Adjusting to Malawi

    With only 3 weeks under my belt, I have learned a lot about this new country. I have met many people. I have learned some basic greetings. I have caught a glimpse of ministry to come.
   Every other Monday, I join a meeting with missionaries and national church leaders. Studying the Bible together and learning about church growth.
   I have also had the opportunity to visit 3 local churches. The last one is really just a church plant. They meet in a primary school classroom. In nearby classrooms there are at least 3 other church plants from other denominations. Our music definitely was heard by them and theirs by us.
   

    There are many things that are similar to Tanzania for sure. Yet there are many things that are very different. Some of these differences have to do with being in a city rather than a village, while others are merely cultural differences.
   Most weekday mornings, I am studying Chichewa with Agatha. She is a great teacher and is so patient with all my questions as I compare this new language to Swahili. I am surprised and grateful for how many words are the same or very similar to Swahili.  But there are some big differences that will take time to hear and say properly. 

 This is the front porch of the Asong home where will live for the first few months. They are Stateside and I can take time to find a nice place to live that can be safe and reasonably price. Many houses for rent are quite highly priced. There are many expats living here from embassies, aid organizations, and other mission organizations. That makes Lilongwe an interesting place to live. 

   We were able to watch a local play the other day and then go to a monthly farmer's market.  Another evening we played cards with the Nyakambiri's just before they moved to a new home.

  I am finding my way around this city and learning some of the cultural dos and don'ts.  I am sure I will make some mistakes, but Agatha assures me that most will be easily forgiven and corrected.