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Another two weeks down and another two weeks that much closer to coming home. Although I didn’t know if I would be able to say that after last night. Thought it would be my last on earth…. But in all seriousness there was a horrific storm last night that wiped out 10+ tents out of our camp ground. The wind and the rain left us no chance to run or hide. It gave us the true taste of what it’s like to tent in the wilderness. We are all ok and even though their was never any serious danger it was still a pretty sad night. I tried to explain it to my mom this morning and I told her it’s like having your own very home just blow away. Like my whole life is in that tent right now, my clothes, electronics, bed, comfort and security. I know it’s sounds maybe a tad over dramatized but, for real not a fun thing to go through when you have no where else to go haha. All I can do is laugh, nothing else I can do. Craziness in Africa I tell ya. With all that said I still love this country. Love the people, culture and the food, well maybe not the food but all the rest. Will I ever be called back here?? Ummmmmm no… But that doesn’t take away from the good times I am having. For a while I thought my Alberta Boy toughness would allow me to take on Malawi but I am slowly learning that only a true African can live this way. Been hard to not miss home yet, at the same time it’s so close theirs no reason to even over think it. 

I’ll just cut that paragraph off short or I’ll just go on a rant of how much I my miss my family and my home town. Love you guys all so much. Anyways can’t think about it lol. So will be heading to Lilongwe tomorrow for our day off. It’s about 2 hours away but our contacts  go so often to get supplies it’s not to uncommon of a trip. And beside we have gotten so tired of Livingstonia (The same resort we have been going to for the last 5 weeks) plus the staff there has cut us off the buffet so much that they actually raised the price of it by three dollars. Which is funny but super depressing at the same time. It never really stops any of us from getting it though, there food is just way to good. 

As for ministry it has been confirmed that we will be going across the lake for a week to go do some separate ministry from the one here. As for the last week we have been able to make some really amazing relationships in the village about 5 minutes from us. There are the cutest little kids there. Hope and his sister have to be the most adorable kids ever. Along with being some of the craziest. The thing you find out really quick in Africa is that the kids don’t play nice. Anything I ever got punished for as a kid does not compare to what these kids do. I kinda wish my parents would have let us beat up on each other like they do. Made miss teaching my little bros a lesson. Well let’s be honest I think my whole family knows it’s just me and Taner competing for male dominance in the brother chain. Any who back to the village, were actually gunna head down there sometime this week to make some Mendazi’s ( actually remind me a ton of Ollybolen, oh goodness I couldn’t have spelt that right) probably just put my Dutch heritage to shame. But there pretty much just like deep fried pieces of dough. I’m sure our whole team will enjoy that, the ladies are sooo friendly. And really enjoy missionaries. Which from what we have found out there Islamic so it may turn into a cool experience to tell them about Jesus. 

Yesterday I had the privilege of taking part in a 4 hour church service. I keep telling my team mates that we gotta find a Catholic church because it’s guaranteed to be under an hour. But, they just never listen, there loss I guess. Although this week I met an older lady that attends a Catholic church quite close to us so I’m hoping will be able to go next week. I have expectations that it would be short but you just never know in Africa. Nothing is the same in Africa…. NOTHING…. 

It so weird how Malawi literally has nothing yet, we were able to find a gym and get a gym membership for the rest of the time here. Now this isn’t any Golds gym but, it will do. It may not have a lot of equipment or a shower and be completely invested will mice but so far I’m really happy with it. It would be such a good feeling to be completely ready for basketball season when I get back. Score 1 for me… Africa is still defiantly winning though. Winning by a long shot 🙁 ha

Any who that’s all I got for this week folks. Hope you are all enjoying the snow, I know you guys just hate me when I say that I miss it. Man this plus 30 weather takes a toll on a mans sanity. Hope all is well with your families. Love you Mom and Dad. Miss you guys like crazy. Say hi to Papa John and Grandma for me. Congrats to the Pbhs Kings on there big win. Wishing them all the best in Provincials, wish I could be there. Not to much longer. Be counting the days….

Ps. I’m writing this in my tent the night before Lilongwe and another huge storm is hitting as I type haha oh dear.. round 2.. 

Peace out!!!

7 responses to “Counting Down”

  1. It must be hard to focus when “home” is looming so close!
    Praying that you will weather the storms well and squeeze hard to get and give all you can in the time left.
    We have church friends returning from Africa (Burkina Faso) now. It was +46C over there. OH – your auntie is one of them !!
    God Bless ya Colten !!!
    -Cheryl

  2. Hello Colton

    You are inspiring, brave, and wonderfully vulnerable. You are so fortunate to gain so much perspective. This experience will allow you to teach us all appreciation, gratefulness, and faith!

    Much love,
    Auntie Kesha

  3. Oh Colten.
    I treasure our facetimes!!! You are doing so good kid. I know it’s not easy but you are taking it all in stride and showing your steadiness through your faith in God who has called you to Africa. I gotta say you may not think you will return any time soon. But you know as well as i do, If God asks you to go again. I know you would do it!!! :). But we dont have to talk about that now!! You are showing that even in the Storms of life, God is always there for us and always constant, true and loving.
    I will continue to pray for your safety and your strength to minister to all those around you. Bless you boy I can’t wait to have all my boys back home with your dad and I. Until then Colts God has a lot a beautiful moments for you so keep your focus on Him so you don’t miss anything!!!
    Love you kid!!! ❤❤😘🙏🙏🙏👍👍 keep shining your light!! 😊😊

  4. Hey Colty, just wanted to say hi to you. I loved reading your post and that you feel some guidance for your future as well. That’s very cool! Enjoy your remaining time there. xo Nancie

  5. Hi colts!!!
    You mean to tell me that our 100km winds plus doesn’t prepare you to handle hurricane winds in a tent??!! And you call yourself a southern albertan–lol !
    Sounds like some unique experiences again😁
    I know you are making the best of all that Malawi has to offer. Soon that will be a distant picture so I know you can handle these next months! You are strong, determined, faithful, and sounds like super in shape??!! Good job for exercising continually and gaining inspiration with movement and action. I bet it helps clear the head💪🏀😜
    Not much new with us. Matt is done his hockey and had a great season. Just a few spring camp dates till april. Tasha is doing some badminton and spring bball as well. Uncle Cam had rotator cuff surgery but is slowly improving with physio. And I’m still working my 2days at the cancer centre.
    We all miss you terribly and can’t wait to see you in May!!!!
    I hope you are still fulfilling your heart with the great mission work you
    are doing at the water well and with the children!! You are great inspiration for us ALL!
    Love you–Auntie Tanya

  6. Def miss the mendazi’s sometimes. It’s crazy hearing about the storms though…never thought they would be that crazy. I know you miss home man, but continue to breathe in the blessings around you in Malawi. Praying for you Colt

  7. Colten,
    What an amazing journey you have been on!! I have been following your blog and am truly impressed with the insight, kindness and faith you have shown. I’m sure this will be an experience you will never forget and will change your life forever.

    Keep doing God’s work and know you are an inspiration to many!
    Heather