Veres Family in Malawi: A look back at our first year in Malawi...

Wow, it's kind of hard to believe that our family has been living and serving in Malawi for a year now! Where did the time go? Now to be honest, there were a lot of days that were slow but the weeks and the months just flew right by. We thought it would be fun to look back at our first year of living overseas.

We arrived with our 8 pieces of luggage and our 8 1/2 month old October 14, 2014. Not long after arrival we were learning how to drive stick shift (I, Lily still don't drive...it is a big source of anxiety for me!), having language lessons every morning, and learning how to live in a very warm climate. Not only that but we also were adjusting to sleeping under mosquito nets (just Hudson actually...), taking anti-malarial medications and drinking filtered water...never from the tap.

It's funny how over time you forget that these things aren't "normal" for your family and friends back home because now they are our "normal".

We've learned what patience is on a whole new level living here. Most days simple tasks seem to take longer and running errands is hardly ever quick and easy. Living life with frequent interruptions to power makes you really appreciate electricity when you have it. Slow/ poor internet connections can cause frustrations especially when trying to talk with friends and family back home. (side note... Thank you for your patience and understanding over the past year with dropped calls and delayed response time in conversation).

We've watched our first born grown up from a baby to a very smart toddler who challenges us daily but is so easy to love. We have also added another baby to our family and experienced healthcare in a developing country. Our family spent a month apart as I, Lily, went to South Africa with Hudson by myself at 34 weeks pregnant to await the arrival of our little G.

We have seen the Lord use Joseph's students and their education to bring many to the Lord and to work the harvest with very few laborers. Joseph has learned how to write and prepare his lessons. How to connect with his students and work hard to teach them in a manner that they will learn well. He has had to change methods and get creative to connect with the students.

I have been learning what it is like to be a stay at home mom...and it is a hard job! I have felt isolation this past year and sadness because of it. I have learned that true Joy comes from the Lord and not our circumstances. I have had to go out of my comfort zone and participate in things I wouldn't normally do in order to battle against feelings of isolation and loneliness. I have also had great times of devotion and prayer with the Lord in my times of weakness.

We have learned that family isn't just your blood relatives. We have rejoiced and struggled along side of our teammates here. We have enjoyed their company and their friendships. Without our mission family our first year here would have been so very different. We are so thankful to the Lord that we have teammates that live so close that we can have community with.

Looking back at this past year I would say things have turned out so much differently than how I imagined our lives would be. I would be lying if I said there were days when I didn't want to throw in the towel and just go home. I would by lying if i said I had never asked the Lord for a way back to the States. But then I think about how much He has taught us about Himself and ourselves this past year and I know that He has had us here for a reason and we are so lucky to be living this life. Being a missionary has been so hard in many ways, but I know that my love for my Savior is greater today than it was a year ago and for that, I am so grateful we came.