One of the highest privileges I’ve received is that of serving as Pastor for the community of The First U.P. Church of Crafton Heights for the past 26 years. In 2010, this group granted me a four-month Sabbatical from my ministry for a time of recharging and renewal. In 2019, they extended that offer again – so I’ve got three months to wander, wonder, and join in life in a different way. The longest single time period that I’ll be away from Crafton Heights involves a visit to Africa – a place that has long been a source of renewal and inspiration for me. You can learn more about the relationship between Pittsburgh Presbytery and our partners in Malawi and South Sudan by visiting the Partnership Website.
I should actually write more, but I’m really bushed and we’re getting up in six hours. So here is a taste of our day today. Highlights included the second Youth Partnership Conference, held at Koche CCAP outside of Mangochi, as well as a trip on Lake Malawi in a small boat that allowed us to view the Lake Malawi Cichlids, swim, and view the African Fish Eagle (the national bird of Malawi).
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this is a huge post.
My day started with a solo walk, whereupon I encountered this Collared Sunbird – a first for me!
The Malawian presenter at the conference this morning was my old friend the Rev. Dennis Mulele. We first met in a famine relief effort in 2003 and he’s been one of my heroes ever since!
Eddie Willson was the Pittsburgh Presenter, and he got things moving in a hurry. Everyone agreed that this was a very energetic and inspirational conference!
Eddie had us mingle around until we found “elbow partners”. Even though I only have two elbows, somehow I wound up with 8 partners!
Small groups work through some of the challenges and possibilities faced by youth in Malawi and the USA.
Our day also included conversation in groups of three or four (or, in my case, nine!).
(Most of) the Malawian and Pittsburgh youth and leaders at the conference today.
Setting sail for an adventure!
Rayna soaking it all up!
Lake Malawi is remarkable for the more than 700 species of cichlids it contains. It is the fourth largest lake in the world in terms of volume.
Feeding the cichlids.
So why not swim with the cichlids?
An African Fish Eagle comes up with some dinner!
The ending of a beautiful day.
Cast Your Net 
Enjoy these post’s. 👍 talked to both mom’s at church Sunday. They seem to be holding up😊