Plenty of rain = plenty of maize

This (above) is the view coming out through the Academy gate at ABC. Everything is green. It is a welcome change from the usual redish dusty dirt that covers the entire country during the months of July, August, September, October and most of November. Each year, everyone feels the anticipation of the coming rainy season. Prayers for rain and mercy from God are lifted up at church services. Our Malawian friends talk about the rain that is 'Lord willing' coming soon. It seems as though all conversations are centered around rain, when it will come and for how long it will stay.
Among many other things I have learned while living in Africa, I have learned to appreciate the delicate relationship between myself and the earth. I never noticed my dependence on weather before, but the truth is, we all depend on rain (as well as other types of weather). Well, really we depend on God who decides to send the rain or hold it back. My appreciation for the earth has also come through enjoying the amazing fruits and vegetables which are grown right here in Malawi. In the states, I enjoyed the earth's fruits everyday without a thought. I needed food, I went to the store, bought what sounded good, ate it and continued on with my day. Now, while enjoying entirely organic fruits and vegetables, my thoughts are about the people who grew them, the lives they live and their dependence on the rains for their income.
I am thankful for the hard working Malawians who provide most of my food. I am thankful to God for being merciful on this nation and sending good rains this year. I pray that He will continue to bless Malawi and it's crops.




Land is never wasted here. Malawians will plant their maize right up against the trees and roads.


Thank you to those who partner with us in prayer for this nation. Malawi has seen good harvests as well as terrible drought. Malawi has been mostly a peaceful nation for some time now, but the next presidential election is coming up in May. Please continue to pray that God would continue to bless Malawi and "keep it a land of peace" as their national anthem says.