DO Diaries: Day Thirteen – Traveling Home

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Our last few hours in Malawi are always bittersweet, missing our families back home but also leaving our family in Malawi. Beatrice often calls Malawi my second home, and I think she’s right. I look forward to returning to Ohio every time, but I’m always anticipating my next visit to Malawi. Traveling back to Ohio is not an easy journey, especially with COVID restrictions. This time we had to get a COVID test before being allowed back in the US, and the test in Malawi was much less pleasant than the one in Ohio. Nevertheless, this is part of doing God’s work. It takes over 30 hours of travel time from door to door with two airport transfers. Flying that far is a matter of survival, and I’ve found that a good book, catching up on emails (at least until my laptop battery dies), and sleep is the best way to pass the time. I started reading a book called The Circle Maker, and I’m excited to finish it. I read a lot of books, and I’m inspired by others who have gone before us. There are so many heroes of the faith and reminders that we’re called to a greater mission in life.

On the plane ride, my diet consists of liquids and snacks. Some years ago, airline food stopped agreeing with my stomach, and so I usually have tomato juice, water, and tea (tea because it’s with boiling water—can’t trust the water hardly anywhere!). My “re-entry” meal this time was Potbelly’s at the Dulles airport, complete with a strawberry milkshake—so delicious! I usually lose a few pounds on these trips, so a milkshake at 10 a.m. seems justifiable. 😊

And finally, there’s so much to be thankful for all around us. I’m encouraged by young couples like Hugo and Bre stepping up to the plate, leaving behind friends and family in the US, going with faith into the unknown, support raising, and loving on the people of Malawi. I’m encouraged by people like Ray, who retired from Kellogg in Michigan a couple years ago. He immediately started renting an apartment in Columbus, spending three days a week working with DO, when he could be spending all of his time with family and/or on a golf course somewhere—a man in his 60’s still going strong, because he believes God has equipped him for this time. I’m thankful for the leadership of our board of directors, giving freely of their time, talent, and treasure. I’m thankful for our staff and many volunteers who work tirelessly to do so much. I’m thankful for our many financial partners who are helping to transform lives in ways that words, pictures, or videos can hardly do justice in describing. I can’t image trading any amount of money or pleasures for the gift God has given us by serving on the front lines with DO.

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