A letter from Paul and Darlene Heller in Malawi
January 2011
The Hellers.
OK, we admit it. We have been slacking off lately. Hiding out. Perfecting avoidance.
Truth is, we are suffering from short-timer syndrome. Our flight home leaves Malawi in 10 weeks and counting.
“Who is going to replace you?”
This is our most FAQ (frequently asked question). Our unflinchingly confident reply is: “the Malawian staff.” It is both humbling and comforting to know that the Mzuzu Crisis Nursery is prepared to do quite well without us, thank you very much.
Who are these faithful Malawian professionals?
Augustine Harawa.
Augustine Harawa has been the administrative assistant and financial secretary almost since the founding of the Nursery in 2006. He has a certificate in business from Mzuzu University. More importantly, his honesty and integrity are above reproach. In fact, he keeps us honest when we submit a voucher for reimbursement. His motto is: “No receipt, no reimbursement.” Augustine married Tawonga on December 26, 2009 and their daughter, Olivia Sandra, arrived on November 28, 2010. He is a true gentle-man who speaks softly and carries a big smile. We sometimes refer to him as St. Augustine.
Joyce Nyasulu.
Joyce Nyasulu became our nurse in February 2010. Joyce came to us with many years of experience working for other NGOs (nongovernmental organizations). She has a degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., as well as numerous certificates and certifications in Malawi. Her husband, Johanne, teaches in the Physics Department at Mzuzu University and they have four grown children. We hope that she will be willing to function as nurser/director for the Nursery.
The plan is to create a local “oversight committee” so that Joyce and Augustine will have a supportive structure right here in Mzuzu. This group will consist of three Malawians and two Westerners. Part of the plan is to create a separate Mzuzu Crisis Nursery account in the States to facilitate direct donations. All this should become clearer in the months ahead. We’ll keep you posted.
In the meantime, we try to stay focused. Above all we try to enjoy and give thanks for this privilege of living and working in Africa on behalf of God”s most vulnerable little ones.
There is always something new at our blog, Suffer the Little Children
We enjoy reading your comments. Thanks!
Paul and Darlene Heller
P.O. Box 395
Mzuzu, MALAWI
Phone: 011 265 088 428 1134
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, pp. 67 and 69
