Merry Christmas!

This time last year, we were saying, "This is the year we finally make the move to Africa!" But as you all know, 2018 was a year full of surprises for us. We've lost some close friends and almost lost Carly's dad. There's been a lot of sadness, a lot of delays in what we thought our plans were going to look like, but at the end of the day, this season of waiting and preparation has been exactly what we needed. Time with family has been an absolute gift, and Christopher Williams' lyrics "Be still, just for a moment, and let the world keep spinning without you" have continued to be a constant reminder for us in the middle of what can feel like an overwhelming season. So here we are, on the last day of 2018 and it is will full assurance and excitement that we can now say....MALAWI HERE WE COME!!

With less than a month left before we get on a plane, I thought we'd introduce you to the team we will be working alongside of. The picture above is the Blantyre Young Life staff team. They lead over 80 volunteers involved in ministry at 20 different schools across the city giving tens of thousands of high school students access to the gospel. From left to right, their names are Diana (Area Director), Faith Tembo (Regional Admin), JT (Staff Associate - top), Baby Zuhile Tembo (15 months), Zein Tembo (Associate Regional Director), Chloe (staff associate), and Manzi (Staff Associate). My role on the team will be Area Director of International Schools because currently, there is no Young Life presence and almost zero evangelical presence in those schools across the city. I can't tell you how excite we are to be jumping into ministry with this team! It's an incredible answer to prayer! To get a better picture of ministry across the entire country of Malawi, check out their main website by CLICKING HERE

In other exciting news, WE HAVE A HOUSE! The picture above is of the house we will be renting in Blantyre. Zein and Faith have friends who were looking to rent out their home, and after a few video chats and phone calls, we were thrilled to say YES! It's a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath Godsend! There are mango trees, banana trees, and mulberry's on the property. The landlord there also owns dairy cows and will to glad to keep us stocked up in fresh milk!! It's unreal the way the Lord has paved the way for us to Malawi, and even more unreal how He has put together a landing pad for us. So the only question left to ask is....When are you coming to see us? ;-)

Also, just because I promised I'd send the complete video at some point: here ya go :-) ESPN's 30 for 30 featuring Dr. Ironwoman - Carly Brady

Again, we can't express our gratitude for all of you. Your friendship, prayers, and support have given us the courage to keep taking small steps of obedience in the same direction. So thank you. Happy New Year, and come see us in Malawi :-) Until next time, Zack, Carly, and Ellie Jo