The White House in Malawi: June 2012

It is wintertime in Malawi and things have slowed down a little in terms of work. Overall we are still busy with various things. First, let me update on our family. Hollis is officially adopted in Malawi!! It was a long process that involved some delays for various reasons but the judge ruled a full and final adoption on June 8, 2012!! We are so happy and thankful to the Lord for what He is doing in our lives through becoming parents. We have now begun the long process of applying for adoption in the US through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Johannesburg. The biggest part of the process is getting a home study done which we have started the process. We are praying that everything can be completed by the end of this year. Thank you for all the prayers and support along the way and we ask for continued prayers as we do paperwork for the US side of things but more importantly prayer as we seek to parent and raise Hollis to love the Lord with all his heart!

School ended with a lot of excitement. We had the end of the year band and choir concert, which we really enjoy! We went on the Senior Trip to Liwonde National Park in Malawi and went on safari. Hollis went with us and it was a great, first family trip! We then had the Senior Dinner to honor their hard work and commitment over the past 4 years. It was a great time! The next day, June 2, was graduation and it is pure joy to see the graduates walk across the stage and think of the many things they will do to expand the Kingdom of God and make His name known among the nations. We recently hosted the College and University selection day for various sports to select athletes to represent Malawi at the College and University Competition for Southern Africa (CUCSA). 13 of our athletes made the cut and we are super excited for the possibility of them going to Namibia for the games!

This time of year is always a bit of a let down because so many people are coming and going from the campus. Not only is there a large void with the students gone, but many of the staff leave either for good or just for the winter break (summer in the States). A large hole left in Carson’s heart is the departure of Christy Herbst. She taught first grade in the academy and will be greatly missed not only by Carson but all of the students she taught this past year.

We thank you for your prayers, encouragement and love as we serve the Lord in Malawi. It is a joy and honor to be an ambassador for Christ in Malawi and it is possible because of you!

Because of Jesus,

Jeff, Carson & Hollis