Update on the Johnson Family of Seven

Guest Blogger strikes again.....

Crystal and Savannah-Hope have had three full days now at home. Things couldn't be going better. Crystal has been enjoying spending time with her family and has pretty much hit the ground running. Here is a brief re-cap:

Saturday April 26th:

• Arrived home at 1pm.
• Warmly welcomed at the airport by family and close friends
• Enjoyed taco party at home
• Savannah-Hope did well in her car seat and slept all night

Sunday April 27

• Attended church. Savannah-Hope and Crystal drew attention like rock stars. Crystal was so happy to be back with her church family.
• Afternoon shopping for tax-free weekend. Looks like all the Johnson kids had a growth spurt and needed a few things for the summer.

Monday April 28th

• Homeschool
• Park
• Izabella's dance class

Tuesday April 29th

• Homeschool
• Speech for the boys. The boys enjoyed sharing their new baby sister with their speech teacher.
• Mothers day out. Izabella brought Savannah-Hope for show and tell. She walked into her classroom with Savannah-Hope tied to her back. How cute is that?!?
• grocery shopping
• Savannah-Hope's first trip to the doctor. She weighed 16 lbs 7oz and measured 27" long. She is in the 5th % for weight and 10% for height. The doctor had no concerns regarding her emotional or physical development. Next week she will get lab work and immunizations.
• Amelia's Dance Class. Amelia enjoyed showing Savannah-Hope to Miss Kathy and her friends at dance
• Karate
• Savannah-Hope's first trip to McDonald's

Wednesday

• Cleaning house
• Getting excited to see "aunt chrissie"

Well, I am off to the airport. I will be staying with the Johnson's for a week. Can't wait! Crystal is having trouble with her camera/computer. I hope to help her fix that this week so you all can she pictures of Savannah-Hope at home.

Savannah-Hope Will Be "1"

Dear Sweet Blogger Family,

I wanted to let everyone know that Miss Savannah – Hope will be a year old on May 5th. Her first birthday party is Saturday May 3rd. I want to give you an address to send her a card to wish her a happy birthday if anyone would like too. The address is her Poppy’s work. We will get them to her for party. You all have become our Family from afar.

Thanks and Love
MiMi

Savannah-Hope
% George Tunison
509 2nd Ave S
Nashville Tennessee 37210

The Puzzle is Complete

My Girls are Home!!! I am Praising God !!!

Dear Sweet Bloggers,

I want to thank each one of you who has visited Crystal’s blog and either left a comment or just read along, for all the prayers and support with the wonderful comments. You all are truly a blessing.

Crystal had a big Mexican Dinner waiting for her when she got home. Her small group from church had fixed homemade taco with all the trimmings. They also had gotten the biggest and most beautiful cake. Her welcome home party was so nice. I wish each of you blogger friends had been there. We would have loved to meet you all in person.

When she got off that plane I believe she was the most beautiful thing in the world. She looked sweeter than I can remember she had a glow about her (I thing it might have been from all the angels that had been traveling with her.)

OH!! My beautiful precious African Princess what can I say she melded my heart the moment I took her in my arms. She is such a wonderful addition to our family. I am so excited to see how and what God will do in her life. Than you again Father for giving us this beautiful Angel to love and to teach her about you.

To all you bloggers who are in the process of getting a baby I will pray for you daily even if I don’t know your name my Father does. I think is so wonderful that God planned your child before even you knew to be birthed by someone else in a far away place to be born in your heart. Isn’t God amazing?

Thanks for loving and praying for my girls.

Mom aka Mimi

(Crystal’s Mom)

Day 40....They are in America!

2:20 TN time....

Savannah-Hope is home! She is at her house with her forever family! Crystal had quite the adventure getting home, but they made it! Savannah-Hope was a little overwhelmed at the airport meeting all the new faces at once. Now that she is at home she is warming up and should do fine. She is a very easy going and content baby by nature. I promise to get airport and forever family pictures on the blog as soon as they are emailed to me. On behalf of Crystal and her family I want to thank all of you blogger folks for your endless hours of prayer and support throughout this journey.

10:15 TN time......

I just got off the phone with Crystal. They are in Atlanta and have made it through customs! Praise the Lord! Savannah-Hope is an amazing traveler and hasn't cried once. She slept most of the way and has been content in either the bassinet or her mama's arms. The rest of the travel has been a bit of a crazy adventure. Somehow they weren't confirmed on any of their three flights and only by the grace of God made it on each flight without paying outrageous fees. Their custom's packet that had been sealed at the Embassy in Malawi was not complete. But again God stepped in and they have been cleared.

In about an half hour they will board their final flight to Tennessee. They should arrive their at 1pm.

Thanks for all your prayers. As soon as somebody sends me airport pictures I will post them on the blog. I can't wait!

Messages for Savannah-Hope

This picture was taken on adoption day. The first official picture of Savannah-Hope Elizabeth Johnson. Crystal would like everybody who has followed along on the journey to bring Savannah-Hope home, to please leave a comment for Savannah-Hope on this post. A prayer, wish, thought......however you feel lead. The comments will be printed out and added to Savannah-Hope's life book. For all of you who have traveled along, but haven't commented this is a great time to de-lurk yourself. Thank you once again for all of your prayers and support throughout this journey.

Day 39 "And shes off......"

It is 3am TN time early Friday morning. I just got off the phone with Crystal. She is on her way to the airport. Mrs. Miller braided her hair and they got all of their last minute items packed and ready to go. While we sleep, she will be flying to Johannesburg South Africa. She has a 6-hour layover and then will board the 22 hour flight to America. She has one stop to make in the U.S. before finally landing in TN at 1pm on Saturday Afternoon. Please continue to pray for safe travel.

Two stories Crystal asked me to share:

Savannah-Hope has a photo album that contains pictures of her parents, siblings and grandparents. Crystal has been going over the pictures and names with her. Every time you ask Savannah-Hope, "where's your daddy?" she points to Shane's picture. She never misses. Crystal can't wait to place Savannah-Hope in Shane's arms!

After Crystal received her visa yesterday, Chris a Good Samaritan staff drove her, Mrs. Miller and Savannah-Hope back to Blantyre. On the way back, they had to stop at several check points. Crystal was feeling very car-sick and head her head hanging out the window so she could feel the wind blowing in her face. They came upon the final check point. Chris stopped the car and a female armed guard approached him and asked a few questions. Crystal thought the woman asked Chris if Savannah-Hope was his daughter. He said "yes" and the woman began smiling at the baby and Crystal. She was grinning from ear to ear and then waved them through the check point. Crystal asked Chris if the woman asked him if Savannah-Hope was his daughter. He said "no, she asked me if you were Madonna and I said yes". He said the woman was so excited to meet Madonna that's why she was smiling and waving. Crystal just cracked up and thought that was so funny. She told Clifford that she was much younger, much heavier and much poorer than Madonna....no one in America would ever confuse the two. So funny!

Please check back in a few hours for a special post that Crystal asked me to post for her. I gotta get some sleep first......Love, Chrissie the guest blogger

Day 38 and a tribute to Mrs. Miller

We woke up early this morning and headed back to the Embassy for the third day in a row. We had to wait a couple of extra hours, but then in one second....my fears vanished and all of the trials and delays faded to the background...I have Savannah-Hope's visa in my hand! She can enter the US! She is recognized by the United States as our daughter.


I have had a sense of peace throughout this whole adoption journey that everything was going to work out okay, but there have been times throughout the process where doubt and fear would sneak in. Adopting in a country without an international adoption program, without an Agency to hold your hand, without people who have walked the steps before you....it really was a leap of faith. Any minute everything could have turned upside down. I can't tell you how fearful I was that somehow this would all fall apart. How could I love this baby for 8 months, hold her in my arms for 38 days and not be her mother forever? I am not being overly dramatic in saying that this realistically could have happened and at moments looked like it would. I could be coming home without her. I could have had to face my four children back at home and tried to explain why Savannah-Hope couldn't be their sister. I can't for a moment let myself take this for granted and think that because this was what I wanted, it all worked out. Savannah-Hope is only coming home to be our daughter for one reason and for one reason only, God ordained it to be so. He chose this child to be ours and allowed her to be placed in our heart, our lives and our home...forever. Thank You Jesus!


**********************************


God has been faithful to answer so many prayers along the way. When I learned that I would need to go to Malawi and stay for 19 days (no idea it would be 40) to bring home Savannah-Hope, I started praying for a travel partner. The trip was bound to be emotional.

• I have never really traveled out of the country before unless you count a few miles into Mexico from the San Diego border. Malawi is the poorest country in the world. I would be traveling through Johannesburg South Africa which is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. I don't speak the language or understand the currency and culture.
• I was a bit of a pioneer when it comes to Malawi adoptions. There wasn't an adoption agency guide meeting me at the other end. This was going to be a combination of "prayer" and "winging it".
• How would Thandie (orphanage director) do with the separation from Savannah? Thandie had never cared for a baby before. For seven months she oversaw the care of Savannah-Hope as if she were her own. Thandie's has a seven year old daughter Peace who was very attached to Savannah-Hope. Loved her like a sister. Peace is the same age as my bigger kids (Amelia, Zander and Zach). Every time I thought of taking Savannah-Hope from her tears would stream down my face.
• What about the nanny, Violet? She came from her village and moved into the staff quarters right next door to Thandie. The money that she got each month for caring for Savannah-Hope allowed her to not only support herself but 21 people from her village. But when Savannah-Hope left, her money would stop. And her ability to provide for herself, her 10 year old twin daughters and village would also stop.
• How would I breathe being separated from my husband and children for so long?
• How would Savannah-Hope react to me? Would she have a hard time? Would she be scared of my white skin? Would it be hard for her to continue to see Thandie throughout our stay.....or would this make the transition easier?
• What if I get sick? What if Savannah-Hope gets sick?
• What if it doesn't go well at Court or the Embassy?
• What if I can't navigate myself through the airport with Savannah-Hope and all of our stuff?
• Can I do this alone Lord? Would you send me a travel partner?

Then the Lord answered my prayer and picked the perfect travel mate, Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Miller couldn't have been more perfect for the role. She was affiliated with Good Samaritan and had visited Malawi in September 2007. She knew Thandie very well and could offer emotional support to her as well. Mrs. Miller new the staff at Brother Gentry's compound as well as at Good Samaritan. She also worked as a trauma counselor before and has a way of bringing calm to stressful situations (and boy have we had some). And she loves the Lord!

Mrs. Miller accepted the challenge right away and stood on "stand-by" for weeks on end waiting to book the travel. We had no idea when would get the I-171H approval. And then once we had the approval, she not only booked her ticket immediately, she booked it out of my local airport so we would be together the whole time. This added a very long day of travel for both her and her husband as they live in Florida. Mrs. Miller left her husband, family, church and job behind and jumped on this adventure with me. She has prayed with me and for me the entire step of the way. She has sacrificed so much to give me so much. And when we learned that I couldn't travel home with Savanna-Hope as planned on March 5th.....she stayed on with me. As the days have gone on and on and on....she has stayed with me. There is nothing I could do and no words I could say to show Mrs. Miller how thankful I am to her for being beside me and supporting me the entire way on this journey to bring Savannah-Hope home. She is truly a gift from God and my answered prayer!

Thank you Mrs. Miller! Thank you for not feeding me to the Elephants on those days when it was less than easy being my travel partner. I appreciate all you have sacrificed and given to me and my family. I am so glad to have shared this experience with you. You have truly been a blessing to me. Thank You!

Mrs. Miller aka "Grammy Sheila" with Savannah-Hope

Here is Mrs. Miller with Thandie and Savannah-Hope

Day 37 continued....PICTURES PICTURES!!

*New Pictures Added at the Bottom**

A few words from "Aunt" Chrissie the guest blogger:

I hope everybody had a chance to read this morning post! Great news! Crystal is now in bed hopefully getting some much needed rest. Last night she and Savannah-Hope didn't get much sleep. They are sharing a twin bed and kept bumping into each other or the wall all night long. At Brother Gentry's House, Savannah-Hope has been sleeping in a pack n play that belongs to the Children's Home. She sleeps soundly in the pack in play for 12 hours a night....what a blessing! Crystal had to leave the pack n play behind for the trip to the Embassy because there was a good chance they would be traveling out of the capitol and not traveling back to Blantyre. Crystal had hoped to get the visa today and head back this morning to Blantyre, but the visa wont be ready until first thing in the morning. So Mrs. Miller, Crystal, Savannah-Hope and Chris (driver) are staying one more night in Lilongwe. This is an unwelcome added expense, but at this point there isn't anyway around it. So Crystal made the best of being stranded in Lilongwe.....and took advantage of the free Internet and sent some fabulous pictures of Savannah-Hope.

Aunt Chrissie's favorite picture!

Laying down in the car....few more days Sweet Savannah and you will be strapped into a 5-point harness!

Snuggling with her mommy and waving at the camera.

Bathing in the sink at guest house in Lilongwe

Wearing the outfit her Mama made.

Savannah-Hope is wearing the knee pads I sent.

She doesn't love them! :(

It's Hammer Time!!!!!......

.........Sledge Hammer that is.





Okay family and friends its time to get out those sledge hammers and begin the race to see who gets to hold this sweet baby at the airport.





OUR TICKETS ARE BOOKED WE ARE COMING HOME!!! Thank you Jesus!

Savannah-Hope passed her security clearance! We were pretty sure she hadn't committed any crimes while at the orphanage, but those first four months of her life when she was four pounds and clinging to life were a question. We have to go to the Embassy tomorrow at 8am to pick up the visa and then we will head back to Blantyre. We will spend Thursday night at Brother Gentry's house and then we will leaving Malawi Friday afternoon. We will arrive in Tennessee at 1pm on Saturday afternoon.

My Nana's brother Everett died this morning. He was 99 years old. My Nana will be traveling to Alabama for his services on Friday. We will miss seeing her at the airport but will have lots of hugs and kisses ready for her when she returns. Please pray for my Nana and her sister Dot as they say good-bye to their last living brother.

Thank you for prayers throughout this journey....they have helped carry me through! Today was day 37. Only three more until I am home! Thank you Lord for allowing me to purchase my plane tickets today! I'm coming home! I'm coming home!

Day 36 Tuesday April 22nd.

Visa Update: This morning we arrived at the Embassy at 8am. I got to meet the Visa staff that I have been speaking with for months. They were so kind. I learned that the "one piece of paper" I thought they were taking forever to review was actually a huge giant packet. I passed the initial interview with out any trouble. Then we had some issues with birth names versus adoptive name on the passport and visa. We had to take a trip to the immigration office. For now we are keeping passport in birth name and visa in both names and praying that we don't have trouble at the port of entry in America. I had a second interview and with God's grace I passed that one as well. We are now waiting on a security clearance. My prayer is that the visa will be issued at 10 am tomorrow. Please join me in praising the Lord for all of the documents passing review and for helping me to pass both interviews! We are getting closer!


Travel Update: I am hoping and praying that we will be leaving Malawi this Friday and arriving to Tennessee on Saturday April 26th at 1pm. I don't feel comfortable booking the tickets until I have the visa in my hand because I can't afford to pay the fee if they have to be switched again. Please pray that the Friday tickets are still available when the visa is issued. I can't wait to land at the airport in TN and see my husband, and four other children, family and friends. Can't wait to see who is chasing who with the sledge hammers :) I hope some of you bring cameras and take lots of pictures for me as I will probably be in front of the camera at this event. Oh I can't wait!


Shower update: So much for our hot shower last night, there was no hot water. This morning there was hot water. We we were so excited. I got in the shower today and was enjoying my shower when the cold water shut off and boiling water came out. I tried to duck behind where the water was coming out so that I wouldn't get burned, somehow the shower nozzle jumped out of the holder and cracked me in the head. I tried to jump out of the tub quickly and slipped and fell on the tile floor. Not the relaxing shower I was hoping for. But it was a shower.

Clifford Update: I have received funds for Clifford from some of you faithful and generous bloggers. It has touched my heart more than I can say to have you extend your prayers and finances to help the sweet people of Malawi who have crossed my path through Savannah's adoption journey. Clifford's family had a meeting and decided for now to keep his two nephews and sister together with Clifford's other brother. It was felt that the boys needed a woman's touch and since Clifford is single and the other brother is married, they will stay with the other brother. The other brother can't provide for the three little ones without Clifford's help, so although Clifford won't be providing daily care he will be providing financial care as he is able. Thank you to those who have helped Clifford and his family.

Wellness: Can I take a moment to Praise the Lord for good health for the past 36 days?!? It is amazing that in a country where we have literally seen people dying, we have been blessed with excellent health. And as a bonus.....I have lost 14 pounds! Can I get a woohoo?!? I think Savannah-Hope is gaining every pound I lose...she gets bigger by the day :)

Brother Gentry: Brother Gentry was called to Malawi as a missionary after serving as a pastor for 24 1/2 years. He was nearly seventy when he was called to the third poorest country (now the poorest) in the world. He has various medical conditions....but he doesn't let anything stop him. In 8 years he has planted over 411 village churches and founded a 100 bed orphanage and has purchased a property for another orphanage. If it wasn't for the generosity of this Godly man we would not have our sweet daughter. Good Samaritan is not a baby orphanage. The youngest child at the children's home is 6, but the majority are teenagers. There are several baby orphanages in Malawi but very few that will take the older children. Many missionaries shy away from the older children because of their backgrounds of witchcraft, thievery, sexual exploitation, disease, lack of education, etc. But brother Gentry has a heart for those left behind...the lost children. Thankfully brother Gentry made an exception for our Sweet Savannah-Hope and allowed us to house her in the staff quarters with a private nanny. Even though Savannah-Hope had her own staff, she still took quite a bit of time from several of Good Samaritan primary staff such as Thandie and Lloyd as well as using the children's home vehicles for transport. My family and I will be forever grateful for Brother Gentry for allowing our sweet daughter to have a chance at life. And for offering his home to me and Mrs. Miller for the past 36+ days.


The day Savannah-Hope arrived at Good Samaritan September 4th 2007. She was 4 months old and weighed only 4 pounds. Do you see how swollen her eyes were? She was so sickly. Just a little peanut.

This picture was taken last week. She's not a little peanut anymore!

Prayer request: Please continue to pray for my children back at home. They have never been separated from me for more than a couple days and even that is very rare. But this....this has been so long. The children knew I would be gone for a long time and had a paper chain and calander to mark the days. They did great until that last paper chain was broken and the last day was crossed off the calandar and I wasn't home. Not only did I not come home that day, its been 16 more days and I still am not home. And they still can't been given a concrete date to expect me back. Izabella is really starting to show signs that she won't be able to take this much longer. My heart cries at the thought they even for a second may feel abandoned by me. I pray that this separation doesn't resurface abandonment and attachment issues for our first adopted angel Amelia. She had so many mamas before me....and they all left her. Please pray for Amelia, Zander, Zach and Izabella today.

Day 34 and 35

**Update Complete**

Day 34 Sunday April 20th.

I have so much I want to share about my experience attending a village church service today. It was so amazing. I really can't do it justice without attaching the videos and pictures, which I probably wont be able to add until I get home. I will say though that it was something I will never forget. There were 500 people in attendance. Brother Gentry preached a message for Sunday School about loving your neighbor as thy self. The Church hour he preached a message called "poison in the pot" from II Kings 4:38-41. It was a powerful and 241came forward for salvation! We were so warmly welcomed by the village members. The Malawian people are so hungry for the Gospel. Brother Gentry asked the people to raise their hands if they didn't own a bible. 475 people raised their hands. Then he told them that I would be sending them bibles (news to me). They shouted and cheered. Oh no! Looks like I have yet another fundraising project on my hands. It costs $100 for 20 bibles. I wonder how much I could get for one of my kidneys on eBay?

Sunday night we went to the evening church service at Good Samaritan Children's Home. Brother Gentry preached on obeying authority and submission. It was a very powerful message. Out of the orphans there are about 85 teenagers. Some of them are starting to come into their own a bit and are beginning to show signs of rebellion. The children seemed to be really affected by the preaching and seemed to "get it". I sure hope so, because there is nobody that can show them the love of God and prepare them for adulthood and truly love them like the staff at Good Samaritan does.

Day 35 Monday April 21st.

Today we finalized the packing and headed off to Lillonge. We made it safely, Praise the Lord. We are staying at the same place as last time and have been looking forward to a nice shower and hi-speed internet. Our Embassy appointment is tomorrow at 8am (2am EST). Please pray that the process goes smoothly and without any unforeseen fees. There are no earlier flights available so it looks like if all goes well we will land in TN on Saturday 4/26 at 1pm. I can't wait to see everybody!

Here are some random pictures that I sent before to Chrissie.


Savannah-Hope modeling the dress I made for her. Her two sisters have matching ones. I can't wait to see them wearing them together.

Here is a picture of me with my driver Lloyd. You can see Savannah-Hope peering around from behind my back.

Day 33 Saturday April 19th

Pictures and a poll....

Savannah-Hope in her "heart" outfit playing with her baby.

Here is a picture of Mrs. Miller holding Savannah-Hope. Savannah-Hope knows her as "Grammy Sheila"

Here is Savannah-Hope being silly with a washcloth on her head.

Here is a poll for you....it is tied in with a "Top 20" I've been working on:

In the past 24 hours have you?

1. Turned on a faucet and had water come out?
2. Taken a shower with water coming out of the shower head?
3. Flipped a light switch and had the lights come on?
4. Made dinner using gas/electric appliances such as microwave, stove, oven, electric can opener...?
5. Slept in a room without lizards on the walls and ceiling?
6. Slept in a room without hearing rats running above you or smelling dead rats?
7. Picked up the phone to call your family and not have it cost $50 every two days?
8. Used hi-speed Internet?
9. Fastened your child safely in a car-seat?
10. Got into your car and driven yourself where you wanted to go and when you wanted to go?
11. Have you driven down a paved road?
12. Have you stopped at a red light? and then waited till it turned green before you went?
13. Shopped at a grocery store without cockroaches running up and down the aisles?
14. Paid for something without using a calculator to convert currency?
15. Spent less than $8 for a gallon of gas?
16. Walked down the road and not been approached by children and elderly people dressed in rags begging for food?
17. Have you eaten something in the car and not passed by someone who was starving to death?
18. Have you spoken with someone who is dying of something that could easily be cured?
19. Rolled over in bed and saw your husband laying their next to you sound a sleep?
20. Have you kissed all of your children goodnight?

Okay please leave a comment and tell me how many questions you were able to answer "yes". And if you have any ideas on what to title this "top twenty .......", let me know.

Day 32 Friday April 18th

**Please see Edit at the bottom of this post--added 3:50pm PST**

The weather was so beautiful today. We were awake early eager to soak in another day here in Malawi, when we were informed of some very sad news. Clifford's sister, Blessings died during the night. He was really tore up over this, he thinks of her as mom as she helped raise him. He needed 15,000 kwacha ($110) to bury her so I gave it to him and now he is on his way to Zomba. Blessings only 27 years old, left three orphans, two boys and a girl. Clifford will be taking full custody of the two boys ages 12 and 5. He will take on full responsibility of raising them including putting them through school. The little girl will go to his other brother who already has 3 children. Clifford is a 22 years old single guy trying to put himself through school making 6000 kwacha a month ($43). My heart breaks for his loss and I pray that God will allow us to help him in some small way. I am trying to come up with 1200 kwacha ($11) for each boy a school uniform. Please send up prayers for his family today and for this young man who is taking on such a great responsibility. The kids names are Jones, Decision, and little girl is Famous.

I miss you all so much but I guess God has shown another reason why we have been delayed here in Malawi, Clifford needed us to help him today and on a leap of faith I did. I know God will somehow return this money to our hand as it is all the kwacha I had left. I only have $100 left of US cash....and then thats it. Please pray we will get through the embassy in one day and 2 spots will open on the Wednesday flight home. I miss you all so much.

**UPDATE ON IZABELLA'S BURN**
Those of you who are new to the blog can click here to read the story of Izabella's burn. Today Izabella had a four month follow up visit. My mom took her to the appointment and then called me with the good news. Izabella's leg is healing wonderfully and does doesn't need to go back to the burn clinic for 6 months. Her leg needs to remain bandaged 23 hours a day for the next year and the burned areas need to have no less than 45spf sunscreen at all times even under clothing. We continue to Praise the Lord for his miraculous healing of our sweet Bella.

Here are some pictures! An extra bonus for your faithful blog checkers

This is the last picture taken of the Johnsons as a family of 6. I can't wait until my feet land in this airport once again.....and we will forever be together.....Johnson party of 7.

We have been without electricity since Brother Gentry arrived. So how do we play in the dark?....by lantern! In Malawi there is an old superstition that if you allow your babies to look in a mirror, they won't get any teeth. Savannah-Hope loves this mirror....and in case you are wondering she will be one years old in a couple weeks and she has no teeth! Too funny! I keep giving Thandie a bad time about this....but I know her teeth will come in soon.

What do we do when there is no water? Well, when there is water we fill up these large plastic trashcans. Then we scoop the water out for bathing and for filling up the backs of the toilets. You can see by looking in the red bucket behind the one I am filling, that the water is not clear. It is brown. So I have been bathing in brown water. But brown water is better than no water!

Malawian car-seat. The roads are so bumpy that I am just not comfortable with riding with Savannah-Hope on my lap. So I tie her on my back and sit in such a way that she doesn't get squished and doesn't get bounced all over. I love feeling her little heart beating on my back.

Here is Savannah-Hope an I on one of our lazy days....watching a new DVD....Dora! I never thought I would be grateful for a Dora the Explorer DVD....but I sure am!

**EDIT**

If you are interested in sending money to Crystal to help with Clifford's expenses or for another need, please send me an email at chrissieburness@yahoo.com and let me know how much money you are sending. You can send a check made out to me directly to my home address (I will send my address in an email) or you can type my email address in paypal and send the money that way. I will wire the money to Crystal as soon as I know the amount you are sending, but the last day I can do this is Sunday as she will be heading north to Lilongwe on Monday. If you are interested in sponsoring Clifford or his nephews on a regular basis, a tax deductible donation can be made in their name and sent to Victory World Outreach.

Victory World Outreach
C/O Victory Baptist Church
7808 Beulah Church Rd
Louisville, Kentucky 40228

Note: Please write "Clifford" on the memo portion of the check.

Side note: Those who sent money previously for the twins, Crystal spent more money than we were planning on....but did so by faith. And then we received exactly to the dollar the amount she spent! Isn't our God amazing! Crystal is extremely low on funds now though, so if you are touched by Clifford's situation and feel lead to help cover the cost for the burial please let me know. Thank you for your many prayers and blessings!

Day 31 April 17th

Today we stayed home and rested. We had a restless night so it was we took advantage of the quiet day and took a three hour nap. It was lovely. There was no electricity or water all day. Brother Gentry took off early and was gone most of the day.

Savannah-Hope's development:

• She is pulling to a stand on furniture now.
• She can "cruise" one step to each side while she holds on to the coffee table
• She plays peek-a-boo by placing her own blanket over her head and then pulling it off and cracking up
• She can give a high five
• She salutes when you say hello
• She waves good-bye and hello
• She says Mama

Then I called the Embassy at 4pm.....scroll down to see what happened......

Embassy Update

So Crystal was told she could call the Embassy at 4pm today to see if they had a chance to open her enevelope and review her paperwork (1 piece of paper). So she called at 4pm and

.......................I'll post later and tell you what happened..........









Okay....just kidding.......





They opened the envelope, reviewed her paperwork and scheduled her visa interview!!!! SHE HAS AN APPOINTMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

Her appointment is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 8am. Not only did she get an appointment, she got the first available appointment! God is so good! There is a bit of a scramble going on now as Crystal triple checks that she has everything she needs. Somehow she managed to take off without a couple of things she may need. So please be in prayer that we are able to get her what she needs by Tuesday and that God gives Crystal favor in the eyes of the Embassy Staff and approves all the paperwork with out question. Also pray that she can get the visa the same day.

So when can she come home????......I'll post later with possibilities......



For real.....it will be later......because I don't know yet.

Day 30 April 16th

Another tough day.....

.....the Embassy has not yet opened the envelope that contains Crystal's paperwork. They only work on documents for Americans on Tuesday's and Thursdays. They may get to it tomorrow or they may not. They refuse to give an estimated time frame. She will not be able to bring Savannah-Hope this week.

Please keep praying

Other news: Clifford's sister has been hospitalized for TB. Henry's (Good Samaritan Bible College President) young son Lil' Gentry has a problem with his hip. He had a surgical proceedure today and something was removed for a biopsy. Two girls at the children's home, Ida and Alinafe have infections. Missionary Brother Gentry arrived today.

Day 28 and 29 (4/14 and 4/15)

Monday April 14th was my 28th day in Malawi.


It was one of the tougher days. I have been waiting for so long for the paper work to arrive in Malawi. I had my heart and mind set on that being my ticket home. And I think its definitely a step in the right direction, but not exactly what I had hope for. I guess I was really looking for a plan and a date. I am a planner... I want to know when I am going home. I would like a date. But at this point the Lord hasn't revealed that to me and I am coming to terms with that now.


The Lord has given me and my family so many blessing through this adoption journey and specifically through this trip. My husband and I really work as a team. I feel like half of myself is missing without him. We have different strengths and weakness, and when we come together we complete the puzzle. We truly complete each other. I can see now how the Lord is using this opportunity to strengthen both Shane and I. We are learning to stand on our own and to appreciate each other even more. I can't tell you how my heart aches for my husband or how much peace I have in knowing he is providing for all the needs of our children. He has gone above and beyond to make sure that life is as normal as possible for the children while I am gone. They haven't missed an appointment or practice. I can't imagine what it would be like to be stranded on the other side of the world thinking that my kids weren't being cared for the way I would do it. Shane truly is an awesome father and husband. I marvel at the peace and calmness he has had throughout this process. I really could go on and on....oh how I miss him.


Today I had the honor of going to Thandie's home village to meet her mother Evelyn and grandmother Elizabeth. They were both very sweet. Thandie's grandmother was born in 1912. She may be the oldest woman in Malawi. The average lifespan for a woman in Malawi in 37 years old. She has more than doubled that! What a huge blessing. She is quite the character. The road to this particular village was so bumpy. The roads are dirt but because of the rain they have HUGE holes and pits. Some three feet deep. You bounce all over the place. And keep in mind there are no seat belts or carseats. My whole body aches from the bumpy roads. You literally let out grunts because the car hits these holes so hard and fast and your whole body jumps up. Its a wild ride for sure.


Another Good Samaritan related death today. I honestly have lost count. It just sickens me to watch people die everyday from diseases that are easily prevented, treated or cured in America. It is so horrible. Today the Gate Watcher at Good Samaritan got word that his step daughter died. It was either Malaria or TB, but either way they both could have been treated.


On the way home we stopped by the grocery store. We are out of food and have been without protein for a bit. I have been craving Mexican food like you wouldn't believe. I am telling you that you can try to imagine it, but you can't. You can't know how much I wanted Mexican food. So I looked for some tortillas when I was at the store. I found a small pack of flour tortillas but they were $13. Then I found a taco kit for $7 and decided it was worth the splurge...it was a rough day after all. I needed a taco! So we get the supplies and head home. As soon as we pulled up the hill I noticed it. The blackness. The complete blackness. No electricity! How would I cook my tacos?!? Oh no! Please Lord I need a taco! Mrs. Miller said it looked like I might not get my tacos tonight. I told her that I would wait all night...the electricity has to come back on...I need a taco....tonight! So I fed Savannah-Hope dinner by flashlight. And then at 8pm the Lord turned our electricity on....and we shouted praises! And quickly made some tacos. I have never enjoyed eating anything so much in all of my life! It was the best taco I have ever had. Its a good thing that no one else was around though because Mrs. Miller and I were not quiet about how much we loved our tacos. We were moaning, groaning, oohing and awing each and every bite. It truly was wonderful!


Tuesday April 15th Day 29.


I have been working on my "top...." lists.


TOP 5 PEOPLE I MISS IN AMERICA
1. Shane
2. Amelia
3. Zander
4. Zach
5.Bella


TOP 5 PEOPLE I WILL MISS IN MALAWI
1. The Twins (Sidala and Tamandani)
2. Thandie and Peace
3. My body guards (Clifford and Wilson)
4. Lloyd (my driver)
5. Good Samaritan Children


TOP FOURTEEN THINGS I TAKE FOR GRANTED IN THE US

1. A cure for common diseases
2. running water
3. clear and clean water (when the water is on in Malawi its brown)
4. electricity
5. dishwasher
6. washing machine
7. driving myself where I want to go when I want to go
8. knowing how much things cost without converting it
9. fast food
10. paved roads
11. seat belts
12. carseats
13. Mexican food
14. high speed internet

Update on coming home:

The only thing I can say for sure is that I know a 100% for sure that the Lord knows I'm ready when He is. Whenever He would like to move the obstacles out of the way and get us home, I will be there to pick up the already packed suitcase and head for the plane. Until God decides its time....we wait. And while we wait we count our blessings and praise Him for His goodness. Thanks for your prayers and encouraging comments.....they help more than you know and more than I can say. Please don't stop.

Calling all Prayer Warriors

PICTURES ADDED AT BOTTOM OF POST ( 12:30 pm Central Time)

**Urgent Prayer Needed** The approved immigration paperwork has been delivered to the US Embassy in Malawi and has been received by the Visa Processor. Praise the Lord that it got there! Crystal and I have both spoken with the Embassy today and they are refusing to set Crystal an Embassy appointment until he has time to review the documents (1 piece of paper). He will not give an estimated time frame for this process. He will not expedite the review process. We have told him every sob story we can think of. Its time now to put it back in God's hands and let him do the work. That is where you all come in. Please spend some extra time today in prayer for this visa process. Please pray that the Lord will soften the heart of the embassy staff. There are so many things going on behind the scenes that are affected by the timing of this process (Crystal's job, Shane's job, homeschooling, high-season plane tickets, finances for extended stay in Malawi, 4 little children in TN missing their Mama, etc.). We have also gotten word that a big event is coming to Malawi on April 22nd that will surely slow everything down. So please also pray that Crystal will be out of the country before the 22nd.

*******************************
Pictures from Second Trip to Savannah-Hope's Village


Savannah-Hope's Paternal Grandmother receiving supplies.

The Pastor's wife from Savannah-Hope's village was so happy to receive the box of bibles in their native language.

Here is Crystal holding Tamadani. If you look close you might be able to tell that this was the dress that Crystal gave to Tamandani during the first trip. It doesn't look like she has taken it off. It is filthy dirty.

Here is Crystal fighting back the tears having to leave Sidala again.

Day 27 Sunday April 13th

**More Pictures Added**

This morning we woke up to no electricity, but we did have water for a little bit. Which was a nice blessing. We got ready for what I am hoping is our last Sunday church service in Malawi. Not because I haven't enjoyed them thoroughly, but because my heart aches to be back at my church with my family. The service this morning was very nice. Following the service we had an ice cream party for all of the children, staff and the staff kids. I am so grateful to the Lord that he allowed me to purchase the ice cream for this special celebration. It was a good-bye party for my sweet Savannah-Hope. These precious children and staff have been her family for seven months. They love her and she loves them. And she loves ice cream! It was such a sweet blessing to share this time together and say good-bye.
Ice cream party!!!

Savannah-Hope loves her ice cream!

After church we went to town to meet Thandie's brother. He had been carrying for Peace for the past week as she was on a break from school and wanted to spend time with her cousins. I was able to meet Thandie's niece Kezia and Nephew Betchani. Betchani is absolutely adorable. He knows he is adorable too. He told me, "I am handsome, I resemble my father". He really wants to go to America. He tells his parents all the time that he is working hard to go to America. I told him that when he does come to America to give me a call, I would love for him to meet Izabella. They would be so cute together in about 20 years :) Kezia screamed the whole time and seems afraid of everyone but her mama. It was so nice to meet them.

Betchani.........Savannah-Hope.....Kezia

The grocery store was closed and we were out of food and didn't know if the electricity would be one to cook something hot so we stopped at MegaBite and picked up a Hawaiian Pizza, Mexican Pizza and a Chicken Burger and took it back to the Gentry's for Mrs. Miller, Clifford and I. Today was Mrs. Miller's birthday. She turned 29 (again). So we had our hot to go dinner and celebrated Mrs. Miller's B-Day. Tonight after dinner Mrs. Miller is going to teach Clifford how to make candles. This should be fun to watch!

Here is a picture of Savannah-Hope barking at the dogs that Chrissie posted about in yesterday's post.

Day 26 Saturday April 12th

Note from guest blogger Chrissie:

Sorry for the late update.

Crystal stayed home most of the day and packed her suitcases. She sorted out what she was leaving in Malawi and what she is taking home. She is carrying all of her stuff with her to Lilongwe early next week as the flights that are currently being held are from the Lilongwe airport.

Crystal did take a brief outing to town to pick up ice cream for children tomorrow. Crystal is having an ice cream party after church for all of the Good Samaritan orphans, staff and staff children. Everybody is looking forward to this rare and special treat!

Savannah-Hope pulled her self to a stand at Brother Gentry's gated door and barked at the dogs. Her cold is getting much better.

There was no water or electricity today. Mrs. Miller told Crystal that she is very tired having candlelight dinners with her. I think Mrs. Miller is looking forward to making out with her husband at the airport too!

Day 25 Friday April 11th

**Edited at 11:50am PST: see bottom of post**

Today Mrs. Miller, Crystal and Savannah-Hope were going to Thandie's home village to meet Thandie's mom and grandmother. Unfortunately Thandie's cousin died last night, so they weren't able to go. His funeral will be tomorrow.
Later Lloyd took a trip to town to get a few supplies. This was Crystal and Mrs. Miller's first time going to Malawi's new store called "Game". This store is based in South Africa and now has 71 locations in different countries in southern Africa. It is the closest thing to Walmart they have in Malawi. The items are pretty pricey. Most of the people who shop there are foreign visitors.

Crystal bought some diapers for Savannah-Hope. Then they headed to a DVD store in Malawi that is ironically called "blockbuster". Crystal couldn't find any children's DVD, but was able to get "Sweet Home Alabama" for herself. She is hoping it works because it is a different format then what we have in the US and the DVD player is American.

After returning back home Thandie notified Crystal that one of the teachers at Good Samaritan passed away. Mrs. Makocho was the 4th grade teacher and died of Tuberculosis (same disease that took Savannah-Hope's bio mother). Her funeral will be tomorrow.

Paperwork Update: The paperwork left South Africa at 8am today. The window has officially closed for a return trip on Monday April 14th. We are still hoping that Crystal will be able to leave Malawi on the 16th or 17th....we won't have another update on the paperwork until Monday. Thanks for continuing to pray regarding this issue.

Update on possible flights home: For those of you planning on greeting Mrs. Miller, Crystal and Savannah-Hope at the Nashville airport, there are two dates and times you may want to pencil into your calendar. Now please note that these are subject to change...but they are being held as our two most likely return options. Neither one of these options can be booked until Crystal has obtained Savannah-Hope's adoption visa. Please pray that these flights stay open as they are only "held" not "booked". We had a flight "held" for April 20th but the airline cancelled it because we couldn't book it and they needed the tickets for someone else.
Option A: Arrive in Nashville Friday 4/18 at 9:35am
Option B: Arrive in Nashville Tuesday 4/22 at 9:35am

Day 24 Thursday April 10th

Paperwork Update: The paperwork is in Africa, not yet in Malawi....but praising the Lord that its in the same continent. Please continue to pray that it gets to Malawi soon and passes review.

Notes from Day 24:

Mrs. Miller, Crystal and Savannah-Hope had a quiet day at home. Savannah-Hope is fighting a cold. The house Crystal is staying in has a DVD player. When the electricity is on, they are able to watch movies. Crystal wishes she would have thought to pack some movies for Savannah-Hope. Savannah has one Baby Einstein DVD that I sent to Malawi back in February and they have been watching it over and over and over and over. Crystal said she is so desperate for something new she would even take a Dora the Explorer DVD. Crystal is looking forward to taking Savannah-Hope on walks in the stroller, to the park, to the YMCA, reading books and watching her interact with her siblings once they get home. The activities they can do while in Malawi are pretty limited.

It really is wonderful to see how Savannah-Hope has blossomed since she has been with her forever Mama. She seems to be learning new tricks everyday. Currently her favorite pass time is the electrical sockets. And the voltage is twice as high as that of the US. Because of this, Savannah-Hope has already learned the word "no". There are no socket protectors and baby gates in Malawi :) Crystal said that when she first got Savannah, she would crawl under the coffee table and sit up. She has grown so much that her whole head is above the coffee table, there is no way she can sit under it. Savannah-Hope is truly a miracle!


For those of you new the blog here is what Savannah-Hope looked like one week after she had been brought to Good Samaritan.

This is missionary Jim Joregenson who works with Brother Gentry and Good Samaritan. I like this picture because it gives you a good perspective of her size in those early days. She was 4 months old in this picture and only 4 pounds.


If you want to read Savannah-Hope's "finding story" click here.

Pictures from Home

The kids were given a gift of $20 each to spend at Babies R Us For Savannah-Hope. Here are the gifts they picked out.

Amelia chose to spend all of her money on one big gift. She is excited to see Savannah-Hope use this toy to learn out to walk.

Zander picked out two smaller gifts. A set of keys and a "Lily Leap"

Zach also picked two smaller gifts. A glow worm and a drum set.

Izabella picked herself out a "big sister" shirt and a "little sister" one for Savannah-hope. She also picked out a ball set that you can see in the picture below.

Okay Savannah-Hope....all we need is you....hurry home!

Day 23 Wednesday April 16th

From Chrissie the guest blogger

Paperwork Update: As of 10am EST today, the paperwork is still in New York waiting to clear customs.

Travel Update: Tickets have opened up on flights on Wed 4/16 and Thurs 4/17 with the same price rate. This is a huge answer to prayer! Still hoping Crystal can return on Monday 4/14 but its nice to know she has more options for travel just incase she doesn't receive the visa this week.

Communications Update: Crystal now has telephone access from a lan line at the Gentrys. This is helpful as sometimes her cell phone battery dies and can't be charged if the electricity is off. She also has Internet access from the house. It is too slow to post or upload but she can sign on and read the comments herself. She is just loving the comments. Thank you! and please keep them coming.

Day 23 activities: Crystal was able to obtain Savannah-Hope's original birth certificate today. The one she was given before had her adoptive name. Crystal really wanted to cover all of her bases and felt it was important to have the original birth certificate for the Embassy. They first said it would take 3 weeks. But she got it today! Praise God! Crystal and Mrs. Miller picked up supplies for Brother Gentry and Brother Miller who will be traveling to Malawi soon.

Note from yesterday: I forgot to to post about the worm medicine. Crystal brought enough worm medicine for the children in Tamandani's village and Sidala's. Because poisonings are very common in Malawi, Thandie had to eat the medicine in front of one village and Clifford ate it in front of the other village. I am so thankful they were willing to do this to show good faith and so the adults would trust the medicine and treat the children. Crystal hopes to email me pictures in the next day or two of the supplies being delivered.

Paperwork Update

Update from Chrissie the guest blogger:

**Edited 4/9/08 3am**

The US Embassy has asked Crystal to call at 4pm on 4/9/09 (10am 4/9/09 EST time) and they will let her know if she will be granted a visa interview this week. Please be in prayer for the embassy staff making this decision. Please pray that God will give Crystal favor in his eyes.

** Original post 4/9/08 1am**

I found a tracking number for Crystal's paperwork. Shh! don't tell anyone and don't ask me how I did it. I am keeping it under my hat :) Now for the good news....The paperwork is on time with a scheduled delivery date of 4/9/08. That's today! WooHoo! Please pray that it really does get there and that the Embassy will schedule Crystal's visa interview for tomorrow 4/10.

Last night I was looking at alternate flight plans online. The same flight schedule Crystal was supposed to leave on last week is now up over $6000. Yikes! That is probably why the dates are limited (only 4/14 and 4/20) for her return. Still praying and asking God to give us a miracle and bring the Mama of the Johnson Angels home "sunga sunga" (very soon in Chichewa).

I had a chance to read Crystal all the comments from yesterdays two posts. She enjoyed them and laughed out loud. She really enjoyed the knock knock jokes from the boys and Gwen's "Garage" comment. Oh and Carlee, she is considering your proposition but needs to run it by Shane. Crystal is so grateful for all of your support and prayers. Crystal is doing her best to stay strong and keep her eyes on the Lord.

She had a pretty restless night after finding out about the limited return flights and having to leave Savannah-Hope's twin siblings for a second time. Crystal said Tamandani looked so sick. Crystal is so grateful for all of you who have prayed for the twins and sent funding for the supplies. It will be winter soon in Malawi, the family was so thankful for the blankets. Crystal cherishes your love and support for her family and extended family both in America and in Malawi.

Stay tuned for notes from day 23.....

Standing in the Need of Prayer

A message from Chrissie the guest blogger:

Another devastating blow.....

I just got word from the travel agent that the next flight out of Malawi is not until Monday April 14th. Worse than that....the next flight after that is not until Sunday April 20th.

Here's the deal:

Crystal can not leave the country with Savannah-Hope without the adoption visa. The visa is issued at the Malawian Embassy. The Embassy is refusing to schedule the visa appointment until they receive the "hard copy" paperwork from the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC sent the paperwork via DHL on Friday April 4th. We expect it to take 3 to 4 business days to arrive at the Embassy. The NVC will not give us a tracking number so we can't track the paperwork along the way. The Visa interview appointments are only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sometimes they will issue the visa the same day. Other times they make you come on one of the visa pick up days which are on Mondays and Wednesdays (the latter is the more common way).

So basically Crystal must have her visa interview this Thursday and they must give her the visa the same day or she will not be able to leave Malawi until April 20th. Things are looking grim because it is just about to be Wednesday morning in Malawi and there is no sign of the paperwork.

I am going to check with the travel agent tomorrow to see if we bump up the rate level of the plane ticket could we get her on an earlier flight. But even if that is a possibility, the funds just aren't there.

Please pray that God may open 2 seats on an earlier flight at the same price rate. Please pray that the paperwork gets processed now now now so Crystal may have her interview this Thursday. If Crystal has to wait until the flight out on April 20th that will mean 35 days total she would be away from Shane, Amy, Zander, Zach and Bella. Please pray for Crystal and her family.

Day 22 April 8th

This is my twenty-second day in Malawi. I really never thought I would be here this long. I am such a planner by nature and this definitely was not in the plan. The thought that I don't have return plane tickets booked with a date knocks the breath out of me and makes the tears fall. I am only still in Malawi for two reasons. One: I am in the center of God's will and Two: I am trapped. At different moments throughout the day those two reasons take turns being the number one reason I am still here. But they are always the top two reasons. As far as being in the center of God's will.....I prayed specifically and diligently throughout this entire adoption process. I waited for God to open the right doors and tried hard not to knock them down before I was supposed to enter. I have to believe that God withheld the information regarding needing to have the immigration form registered prior to my travel because it was part of His divine plan. I have spent alot of time thinking about why God has chosen to keep me here when He knows my heart is breaking for my husband and children. Maybe its because many of the children in the orphanage have become critically ill while I have been here. Because I am here, Savannah-Hope is no longer in the orphanage where she could have been exposed. Savannah-Hope lost two pounds the month before I got here, now she has gained that back plus some extra padding. Maybe its because the Lord wanted me to do more for Savannah-Hope's village. Maybe its because He desired to draw me and my family closer to Him and us closer together. Shane and my parents have said that they have caught Zach off to himself several times. When they approach him he says that he is praying. My seven year old son is getting alone so he can be with God and pray. That really touches my heart.

As far as being trapped....there is no way to bring Savannah-Hope home without the approved adoption visa. Believe me I have thought of every possible way around this. There just is no other way. Now you may ask, can you leave Savannah-Hope there and go back for her? Well I could if .....I had $4000 for a plane ticket back to Malawi, or if I could stomach sending her back to the orphanage after I have been her primary caregiver for 22 days, or if I could complete the adoption visa without being present or if I thought I could spend some time with Shane and the kids and actually turn around and leave them again. Sometimes I am thankful I don't have the $4000 and don't have to really wrap my mind around leaving Savannah-Hope behind without me or Shane. She has suffered so much loss already. I can hang in there a few more days with God's help. Then honestly there are times I have thought of selling my organs on the black market just to get out of this place! When it comes down to it though, I am here. I have to be here. I need to make the best of this situation. One benefit I can see is that Savannah-Hope and I have developed such a strong bond that it will be much easier for me to place her in the arms of our family, extended family and friends when I return. This will also allow me sometime to reconnect with my bigger kids. I have to worn those of you that are coming to the airport. If you have a weak stomach for Public Displays of Affection, you better stay home because I plan on jumping right into my husband's arms and planting a big soap-opera style kiss all over his face!

**Notes from today**

• I went to town this morning to pick up the rest of the supplies for Savannah-Hope's village. I was able to purchase a box of bibles, a bicycle for the father, washing buckets, blankets, panties, wraps, cook pots and candy for the village children.
• Savannah-Hope stayed at home today with Mrs. Miller. Savannah-Hope has come down with a nasty cold. She has a green runny nose :( The roads to the village are very bumpy and dusty. I thought it would be better for her to stay at home and rest.
• We then drove to Tamandani's village and then to Sidala's. The father has now moved in with his new wife at her village and is completely separated from the twins and Jameson.
• We were warmly greeted and everyone was grateful for the supplies.
• I took some close up pictures of some of the children in the village so you can see the worms popping up from under their skin.
• I had some Malawian style Cheetos that the children found and began to gobble up. Even the ones that fell on the dirt ground and were smashed....they still ate them. They literally ate Cheetos dust mixed with dirt. It is no wonder they are so ridden with worms.
• Tamandani screamed the whole time. She seems like such an unhappy miserable baby. This just tears my heart in two.
• Sidala came right to me again and was just too cute.
• The last time I was at the village I forgot to bring candy for the children in the village. This time I brought several bags. Chrissie warned me about not handing it out to the people but rather wait till we were driving away and throw it out the window. Chrissie said she nearly lost a finger trying to hand it out. But I decided I wanted to hand it out directly and I am telling you it was quite the experience. I was scratched, yanked, pushed, fell into the van and bumped my head. This was mostly at Tamandani's village....they went crazy nuts for the candy. The adults were worse than the children. I wish I had this on video. It is a good thing I brought Clifford with me. Clifford normally guards the house during the day. If I go to town Lloyd my driver will look out for me. But today Clifford came along for extra back up and it's a good thing. There were moments I felt like a Brittney Spears and Clifford was my big bouncer dude keeping me safe. The people were yanking on my skirt and grabbing my shirt. It was surreal. At one point I asked Clifford if he was having fun and he said "No". Poor guy.
• At Sidala's village they were much more civilized about it, and I was more careful about where I stood and had an escape route. I was able to video the candy hand out at this village.
• I returned home extremely dirty from head to toe. I went straight to bathe and then scooped up sweet Savannah-Hope and snuggled with her for a while before bed.

Thanks for following along on our journey. I love the comments, please keep them coming. I really look forward to them each day. Thanks for your prayers!!!!