More from Africa~

Hi Everyone-
Chris emailed again from Africa tonight and he also called me earlier today. He was able to buy a 3 minute phone card so the conversation was short but sweet and it was good to know he was doing well and having an amazing experience in Africa. Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support. He has been journaling a lot and taking many pictures which we will post once he gets home! Here is some of his email from today...
"Well its thursday night. A few exciting days have past since we last spoke... on wednesday we went to the crisis nursery where babies 1 day old to 14 months old are taken care of. They are usually dropped off at the door and abandoned by their parents or they are too medically sick for the family to take care of them. I rocked a little one to sleep- they are all so cute! Afterwards we went into the city for a heartwrenching experience. We were praying for people who couldn't get out of thier houses because they are too sick to go and get help. (they live in these awful slums, you can't even imagine!) some of them are literally on thier death beds dying from aids and they can't feel thier legs or some cant eat anymore and won't make it much longer. It was the hardest thing i have ever experienced. I am crying now just typing it.... these people all have children and are mostly the only parent around- so the oldest child takes care of the kids. Usually the oldest is about 15 and they have kids as young as a few months old. It was so sad i couldn't justify or compose myself to take pictures of these slums. Then we went to a care center for aids that a doctor from san diego started about six years ago. He is a christian man who has a heart for these people and with help from God he has been able to help a lot of people! Then we went to dinner at a chinese/indian food place where we ate more goat and various other foods. It was pretty good! I have replaced my mountain dew with orange fanta from the glass bottles....so good...! Then on thursday(today)Chris and I went back to the village to lay brick for the orphans center. The project is really coming along. A lot has been accomplished this week! Chris and i ate offles today- That is goat intestine and stomach... i think. It tasted like salted leather. I got a video of chris eating it. I'm trying to take as many pictures as i can. I know you will want to come here someday! I already know that I want to come back... hopefully."
And That was about all for today... Please pray for safety of the team as they leave Saturday morning to come back to the states- which is late Friday night our time...Thank You!

Sunday in Africa!

I received an email from Chris today:

"We went to church today. It was a pretty normal church in the city. For some reason we weren't able to go to one in the village. It was good though. We went back to the airport to get our luggage today and only half of the bags came. no bags filled with medical supplies arrived. Seems odd i know. And Chris lundbergs personal bag didn't come yet. he still has hopes. i just plan on sharing anything i have with him at this point. Tell everyone to pray that his bag and all of the medical bags arrive. We havent gone to any markets yet, i guess mostly everything is closed on Sunday. So we are just bummin around and sightseeing the city. the poverty resembles parts of mexico with just a lot more people. mostly young kids about 18 and under. You can tell that this place is in such termoil(the villages we are going to are supposed to be much worse) the only shops that were open in the maket were coffin shops. most of them are small, for children and babys. Its so sad..."
That was about it for today from Chris but please keep their team in your prayers as they start working in Chikudzulire (The Village) tomorrow....

Chris Arrives in Africa

Chris sent me an email last night:

"We made it to our hotel in Lilongue."Nelly's House". So far so good, oh except that none of our luggage made it. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow. There is only one plane in a day from where we flew in from. The trip was long but you know you arrived in Africa when you basically land in a cow pasture/desert. I will tell you specifics when I return. It is 8 pm here on sat and we are all going to bed. The jet lag finally hit us. We are going to church tomorrow and then hopefully to the airport to get our bags. Then maybe shopping? We are only going to the village monday through friday when the organization will be there will us..."
Not much had happened since they just barely arrived and were getting settled in. I am sure he will write more soon-or atleast tell his story when he returns. He told me the internet connection is very slow. If you want to email him- its chrisliles04@yahoo.com and I know he would love an email. Chris is especially excited for Monday to roll around because thats when they will be working in the village the Church has adopted and doing whatever else might come their way.... More soon!
Also- there is a blog that is linked to our church that another woman on the trip should be keeping updated if possible. There is more info on past trips and what all is happening there so feel free to check it out: http://malawiblog.terapad.com/

Still Traveling!

I talked to Christopher on the phone this morning and He was in Washington, DC waiting to get on his next flight to Ethiopia. It was already a little hectic with getting bumped off flights and such, but they ended up making it to DC with just enough time to get on their next flight. It was the last time we will be able to talk on the phone for about a week! He was very excited to get to Africa, and should arrive there around 9 am Saturday Morning (Malawi time) which is around midnight Tonight for Arizona time. He has about five different books with him, so I am sure he will have plenty to do for the next 16 hours or so. I will keep this updated as I hear from him. Please Keep Christopher, His team, and the people of Malawi in your prayers! We are excited for all that is going to happen on his trip....

Getting Ready for Malawi, Africa

Christopher leaves for Malawi, Africa this Thursday-July 17th. He is pretty much all packed, immunized, and ready to go. It will take about 24 hours once he leaves on Thursday evening to make it there. He is very excited to see all that the Lord has in store. Please keep him in your prayers during his time traveling and in Africa. He has promised to keep me updated on his trip if it is possible so check back for updates! Thank you all for supporting us both financially and with prayer. We are so thankful to have such loving and supportive friends and families.

Branson Our little Baby Model

So about a month ago Branson had his big modeling debut! Okay, so that's a slight exaggeration but he did get to have some professional pictures taken for a friends website. His pictures were taken by Kimberly Jarman Photography- http://www.kimberlyjarman.com/ - who did an absolutely amazing job. His pictures are also displayed on my friend, Jen Byards website. She more recently started a business called My Three Sons Designs and she makes the cutest handmade baby items! If you are in the market, you should definitely check out her site- http://www.mythreesonsdesigns.com/. Here are a few of the pictures from the shoot... so cute!

Shaynes Wedding

A few weeks ago a great friend from High School- Shayne- got married. It was such a beautiful ceremony and fun night. Shayne looked absolutely gorgeous and was glowing as usual. I had so much fun hanging out with the group from Arcadia and it made me really miss them. Thanks for such a great night everyone- Congratulations to the Singletons!!

Amanda, Me, and Sarah- Two of my best friends EVER!

Kevin and Abby dancing away

Joey and Amanda- and they have the cutest little boy- Joey

Amanda, Me and Shea- DANCE DANCE DANCE!

Me and Suzi- The maid of Honor and the best friend I've ever had


Suz and Austin- They are getting married in October and I can't wait!!

Christopher and Noah- not sure how this happened...
Shea, Me, and Noah at the Valley Ho in Scottsdale

Me, Shea and Amanda having a drink before the reception

Chase and Mandy

Shea and Eric

Admiring Patti- What else??