Greetings from Malawi

Hey all!

We've made it safe and sound into what is often called "The Heart of Africa" - or Malawi.

We left San Diego at 6:30 am Friday morning and arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa at 5:30 pm Saturday evening. After eating at what was probably the best steak house ever just next to our hotel, we called it a night. After breakfast the next morning we went back to the airport and left for Malawi at around noon. Needless to say I've had my fill of airports and airplanes for some time (a week to be exact).

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a caravan from the African Bible College that included its founder, Jack Chinchen and his son Paul. Alongside Jack and Paul were several students, two of which myself and Brett rode to the campus with. Henry, who is a Kenyan, and Yami, who is Malawian, were our drivers.

One thing to note is that vehicles are driven on the left side of the road, which is always terrifying for the first few minutes as you think everyone you are going to pass is head-on collision waiting to happen. Eventually you get used to it. As we made the 9 mile journey from the airport to the school we saw some amazing things. The landscape is similar to the midwest. I kept thinking of Alabama with the red-clay soil but there are also mountains in the distance and some distinct shrubbery that is very "African."

Landscape aside, the lifestyle along the highway was fascinating. People walking, riding bikes, carrying baskets on their heads, etc. We did not stop any place along the way but we did see villages in the distance as well as marketplaces just off the highway. At one point I looked over and saw dead animals which I believe were goats hanging skinned off to the side of the road. We didn't have the presence of mind to snap too many photos as we were talking a lot to our drivers and taking in the landscape, but here are a few shots from the road.








We came in and got settled into our house which is oddly very nice. The campus is extremely well maintained and offers up employment to many local Malawians. There is a wall and electrified fence all around the campus. Years ago before the wall was up the campus was stormed by local criminals with AK-47's who beat down one of the pastors and tried to steal a few things. Since then the wall was put up and security guards were hired. They've had no such problems since. All they have to do now is beware of the spitting cobras and black mambas. Here are a couple of shots from the campus. The first is off the back porch of our house.





And another of the sky between two of the homes on campus. Note the wall in back ground. It's interesting to know that behind that wall is so much poverty.





After we settled in and rested we had our opening chapel service at 6 pm where we were welcomed by an acapella song from the "Kingdom Boys." The song was amazing. These were some of the best singers I've ever heard, and they sang live - to us! Think "For the Longest Time" by Billy Joel, only about a hundred times better and directed at welcoming you to Africa! It was sweet.

After Carlton preached and we were introduced to everyone it was off to Jack's house on campus for a pancake dinner. I guess it is a traditional thing they do on Sunday nights. It was really cool.

Tomorrow is when we will really start to develop relationships with some of the students and getting into the meat of the message. Carlton is preaching first on anger. It's interesting that the people I've met are some of the most chill and nice people ever. I feel like I'm going to get just as much out of this week as they are - perhaps more.

Suppose that's it for tonight. We are here, we are safe, and we are still taking it all in. I'll hit you up again with hopefully more and better pictures and stories of what God is doing.

Peace,

Cory