A letter from Rochelle and Tyler Holm serving in Malawi
Fall 2014 - Family
Mbali versus vabali.
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Tyler, Rochelle and Mphatso Holm with Mrs. Ruth Nyondo and Rev Dr. Levi Nyondo General Secretary of CCAP Synod of Livingstonia
These words almost sound the same in the local language of Chitumbuka. The irony of this is mbali means dinner plate and vabali means family, and sharing family meals is a strong part of the Malawi culture. We often have people, sometimes lots of people (!), over at our home. Eating is always an event and a time to share with others. The idea of grabbing a quick bite or especially eating at your desk while you continue working through the day is very foreign. Whether sharing tea with colleagues and their families or hosting visitors passing through Mzuzu, a shared meal makes an extended family.
As we approach our two-year mark in Malawi, more than ever we are made to feel part of the family of the Church of Central African Presbyterian Synod of Livingstonia and the global church through our Presbyterian World Mission service. As maybe with any new professional position, our first year in Malawi was really spent listening and learning. We are still have lots of listening and learning to do, but recently we are beginning to feel much better settled into our positions so that we can work more effectively.
The University of Livingstonia has just started a new academic year and term. This starts the first year the Ekwendeni campus has had a Social Science program alongside Theology. The campus continues to grow with new faculty and staff members. We are very happy that nine new Theology students have enrolled in their first year for the bachelor's program, in which students are studying to be ministers in the Church of Central African Presbyterian. Evangelism is one of the Critical Global Initiatives of Presbyterian World Mission, working in partnership here with the Church of Central African Presbyterian in Malawi.
This will be the first intake that all students will have as they continue on to a bachelor's (a four-year program). In the past many students have ended their studies after three years, having earned a diploma. This greater level of training will make them better prepared to serve their congregations in the increasingly complex society. This new academic year is also an encouraging beginning as this is a rare year in which all students starting their third year have already qualified academically to continue for their bachelor's. As they began their studies for a diploma, most only secured funding for three years. Scholarships for these students' fourth year are desperately needed.
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Rochelle working alongside Mzuzu University colleagues conducting research in the rural area near Kasungu, Malawi
The Mzuzu University Centre of Excellence in Water and Sanitation has been equally busy. The graduate students in the Sanitation program have just restarted their studies after a two-month “winter” break. It is good to have them back around the office. In late August we hosted academics, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector at a one-day international Fecal Sludge Management Conference (aka how to safely and effectively empty a local pit latrine) held at Mzuzu University. There were 26 people in total, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), North Carolina State University (U.S.A), the University of Malawi (Blantyre), and our Mzuzu University team. This conference provided a good networking opportunity for our graduate students and gave each of them long to-do lists of ideas to improve and expand their own research. As we wrap up the first year graduate studies of this new program, we are busy planning the next group of students to ensure that this is a continuing program and providing leaders to champion improved sanitation in Malawi.
We also have some exciting news from our family to share. Mphatso Natalie Holm was born on November 15, 2013, and joined our family first as a foster placement on December 24, 2013. Mphatso means "gift," and she truly is the most wonderful gift. We thank God for navigation of the adoption process and are pleased we now have a Malawian adoption order. We look forward to a lifetime together as a family.
Our family is excited for our 2015 plans. As of now, our plan is to return to the States for a period of time in late 2015. We hope to visit family, and many of you, during our time back. We are then planning to return to Malawi and are prayerful for the renewal of our service through Presbyterian World Mission. Thank you for your continued support, which allows us this opportunity to serve His Plan in Malawi. Please keep this in mind and let us know if you would like us to visit your church or presbytery while we are back in the States.
Tyler and Rochelle
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 143
Read more about Rochelle and Tyler Holm's ministry
Write to Rochelle Holm (rochelle.holm@pcusa.org)
Write to Tyler Holm (tyler.holm@pcusa.org)
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