Life in Africa...

Life has calmed down since we arrived 3 weeks ago here in Malawi!  We have gotten used to the electricity going out.  We have gotten used to going nowhere except on campus (we haven't gotten a car yet) - side note- I can't believe how much we are in the car in America.  The girls have told me many times how glad they are that they don't have to go anywhere in the car since we have been here.

We have gotten used to the many people that show up at our door and we get to love and feed them!

Here are some snapshots of our little journey.  I realize I don't take pictures with my camera phone as I would with a real camera. I need to replace my stolen one.  Until then- please be patient...

This is Nya reading a book under her mosquito net in the dark

Analise in her bed as we go through another no electricity night

The girls with their chameleons Pascal and Rango

Luke cozy on mama's bed doing what he does best - sleeping during the day! Still working on the through the night thing!

The girls on their way to school!  They are so glad they get to scooter their way to school every day!

Luke hanging out with Mr Mwale!  Mr Mwale is going to teach him Chichewa - he tells me!

If you cant see the video...

If you can't see the video- go to www.stauffacherfamily.blogspot.com or click on the words The African rain in blue on the previous post.  Please continue to pray as this country is not at its best, the power went out 3 times today for over 8 hours!  It has been interesting; we just don't open the freezer or refrigerator!  We have a back up generator but there is no fuel to run it.  So we are living very simple!  Please also pray for Luke!  He is sleeping in weird hours so I am awake for most of the night!  It is getting very exhausting.  We are healthy and thankful to be right here right now!  We still haven't found a car.  If we did, it would be another prayer to find gas to run it.  Oh the simple things we take for grated!  My one friend found gas here but it cost $150 to fill up a small car!  Oh my!
Thanks for praying and loving us!  Love- the stauffy family

The african rain!

We are getting adjusted slowly!  Everyday we have these downpours and many times it is like this 2-3 times a day.  Here is a video of what it sounds like!

Coming home to our old "new" life!

Hello from the other side of the world.  Seriously!  It took us 3 planes, 28 hours and many times answering " how much longer mom?" and "haven’t we have been on this plane for forever!"  We arrived into Malawi full of nerves and excitement.  For the known and the unknown that was waiting for us!  As we got off the airplane- we could instantly smell the African Rains coming! (I think that should be the next Yankee candle – African Rain)   It poured! There is nothing like it!  It has been amazing to be back to where I feel like we just left yesterday, but really know that it has been a year and half!  Thank you all for your prayers and love emails and facebook connections! 

Things that have changed for us since we have arrived:

- The gas situation is at its worse here- People line up for gas in about a 2-mile line and wait for fuel!  Then there are about 300 people with cans trying to fill up. Sometimes it comes and sometimes it doesn’t, Bob waited all day yesterday for fuel (we are borrowing someone’s car while we look for one our selves). It never came.  We had a friend who was 8 cars away when they ran out of gas just yesterday.  So it really is causing simple things not to work.  For example- sugar is not on the store shelves because there is no gas to get it to the stores.

-Electricity outages are about everyday – from 1-2 hours to 12 hours a day.  We like it right now – but know that it will get old very soon.

-Riots have been occurring more – (there were never any riots when we left) due to the problems that come with lack of fuel and money.

- Our sweet dog Dolly that we had brought from San Diego has run off the campus where we live and has not been seen for the last nine days!  We are praying that she be found!

- Everything has gone up at least 1/3 of the price.  So if the poor were poor they are 1/3 poorer.  Amazing how much it has an effect on everyday living. 

-Making new friends.  We are getting to know the new missionary staff and 150 new college students!

- Bringing Luke to Malawi- In Chichewa his name is Luka.  He is a hit here and everyone is excited to meet him and hold him!

-Seeing the girls see things that they never saw before but were there all the time- for example- Nya can't believe all the dirt and bugs!  But they have been here all along!

Things that are the same!

-We are living in our same house!  So it feels so cozy to be in a familiar home setting!

-The smell of Africa- whether it is rains or it’s the earth over here – it is amazing!

- The girls feel very happy to feel things that are familiar!

-Weirdly that foreign foods are familiar tasting- for example- we were on the plane coming to South Africa and they had this beef stew that I really enjoyed- But I remember the first time I had it and was not my favorite!

- Hearing the muslim call to prayer starting around 4 am ( I am up with Luke) reminding me that I am in a foreign land.

-Seeing old friends that were former students at ABC or that are the upper classmen at the college or missionaries here.

-Fruits and vegetables are still so amazing tasting!

-The simplicity of life here!

-That God is still King of the Universe and we can put our hope and trust in him!

Thank you for praying and being apart of our journey!  Hopefully jet lag will calm down by this next week so we can feel like normal human beings!  Lots of love- all of the stauffy family

P.S.  By now you should of gotten your prayer magnets so you can remember to pray for us!  If you haven’t please email me at amystauffacher@yahoo.com and I will make sure you get one!

Below are some pictures-  Luke is mainly in these due to the girls are off doing adventures!

Luke meeting our dog Terra!

Luke hanging out with Owen, Richard and Bob

Luke being loved on by Funa!

Luke seeing a hedgehog for the first time with friends Marion and little steven (missionaries here at ABC)

Meeting Charles and Lewis- Seniors at the college

View from my front porch!  SO delicious!

Making homeade french fries!  I think it beats In n Out Fries!  

you know you are doing the right thing when everything is going wrong...

As we prepare to leave in 2 days- we are seeing some major spiritual warfare!  We are going to a place where many times it is not easy ( ie: lack of electricity, sometimes no water, gas shortages, exhaustion as we serve people, bad internet connections and many times when I want sour cream there is none at the stores)  but we are going because we are called.  It seems these last few days we are being attacked all sides- please keep us in your prayers.  When you answer God's call- that doesn't mean it will be easy- but it does mean you get to see Him working in all of the situations!  Sometimes it is easy to see Him and sometimes it is really hard to find Him in the middle of the chaos.

But He promises to never to leave or abandon us. 
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deut 31:8 


 So as we go into the last few days here- we are clinging to the hope in Christ and His promises!  
We leave this Friday night around 9pm and get into Malawi on Sunday afternoon- a 37 hour journey! 


 Thanks for loving and praying us! Love- all of us


Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Romans 5:3-4

Tina is here for Christmas...

We are enjoying our time with Tina as she is on school break.  She has done amazing as she is studying for her MBA in Spokane.  We are so blessed to have her in our lives!  

She is loving hanging out with Lukie!  They both are cuties!

We have 7 more days until we head onto a airplane for 37 hours!  We are all nervous and excited and sad and happy!  It is a huge emotional journey!   Thank you for your prayers and support!  We have seen God carry us in ways only He can do!

Love- all of us
P.S. Prayer magnets are being mailed this week!  If you don't think I have your address...
Please email me at amystauffacher@yahoo.com

Emotions....

In my head it is no big deal moving back to Africa. It seems easy and something I have done before.  I am not scared of the unknown because it is a familiar place that we call home also.   But when I lay it out in front of me - it is a huge deal.  When I talk with people about moving back to Africa- it is a big deal.  But for me I am finding it is more emotional than I realize.  Saying goodbye this time will be harder for me.  I feel way more connected here than ever before.  I don't know why it is that now.   This journey called saying goodbye "see you soon"  has me all over the place.  Please continue to pray for us as we are gearing up to go back to Africa.  I really think  it will be an emotional journey for all 5 of us.   Thank you so much for being apart our simple journey called life! 
 Love - amy for the family!

Luke at 2 months!

Our little Christmas tree!  Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

On our way back- 39 days from today! Woyee as they say in Malawi- Africa

Time is flying by!  We head back to Malawi very soon! The end of December!  

 Details are looming and deadlines are now very real!  Please keep us in your prayers!

Here is Luke with one of our dear friends and previous student from African Bible College named Blessings!  He was doing a internship here in San Diego and flew back early November to start a ministry back in Malawi!  What treat to share life on this side with him.  These are the students we are working with in Malawi- They have a vision to change their country- one village - one person at a time!  There are around 350 students and we know about half since we have left on home assignment and new classes have come in.  Wow- 350 students to love and share God's grace on!




How to pray for us-

• Malawi is a very poor country and the infrastructure of the government is not as good as ours! :)  Lack of fuel in the country, lack of regular electricity, and lack of water regularly ( we don't have the perfect one here in America- as we are 15 trillion dollars in debt ) :)

• We would get all the details done, ie: shots, passports, visa, packing, buying clothes for the next 3 years for a family of 5. :)

• We would be able to go back to the college and feel connected and plugged in.

• As the girls go back to their school that they would feel cozy!

• Traveling is going to be big!  at least 37 hours!  3 children now!  That it would be easy- how ever easy can be for that trip :)

• That God would give us the strength to say good bye- see you later- see you soon - 3 years to our friends and family!

• We would be able to have full financial support going back to serve in Malawi!

Thank you for loving, praying and supporting us!  Love all 5 of us! Bob, Amy, Nya, Analise and cute cute oh man he is cute (as the girls say) Luke




If you are interested in supporting us:

Please go to the following website:

 

https://africanbiblecolleges.net/EFT/?m=Bob_Stauffacher

or send it by mail:

African Bible College

Attn: Stauffacher Family

PO Box 103

Clinton, MS  39060

 

ABC Phone Number: 601-922-1962

Seven Weeks! and Ten Pounds ALREADY!

Countdown has begun in this African bound Stauffacher household. We have 7 weeks - (that is a month in half!) to go until we head to Malawi.  The details are starting to count now!  All little minutes that fly by are being used wisely or at least supposed to be. :)  (I am still craving my bed as we are up still in the night with feeding!)  

This was taken yesterday Nov 12th! He loves his dada!

Getting some serious Grandma loving!  

The other countdown has been- Luke - now he is 6 weeks old this coming Wednesday!  Time is flying by!  We have enjoyed every minute with him.  The common statements are- "can I hold him?"  And "mom , I can't stand it- He is so cute, He is cuter than ever."  These girls can't get enough of their baby brother!  Neither can we.  He has gained cute baby fat as he is up to 10 in half pounds already!  Oh I can't wait for those chuncky baby thighs!

We appreciate all your love, prayers and support!  Love the Stauffy family!

Simple papa love!

I love this- thought I would share it!  Dada and Luke!

Update for November

This may be a repeat for some!  Thanks for putting up with that!

Hi sweet friends and family!  Here we are on day 20 with our new baby Luke Robert!  He was born Oct 5th , 8 lbs 1 oz, 21 inches long, healthy and strong.  We are instantly in love- he is very addictive! As Analise says- "oh mama- i have the heebie jeebies"  , "why" I ask and she responds "because Luke is so cute I can't get enough of him."  It's so true- we can't get enough of him! Thank you for your prayers and love sent our way!    

We are getting very excited to head back to Malawi, Africa in about 2 months from now.  As we get back to serving at African Bible College, we will have 2 full classes- the freshman and sophmore classes to get to know.   That is over 180 students.  Each one has an amazing story and what a treat we get to hear and be apart of that.  As of now we are planning for our over 37 hour plane ride.  Oh yippee!  That will be interesting as we are adding Luke to the picture.  :) We would love your prayers in that.  As of now, we plan to leave at the end of December.  

Prayer Requests for the Month of November-

 - We have shots and paperwork to do before we head back to Africa!  One of those hurts and the other is time consuming!  That we      would get it all done.

- We are in the process of buying tickets.  God would provide the funds - as it is over $4000.00 to fly back to Malawi - so not cheap

- We are working on our visa to be missionaries in Malawi and that all will go well with that

- We would find Jesus real every day and that our family would be intentional in all that we do.

We are so thankful for-

-We have been so healthy and that we now have Luke joining us!

-We have had amazing family time and feel very refreshed

-We have seen God be faithful in so many areas of our lives!  We are growing, being challenged, and shaped daily!  

Thank you for being apart of our lives!  We are so grateful for this journey called life!  

Love- all of us - Bob, Amy, Nya, Analisey, and Luke!

P.S. I attached pictures of Luke and the girls- I took the one of Luke yesterday!  Sugar Bear!

If you would like to support us:

Please go to the following website:  https://africanbiblecolleges.net/EFT/?m=Bob_Stauffacher

or send it by mail:

African Bible College

Attn: Stauffacher Family

PO Box 103

Clinton, MS  39060

 

ABC Phone Number: 601-922-1962

A couple of videos of Luke!

He is growing so fast!  So this is for the baby lovers and grandmas!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbiApMLcqV0

Here he is working on something!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH9DmEmnos4


We are so blessed to have him!  We are waiting for his birth certificate so we can get his passport.  The next step to Africa!  We have about 74 days until we head back over there!  Thanks for loving and praying for us!
Love- the stauffy crew!

Baby Luke has arrived into the Stauffy Family...

Introducing Luke Robert Stauffacher , 8lbs 1oz, 21 inches long!  on October 5th!  2 weeks early

What a treat to share life with this little beepers.  He is a little peanut!  Thank you for all those who prayed and loved and were apart of this journey with us!  We couldn't do it without you!  

This is a grandparent video and for those who love those cute baby noises!  Love- us!

Loving the moments that I have right now...

I am so ready to be done cooking this baby boy!  What a treat to know that it is about 3 weeks away.  But today I am so reminded to enjoy these last few days that I have with my girls and by myself.  Soon I will be needed by a little helpless cute baby!  So I am deciding to love the right and now.  So funny how much I remind myself that I head to the future!  Well- we will keep you posted!  As for now I am off to finish the dishes.  That is what I got right here and now!

love- amy louise

Babies

Nya at 6 days old... She was 2 days early!

Analise at 4 days old- she was born at 35 weeks...

Baby Boy Stauffy at 35 weeks!

Amazing that Analise came out at 35 weeks and was healthy. For this baby boy stauffy we got 4 more weeks to go if all goes as planned. We are not promised anything, but we assume that we get it once it is our hands. Trusting that God for this journey. Loving (and not loving too) that I get to daily and moment by moment surrender my plans and look to His face for grace for today! Thank you for all who email me and tell me that you are praying for us. It has carried us in ways that - we won't even know! What a treasure to have amazing people like you going in the trenches for us. Love you for that! Love- all of us

Need information from you if you want to stay updated with these cute people

Hello sweet friends- As we head back to Malawi in about 3 months- I need to update our snail mail addresses. We will be sending out our new magnets and prayer info to you. If you have moved over the last 5 years, you want to confirm that I have the right address or you want to be on the list- please email me back or at amystauffacher@yahoo.com. Thanks- It will help stay in touch as we head over to Africa for another 3 years... :)

Love- Amy for the stauffy family

does this say it all?

This is not my favorite picture but I am at the feeling that "I am done" stage! This baby boy is about 5 weeks away from coming! We can't wait! I know that every pregnant mama feels the same thing at this point! I don't think I have any more space... Oh but he is going to get bigger. So we wait! :)

an Update on our little journey!

It is amazing how we live in the future- we meaning I. I got 8 weeks ish until this baby comes and 10 more weeks then off to Africa! I am planning and then organizing and doing! But really I got today! Right here - right now! What I am doing with that? Do I live in God's Grace for the right here and now? I find I am impatient with today and end up living out of my emotions wishing for the future instead of Today. Not fun when those are pregnant emotions! As we are continually humbled in this journey back to Malawi - I need to enjoy His Grace for today! These moments are what I have been given! As you can see we are still learning alot! Growth! Change and living in Grace! That is what is happening in our family!

We have settled into routine! After traveling for over 70 days over the summer it is nice to be bored! The girls have started school- Nya is in 4th and Analise is in 1st! We have settled into some apts that are for missionaries here in El Cajon, CA. They are lovely! We have started saving for plane tickets, car and future things that will be needed as we head back to African Bible College for the next 3 years. What a treat it is to know what we are going back to. When we headed the first time it was really overwhelming not knowing what was in store. But the unknown is gone and we all looking forward to returning to what is called home! Weird to say- but we have 2 places that we call home.

Please continue to pray for the health of the baby boy cooking in me (i am 32 weeks, for the girls as they get back to school, and for as we prepare to leave for Malawi, Africa- all the details will come together.

We are so thankful for those who have prayed, loved, shared a meal, lived life with us and supported us as we have been here on "home assignment". We love you for that! Love- the stauffachers- Bob, Amy, Nya, and baby boy!

The girls on their first day of school -4th and 1st grade! My sugar bears!

a cute picture of Nya and Analise when they were 4 years and 8 months old. Amazing how time flies!

quietly adjusting...

When our trip came to an end- we have been tremendously blessed to have a place to stay and friends to connect with. When we left San Diego for our trip- we had moved out of our house because we had it rented out before we knew that we were pregnant and were headed to Africa. (well- I not we are pregnant :) ) So we have settled into some missionary housing that is located really close to our lives here. It has been amazing. Easy to settle into. Our stuff now is in storage and the place we live now is furnished. It is really perfect for us. Thank you for praying for us as we traveled and settled into a bit of routine. The girls start school next Monday and am thankful for familiarity. They will go to the same school they went to last year and then in January will start school in Africa. :) They are sooo excited to go back to Africa, but I know it will be different than they left and there will be some adjustment time when they return.

10 more weeks until this baby boy is born ( still working on a name). It seems so fast and yet that is a bit a ways away. He is healthy and perfect size as I went to the doctor yesterday. I am still scheduled to have a C-section in mid Oct due to some complications. But I am so glad we are staying here to deliver with a doctor that delivered Analise. I can't believe that I am 30 weeks. The below picture was taken at 29 weeks with a friend at a wedding. ( so you can see that I am really pregnant. :) ) Thank you again for all your love and prayers! It has carried us in so many ways, we have seen God provide above and beyond through everyday life!

lots of love- the stauffy family!

almost 10,000 miles...

Hello from off the road - We did almost 10,000 miles ( i think it was 9863 ish) for about 69 days- We slept in 35 different beds- i tried to count... :) We got to see many sweet people and sadly missed some sweet people. I will post some pictures as soon as I can see straight! We have one week before the girls start school. We then start preparing for the that cute baby boy in Oct and moving to Malawi- 4 months flies by. We are excited to enjoy this scrumptious land called San Diego and the time we have here until we leave!

Lots of love- Amy Louise