Electricity AND Internet in the same day!

We are three weeks in and we have reached a new level of luxury today.  We have working internet and electricity in our home.  We are able to upload our photos and I will start with this one as a reminder of how far we have come in luxury.  We started with no blankets (other than the towels we brought) no mosquito nets and a bedroom floor that was periodically flooded with toilet water.  We currently have blankets (borrowed), a few rugs for the floor and working toilet (as of 2 days ago.)

 Perhaps the only thing that Liam was dreading about coming to Malawi was the school uniforms.  He had seen a picture on the school website and was mortified that he would have to wear animal prints every day (!) In fact they are adorable and I think they really enjoy wearing them after all.  Or maybe they just enjoy calling the sweater their "jumpa" and packing the "swimming kit."

The boys have been playing football on Saturday mornings with about 100+ other kids. The games are minimally referee-d and we have gotten into the habit of calling it "dirty soccer" which describes high kicks, uncalled fouls, illegal throw ins etc.  But wow some of these kids are amazingly good even in bare feet!  Liam will be trying out for the soccer team at school and this will likely take priority over dirty soccer.  

The BLACK MOMBA is now a part of our family.  It is great to be able to get around via automobile now.  We have been able to take one game drive already, a park only about 1.5 hours away from our home.  Sadly on the way back home the black momba lost is strength and we had her back in the shop for a few days.  It was not clear if she was going to make it past the mechanic (who was its previous owner) but she seems to be herself again.  

Liam received this award at school for an achievements.  I would guess this would not be an award given in the US. 

Liam and Micah are doing so well in school.   

 Some have been asking if I am running here.  I am running some in the mornings. It is more comfortable to run with others (because it reduces the amount of stares in my direction) but I have been running pretty comfortably on my own.  There is a track here... if I am ever inspired to do a track workout, it will be a scenic one.  

Shoprite!  This is where we buy our food, it is a nice supermarket with most everything that we would want.  We feel very lucky to have this only about 10 minutes away. I think many come from all over Malawi to shop here.  The boys look forward to getting fresh bread from the baker when we go.  

When Micah first arrived in Malawi he told people, "my 6th birthday is coming up soon, so I need to make some friends quickly."  He has indeed made a few good friends. This is Noah who is one year behind him at St Andrews but goes to the church we have been going to and is the son of a doctor friend of mine.  His other friend is Giavvana in his class at school.  We will have a party for Micah next weekend. 

Liam also is making some friends.  But it is wonderful to hear from friends back home.  Thank you Georgie for the surprise phone call!  We have loved hearing from all of you via email and Skype.  We miss you all very much!