Heartbreaking

"Hello my Friend" is what Ive heard a hundred times each day as i walk through the streets of Malawi. The local life here is worlds away from life back home and words cannot do it justice. You have to be here to see the deprivation they live in, hear their enthusiasm as they struggle to earn a living, smell that stench that is only and always found in 3rd world countries and feel the energy of the community that is abundant with life & culture. The food tastes pretty good too but It'll never compete with a pizza. I'll miss this amazing place and would love to come back. Will I? I'm just working on the present at the moment, trusting whatever future I have to God's great plan.

Disaster in my last week. The rains are finally here which is fantastic for everyone but when it rains here it buckets down and tragically the septic tank collapsed due to the build up of water around it.

We only finished building it last week. This is another blow for the orphanage as its already suffered its fair share of disappointments. However I firmly believe "...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8 v28. The work will continue here after I'm gone so please add to your prayers all the people involved in this project from the vulnerable children in Malawi to those in Australia who have given so much time, money and energy.

On a more cheerful note the rains mean that planting season has arrived. Yay! the aim is to eventually make the orphanage self-sustaining. Rather than have 'rich' white people pay for everything year after year. Eventually the site will generate its own food and income through the vast fields available for farming. Everyone got stuck in and started planting maize, bananas, paw paw and other stuff I can't name.


So from me its farewell to the kiddies as I leave Malawi. I feel like I'm finally on the home stretch now.

WARNING - Child Exploitation

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______Happy Birthday Mum :o)______

Malawi - The Work Begins

Over the last couple of weeks so much has happened. If you’ve been praying for something and then they are finally answered it is easy to see how God has always had a plan in your life, pitfalls and all. My miracle came about two weeks ago in the arrival of Robert and John Boyle. These Aussies from Victoria have been involved in the project for over a year and returning for their 3rd visit to continue work on the ORBUS orphanage construction project. In what can only be put down to God’s perfect timing we have embarked to do as much work on the project while we are here.

The project has suffered many setbacks not just from the weather but also poor management. So the Boyles are here for over 2 weeks to manage and supervise the construction and get as much done in that time as possible. They have hired a bulldozer and backhoe and so many things are happening; it’s a whirlwind of activity that is a testimony of God’s grace and provision. The most important goals are: get the water mains connected, sewer pipes and sewer pit constructed, roof installed for one of the buildings, clear out the land and plant maize, an orchard and plus lots more. The biggest blessing has been from the water pump installed about a month ago and it’s incredible how just one pump benefits the entire community. One man has been farming the land for years and now he has a water source mere metres away, you can imagine how grateful he is.



With the sun rising over the distant mountains the work site is a dazzling scene. The orphanage is seen nestled between fields of green, yellow and brown with mothers and children wearing their colourful array of bright clothing. In the morning the women work away carrying buckets of water on their head some with a babe strapped across their back. Malawi men are up and about digging or building and the average labourer gets 350 kwacha a day or $2.50 Australian, most don’t even wear shoes. The orphanage is a generous project from the Presbyterian church of Australia. It is hoped that when it is finished it will be self sufficient and the locals will take pride and care in the building and use it for the care of orphans and vulnerable children. To experience this project has been truly humbling.



The Boyle’s head back today after a very productive couple of weeks. Blessings is a good Christ-like Malawian (The guy in the marines shirt) that has been very helpful on the project. Between him and me we hope to wrap up the remaining tasks in the next few weeks. Prayer is always appreciated, especially for the people of this country.