Documentary on Malawi

As I am mid flight right about now, I thought I would do a pre-blog and leave you with this on my travel day. Earlier this week, I watched a documentary my Madonna, I am Because We Are. One word - Powerful. Love her or hate her, she did a great job on this documentary on Malawi and why she adopted from there. It really opened my eyes and set my expectations a little clearer. My favorite part was when they were interviewing one of the million orphans. They were talking about his needs. And he said, if you come here to help us, I ask of one thing, that you help us forget that we are orphans. How profound for an 8 year old to say. He could have asked for so many things that he needs physically: food,money for an education or medicine, but his one major need was that which was an emotional need. He needs to be loved, supported and encouraged. As I am in Malawi, I will remind myself as I play with all the kids, help us forget we are orphans.

I think the documentary captures the good, the bad and the ugly. Some scenes were disturbing and heart wrenching to watch, but it's the way of life, not only in Malawi but in other countries as well. I didn't experience it first hand, but someone did. There are parts that show death, disease and mutilation. I ask that you don't ignore what's happening in the world, see for yourself through the eyes of the people who made this documentary. Then, maybe, you will want to see it first hand, so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus, to love and encourage the people of Malawi. God is there, as Pastor Henry, of the CCBC in Malawi, reminded me the other day. It's evident as the people wake up and spend their whole day smiling despite their troubles. While we in America, pass people on the street who won't even look up sometimes much less smile. I am amazed by the spirit of the people in Malawi and I cannot wait to witness it all first hand. I pray that I am able to share what I see with you all, my readers. I know it will be hard to put in words, but I will do my best. 

Follow me

If you want to see what I am up to while in Africa, make sure you check these sights as I will be updating the team websites.

Twitter

His Face of love blog

14 months

My little boy is not so little anymore. He's such a busy boy these days, I can barely keep up with him from trying to climb the baby gate to hiding in the closet to jump out to scare me. I cannot get over all the personality he has. Not to mention, his intellect. Who knew that at 14 months, he would know all that he knows.  For instance, body parts, now he knows hair, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, tongue, teeth, belly, belly button, finger, hand, toes and feet. He probably knows more, but I just don't know it yet. We read a book by Sandra Boynton (who is my favorite children's author) called horns to toes and in between. When we read it, we make sure to touch all the parts mentioned in the story. Another story that he loves, is the little monkeys jumping on the bed. When we read or say the part, bumped his head, he smacks his head, and just the other day he started smacking mine. It cracked me up. Then when we say, no more monkeys jumping on the bed, he will shake his finger at them. Wednesday, he brought me over an "I SPY" book that our neighbors handed down to us, and I thought, he's not big enough yet. While we tried it, and he didn't do too bad, but the part that made me laugh was when I asked where something was and he pointed to the page that gave the clues not the picture. 

His vocabulary is still limited. He says things that start with "d" but they all sound the same, duck, dog, door, dora, and then da da. He points to things and says "that", as if what's that. I swear he has said Turbo a few times and Stella (our neighbors dog). I am sure by the time I come back from Africa, he will be doing and saying so much, or at least it will seem like it to me. 

"hang on let me right that number down"

Wordless Wednesday

Happy 4th Ya'll

Yesterday, since Daddy had the day off, we headed to the pool to play. Dylan isn't the water baby that his friend Cole is, but he doesn't hate it. He tolerates it. I told him if he's going to be a swimmer, he needs to start liking the water. His favorite thing to do at the pool is go up and down the stairs and chase butterflies that are trying to get a drink of water on the concrete. 

Dylan and Cole

Today, for the 4th, we headed out to my parents and grandparents (they live beside each other) for a little BBQ. I had big plans of getting snap shots of them cooking the meat and everything, but since I had to go to goodwill this morning for what was suppose to be their half off sale for clothes to take to Africa, but postponed until next week because of the holiday, we got out to the house too late. What you get is the pit that is used to cook the meat, but no meat.

ok, ok here's the meat - ribs, chicken and pork shoulder

Then Dylan got to see a horse close up for the first time. He wasn't fond of riding it to say the least.

This is a good safe distance

After eating, of course it was nap time. I awoke to the news of Steve McNair's death which is tragic. With any sudden, celebrity death, there has been lots of gossip, but no factual information has came out yet. 

Our friends called and suggested dinner at Taco Express (which is our new favorite dinner spot in town). However, it was closed. Since when do people from Mexico celebrate the 4th? Oh well, leftovers it is. After dinner, our friends popped over to watch the fireworks. Our deck faces the back of several neighborhoods, so we have several great views. The people in the cul de sac behind us put on a great show. I think everyone on the street chips in and buy at least $1000 worth, but I could be wrong. Tonight, they did not disappoint. I was surprised that Dylan like the fireworks despite the loud booming. He clapped his hands and his head turned from side to side checking out all the sites. 

waiting for the fireworks

After a long day, Dylan was ready for bed. Damien took him to bed and after they said their prayers, Dylan leaned to get in his crib, which is a first. A long day indeed, but a great day, to celebrate our freedom. Thank you to those who fight for our freedom, past and present.

Summer Baptisms at Oaklawn

Every season, except winter, our church has a time of fellowship and baptisms at historic Oaklawn.  I was dreading this one as it was this past Sunday, and I just knew it was going to be a scorcher. Fortunately, I was wrong. The big trees provide ample shade and God provided a nice breeze. On top of that, our home group provided some great snacks. It was suppose to be bring your own picnic, but we thought we'd liven it up a bit. The Weavers brought potato salad, brownies and home made ice cream. Damien made butter pecan and chocolate cookie mint. Yum. Others brought pigs in a blanket, snadwiches, chips and a fruit plate. We were stuffed.  We enjoyed the company and the conversation. We had several children get baptized and several kids wanting to get re-baptized as the cool water was so enticing.

the portable baptism

Dylan got out and did a little sight seeing. He was having so much fun, doing his favorite thing, playing outside. Mommy wasn't so keen at the end of the night when he came home battered and bruised and with a tick!!!  He first fell on a light that shines on the house at night time and cut his leg. Then he was hiding behind some bushes and was running out and before I could stop him, there was a small thorn bush that of course he tripped on and found right away. Bless his heart. Then at bath time, I noticed something in his hair, I thought it was food, but it was a tick. His first, and not his last, tick! Luckily, it wasn't stuck. I hope his wounds heal soon as he looks like he got into a fight with a cat and it won. 

playing in the walnuts with the big kids

so much room to run free