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“When is the last time you’ve laughed so hard your belly hurt?” Immediately as I read the question, I knew the answer…"sitting on the floor of a guesthouse in the middle of Mtendere playing cards." During the moment of laughing so hard my belly hurt I actually had the thought “I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed this hard, my belly even hurts, thank you Lord”. I love to laugh and enjoy life but can not remember the last time before Mtendere I've laughed that hard. I experienced the quick emotions of gratitude and a touch of grief because a part of me felt like life hadn't allowed laughter quite like this in a long time. There were only a few seconds of reflection because we were right back in the middle of our “taco, cat, goat, cheese, pizza” card game. So much fun! These were taken on a different day, but so thankful for the reminders in photos. 

I still haven’t found words to give my time in Malawi. Full circle moments from the past to the present in so many ways. As my friend Blair said in her update “When life gives you a full circle moment, soak it up and enjoy it”. We enjoyed it all. True joy that can exist among believers without being naive to the spiritual and physical battles continuing to rage culturally and globally. Thankful for the moments of beauty and the space to breathe outside of our American culture. Thankful for perspective. So much gratitude for the welcome and hospitality of everyone we spent time with in Mtendere. A friend of Blair's that we met in the market shared “Chidaona maso, mtima suiwala” a Chichewan proverb that means - “What the eye has seen, the heart does not forget.” 

The heart. “But Mary treasured up all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19. Verse 51 states similar. It's what has stuck with me as I've tried to find words. I want to document, share, and remember the moments, but as the distance between the then and now grows, I've realized most of what was experienced remains in my heart. I pray you experience, notice, and step into the moments meant for YOUR heart. The intimate moments when you know He sees you. You feel Him near. You know His voice. Moments where laughter is given that makes your belly hurt and even if joy is mixed with grief you find peace knowing it’s ok for both to exist. May He give you a space to breathe. May you step into that space with Him alone rather than fill it with shallow distractions because the space to breathe isn’t familiar in our hectic lifestyles. May He tell you “great and unsearchable things” as you draw near to Him (Jer 33:3). May He give you the confidence to place whatever burden, fear, or desires you feel on His shoulders. His burden is light (Matt 11:28-30). He says fear not you are mine. He calls you. (Isaiah 43:1). Surrender. Let go. Know His voice (John 10:1-21). Trust Him. He is always faithful (Ex 34:6-7). Give thanks to Him. His love endures forever (Jer 33:11).

Our visit was during the end of rainy season in Malawi. The night sky was often full of clouds and the moon was also bright when the clouds would part. The Southern Cross is visible year around in the Southern Hemisphere. It's only visible in areas like Key West for a few hours in certain seasons here in the states. We were able to get outside one night when the cross was visible in spite of the bright moon opposite the constellation. In looking up the Southern Cross's history, I didn’t realize there is a star cluster called the “Jewel Box” that hangs off the arm of the cross. The name was given because of all the colorful stars in the cluster. Finding a box of jewels near the cross made me smile and getting a photograph of the Southern Cross has been on my photo bucket list for years. 

A few full circle moments included that I want to remember. 

From my visit to Malawi in 2003 to the view in 2026. I visited in 2003 and 2004 during dry season. My visit in 2026 was during a totally different time of year and a totally different season. Everything was so lush and beautiful!!! Malawi is beautiful when it's dry. It's amazing how different the beauty was in a different season. 

My friend Blair and I. I was a senior in High School and she was in the 7th grade. Her whole family is so dear to my heart. In that first photo from 1999, Africa in 2003 was definitely not on my radar. I could also have never imagined then, Blair would be helping a school and village in Malawi now that were non-existent on my first visit. Being able to visit Africa during this season in life was a tremendous gift. Spending time with Blair and seeing the Lord's favor and His Spirit in her also a blessing and encouragement. He has definitely called and equipped her. It's beautiful!!!! Time spent traveling with her mom (also my dear friend) was priceless! So thankful for friendships that withstand time and distance! Also a tremendous blessing! 

I was able to read from my Grandmomma's small Bible she kept in her purse. A keepsake given after she passed. We read from and taught on a passage she had marked too. A bookmark from my Mom to hold the space as well. So fun!! Loaves and fish. We reminded the kiddos that God can take something small and do something big!!!!

A sweet friend also from my ACA high-school days. So many wonderful memories shared. Her family is also dear to my heart. She is with the Lord now and these houses for missionaries were built in her memory. The flowers and trees blooming around the houses were beautiful! 

Most definitely one of my favorite afternoons. Being able to offer headshots and family photos for the staff and workers of the village/school that wanted them. Such a fun time! Thank you again Mtendere for sharing your hearts with us. “Chidaona maso, mtima suiwala” - but don't ask me to verbally speak that. I can barely say "Good afternoon, how are you?" in Chichewa lol. 

Yes we saw a rainbow in Malawi too! 

My kiddos...they are amazing. So is my village of family and friends that looked after them while I was gone. The life 360 map definitely worth documenting. We were over 8,000 miles apart. It takes a village...and it was an honor to be a part of another village for a few days that is over 8,000 miles away. A reminder that community is a beautiful blessing. Ephesians 5:19-21! So thankful!!

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