Here we are and we are a week from leaving for Malawi again. We spent the morning packing the bins of clothes and shoes for all of the kids from Makalani and Kasiyafumbi villages. It is always so fun to pack all of the clothes - it is so fun to see the great outfits that everyone shopped for and think of the kiddos face when they will be wearing those outfits - I just love it!!!!

Nick will leave on Monday (1/4) and then the kids and I will be leaving on Sunday (1/10) with a group of four others - Linda Karl, Debbie Waggoner, Sherry Moore, and Caleb Moore. Jana Kay and Nathan are more excited this year - Jana Kay is talking more and more about Lake Malawi and her friends.

Our plan is much like that of last year. Our focus is to take all of the kids camping at Lake Malawi. They have such a great time. And, of course, so do we. Our time at the lake gives us time to really check in with each of the kids and see how they are really doing and encourage them.

I just learned yesterday that Irene Makwenda has taken her MSC exam - which is the exam all Malawian secondary students take to determine if they graduate from secondary school. It is a national exam, so she will get results in a few months. Please keep her in your prayers as she waits to get the results.

Stay tuned . . . I will try to post a little snippet each day as we are in Malawi and it is my goal to diligently keep this blog current throughout the year!!!