Changes

Where to start – it has been so long since I posted a blog post. It has been a very busy several months, full of many changes!   Now we are drawing close to another Christmas in a land where snow and cold are nowhere to be found.  Thankfully, the true meaning of Christmas does not depends on snow, hot chocolate, decorations and cozy evenings by the fireplace. 

Perhaps the lack of those things causes one to reflect.  It’s so interesting how we come to associate Christmas with things that don’t necessarily matter.   Christmas can be Christmas without snow.  Imagine.  Christmas is still Christmas without a turkey, without hot chocolate, with blazing sunshine and prayers for rain.  Christmas is still Christmas without hot running water or baked cinnamon rolls.  Because all of those things are merely an earthly way of celebrating something beyond this earth.  Then when the things to celebrate with might change, the truth is still the same.  Christmas is about the birth of the Christ child Who needs to be born in our hearts.  Christmas and Advent are about waiting, remembering that God left the perfection of heaven to come to this sin-stained earth in the flesh – and also, about waiting for His second coming.  One we must be ready for. 

Permit me now to backtrack somewhat.  I said in the past few months there have been many changes.  One, an engagement.  Two, a whirlwind trip to Canada.  Three, my own wedding!  Four, a move.  Five, work adjustments.  Now after months of changes, busyness and adjustments, life has settled down.

Life here in Malawi has gone utterly different than I could have ever imagined.  Different than my wildest dreams.  When life gets overwhelming, it has been wonderful to see God’s hand through it all.

Between becoming engaged, planning a wedding in a different country and then the actual wedding, I also flew off to Canada for a quick 2 weeks to witness my brother getting married.  It was wonderful to be able to be there with them on their big day!  It was also so nice to get to see so many of you at the barbecue!  Thank you so much for coming! 

After coming back from Canada, there were a mere three weeks between my arrival and our big day.  Thankfully we had planned well, knowing that I would be leaving for a bit.  It also worked out well since August is a slower month (children are on summer holiday) leaving me with extra time to concentrate on other things (this year – that meant a wedding).

Then on October 26th, we were married, and I became Mrs. Taibu.  It was an absolutely wonderful day - one which we will always cherish in our memories.  It was also special that some people were able to come from Canada as well.

With the wedding came a move.  I no longer live on the Stephanos compound but instead commute Mondays and Fridays.  Other days I either work from home or go to the field.  So far, it has been working out very well!

Looking forward – now for the first time in my life, Lord willing, I will enter the new year as a wife.  What a blessing!  And also now that life has slowed down somewhat, we hope to keep you updated a bit more faithfully from now on.  

At the end of this year, may I also take this opportunity to thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart – whether that be in the form of prayers, financial donations, messages or something else.  All of it is truly appreciated!