So…this is it…my last day here. Tomorrow I begin the journey home. 22 hrs flight time with a stopover in Rome.

This morning as I’ve waited for Grey, I’ve knocked around town, had my shoes shined (turns out the shoe shine man was a follower of Jesus too. He was quoting scripture to me), checked prices on bicycles, ground maize, and corrugated roofing and finally settled into an Ethiopian restaurant for a pot of spiced coffee.

The owner, Mr. Abibi, is a Christian with strong views regarding the moral decline of America and how we’re exporting this decline to other countries. Our conversation was warm, enlightening, and challenging.

On my way out of the shop I met Tobias, from Germany. Fortunately his English was far better than my German. He was in search of the perfect omelette. I told him good luck!He’s here for the Blantyre Arts Festival, his first visit to Africa. We’ll share a flight out tomorrow.

No place is ever as idyllic as it seems (learned that the hard way in Kenya) but there is a peace here. These people are trying hard to get into the 21st century.

And mostly, they’re just trying to survive. Most of the city inhabitants are just a few short years from their life in a very primitive village, learning new skills and seeking an easier life than the one they were born to.

Grace Community Church Malawi is largely focused on the orphans here in the poorest sections of Blantyre, and churches in remote villages which serve the poorest of the poor.

It’s messy and confusing and they don’t always get it right. Add to that the cultural differences and it makes this partnership challenging. Accountability (as Mr. Abibi reminded me) is key. We must be careful to ask the hard questions and maintain trust.

There are closer places to do ministry, but none more rewarding. The value they place on owning their own Bible is uncommon in America. The graciousness with which they receive the azungu warms the soul.

In the village there is an innocence. I was told in one of the villages that they knew the white man can’t lie. Imagine their surprise when told them “Oh yes we can, but as followers of Jesus we seek to follow the truth!”

I marvel at how this whole journey began. I have no idea what’s next or if the church in America will seek to reengage. I only know that some how, some way, I’ve become attached to these people, this country. Amazing.