It's Been a While...

It seems like so long since we were able to sit down and find an Internet connection. Our days have been quite packed, but they have been so beneficial. Rachel successfully turned 24 on the 20th which was great. The other group members found a "cake" (I'm pretty sure they used salt instead of sugar) with a candle and sang to her, while Uncle Don bought us a great meal at the Hippo Lodge. The next day we went on a small excursion down the Shire River, seeing hippos and other wildlife. We've been able to have great conversations with different speakers along the way. Everyday we learn more about the huge problems facing Malawi, namely the HIV/AIDS virus coupled with extreme poverty. However, an underlying theme seems to be that things are getting better. Many more people are now on ARVs (antiretrovirals) and more programs combating the effects of poverty are being created all the time. As of right now, I am convinced that the only way Malawi will rise up out of their current condition is through community based efforts with IGAs (income generating activities, such as pig farms, raising bees, growing mushrooms, etc...) operated by groups of women. I understand that that might sound strange, but the projects we have seen seem so promising.

We have also been able to be a part of three worship services. The music has been amazing and once we get over the initial awkward feelings of walking into an unfamiliar place, the services have been great. We were able to share the Eucharist with one small congregation in the country in a mud church (mud walls, mud pews, mud altar), as humbling and enlightening an experience as you can have.

Here's a photo of Rachel and me at Lake Malawi. It was beautiful and we really enjoyed our stay at the Carolina.
-Adam