Dear Family and Friends

Sorry that it has been so long since we have written all of you. We had a great trip to Malawi last week and are enjoying Luke’s father Drew’s visit these past two weeks. He leaves tomorrow and Luke’s mom and aunt come to visit next Tuesday for two weeks. The kids have loved playing with their uncle Noah and are catching up for the last 18months being apart. It is such a blessing to have family around again and we are so thankful that God has provided for us some tastes of home again.

Our trip to Malawi consisted of both ministry and pleasure. We drove about 12 hours to the small town of Ntcheu 2 hours outside the capital city of Lilongwe. We stayed for four days with fellow ACTION missionaries the Burns family. The Burns are the only missionaries (whites) in the town and villages surrounding. Those four days were filled with ministry such as handing out blankets and uniforms to 50 orphans and 50 widows, playing soccer and giving a gospel message and snack during half time, building cement pews in a new church, Drew preached on Sunday morning, and lastly the men visited the local prison and shared the Gospel with the inmates. Drew preached four times in the first two days. We warned him ahead of time that you always have to be ready to preach or share from your heart and now he can speak from experience. The kids had a great time playing with the local children and also the Burns three young adopted kids. They enjoyed eating goat for the first time and a lot of Nshima (the cornmeal staple that I have share about before). We had a wonderful time working alongside the Burns family and seeing what God is doing in Malawi. We look forward to continuing our visits each year!!

After the four days in the village, we headed 2 hours East to Lake Malawi. We had beautiful weather and enjoyed three days of beach, clear water and hot sun. It was a great time of relaxation and getting out of the normal swing of things in Lusaka. We headed home on Friday morning and thank God for safe travels and His angels protecting us on our voyage back into Zambia. Thank you all for your prayers. We will post pictures on our blog if you would like to see them.

Also many of you will remember my e-mails about my house helper Pauline and prayers for her safe pregnancy. Well, the week before we left for Malawi she gave birth to a baby girl (2 weeks early). It took her more than a week to name the baby but the name is Grace Gloria. We are going to visit her this week and I thank you for your prayers and thoughts toward her. She is like a part of our family since we see her everyday for most of the day. She is out of work for three months on maternity leave and we all miss her. Also you can pray for our guard Movetty as he lost his father and is in the village with his family. Death is so common here, but it still hurts just as much. So thank you for your prayers as they grieve.

Well, we are enjoying the break from school this month and will start the new year of school in July. We have just received new curriculum and the kids have actually missed school these past weeks. It is amazing how much children thrive on a routine. We are exited to start another year and dive into second grade with Macie and kindergarten with Emma. Payton also enjoys school for a short amount of time but loves playing outside with the dog and dirt. Tazi is growing so quickly and weighs just over 14lbs. She is almost four months already and just started on cereal this week. She is such a great baby and smiles and giggles all the time. It is cold and windy here but we enjoy having hot cider and hot chocolate from the states during these chilly months. We are looking forward to our visit to Livingston with Luke’s mom Chris and aunt Karen the end of June and all the fun with our visiting family. Thank you as always for your prayers and support. We love and miss you all so much and appreciate your e-mails and picture and keeping in touch. We look forward to sharing stories face to face on furlough the end of the year. Many blessings to each of you,

Elise for the Whitfield gang!!!

I am starting to do a craft each week with the ladies at my Bible study. I would love any simple ideas or craft materials. I am lacking in both areas. This would be a great opportunity for any woman’s groups or ministry to get involved!!!!! Thank for your help!!!! Please e-mail me!