Happy birthday, Markl!
May 4, 2023
My final blog for this trip…it’s bittersweet.
A few days ago, Ed asked us to be thinking about some part of this trip that has really stood out to us so we could talk about it tonight. As I thought about it the past couple days the one thing that really stood out to me was light vs. dark. This morning I read through several passages about light and darkness and the scripture that kept coming to my mind was Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” There is a lot of darkness here in Malawi. It is evident—sometimes in your face darkness. Satan has such a grip on this country. But I saw repeatedly these two weeks that the Light of Christ so easily defeats the darkness of Satan. The thing is, there is a lot of darkness in the U.S. We may not see it either because we are so used to it, or sometimes because that darkness is disguised very attractively. God has put me in the city, state, country, etc. where He wants me to be that light. I am challenged to shine better at home, in my church and community. To live a much more focused and intentional life for His glory.
Today was a wrapping up day. Ed let us sleep in this morning, which anyone who knows me knows I took advantage of that! Ha! We went into town to pick up several things we needed. We also did a quick trip up the mountain to look at a few other touristy souvenirs. One of the things we picked up were rapid malaria tests and medicine to treat it just in case one of us starts to show symptoms in the next 36 hours or so while traveling. There is potential for a really interesting flight if that happens! Appreciate your prayers that none of us do!
We had lunch in town, came home, some took naps, some packed. I did a little of both. Then we headed out to dinner at a nice resort on top of the mountain. But while we were driving out of the long drive, three friends of Ovi & Lita’s were coming down to visit. We backed down the long, rough drive and visited with them for a little while. It was nice. Then we headed back out to dinner. At about the same place in the drive, another friend was driving in to see Ovi! Ha! He was expected a few hours before so Ovi told him we were off to dinner and just spoke briefly with him. We finally got to the restaurant about an hour and a half after we’d planned. As Ovi says, TIA (This is Africa!) It was a good meal and we once again had good conversation. We are home now and trying to finish up the packing as much as possible, weighing suitcases, etc. Will head out about 9 am to go to the airport and we begin our long flights about 3 pm here. That will be around 9 am EST. Please pray for smooth flights, connections and NO MALARIA!