It feels like time has flown by way too fast. Thursday came and went and it felt a little like something was breathing down our necks, since we all knew that we’d be saying goodbye to the kids that afternoon. Each of us has family and friends that we’re going home to, and we’re excited to see them again, but at the same time

It’s so hard to believe that everything is wrapping up here for us. Tomorrow is our last day with the children, and saying goodbye is already something we’re dreading. Interestingly enough, the weather is matching our feelings. We woke up to rain and thick fog up here on the mountain, which put a little damper on the work projects.

The team went in a few different ways this morning, and a few of our team members were running fevers and battling stomach bugs, so they were out of commission today, hoping that a day of rest would allow

The Passion Center has always been about helping children in need. Right now they have about 40 children that sleep at the Residency Center, plus an additional 110 that they feed two meals a day. They have such an amazing reputation in the community, and whenever the local officials hear of a child in need, they contact the Passion Center to see if there is any way they could take on another child. This is the way that Talitso and Linda

Even though I've been here before, it still amazes me how much work we can fit into a day. Our big events for the day were Vacation Bible School and the hospital visit.

Andy had a crew of men…

Incredible. There is no other word to describe this morning's worship services.

Today started off in darkness…we woke up and found our power out. It did help those who were able to sleep in for a little, since most of the group had a late start. The rest of us headed down early to get a start on the construction and painting projects. We were grateful for a little cooler weather, especially those who were finishing up the roof project!

Another incredible day!

We had a couple main events taking place at the same time, the Widow visits and the Passion Center kids' school celebration. 

Here's what Jill's group experienced on the widow visits:

Sitting at team time tonight and listening to all the shared stories from the day, it was amazing how much we crammed into one day!

It's amazing to see how already God is in the "little" things on this trip. This morning our team leader, Chris Weaver, had us all out packing the vans at 6:30…

Seventeen hours on a plane can zap anyone's energy and there are only so many in-flight movies a person can see before going stir crazy, but it was amazing to see the team's excitement come back as soon as we landed.

After more than 24 hours of travel, team one has returned safely from Malawi. Thank you for your prayers and support.

On Tuesday, July 27th all the activities we’ve been doing – building and children—were suspended for the day while the First Team closed out our two weeks by celebrating with a safari day!

We all joined in the main house around 9:30am for our regular breakfast of Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, bananas, bread and peanut butter.

On the second Sunday in Malawi we divided ourselves between three local churches. I had the privilege of worshiping at Pilira and Stewart’s church which meets in the multi-purpose building of the Passion Center. The singing was a huge blessing. Even though they sang in a different language and I could not understand what they were singing, they were singing praises to God and it was beautiful.

Saturday has come and gone. I can’t believe that we’ve been in Malawi for a week already. The week has flown by—which means that in a few days—we will be jumping on a plane and heading back to America. Our team is bonding very well and becoming attached to these children which will make it even more difficult to leave this beautiful country.

Good morning friends, family, and co-workers. Today’s update covers both Tuesday and Wednesday and a portion of Thursday. As you might imagine, finding dedicated time to spend on the internet is rare as each person is busy either playing with the kids, hauling bricks, or sorting supplies at the Passion Center. Then when you do find time to hop on the `net, connectivity is extremely slow. In February of this year, the Passion Center was equipped with a wireless router for local internet service.

As we were walking the trail from the Passion Center’s Multipurpose Room back to the Residency Center, Andrea Klingle made a statement that I think summarizes this trip. She said, “I think coming to Malawi and the Passion Center ought to be required of every person in our church.” Obviously she knows that that would never happen, but I think it will let you know just how spiritually significant a trip to this field actually is! As the old saying goes, “Wish you were here!”

Thursday night we shared The Jesus Film in a village here in Malawi. We drove—after dark—down roads that were unmarked. If we didn’t have the Passion Center staff with us, we would have been lost in the country of Malawi. Instead of roadsigns, Malawians rely on landmarks like trees, buildings and mountains for direction.

So today is only Tuesday but it feels like we’ve been here for months. Every day we live a lifetime it seems. Today we broke our fast around seven and then headed out to the Passion Center after a focus session with Pastor Mark. Some of our team began working on the the building projects which are being headed up by Andy, the rest split into two groups in order to attend two village Bible studies.

Today we really got to experience the heart of Malawi and Christ! In Africa it is tradition that visitors are to be greeted by the community leaders and are to ask permission to spend time in the villages. So we started the day with a major culture experience not to mention a bottled Coke at the end to celebrate! In the afternoon we got to spend time with the teens of the Passion Center and Christ showed His hand in how our plans mean nothing. He has a plan and language cannot stop His plans!

We made it! Our plane touched down safely in Malawi Saturday afternoon with all of our team and luggage arriving safely. The airport was small, but warm faces welcomed us as many of us were seeing Malawi for the first time. Members from the advanced team were waiting at the airport to greet us. They were able to bring thirty teens from The Passion Center on a bus from Zomba to Blantyre to watch the airplanes. Most of these children had never been outside of Zomba, let alone seen an airport. The point of the trip was to allow them to see sites outside of Zomba and to give them an opportunity to dream about what they might want to do when they grow older.

Team one is safely landed in Africa! Everyone's safe, hungry, and cold, but thrilled to be here :) I had no idea that when we arrived in Africa, we'd be able to see our breath…

Our guys along with Eric's CA team made it safely to the African Centre Hotel in J'berg. All the luggage made it through. Praise the Lord!

They are preparing to eat and get a well deserved night sleep.

—Chris

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Team 1 had an early start—3:30am. Waiting to board first flight.

—Brendan

Our dear brothers have arrived in DC. They were late but made it to the gate on time. The California team had a harder trip with some luggage issues. Please be praying for their luggage to arrive in Johannesburg. They are all on board the South African flight to J'berg safe and sound waiting to take off.

—Chris Weaver