Happy Independence Day!

July 1: Canada Day
July 4: USA Independence Day
July 6: Malawi Independence Day

Malawi celebrated its 45th year of independence from British colonial rule on July 6. A lady at church said, "Malawi is celebrating its independence from the British, which is me, and I feel like I should go into hiding for the day or something. (Me, I just went for a big hike up Zomba Plateau straight from our house -- some magnificent views of the country from up there!)

Here in Zomba things went on pretty much as usual but the country had a big celebration in Blantyre, where they packed out the stadium. The independence anniversary celebrations were held under the theme, “From poverty to prosperity”. In his speech, the president, Dr Wa Mutharika, said Malawi has come a long way but more still needs to be done. And the new national budget that was announced at the same time seems to reflect some of those things that are needed. Let's pray that God will raise Malawi out of poverty and that Malawi will take care of the resources (especially the soil) that God has given them.