out; this is a miracle. Without what we now know about Jesus, this would have never happened. Please, continue to pray for this ministry and for energy and wisdom we need to teach, lead and direct the programs. We are now looking for two additional christian teachers as the work is expanding.
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| Johosaphat's first time to taste birthday cake |
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| It was my Birthday, the day of the break-in....so after the bitter came the sweet. Sharing cake with my Nyenyezi family (teachers and their kids) |
