Easter Sunday?

Dan and I have been talking all week about how it doesn't feel like Easter. Our church here in Lilongwe doesn't emphasize the church calendar, but our churches back home do. There is usually a lot of buildup with extra services as we approach Christmas and Easter. But here in Malawi, it seems to just sneak up on you. It has been good, though. I am thankful for our churches back home and the importance they place on focusing and preparing for these special times, but it has also been good being without all of that. It has really put the responsibility on the individual to prepare your heart during quiet times of prayer and mediation. Either way, whether I am here or there, Easter is by far my favorite 'holiday'/time of the year. I usually don't do a lot of reflecting on January 1st. I do a little more reflecting on my birthday, but on Easter Sunday, I am able to look back on my life and reflect on my walk with the Lord, which I believe began on Easter Sunday 2003 (although I believe too that I have belonged to God all the days of my life). This Easter was yet another wonderful time to stop and remember God's faithfulness to me over the years. I love to look back and see how very very far the Lord has brought me.

Although it wasn't what I was used to, our Easter Sunday service was wonderful. The kids led us in a song complete with hand motions. It was adorable.

This is our church nursery. There are only about 4 kids under the age of 2. A really nice lady brings a blanket and a bucket of toys from her house and just sets up right outside the entrance to the church. It's great because the babies can play while we can still hear the sermon.

Our friend Owen had to intervene a few times to make sure the boys were sharing.
Eli's Easter outfit

Doesn't he look like a little man in that button down?

We had an amazing Lunch after church with our friends on campus. Eli had an amazing time with their dog, Dolly.

We leave for Zomba tomorrow and will be gone until Friday. With grading, taxes and catching up on laundry, we haven't seen much of each other lately. Please pray that it will be a restful time for our family as it is our first getaway since November.