One of the reasons we felt lost was because the corn is so tall. Last time we visited, they had just planted, so you could see across the fields and figure out where you were. This time, all we could see was corn growing right up against the roads.
Dan and Eli give you an idea of how tall the corn has grown.
The road was a lot worse than last time because of the rains and we had to go slow. Elijah was great in the car. He sleeps well ons bumpy roads. Eventually, we found the church and were only 15 minutes late. Pretty good! Here are some pictures from our travels as well as Maxjoy's town and church, Madalitso CCAP.
When we walked in, we were immediately brought to the front to sit in special chairs right below the pulpit. When you visit a Malawian church, you are definitely going to be treated well. I will say I was surprised that they had us women sit in the front. I got a little nervous when I realized that I would have to feed Eli soon, but again, remembered I was in Africa! It was no problem for me to just nurse in front of an entire congregation during the sermon. I love that.
Here is Marley sitting by herself in the front (I was taking pictures). You can also see Bech on the other side of the puplit. Dan's seat is empty, as he was sitting near the door playing with Elijah. Eli did well, but got a little restless at the end. I guess it's understandable for a 9 month old to get restless after 3 hours of church. The lady with the white head wrap did a great job entertaining him for a few hours, though. She let Eli eat almost an entire piece of paper which is something I never let him do. HA!
There were more than 6 choirs that sang during the service. This is a video snip of one of the choirs. They were all beautiful. I really wish Presbyterians would move a little more or clap during worship sometimes. Africans really put us to shame. They all sing out without worrying about how they sound. It's tempting to believe that all African can sing well, but we have learned that it is not true. Still, this choir will blow you away. (this was the offering song, which is why you will see people walking through the isles)
After the service, we had lunch with Maxjoy and his wife Joyce. Actually, we learned his name isn't Maxjoy, but it is Maxford. Maxjoy is a combination of Maxford and Joyce, reiterating the fact that he and his wife are one, and only close friends call him by that name. We had a great time laughing about the misunderstanding and decided to continue calling him Maxjoy.
Bech, Dan and Eli pose with Maxjoy and the elders of the church. A few of them are chiefs of neighboring villages. It is always encouraging to meet christian chiefs and to think of the impact they are having on the people of their villages.
Elijah had his first taste of nzima (corn mush type stuff) and relish (okra and tomatoes). He ate so much of it that I finally had to cut him off. He really is becoming a little Malawian. After lunch, we accompanied Maxjoy to his garden and he gave us a bunch of potatoes. Bech is pictured below with Maxjoy and the potatoes. This is just one example of the love and hospitality that Malawians have for their visitors.
I was reminded of how beautiful Malawi is. Lilongwe can seem so dismal, but as soon as you are a few miles out of town, the beauty of Africa hits you like a ton of bricks. Of course fellowship with an amazing church body helps, too.
