We are here, great start with local kids

Dear friends and family,

We have successfully and safely made it to the training facility/orphanage in Malawi.  The trip went very well with many fun pictures of all of us trying to sleep somehow, somewhere.

I am currently at an internet cafe here in Salui (a small town 20 minutes from the orphanage) to get connected.

After arriving yesterday, we went into town and purchased water, food, supplies along with paint for the ladies as they will painting and putting up murals with scriptures on the walls.  We arrived last night after dark and basically collapsed when we got to our rooms.

This morning was awesome, we started with worship with the workers  (around 30) and then got a tour of the facility and orphanage.  Much has improved since I was here last and a tour of the two now cottages for the orphans.  Zach did a great job and I am very impressed.  I met Shadrach and his family this morning as they will be the host family for the first cottage.  He has excellent english.

The best part of the day was on the tour.  The local village kids came out (around 20 or so) of all ages from 18 to babies.  Cathy and the girls were in heaven.  They played, sang , held hands and just loved on the kids.  You could see the girls loved every minute of it.  We went the kids home around noon and they are coming back for more games and stories around 4:00 today.  I tried to send a photo but the internet is way too slow.

The play ground is underway with the swingset built and now working on the playhouse.  We will have sand brought from the sandy shore of the lake for the swing area.

That is it for now.  It may take a day or two to get back to the blog.  No phone service at the orphanage.

Love you all,

Mike