We are still here in the apartment in Toronto, waiting out the last three days of quarantine. We really look forward to getting out of the apartment, even just for a quick run to the grocery store!
However, time is passing remarkably quickly, considering that there really isn't much to do here. We watch a lot of movies, mostly old ones, and we have Netflix here, so we can usually find something interesting. Steve is getting ahead on his painting, and I am about a day away from completing the prayer shawl I started when leaving Malawi. I deliberately chose a complicated pattern and small needles to make it last. As I said last week, I am no longer in a hurry to finish and get on to the next project.
We have also prepared our presentation for Leaside church. We have been asked to tell about our Malawi experience after the "coffee hour" tomorrow. I hope they will find it as interesting as we did putting it together. How to condense several months of life changing experience into fifteen minutes! It made me think about what would best represent the total experience, rather than trying to get all the details in.
I also spend some of my time praying for all of you and for our friends in Malawi. We heard just the other day that they had three cases confirmed now, all from the same family. Of course we believe that there must be more than just those three. We continue to pray that our dear friends there will be safe and remain healthy. They have shut the prisons now to all visitors. We were expecting them to do that already when we were still there. It must be very hard on the inmates and on their families and friends, but it's definitely a necessary step.
Sorry I don't have anything more interesting to share. We are glad to be safely here in Canada at this point. It was definitely the right thing to do, to come home.
Just heard that there is a confirmed case in Blantyre now, the city where we were living. Also just heard from my friend Lyca. She says that transport has jumped from 600 kwacha to 1500, but instead of four people per seat, there are now two--with only eight people in a minibus. That says more than you can imagine about how seriously they are taking this situation. Lyca says they continue to pray for God's intervention.
My little corner where I sit to knit. The green blob is the prayer shawl I am working on.
Raylene, of course I remember you! Good to hear from you. Email address:. Check with Barb steffler. She has it and I will email her to put us in touch. I would love to hear more from you!
Hi Nora and Steve:
I’m sure Nora, you have no questions as to who I am from your childhood at SJMC. Like how many Raylene’s could you know anyway?
I have read all your experiences on your blog. However short, it sounds like a wonderful and spiritual experience that you will hold near to your heart forever. I would love to keep up emailing you now that you’re home. Could you send an email address? I got my hubby Lance to figure this out for me to get attached. Never asked him before, always a matter of time, you know.
That shawl reminds me so much of a little baby outfit I knitted (or crocheted?) many years ago (probably about 50). It wasn't an easy pattern, but I had lots of time, so it didn't matter. Anyway, I am doing the countdown with you to when you can get out of there - go for a walk, explore your neighbourhood, etc. I have been able to get out for short walks, and also went to do a bit of shopping again this week. My friend next door (house, not in this building) has been cheerfully getting my groceries for me. That means one less person in the store. She described to me how different it is there now - one-way…