Christmas Yabwino

"Christmas Yabwino!" (aka Merry Christmas in Chichewa). Malawians love it that we can say a Christmas greeting in their language! I love it too.

It's a little pathetic that my previous post was Thanksgiving...almost a month ago. But I hope that most of you who come to this site also visit our McCollum's in Malawi site to get read our blog posts there and get the dish on our life here.

I have had to really be honest with myself lately on being here for the holidays...it has been the most difficult time yet in our 4 months here (almost 5 months). And I would be lying if I said I didn't wake up with a very stinky attitude about it today. It's hot...we have had no power for 48 hours...I miss my family...and it's HOT.

But then my attitude changes as I think of the beautiful Malawian children here...the many that suffer from HIV/AIDS...the orphans...those that suffer from malaria. I think of the two girls from the street kids ministry that had cerebral malaria this week...and the man who begs in front of the petrol station with no legs...and the women who have to beg from house to house just for clean water for their family...and the children in the village who have no idea that it is even Christmastime! And I am thankful for my God who keeps His hands and eyes about, caring and providing for these lovely Malawian people. I am thankful for the many Malawian families who sacrifice so much to care for the orphans of their community...I'm thankful for the ministries like Samaritans (the street kids ministry) that houses these street children, giving them meals, a place to sleep, and the ability for education.

"Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And take us to heaven, to Live with Thee there."

Please, if you read this, say a prayer for Malawians this week. Check out Equitas' site and give, if you like, to the "Water for Christmas" project.

I'll have many Christmas adventure pictures to post next week after our time this week on Mount Mulanje.

Merry Christmas from Malawi! Christmas Yabwino!