by Joanna Morrison, January 2013
My cousin Anisa arrived yesterday from Canada. Today, we head out for a walking tour. I thought you might like to come along. Outside our house, we meet several younger children. Their school day is over, and today they are playing in puddles. We walk into the courtyard between our first two children’s homes. The lunchtime dishes are just being washed up, and I introduce Anisa to those who are around. Suddenly, the skies open up, and we run for shelter on Girls’ One porch. It is a great chance to meet a few more people, our four new girls who came to us in November. The littlest one is still so afraid of being deserted. She clings to her sisters and hates to be out of their sight.
As the rain eases up, we make our way through the Bible school. Students have just arrived to spend three months studying and practicing the Word. They will spend time in class, out on prayer walks, evangelizing door to door, and worshipping. At home, their families will struggle to survive during this hungry season. Babies will arrive. Older kids will leave home for school. There will be funerals. We pray that the fruit in the students’ lives will outweigh the costs.
The hall is our multipurpose building, most recently used for girls’ club yesterday. They arrived at 3, and we managed to get some games in before the rain began. Their faces were full of excitement as we had an extended break due to a chickenpox outbreak. As we ran for shelter, the girls laughed. As they raised their voices in song, they just about drowned out the pounding on the roof. Our theme for kids’ club this month is ‘the body’, created by God, very good, worth looking after, and valuable to God. We will also talk about relationships with parents, friends, and the opposite sex. Unfortunately, many of these girls will experience sexual acts at a very young age. We have an opportunity to speak truth and freedom into their lives.
As we continue our tour, we pass by the Primary school where classes are in session. 130 students learn and grow in 9 classrooms. Anisa might be able to help in the computer room, so I point it out to her. Last week I participated in a prayer time with our Primary Teaching Team. It was a joy to see the teachers praying for one another. They are a strong team, and Alison’s gentle perseverance shows in her team.
We splash through puddles past the full size football field to get to the new children’s village. Just before Christmas, we were able to open this new kitchen. Hedson and Fanny are working together in the kitchen, and come out to greet us. I reflect on their work with us since the beginning. They were married at our church, and a year later were the parents of 12 boys, many of whom are now at Secondary School. Now, they lead this new village together with Ruth, the mother of our new Girls’ home. What a gift!
The Smith house is next on our tour; only they are away in America right now, awaiting the arrival of their firstborn. We eagerly anticipate their return in April. In the meantime, the Metzgers are dog-sitting, and it is a great joy to watch them at work encouraging and building up wherever they go. To have several qualified grandparents onsite is a great joy and honour. Our 72 kids love to have grandparents around, and both Leroy and Cindy are often found deep in conversation with one of them.
Over the wall we can hear the sounds of Matea Village. Inside, the Visitor Centre is quiet. After saying ‘no’ for more than a year due to the diesel shortage, we are finally ready to say ‘yes’ again. Visitors always add something new, whether it is energy or knowledge. We are grateful for all that has been imparted through our visitors over the years. In particular we are always in need of skilled workers willing to train our Malawian leaders.
Continuing down the road, we notice the bean field in which the weeds are vying for space. These rains have been such a blessing. The crops seem to be growing overnight, but so do the weeds. When Scripture talks about trees clapping their hands, I think I understand. The trees are so bright right now, and new leaves are pushing through before our eyes. They are soaking up the rain after a long spell of dry.
As we return to our house, and I reflect on all that God has given, I am in awe of his goodness. 72 children have a home, and go to school every day. They are fed and clothed. There is clean water for drinking and bathing. 50 students attend the Bible school each term. They are fed and supported. 400 churches throughout Malawi receive encouragement and training through the Bible school, and our outreaches. 1,300 vulnerable families receive food each month; many of these families are elderly widows who care for their orphaned grandchildren. God is indeed good, and he loves Malawi. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and his ways are not our ways. He can do more than we could ever ask or imagine. Just look and see!
