New {2016}

I am really not much of a  New Year's Resolution kinda gal. 

Living here in Malawi, Christmas and New Year's slip by kinda quiet like and if it wasn't for social media, then I wouldn't even realize  that Jan.1 marks the date you're supposed to have your list of "top 10" things you want to change about yourself.

But God had a different plan for me this year and many things that He is wanting to change in my life. The other night as I lay awake in bed tossing and turning, the whole house asleep and quiet, God spoke a word over me and it was the word....NEW. A really simple, 3 lettered word, but it had a powerful meaning for me. Starting that night, God wanted to make me new. 

He whispered a word of freedom over my life and I instantly felt like a different person.

"Do not conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the reNEWing of your mind' 

Romans 12:2 NLT {emphasis mine}

In 2013, I was a stay-at-home mom with 2 children and had a perfect little university model school  that my boys attended. The school allowed me to have 2 days all alone doing whatever my little heart desired. Almost in an instant, I became a mother of 4 (lovely but LOUD children), living in another country, having 0 days or even minutes of alone time, and became a working mom. All.at.once. It was a harder adjustment than I realized at the time, and looking back, it kicked my tail. It still kicks my tail.

Ever since I can remember, I have wanted a whole gaggle of kids. Big, loud families always looked like so much fun to me! When my own reality wasn't quite measuring up, I felt guilty that my blessings from the Lord were not filling me with joy. Things that I had prayed for, for years for were being answered. Instead of being thankful and content, I felt overwhelmed which opened the door to Satan totally kicking me in the face with feelings of unworthiness, guilt and shame. 

When parenting was super, super hard (transitions, bonding, trauma, homesickness for all 4 kiddos) it became easier to love on other kids than my own. 

A few months ago, around the 2 year mark of living and adjusting to life here, it felt like we were finally coming up for some air. I also realized that we had listed "please pray for balance in ministry and family" as a prayer request for the past 24 months straight on our newsletters. I began to really have conversations with God about if this balance was ever going to happen or if it was even possible. Then, God gave me this word, "new". I felt like He was telling me, "you don't have to keep living this way, Look! I am making you new. I am going to give you a new way to think, a new way to talk, a new way to feel, a new way to love your family, a new way to operate your days." 

I don't have to keep living in the old. I know this sounds simple or maybe even weird, but when you are struggling through your days, it is easier to just keep doing the same, old same old. Immediately God gave me some really simple and easy ideas of things I can change now. Really specific things that are bringing change and joy to my day to day living now. He is "restoring the years the locust have eaten" 

Joel 2:25.

He is giving me joy in my parenting like I used to have. He is showing me how I can create balance and really savor the season of life that He has me in now. He is also showing me that no matter where I live, or what my current ministry is, my kids and family will always be my first ministry. 

That releases a lot of guilt from this people pleaser that I am. 

I am so thankful that at salvation Christ made me a new creation. I am thankful that He promises to continue to re-new me again and again. That in Christ we just keep getting re-newed each day. We don't have to live in the same patterns, as surely as the sun rises each day, his mercies are new.

Are you a New Year's Resolution kinda gal? 

Has God given you a word for 2016?

I'd love to hear it!

Interview With an Esther's House Intern

We love having interns at Esther's House. They become a part of our family and it's hard to let them go! Brittany did a 3 month internship at Esther's House and graciously agreed to share her honest perspective about what life was like living in rural Malawi.........


>> Why did you decide to intern with Esther’s house?

I was able to join an amazing team last year (2013) for 2 weeks and it just was not enough. I told the kids that I would be back. They just kind of smiled and said, “ No, everyone says that... but they don’t come back.” So basically I just had to prove them wrong. KIDDING.

I loved every moment of that short trip. I guess looking back on it now, I thought the relationships that I made were incredible. I couldn’t say 1/2 of their names, but me saying them wrong and them laughing at my attempts was so worth it. Our team did some evangelism in a village that hadn’t been reached by any other team before, and it was so amazing. The willingness these people have to talk about their faith, lack of faith, hurts, trials, blessings, hardships, and just all the in’s and out’s of life... you guys it is crazy. Americans are just do different, but we will get to that later. Malawi is a breathtakingly beautiful country, and the people man. THEY ARE SO 
BEAUTIFUL TOO.

{These are some of the sweet not so little ones that were in my tutoring class}

>> What were your jobs while working at Esther's House?

I was able to teach a girls Bible study for a few weeks to some of the older girls as well as tutor a Standard 4-6 math tutoring class 3 days a week. There were 2 teams that came to Esther’s House during my stay, and I loved having them there so much! With that said, teams are a lot of work to prepare for. Who knew? I was able to help the on-site missionary families with all the duties that go into preparing for the team, and we sure had a lot of fun! I’m not sure if this was a real title or not, but maybe "relationship builder". I loved just getting to hang with the kids. Pulling my hair out while giving me a new hair style, teaching me Chichewa, watching Pollyanna on my iPad, finding songs on their radio for us to dance to, and cooking with me in the kitchen were some of our favorite things.

I almost forgot my favorite job... campus “nurse”. If any of you know we well, you already know how I am with injuries, blood, talk of your injury or blood, and anything to do with infection. Jesus is always around to be the one to pull us out of our comfort zone, right? It all started with the typical needs of ibuprofen, band aids, and cough drops.   At least He started me off easy. Things then upgraded to learning how to test and treat Malaria. One drop of blood on a test. Whew, made it. THEN. Ya’ll, seriously. The sweetest widow fell into her hot coals after cooking her dinner, and because of her age could not get up very fast. He knee was badly burned. Thankfully after she walked to Esther’s House for a medical clinic day we were able to treat her. Visiting her daily and changing that gauze is something I could never forget. She was so tough though, all Malawian women are. It is crazy.  Word spread around pretty fast and almost daily was I treating a wound of a widow, community kid, or residential kid. I’d like to think I’m pretty tough now, maybe I should check into nursing school. JOKES.

{Giving a malaria test}

{This is Faith. She lost her hands many years ago in a fire. She had such a sweet spirit despite all that she's been through. She would always run out to the road to greet me.}

>> What is a major lesson God taught you while serving in Malawi?

Coming into my internship I wasn’t really sure what to expect, and I am grateful for that. Yes, I had been just 10 months prior, but staying 3 months and not having my trusty sidekick Olivia with me... that’s a different ballgame. It’s a little funny that I love to plan everything, and I live by my “to-do” lists and my planner. The Lord just has a funny way about changing you into what He wants you to be. Life at Esther’s House is quite different from my life as an “American”. Shocker, right? In many ways it is very slow. No one is in a hurry, which can be a good and bad thing (just ask the Wilson’s how long it took to get electricity over here... ;). I guess my major lesson, and it really is hard because I did learn so much, was just to stop planning my path and allow Him to do it. Stop living by my head knowledge or by what seems the most financially responsible and just follow Him. Coming to Malawi this time meant I had to leave many things behind, including my house and I had to leave my job. I loved my little house, and let me tell you I LOVED my job working with students so much. It was hard. Those three little words don’t even make it look like much, but just know I really struggled. Thankfully before I even left a sweet family from my church opened up their home to me. That took so much off of me to know at least I will have a temporary “home”.

There were many nights (pretty much every other night) sitting with Catherine and I was just saying , “What am I going to do , I’m applying for jobs consistently and nothing is happening. I’m getting discouraged because I just thought when I followed His plan, that He would just magically show His plan out before me... and HE ISN’T.” She was such an encouragement to me without even knowing it. I kinda always felt silly talking to this lady about my little problems, when HELLO... she has just given everything to Him and has been serving for the last 2 years with her family. She is just so wise, understanding, and loving. (Catherine don’t delete this because I know you are going to want to. :) I also met a previous intern while I was there named Seth. He reminded me of this truth many times. God can do anything He wants with you right now. "Brittany this is an awesome thing! Jesus could call you to go or to do anything! Isn’t that so exciting?!” At first I just looked at him like he was crazy, but you know, he was totally on to something. Although I was nervous, scared, and worried about my bills that were due soon, and what my life plan was. Jesus knew. Jesus had me. If you would have asked me before this journey if Jesus knew my plan, I would have said of course He does. I guess He just had to really show me how much He cares, and I’m so glad He did.

{These two beauties came to the medical tent and we couldn't stop smiling at each other. Their happiness is so contagious.}

>> How has the journey at Esther’s House changed your worldview?

Literally laughed when I read this. America sucks. Can I say that?
Obviously I knew going over things would be different, but really it wasn’t until I came back that it really hit me. We are so unnecessarily busy. For what? Half of the things that we think we are so busy with are just pointless things. I saw women walk for miles to come to church, and to come to Esther’s house. I saw how hard they work for just a day of food. I saw how long they would stand bent over the river washing clothes. It’s just amazing all that we still complain about. LIFE IS SO EASY here. Well, let me say this. As an American life was so easy there. I think there were 2 times I called one of my closest friends here in Arkansas and questioned my length of stay. A few tears were shed and I would just tell her I missed foods, I missed people, I missed church, I missed driving, I missed my everyday life. You know whats funny though is I worked around the food thing. I met some of the best people I could ever meet in this life. Watching them being able to truly worship all day in church, when we are mad if we don’t get out right at 12. Don’t worry, Suzgo (best driver in the world) taught me to drive. Life is really what you make it. After the first month or so, I was settled. I really didn’t like leaving, and honestly it’s been really hard being home. Things are different. I’m different.

{Reading a book during the Summer Reading Program.}

>> What is something you learned from a Malawian/orphan/widow?

This one makes me instantly teary. I really fell in love with the widows. These women are fighters. They are tough. They are determined. They love on the orphans at Esther’s House, and they loved on me. As I visited many of their homes to check on the children in their care or to check up on their wounds, they were always so nice and welcoming.
Even through a huge language barrier we were able to laugh. I figured out that “hug” is the same word in Chichewa so that worked out nice. We would dance around on Saturday’s when they were all gathering waiting for lunch. Man. I love those ladies.

{Chicken and Dumplings at Suzgo's house}

>>What is your favorite memory of Esther’s House?

This one is impossible for me, here's but something that’s cool. I remember pretty much everything. I journaled almost daily, and I think that helped. I could talk for hours about all that this place means to me and all of the funny moments. Like Miles (the night guard) getting a rat out of the Wilson’s house. Ashley and I stuck in the city looking for a guy we didn’t know... long story. Me showing up on Bonnie’s doorstep one day after riding a bus for 2 hours to get there;) it was all amazing. I was able to buy a kitten from the market and make her a pet so much so that now she won’t eat rats. I made dinner in a Malawian kitchen with the help of Suzgo’s wife Janepher. I was able to see the hospital where Esimy’s baby was born and hang out with babies for a few hours. There were high points and higher points. I will forever love these little and not so little faces.

{I love this picture for many reasons. Mostly because it represents everyone. These families all give so much and I'm thankful for the chance to get to really know their hearts. Left is the Wilson crew, Seth, the Fern family, and the Martins clan.}

If anyone reading this is thinking about going to Malawi. I just want to tell you to do it. Get more information. Know your calling and go there and do it. 

Brittany Whatley better known as Blittany.

Sponsorship at Esther's House

I am talking about something near and dear to my heart today......sponsorship!

We just launched our new and improved website....www.puremission.org. It is SO pretty and user friendly. I love the updates that will be going on each month in this section. Go check it out today!

We currently have 82 orphans in our program.

Seventy-three orphans, who live with extended family members, come from the villages surrounding Esther's House each day for different programs.

Nine orphans live here on campus in a "family-like environment". I actually hate calling our kiddos "orphans" because these sweet ones are family in every sense of the word. They are joyful, intelligent, fun, loving and thriving! We love them all like crazy!

SO, back to sponsorship. As we have lived here for 2 years now (in just a couple weeks!), we have been able to see first hand, how sponsorship impacts these kids' lives in a BIG way. It gives them hope and allows them to dream about their futures! After seeing the sheer difference having a sponsor has in these kids lives, we are passionate about it! We are passionate about finding sponsors for our kids, communicating with sponsors, and fostering the relationship between child/sponsor.

 Sponsorship for our kids means:

- school fees are covered
-uniforms are not a worry
- breakfast is always on the table (we are going to be starting daily lunch soon)
- tutoring for school is always available
- skills, like gardening, sewing, etc. are learned
- meals on the weekends are consistent
- soap for washing clothes is handed out weekly
- clothes, shoes, and sleep mats are provided
- school books, pens, and supplies are passed out every school term
- teaching about God and His great love for them happens 3 times weekly
- counseling is always available
- sports teams are offered
- HOPE for the future is given

Sponsorship is more than just providing needs (which is SO important). But, it is also a relationship. Letter writing and communication goes back and forth between child and sponsor. In talking to these kids, they know that they are loved, prayed for and valued by someone on the other side of the world. This knowledge give them confidence that they have worth through the love of God and their sponsor!

One of my favorite things about being on this side of the world is seeing sponsors come to Malawi and get to meet their sponsor child. It is truly the sweetest! They get to visit their child's school, home, and see what they are doing here at Esther's House. The sponsor gets to put their eyes on their sponsor child and see what their monthly investment is doing first hand! The child gets to hug their sponsor and see the tangible evidence of God's love for them. It's a beautiful thing!

As we are transitioning into our double sponsorship model, that allows us to provide even more for the children in our program, we NEED your help!

Want to get in on these awesome blessings of sponsorship? Go HERE to sponsor a community child today!

Want to aid in the lives of one of our residential children? Go HERE to sponsor a residential child.

Another thing that I am so proud of is our widow program! I love that our ministry takes the full meaning of James 1:27 and aids the widows in our area. 

I wrote more about our widow ministry HERE

To sponsor a widow in our program, please go HERE.

And, if you have any questions, please leave a comment or contact me (info. above) and I will be happy to answer! 

We can all play a part in orphan care. Maybe sponsorship isn't something you are able to do in this season of your life. You can still help! How?

- share this post

- go to our Pure Mission FB page, like it and SHARE the posts!

- Follow Pure Mission on twitter @PureMission

ELEVEN

{Last years birthday post can be found here}

There is something about your first born that is so sentimental and special. 

The child that changed you from a "couple" into a "family". 

The child that rocked your world and taught you to put someone else's needs above your own.

The child that taught you a whole new level of love and made my understanding of God's love for me "click".

That is this guy to me.

Back when Zander was born, we had dial up internet and a flip phone. 

Facebook was created the year he was born, but you know...the whole dial up thing; and instagram wasn't in existence.

Money was tight as we had just transitioned to a one- income family.

So, we really didn't get out a whole lot.

I spent most of my days just staring at this kid and relishing his every moment. 

I remember watching him as he slept, laughing at every cute thing he did, and going for lots of walks.

He was my whole world for 22 months!

It is fun to watch him grow and turn into this man child, but it is also scary how fast it is happening!

He is my deep thinker, big feeler, dreamer, and intellect.

He also likes adventure and will try about anything!

Buddy, we love you so incredibly much. You are so special to us! Praying the years we have left to parent will be joyful {and slow down a little}. Being your parents is the highlight of our lives!

Birthday Interview at 11

Favorite Color: black and neon green

Favorite movie: The Hobbit

Favorite Food: pizza

Favorite drink: cherry plumb soda

Favorite thing to play: American football

Favorite Friend: "I don't want to offend anyone by saying one person" {good answer}

Favorite thing to do with mom: cooking

Favorite thing to do with dad: going on trips with him from Lilongwe

Favorite thing about living in Africa: that one day I can go big game hunting

Favorite Bible Story: David's Mighty Warriors

Favorite subject in school: History

What you want to be when you grow up: NFL football player

Fridays at Esther's House

I am so proud that our kids hear God's Word 3 times a week at Esther's House!

Not only are they hearing the Gospel Message of how Jesus rescued them, but they are studying God's Word, memorizing Scripture, and worshiping. 

This term, we decided to change things up a bit and start stretching our kids to not only be receivers of the Word, but to also be givers. This thought sparked the idea for our Friday outreach program. On Fridays, instead of our normal Spiritual Development, inside the walls of our chapel on campus; we are taking our class out to the surrounding villages. Some of the villages are ones our community kids come from. Some of them are new villages. We work with the headman/woman to get permission to come in for the afternoons and play games, lead worship, act out dramas, and teach from the Bible. 

 

It has been such a neat experience. I am noticing that our kids are learning new skills and growing in confidence.

They are inviting friends (and new acquaintances) to join in and play games with them. 

They are leading worship with boldness and confidence! 

The older kids are taking turns running the program which will help them be leaders in their own churches. They are learning to be proud of their faith in Jesus. 

It is a beautiful sight!

Our goal for all 82 children in our program is to grow up to impact their nation of Malawi for Christ. We feel Friday's is working toward that goal! So proud of our staff and kids who have heart for Jesus and have even been able to see some fruits, as a head woman received Christ in one of the villages we have been in!

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Conquering Fear {Perspective from an Intern}

My whole life I have struggled with fear.  I feel as everyone can relate to this, right?  Fear of failing, fear of the unknown, fear of the future, fear of relationships; whatever it is.  Fear grips us, and it grips me.

My trip to Malawi, Africa was my first “intentional” choice to go forward into something I knew would make me anxious and fearful; mainly just fearful of the unknown and of going alone (without my husband of 5 months).

I loved the idea of going to Africa.  Helping the least of these, challenges, and being able to see extreme poverty.  I was way more excited than anxious to go, but I knew there would be points when my anxiety would take my fears and highlight them instead of remembering God’s faithfulness.

 

The cool thing is, my intentional choice to leave comforts brought me so much joy.  If I had chosen fear initially, I wouldn’t have gone.  And if I had not gone, I wouldn’t have met 70+ orphans at Esther’s House that would soon be considered my family.

Once again, He was faithful.  And because I choose to move into His faithfulness, I got to experience life at Esther’s House.

I was living, learning, teaching, and getting many sunburns at Esther’s House from January 8^th- April 5^th.   These 3 months allowed for A LOT of growing time for Leah.  One thing to remember about African time is that it goes by slow.  Especially when coming from a fast paced American lifestyle, it was a hard to not always have a busy schedule.

Free time also meant a lot of time to connect with the staff and children at Esther’s House. I learned a lot from them.  The staff opened up to me about losses, difficulty with money, and also the ability to rely on God.  These conversations allowed me to understand more what it is like to grow up and live in Malawi.  Although I couldn’t fully understand their struggles and losses, I could still relate on relying on something greater during hard circumstances.  Their lives still live on my brain daily, and I miss my dear friends. 

But to be honest, it was difficult at first to get connected with all the kids, and even staff.  I thought they (the kids) would swarm and greet me when I first arrived, that didn’t happen.  I thought they would all speak really good English as well, but not all of them did and that was hard.  I wasn’t sure how to approach them my first few days, but soon realized whenever I asked to play along with them in their activities, they never said no.  I learned early on to be proactive and assertive with the kids, along with the staff.  At times, it was awkward.  Cultural barriers aren’t always fun.  But it’s so worth it.

Another fear of mine is public speaking.  It’s something that really freaks me out, especially in front of a lot of people.   Ironically, I felt an urge to share my testimony to the staff and all of the kids at Esther’s House.   Again, I had to rely on Him, and remember that everything I do is for Him only.  (And to be honest, it’s actually a lot easier to speak publically in front of an audience whose first language isn’t English, and when I get a translator to allow me to think about what I’m going to say next, that helps a lot).

Sharing with them was a great experience.  I wanted to share my struggles, my passions, and my heart change from Jesus.  The staff prayed for me specifically after I shared.  They thanked me for sharing, and wanted to also pray for me when I returned to the States.  I felt so close to the body of Christ, and I felt so loved.

As a public health intern, I was involved in a lot of health projects such as: working at the health clinic, conducting health surveys, teaching health classes, researching health statistics, and teaching a yoga class.  I had a blast.  But even with all of the health projects I was involved in, nothing beats just hanging out on campus with the kids.  That was by far my highlight.  The 9 kids that lived on campus got a lot of my attention because I saw them all the time and considered them family.  Malawi was a new world to me, so these kids had the job of answering all of Leah’s ‘touristy’ questions.  They laughed most of the time, because I probably asked silly questions to them.   And they also laughed when they saw me working out, something almost foreign to them.

Funny how such a small place on the map can alter your heart.

There are honestly so much stories and memories I could talk about.  But ultimately, the story of His Faithfulness is what stands out to me.  I made so much friendships (with Malawians and with the Southern missionary families ;) ).  He taught me how to trust, to rest, to explore, to share, to love, and to give.

My heart is on fire for travel and for the spreading of the gospel in foreign lands since my trip to Esther’s House.  Again, I have fear for the future and what it will bring.  But looking back on my internship, I can see how challenges bring courage and the defeating of fear.

I choose faith over fear.  And in return, He was faithful, like always.  And now, I can call Malawi my home from afar.

 

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”

 

Leah

SEVEN

This pretty girl is SEVEN! Her birthday falls 3 short days after her brothers'.

To see her six year old pics/interview, click here.

I can hardly get over how much she has grown this year. In the last 18 months she has shot up 8 inches! 

Esther is a joy!

She is truly one of the bravest people I have ever met.

She can laugh at herself which is a hard thing to learn when you're a kid!

She is kind and is good at sharing.

She is smart and catches on to things quickly.

She likes to play games with her friends and LOVES to win.

She definitely has strong leadership skills and likes to be in charge.

She is a very forgiving, loyal girl and we are so proud to be her parents!

At 7:

Favorite Color: pink

Favorite movie:Tangled

Favorite Food: Grilled Cheese

Favorite drink: Sprite

Favorite thing to play: jumprope

Favorite Friend: Asher and Eneles

Favorite thing to do with mom: "spend time together and watch movies"

Favorite thing to do with dad: "make paper airplanes"

Favorite Bible Story: "Noah's Ark"

Favorite subject in school: journal

What you want to be when you grown up: "a hockey player" (this was breaking news to all of us:)

{all pics were taken by Kristin Copher}

NINE

I tell ya folks, these birthdays are killin' me! 

I mean, people tell you that time goes by fast, but until you are experiencing it with  your kids first hand, it is hard to comprehend how fast it truly goes by.

So here we go, in April, Grainger turned 9. His last year in single digits (sniff)

last years pics/interview can be found here.

Grainger is a kid who likes to joke around and make people laugh.

He loves making friends and words of encouragement is his love language.

He loves playing football (soccer) outside everyday with his friends and comes in each night at dusk filthy dirty and a big smile plastered on his face.

He is a momma's boy through and through and still likes to cuddle and hold hands.

(i am fully aware these days are numbered!)

He enjoys playing with his siblings, most of the time...

We have days of best friends and days of endless fighting, I guess that's how most siblings are.....

9 year old interview:

Favorite Color: red

Favorite movie: Ice Age 2

Favorite Food: cake

Favorite drink: Coke

Favorite thing to play: Soccer

Favorite Friend: Zander (my heart just exploded)

Favorite thing to do with mom: cook

Favorite thing to do with dad: draw

Favorite thing about living in Africa: "that I have like 79 friends to play with"

Favorite Bible Story: Samson 

Favorite subject in school: Reading

What you want to be when you grown up: an artist

{ photo cred: Kristin Copher}

FIVE

It is hard to believe that this little lady is five!

We saw her sweet face for the first time (via photo) at 2, brought her home at 3, and somehow here she is, 

5 full years old!

To see her birthday pics/interview from last year, click here.

She is a girl that feels BIG. 

She is happy BIG and shows disappointment BIG!

 She is pure JOY. 

Her joy bubbles over in every area of her life. 

 She embraces life fully and finds wonder in the smallest details.

She loves her sister and her siblings and is the most affectionate child on the planet.

She is a prayer warrior.

She teaches me so much about dropping everything to pray whenever the Spirit leads.

 Favorites at Five

Favorite Colors: blue

Favorite Movie: Tinkerbell

Favorite Food: Rice

Favorite Drink: Fanta 

Favorite thing to play: "with my dolls"

Favorite Friend: Mphatso and Busisiwe

Favorite thing to do with mommy: "color with her and play with her"

Favorite thing to do with daddy: "play airplane with him"

What do you want to be when you grown up? "to be a good mom"

{So thankful to my friend Kristin Copher who spent so much time capturing these pictures of Asher during her time here in Africa!}

Immeasurably More {Malawi Monday}

I love Ephesians 3:20, and am especially digging this NLT translation....

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

There has been many occasions in my life where God has shown me that He can indeed do infinitely (or NIV translation says, "immeasurably") more than I can ask or think (imagine), but it seems sometimes I need a reminder of this. 

Before Christmas, He let me have another glimpse of his mighty power.

There have been 2 brothers around 7-10 years old that have shown up at Esther's House in the past. Dad was a witch doctor and boys liked to "wander away" and dad would get mad and chase them off. The first time they showed up, social welfare got involved and the boys ended back up at home with dad and that was that.

Right before Christmas, the boys showed up again. We found them laying outside our gate, sick with malaria and hungry. It was later in the day and their village is pretty far off, so we fed them, bathed them, dressed them in clean clothes, and gave them a place to sleep. I called social welfare again the next morning, and got the answer "take them home". I was feeling so frustrated! Wasn't anyone going to help them? What could I actually do? The boys had a dad, a family, they weren't a fit for our program. So I loaded up my 4 kids and our Abusa (Pastor Stanley) and we bumped in and out of potholes down a long dirt road until we eventually wound up in their village. 

We met dad and older siblings and learned that their mom had died several years ago. Culturally in Malawi, when a mom passes away, the maternal grandmother cares for the children (not dad). In this case, grandma was unable to do that, so dad was doing the best he could for his 4 children. He explained that every time he went out to the field, the boys would run off. We listened, encouraged, talked to the boys and then it was time to go. Still not feeling a peace. 

Then, Pastor Stanley asked the dad if he was indeed a witch doctor. He stuttered around and eventually admitted that he was. Stanley shared the Good News of Jesus with him. He said no one had ever told him about that before! He explained how this man's charms had no power, but that God in Heaven is All-Powerful. The dad decided to follow this Jesus and prayed to surrender his lifestyle of being the village witch doctor. He came to Esther's House a few days later, with all his idols and charms in tow, to meet with Stanley and  Bruce (our house dad) and burn them. Stanley has now gotten the dad plugged in to a good church in his village where he can learn more about what following Jesus looks like. A family transformed.

We drove back home with smiles plastered on our face. Stanley and I each talking to each other about how we had no idea the boys'  story would end this way. God had done wayyyyy "more than we could ask or imagine!" 

I drove out thinking this situation was "hopeless and God reminded me that He is the hope giver. 

I drove out thinking that the boys were going back in a terrible situation and God showed me that He is in the business of transforming hearts and families.

I drove out thinking that this was a problem that was on me to fix and the burden felt heavy. God reminded me that He is the only answer and He carries our burdens.

I drove out thinking that no one was going to really help these boys and God reminded me how much He loves His Children and wants all to come to reconciliation with Him.

There is hope in Malawi, not because any Americans are here, but because HE is here!

He is faithful and He will always knock our socks off and do "infinitely more than we might ask or think."

And what a privilege that He allows us to go along for the ride and see Him in action.

 

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