This morning we rather tiredly left the Campbell home for LPC- Lilongwe Pentecostal Church- for the first of two full days of leadership training. Over the course of the day I introduced the group to the vision and history of YC in Canada and beyond, and then presented them with various opportunities for ministry and what was required of them. I passed-on to them greetings from all of us whether preparing to visit or aiding the project in some way. Pastor Mike presented a fabulous seminar on the importance of music within youth and young adult culture and its corresponding place at YC. A gentleman from Malawi also presented, providing an entertaining and insightful look at ministries such as interpreting and counseling. I hope he will get to share with our teams when they arrive! Other highlights include the playing of a Papa San video, a wonderful traditional lunch and the incredible site of a hundred Malawian youth leaders sing and dance to drums and clapping in the sweetest of harmonies.
Late in the afternoon we visited Silver Striker Stadium considering the role of ushers and counselors, the seating of participants in view of access to the field for a response to speakers and taking plenty of pictures to share with you all later. We then visited your hotel and met with managers, following-up on the great work the 2nd Advance Team had engaged, all to ensure everything is done to make your visit enjoyable and your ministry successful.
It is now 12.20a and there is much work to be done yet before we are ready for bed. I’m not sure Pastor Mike will dream of the wonderful singing or my driving along Lilongwe’s streets on the opposite side of the road. Fun for me!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Day 3 - YC Malawi 3rd Advance Trip Log (01 May)
Our flight plan this morning took us over France, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia before beginning the descent into Kenya. The airport is outside of Nairobi along a great flat green plain. We disembarked rather sleepily and stepped onto African soil. Mike was enjoying his first steps on the continent! It was good to be back for this my second visit! We were in the terminal for about three hours until the call came to board our last jet to Malawi. It however would travel first to Lusaka, Zambia, before heading east to Lilongwe. The flight plan this time allowed us to see Mount Kilimanjaro the highest elevation in Africa and still covered with snow! Early in the afternoon we descended onto the lush plain the airport is built upon and taxied beyond the terminal in sight of beautiful flowers and distant mountains. We had arrived!
After gathering our luggage including peanut butter, corned beef and Tims coffee for various friends, we met Tyler Woods, a missionary in Malawi, who kindly picked us up. We chatted en route to the Campbell’s- missionary folk from Trinidad and Tobago- with whom we would be staying. By the time we cleaned-up from over two days of travel we had to quickly run some errands before meeting with Pastor David Chigamba for an evening meeting. Tomorrow morning we will begin intensive training with YC volunteers from Malawi. It would be 2a local time before preparations were complete.
After gathering our luggage including peanut butter, corned beef and Tims coffee for various friends, we met Tyler Woods, a missionary in Malawi, who kindly picked us up. We chatted en route to the Campbell’s- missionary folk from Trinidad and Tobago- with whom we would be staying. By the time we cleaned-up from over two days of travel we had to quickly run some errands before meeting with Pastor David Chigamba for an evening meeting. Tomorrow morning we will begin intensive training with YC volunteers from Malawi. It would be 2a local time before preparations were complete.
Day 1 & 2 - YC Malawi 3rd Advance Trip Log (29-30 April)
Introductory Note:
YC Malawi is an interdenominational youth outreach event occurring in Lilongwe, Malawi during July and August. Pastor Mike Freake and I are travelling to the south-central African nation as part of continued preparations for the event. Note links for further info.
Hi everyone!
Yesterday night Pastor Mike Freake and I flew out of St. John’s on Air Canada to begin the 3rd Advance Trip as part of our preparation for YC Malawi. Our flight to London was via Halifax. Somewhere over the Atlantic we managed a couple of hours of economy class sleep.
Following our arrival at Heathrow we caught the express train to downtown London where we purchased a double-decker bus tour of the sites. Highlights included Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, St. James Cathedral and the West-end Theatre District. I would suggest dressing for miserable weather if you get stuck on the second level where there is no roof and the wind and rain and drizzle set in. London’s weather is no better than the Avalon!
Seriously, if your team is going through London and is considering a tour, timing is everything. Consider the following…
1. 20 minutes from arrival to customs
2. At least 15 minutes in customs for a team if there is limited lines
3. 5 minute walk to Express Train
4. A possible wait for its arrival of up to 15 minutes
5. 20 minute express to Paddington Station (home of the famous bear)
6. 10 minute walk to store to buy tour bus ticket
7. Up to 20 minute wait for the tour bus
8. 180 minute scheduled tour can take up to an hour longer in traffic
9. 10 minute return to Paddington Station
10. A possible wait for its arrival of up to 15 minutes
11. 10 minute walk to Departure Area
12. Suggested by Heathrow to be at Boarding Pass line-up 150 minutes prior to boarding
Total - minimum 7 hours/ up to 9 hours
Tickets for the Express Train and Tour bus can be purchased ahead of time at a reduced rate.
Back to the trip… we boarded our Kenyan Airways flight for London and departed about 8.30p local time. We enjoyed the in-flight movie and excellent service before falling asleep early in the morning.
YC Malawi is an interdenominational youth outreach event occurring in Lilongwe, Malawi during July and August. Pastor Mike Freake and I are travelling to the south-central African nation as part of continued preparations for the event. Note links for further info.
Hi everyone!
Yesterday night Pastor Mike Freake and I flew out of St. John’s on Air Canada to begin the 3rd Advance Trip as part of our preparation for YC Malawi. Our flight to London was via Halifax. Somewhere over the Atlantic we managed a couple of hours of economy class sleep.
Following our arrival at Heathrow we caught the express train to downtown London where we purchased a double-decker bus tour of the sites. Highlights included Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, St. James Cathedral and the West-end Theatre District. I would suggest dressing for miserable weather if you get stuck on the second level where there is no roof and the wind and rain and drizzle set in. London’s weather is no better than the Avalon!
Seriously, if your team is going through London and is considering a tour, timing is everything. Consider the following…
1. 20 minutes from arrival to customs
2. At least 15 minutes in customs for a team if there is limited lines
3. 5 minute walk to Express Train
4. A possible wait for its arrival of up to 15 minutes
5. 20 minute express to Paddington Station (home of the famous bear)
6. 10 minute walk to store to buy tour bus ticket
7. Up to 20 minute wait for the tour bus
8. 180 minute scheduled tour can take up to an hour longer in traffic
9. 10 minute return to Paddington Station
10. A possible wait for its arrival of up to 15 minutes
11. 10 minute walk to Departure Area
12. Suggested by Heathrow to be at Boarding Pass line-up 150 minutes prior to boarding
Total - minimum 7 hours/ up to 9 hours
Tickets for the Express Train and Tour bus can be purchased ahead of time at a reduced rate.
Back to the trip… we boarded our Kenyan Airways flight for London and departed about 8.30p local time. We enjoyed the in-flight movie and excellent service before falling asleep early in the morning.
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