Medical outreach and chicken coops

Medical Outreach in Ntchisi with Berean Baptist Church
The queue of patients

My mom with part of her team of childrens workers

As I mentioned in my last blog, while my parents were here, a team arrived from Berean Baptist Church in MN to do work alongside World Relief here in Malawi. They had kids programs, a medical clinic, counseling, and one day my parents helped big a chicken coop. One to house a chicken business for a local church. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of that. But my parents both came home very dirty from digging.
Mike and I were each able to spend a day with the medical outreach. It's always good to get out of Lilongwe and into the village. Ntchisi, the town where we were working, is beautifully located in central Malawi, among hills (or small mountains depending on how you look at it). We joined 2 doctors from the states and 2 clinical officers from Malawi to bring medical care to the area. We worked out of the church and had the support of the church and counselours to help assist with emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial issues as well.

It was a good experience for all of us--especially my parents who hadn't had the chance to experience "village" life a bit. We are thankful for the partnership with Berean and World Relief.

More memories of my parents visit

My mom, Kay Cowan, reading to Sydney's class

My mom and dad kept busy while they were here in Malawi. Not only did they help teach the kids how to ride bikes, they also got involved at school. My mom was Sydney's Teachers "assistant" for a few days. She really enjoyed getting to know the kids in Sydney's class as well as Mrs. Pyman, Sydney's wonderful teacher. The biggest challenge for my mom was probably memorizing all of the kids names. 23 new names like: Aiyana, Amarrah, Blessings, Mlendo, Tiwonge and Yolanda. She did amazingly well, especially since the girls often were changing their hairstyles which makes getting to know all of them even harder.
Mom, and some of the kids in Sydney's class

They also had the opportunity to do some mission work alongside a team from Berean Baptist church in Burnsville, MN. But more about that in the next blog.

Bike Riding

One of the advantages to our new house is that we are living in a "concrete jungle." That doesn't sound like an advantage, but when it comes to learning to ride a bike without training wheels, it is a huge help to not have to navigate the uneven terrain of a cobblestone driveway or uneven yard.

My dad went to work while he was here, helping the kids by holding their bikes and running many miles with them, back and forth in our complex. Once Sydney caught on, Sam had to try it too, and now they are both excellent riders. Now, we just have to get some helmets here, because they are getting much too adventurous for my taste.

On a sentimental level, it was so much fun to watch my dad help the kids, because I remember learning the same way myself. And when Mike stepped into help, I'm sure the kids will have fond memories of both their dad and their papa helping them get started on their bikes. Thanks dad!

end-of-the-school-year activites

I know school has been out for over a month, but I thought I'd share a few pictures from the fun end-of-the-year activities the kids enjoyed. Yes, there are "field trips" in Africa. =)

Sam's class went to the firestation. There is one fire engine for the whole city.

Sam getting his medal at the class Olympics from headmaster, Mr. Wilson

Sam had a pajama day--don't they all look cute, pretending to sleep

Here is Sydney's class, visiting Nando's, a local restaurant, run by one of the students' parents

There was an end of the year awards ceremony. Sydney got great all-around student from her wonderful teacher, Mrs. Pyman

Here are a few of us mom after the awards ceremony.

Baby Jeremiah

Joyce and Jeremiah arriving home from the hospital

Another big event that has happened is the arrival of Joyce's baby, Jeremiah. Joyce is still working with us, helping me keep a clean house, prepare food and watch the kids--and has become a part of our family. Joyce and Christopher were married last year and we were excited to hear they were expecting. They both have children from previous marriages, so Jeremiah's arrival makes a total of 4 boys in the house. Wow!

Joyce was due in early June. And on the 3rd I picked her up and she looked uncomfortable. She said she was having some pains, but it didn't feel like labor. I was debating whether I should leave her at home and head off to work, when my decision was made for me. Her water broke all over the kitchen floor! It was quite dramatic--and fun for me, since I miss delivering babies and being involved in that special time of life. Anyways, I brought her to the hospital and 2 hours later, Jeremiah arrived.

Joyce is already back to work, which is great for me since the kids finished school and have a break until late August. She brings Jeremiah with her and Sydney loves to help take care of him and hold him. Welcome to the world (and to our family) Jeremiah!

Big brother Titus welcoming Jeremiah home