One of the things I love about Children of the Nations (COTN) is that a child receives support, whenever possible, all the way up through college or vocational skills training. This philosophy really ensures that the orphaned and vulnerable children that we work with are equipped to one day be able to take care of themselves, their families, and to be leaders in their communities and nations. Currently, Malawi has 50 students in our University-Vocational Program. For those of you who have ever paid to put a child through college, you know how daunting that can be!
Chifundo is an example of one of our students who went through vocational training and is now fully employed, runs his own electrical repair shop, and trains younger COTN children in the skills that he has learned. Chifundo's father died in 1997 and afterwards his mother really struggled to care for him and his siblings. Three years later, he was enrolled in COTN's Village Partnership Program and began receiving holistic support. Chifundo eventually went on to earn a diploma in electrical and electronics engineering from Lilongwe Technical College with the support of COTN. It's because of this support that he is now able to have a job with ESCOM, Malawi's national electricity supplier, as a meter technician. What is really encouraging is that he is taking what he has been given and is giving back to the younger COTN children!
Google Training Children of the Nations uses Google for our mail platform as well as Google Drive, Calendar, and Hangouts for our various working collaborations on schedules, documents, conference calls, etc. Just a few of the Malawi staff have much knowledge or experience in getting full use out of these Google products so I've started holding some training sessions for them in this area. I'll also be doing some one-on-one follow-up help with some individuals who are in need of further training. It's going well so far and I am excited to see how this will help to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their work, especially when collaborating with their counterparts in the USA.
What are you feeding him?? We were so grateful to be able to spend the Christmas season in the US, see so many friends and family members, and were blessed by all the love everyone showered on Paul. Thanks so much! After five weeks though, it was good to get back home and into our routine. Shortly after returning, we held Paul's dedication ceremony at our church, trusting in God to help us care for and raise him, which when you think about it, is a huge task and we definitely need God's help with it!
As I get started on this newsletter, Paul is now 4 months old to the day. It's definitely true what they say about children growing faster than you can keep up! We're learning to enjoy each day and every milestone. He is so full of joy and constantly smiling-it's infectious! He is really living up to his middle-name, Kondwani, "Be Happy". Paul is trying hard at times to roll over and will probably achieve it any day now. He's gotten so big, we are constantly being asked, "What are you feeding him?!" Just mother's milk up to now! He's more than doubled his birth weight (19 1/2 lbs now!) and so pretty soon we'll start trying out some solid foods like bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.
Update: It's now a couple weeks since I started writing this newsletter and Paul is now 22 lbs, has rolled over a couple times and has started getting his first tastes of banana, avocado, and carrots!
For now Madalo has gone back to work part-time so that in combination with my ability to work from home a few days a week, someone is always home with Paul and our new nanny.
In other family news, Madalo has applied for a Master's of Science in Nursing program at the University of Malawi College of Nursing. We're not yet sure how it would work financially or with our schedules, etc. but we would appreciate your prayers as we will need to make some important decisions if she gets accepted.
As always, we really appreciate each one of you who takes the time to read our updates and pray faithfully for us. Feel free to share this newsletter with your friends and family as well so that we can add to the network of people in the COTN family!
Baby Paul as he transitions to solid food and will probably start teething soon.
Madalo as she applies for her Master's in Nursing program.
Malawi, which has now been ranked the poorest country in the world according to GDP per capita. Pray that the government institutes good policies that will help spur economic growth for the country.
Please feel free and be encouraged to share this newsletter with a friend or family member who may be interested in the work of Children of the Nations!
Chifundo is an example of one of our students who went through vocational training and is now fully 
As I get started on this newsletter, Paul is now 4 months old to the day. It's definitely true what they say about children growing faster than you can keep up! We're learning to enjoy each day and every milestone. He is so full of joy and constantly smiling-it's infectious! He is really living up to his middle-name, Kondwani, "Be Happy". Paul is trying hard at times to roll over and will probably achieve it any day now. He's gotten so big, we are constantly being asked, "What are you feeding him?!" Just mother's milk up to now! He's more than doubled his birth weight (19 1/2 lbs now!) and so pretty soon we'll start trying out some solid foods like bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.
