The Goin' Owens

One thing I really enjoy about living here is the many beautiful fabrics that are designed and printed in Malawi and around the continent of Africa! I set out to make a quilt/duvet for our bed, but ended up making duvets for the kids first, as they caught the excitement.

A wildlife theme was first up.  He wanted a “Malawi quilt” including the Chambo fish from Lake Malawi, the Big Five (elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, and leopard) and, since we had some great zebra fabric, that too! [Read more…] about Playing with fabric

Ever since Jonathan and I started rubbing shoulders with the BIC church crowd, we’ve heard of this epic place called Macha Hospital. The stories we heard of the doctors, nurses, researchers and missionaries were filled with hope, success and, yes, realism. Even though Malawi is just a country away from Zambia, it is not a simple journey to get there! We were delighted when our team began discussion a pitstop and overnight at Macha on our trip to retreat this year. Finally, we were able to see where some of our coworkers have labored over 40 years in medical ministry and research. [Read more…] about Macha Hosptial

Visiting Victoria Falls is a “once in a lifetime” experience — or so we thought!

Two years ago we were able to see the falls from the Zimbabwe side, which was an incredible experience! This year we were able to see the falls from the Zambian side which was simply a cherry on top. What a gift to see, feel, even taste God’s beautiful creation! [Read more…] about Victoria Falls

One highlight of retreat was the final “free” day where each person/family could choose what to do. Some sat by the pool and read, some when hiking in the gorge etched in the rock by Victoria Falls, some went bungee jumping (ok, just one did) and some went on safari in Botswana! Although all these activities (well, except the bungee jumping) would be wonderful, we were able to go on safari at Chobe National Park, thanks to some generous friends! If you know our son and daughter much, you know that they LOVE animals and nature, so this was a highlight!

[Read more…] about Chobe Safari

My children have found a new favorite past time — chicken chasing!
This morning, as we were going about our regular homeschooling in the living room, we heard what has become a familiar sound — that of a chicken squawking in our yard, attempting to find a way out. We often hear chickens, specifically roosters crowing, all day long, but we have learned to distinguish whether or not it is coming from our yard.

We do not have chickens in our yard…we have a dog.  A dog who intends to protect her territory! So, when we hear the squawks of a chicken in distress, who curiously flew over our grass fence and into our yard, we drop everything (literally) and race outside to chase it out the gate or over the fence before our dog gets to it! [Read more…] about Chicken chasing

Thought you might like these pictures of some crawly friends we’ve found around.

We have found many Praying Mantis in our garden this year. This is a female (large and green). We’ve also seen countless males (much smaller and brown). The kids enjoy holding them and carrying them around. [Read more…] about Garden Creatures