The Nursery

We have been away from the nursery for 4 years.  We left in September 2007 and the staff ran the nursery until the Hellers arrived in August 2008.  Paul and Darlene left in March 2011 and the staff along with a new Malawian director have been running the nursery since then. 
We have been amazed at this place since we have arrived.  The staff has been good stewards of what has been entrusted to them.  The nursery is housed in our old home here and we left all our furnishings and all the other supplies that we purchased to run the nursery.  Much has been purchased and added but there are many things that are still here from what we bought.  We left a boom box and some CD's and never assumed it would still be here and working but it is.  Much of the pots and utensils are still here.  To some of you that may not seem like much, but it is huge here in Malawi.  Things have a way of walking off here.  The staff here is truly amazing.
For those who have supported the nursery I can tell you that your support has been used wisely.  If you haven't supported the nursery I would suggest that you should as you can trust the staff to use it as wise stewards.

The First Two Babies

After opening the nursery in 2006, our first baby was Mphatso and the second was Bridget.  We are now in Malawi and we visited Mphatso and his adoptive parents.  He was quite shy and ignored us but did play with Bridget and Alina.  It was so wonderful to see him and the relationship he has with his parents.  These two beautiful children just reinforce the need for these nurseries.  Two children that would have died but now have families and an opportunity to live and hopefully someday serve the Lord who saved them.



Where in the World Are the Hellers?

Where are the Hellers? We have not posted a blog for a few months now and are feeling guilty. Our 3 year term as Presbyterian Church USA mission co-workers officially ends July 7th. The last 3 months of our time is being spent in the US speaking at different churches about Presbyterian Church USA World Mission and our involvement at the Mzuzu Crisis Nursery. So we have been running all over the country much to the detriment of our blog site.

Arriving back in the States on April 2 we have had joyous reunions with our children and grandchildren. The latest little Heller (Amina),who arrived on March 11, has stolen our hearts. What sheer joy!! We are also savoring the fabulous variety of food available in the U.S., the drinkable tap water, the dependable power supply, the paved roads, etc. “Gee it’s good to be back home again.”

Thankfully, life at the nursery continues. Our capable and competent staff is faithfully carrying on the Nursery mission. Joyce Nyasulu (our Howard University trained Nurse) has taken on the responsibility of Director, while Augustine Harawa (our dedicated/honest-as-the-day-is-long Administrator) continues to oversee the budget and other administrative details. We could not be more confident and proud of their work.

Nevertheless, the Malawian staff still needs our help (and yours). Hopefully our speaking engagements will be a big part of the Nursery's financial future. We are spreading the word that the Nursery needs ongoing funding to continue its mission. For now,the Presbytery of Northern NY (see address at right)is where to send donations if you are inclined to do so.

We have grown very attached to the staff and babies at the Nursery. Life is never easy and always a challenge. Malawi seems to have more than its share of such challenges. But our faithful staff forges ahead in spite of sometimes seemingly insurmountable problems. They are an inspiration.

So we hold up our Malawi friends as an example to follow in our life here. Keep going, follow God, and be thankful.

(P.S. While you may hear from us again, note that the Langdons, who started the nursery, have added a few blogs and we trust that Augustine will continue to keep us all posted.)