Saturday, June 20, 2009

Welcome back to the Malawi blog. This year we have a new team and we'll use this site to keep you updated as best we can.

The 2009 Team Malawi is now in the final preparations for our trip, which we'll begin on July 8th. This version of the team has 13 members, ranging in age from 17 to 70 plus. The range of experience also varies from several first timers all the way to 2 members going on their 3rd trip in the past year. We are led by Kari Kramer, making her third trip to Malawi but this time embarking on a new adventure as tour leader and guide. She has been busy for the past few months making the arrangements and preparations on two sides of the world at the same time.


The team includes a nurse, a couple of teachers, a retiree and several students. We have had several training meetings, preparing ourselves not only for what we hope to accomplish, but also what to expect on our trip. For most of us, we will see and experience things that were only imagined; from the beautiful country, to overwhelming poverty, to exposure and interaction with many new people and a completely foreign culture. Many of us have never been farther from home other than short trips into Mexico so everything will be new.

The trip will include stops at the ABC Pedriatic Clinic, orphanages, visits with our World Vision sponsored children in the Nkhoma area and helping pastors Amos and Vasco with their ministry efforts. We will be helping with Vacation Bible School on at least two occasions. The trip will also include several nights in the villages and a short stay in the Mvuu Game Preserve. Needless to say, we will remain busy but we believe this is where God wants each of us to be and our goal is to be his servants and be effective workers in whatever we are asked to do. As we continue our preparations, we ask that all of you who are friends, family members and otherwise supporters to lift us up in prayer.

The team members are (in no particular order) Kari Kramer, Fred Kramer, Lamar Kramer, Verna Berg, Sarah Conlin, Caitlin Dohoda, Sara Felix, Natalie Hope, Kelsi McAleese, Brenda Plasenica-Carrizosa, Melissa Stymeist, Emilio Tello, and Jennifer Wagg. As opportunity arises, we will take turns posting some of our thoughts and experiences to keep you updated as we can.