Day 12 Saturday March 29th

Here is Clifford my daytime body guard. He is not only keeping Savannah-Hope and I safe from the thieves, he is also killing the rats and snakes. There has been one snake killed near our house since I have been here. They were trying to keep it a secret from me, but I found out. They are saying it wasn't a Mamba...but it still was a snake. Yikes!!! Clifford is such a sweet young guy. I have been keeping my eye out for a good Malawian woman for him. So far the Internet Cafe lady is my favorite prospect. I will let you know how it goes :)

Here is the picture of Savannah-Hope when I told her that we may be delayed in Malawi. She is really anxious to see her daddy and older siblings.

Here is a sweet picture of Savannah-Hope's older siblings from the airport. They are holding "flat" versions of themselves. I have been traveling with Flat Zach, Flat Zander, Flat Amelia and Flat Izabella everywhere I go. I can't wait to get home and show the kids all the pictures and tell them all the adventures their "flat" people have had.


Here is my sleeping angel. How I longed to hold this precious baby for nearly seven months. My body ached for hers. Now she is here right were she belongs. She fits in my arms just like a puzzle.

Random notes from today:

• Savannah-Hope and I woke up at 7 am and ate breakfast together
• Mrs. Miller and I cleaned the house and then we got a special treat.....
• The water came on!!! WOOHOO!!! God is so good to us. We were in need of a shower after the cleaning, and He provided it. I have had three showers in 12 days.
• We washed two loads of laundry today and the water and electricity stayed on the entire time. (There is a washer and dryer here at the house but they are usually useless as we don't have running water and electricity very often).
• Lloyd my driver, came to pick us up and drove us to the Internet Cafe where I was able to send 4 new pictures after 1 hour and a whole lot of Kwatcha.
• Then it was off to the Children's Home. Mrs. Miller did some crafts with the girls and I walked around the property taking pictures and videos. The children are so friendly and so beautiful. The girls played jump rope and sang songs. I toured the garden. It was very peaceful but heart breaking at the same time. Hard to see so many orphans but so grateful for the Children's Home and all they are doing to help these children.
• I then met with Chris who is the man that will be taking us to Lilongwe for the Visa Process. We are still going on Monday....a leap of faith....please pray.
• We went back to the Gentry's House for dinner. Savannah took a bath and went to bed.
• I spoke to my mom, husband and children today. A huge highlight!
• Mrs. Miller and I sat down to watch a movie together.
• Tomorrow we are going to church and to a wedding. Looking forward to it. Right now the pre-wedding party is happening next door and it is SO loud. Sounds like they are having a little too much fun :)

Random notes in general

• Savannah-Hope can pick up her own pacifier and put it in her mouth. This is an amazing task as she is the most pampered baby in the planet and would much rather you hold her bottle for her or place her finger food inside her mouth. I am working on some thoughts about this African Princess. Amazing how Americanized she is.....and she hasn't been there yet....stay tuned....
• Savannah-Hope has learned to give "Shuggies" (Kisses) on command. But she only gives them to me. Yes, I love that! And she has given me a few spontaneous ones!
• She lays in her bed and goes to sleep on her own, waking only once a night to find her pacifier. I am blessed!!!!!
• Thandie gave her a piece of chocolate bar today, and she gobbled it right up.
• She also had Vanilla ice cream and went nuts over it. Even though she wont touch juice, I think she has a bit of a sweet tooth.
• Speaking of teeth, I think we may be getting the first tooth very soon.
• Savannah-Hope's favorite place in the whole world is in my arms. How great is that?!? She prefers me over Thandie and her nanny. She prefers the Gentry's house over the Children's Home. She cries for me when I walk by.
• No news yet on when I will be coming home with Savannah-Hope, but I have made peace with it. I know that God has placed me here at this time for a purpose. I am going to look for the joy and blessings in each day. God gave me this verse: John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

P.S. Anyone read this post and think it odd that I am in a third world country with no running water or electricity, yet I have a body guard and a driver. Too funny!