Safely Back in Madagascar Again!

The view from our plane window as we flew 

 over Madagascar towards Antananarivo.

We arrived safe and sound in Madagascar yesterday (Wednesday) after a brief one-night stay in Johannesburg, South Africa. Tuesday evening was spent with a lovely South African family that we met last year when Abigail was on her exchange program. South Africans are such a warm and friendly people - we just love spending time with them. Thank you Ceri and Paul for your wonderful hospitality! 

When we arrived in Antananarivo yesterday, we were struck by how 'normal' it all felt. As we think back to our first visit and how overwhelmed we were by everything, it is amazing how far we have come. This now being our fifth visit, we are starting to feel like a part of us belongs in this place. The sights, the smells (not always pleasant), the people, the Malagasy way of life, are becoming increasingly familiar to us. We don't need much time to adjust anymore - we can jump right in, which is what we did. We spent the afternoon and evening reconnecting with our friends Caroline and Melanie at the Iris Ministries base. (Caroline is the base founder and director and Melanie is her intrepid assistant.) What a blessing it is to be with them again.

As we were sitting in Caroline's house, we saw again how beautiful this ministry is - and how their work never ends. Three Malagasy women dropped by to see Caroline. One of the women had a newborn who had a cleft lip. Because of the cleft lip, the baby could not breast feed and was badly malnourished. The mother was obviously fearful and desperate. As we watched Caroline and Melanie tenderly examine the baby, with its tiny arms and legs, Jesus' love was palpable. While we know that these moments are everyday occurrences for them, we were deeply moved. These Iris women truly love the little children - and give everything to care for them. Without hesitation, the mother and baby were invited to stay in one of the Iris houses and were promised care. How beautiful!

Melanie and Caroline examine the 

baby with the cleft lip. The baby's name

translated into English means 'to be loved'.

So, why are we here for this go-around? We believe that our primary call for this trip is to once again offer prayer ministry and pastoral support to the amazing Iris team, as well as to pray for any of the children they bring to us. Additionally, we have been invited to come and pray for the leaders and students at the local YWAM base, which we had the blessing of doing a couple of trips ago as well. In fact, one of the students we prayed for during that visit will be meeting with us this weekend. We also plan to visit the children in the garbage dumps when the Iris team goes on Fridays and help out with the Sunday worship services.   

Sadly, during this trip we will not be heading back down to the south. But given that Bishop Todd and Patsy McGregor are in the States, the timing would not have worked out for us to go. But we'll definitely be back down south on a future trip. We miss our friends there!

Since we have improved wifi at the guesthouse that is serving as our home for the next two weeks, we should be able to post more regularly than last trip. So be sure to check back for the latest posts. 

Blessings!

Bruce and Shay