Landing and first day

Well after a 30 hour trip, we have made it Malawi. It was a long but otherwise uneventful trip. Everybody was very tired but otherwise healthy. We landed and instantly realized we were in a very different world than the one we are used to. Our bus has more than plenty of seats except that we brought around 50 bags of various sizes with us. So our first journey required those in back to watch their backs anytime the driver made a quick stop.
Our first stop was to bed down at ABC, where we were welcomed by Paul Chinchen, who welcomed us and invited us to join them for their weekly staff potluck. We were fed very well and had a great time meeting with the staff families. We were also able to tour the (WACC) pediatric clinic this evening. We saw several of the current patients and spoke to some staff members. The returning team members also were able to see some of those they had befriended on previous trips. We returned to our very comfy guest cabins and slept without interruption. We awoke early the next morning and completed some of the work we had started the night before to prepare for a couple of missions ahead. After a very filling breakfast cooked for us, we boarded the bus to go see Pastor Vasco. When we arrived, he was in the middle of a wedding ceremony. We witnessed a joyful time and although portions of the ceremony were different, there was no misunderstanding of the purpose for this celebration. After this, we followed Pastor Vasco to a school where 700-800 youth were participating in a monthly meeting. Imagine our surprise when we walked into the main hall to see it literally packed to the walls. We felt very welcomed as we became part of the worship service there. During this service, the youth were challenged to multiply themselves, by bringing others into the kingdom. It was joyous to witness this time. After the conclusion, we all went outside for a time of games. We were encouraged to join in and we had our choice of several soccer, volleyball, "netball", jump roping and just mingling with these greta youngsters. So many came up to us and we spoke about why we were there and heard stories about what they were planning to do in their futures.
We returned to ABC, where again we have been invited to dinner. Tomorrow, we head out into the Nkhoma area where we will stay in the villages for several days. We will update you as we can but we do covet your prayers for us. We know we are here for a purpose but we also know that whatever plans we may have made, this trip is not about us or our plans and ideas. Please continue to pray for the group as we continue. Thank you.