Around the world...and back again!

Gateway Arch in St. Louis - Made it to the top

We are now 7 1/2 months into our African adventure, and we did not expect to be able to see friends and family for over a year, but as it turns out we have just returned from a trip back to the States.  Dawn's sister got married March 7th in St. Charles Missouri which brought us home for a visit.  It  was a welcomed rest from our lives in Malawi.

Kopp Family at Pike St. Market

The Russell Clan

As it turns out it was cheaper for us to have round trip tickets from Malawi to Seattle, and then buy round trip tickets from Seattle to St. Louis.  So even though it meant more airports, more time-zone changes, and more jet lag, we opted for the cost conscious travel option.  All-in-all we were able to see my family, Dawn's family (and extended family with the wedding), packed every night with dinners with friends, many lunches with other friends, and even the occasional breakfast with even more friends.  We filled our days with many activities: a day of skiing (though John had to hike up Mt. Rainer to do it), a hike in the rain, a family day at Pike Place Market, a game of ultimate frisbee, a road trip to Portland, worship at our home church in Seattle, listening to friend's preaching at the college ministry he now directs, participating  in a beautiful wedding, getting in a few good workouts, playing with babies that we had met for the first time, and seeing many kids that have grown up so much since we had last seen them.

John and JB on Mt. Rainer

Needless to say, we packed as much into our time as possible.  For those of you we were able to see, thank you so much for making time for us.  For those of you who we were not able to see, please know that you are still loved and remembered.  It often takes a trip like this to realize just how many friends and family we do have, and how blessed we are by that.

Heidi's Wedding

Grandma Lois and Baby Thea

We were able to spend a week in the St. Louis area with Dawn's family for Heidi's wedding.  It was such a joy to be a part of this wedding, and see my sister-in-law marry such a great guy.  Dawn and I were both asked to be a part of the wedding party.  I was a lowly groomsman, but Dawn was the maid-of-honor (and she looked hot!!!).  The wedding was held at this beautiful spot called the Conservatory that is right in the heart of the historic part of St. Charles.  The reception was right down the road at this great little Irish Pub where they were able to reserve the entire basement.  As Dawn and I talked about it after, we both thought that they were perfect places for Heidi and Nick.  Both places were fun, cozy, and had great character.  So fun to be a part of it.

Noah Watson

Riley and Isaac Gish

We loved being home and seeing so many people that we care deeply about and miss.  At the same time, we are reminded of how blessed we have been here in Malawi.  We have developed an incredible community, been blessed by a wonderful Bible study, and have had so many fun adventures together.  We also realize that we are headed into a huge transition in the next couple of months.  Almost all of our good friends here will be leaving in May or June.  Their one year commitment is quickly coming to an end, and it has made us very mindful of the fact that we still have another year here after they leave.  We know that the Lord has been so faithful to us in providing us with incredible community, and our hope and prayer is that He will do it again.  Please join us in that prayer.

Even though we are sad to know that so many friends will be leaving Malawi, we are encouraged by a good number of people who are going to come and visit.  Dawn's good friend, Amy Mott, will be coming for a visit in May.  Dawn's mom and dad will be coming in July.  My mom, dad, sister and possibly my "little spunky aunt" will be coming at the end of August.  And finally (unless more of you decide that you want a great excuse to visit Africa) my good friend Aaron is going to coming for a visit in October.  That is a lot to be thankful for, and we are!

Thank you all for your continued thoughts, prayers, financial support, and love.  As you know this adventure has had its share of challenges (we both had items stolen from our bags in Africa and finding the right car parts when our car broke down took weeks), but it has also had many more blessings.  We continue to be thankful the opportunity the Lord has given us to be here, and that we get the chance to do this together.  We have had so much more time together as a couple than we ever had in America.  And we still like each other!  Experiencing the struggles and joys of overseas life together and being able to turn to each other for support has been an incredible gift.  These memories will last a lifetime (or until at least until dementia hits).  We are thankful for your support and the way you are sharing in this experience with us.   God Bless.

John (and Dawn)

P.S.  We (especially Dawn) love mail.  Letters, cards, or small care packages give us so much joy.  (warning: expensive items may be stolen by postal officials) 
If you are in the mood, our address is:
Dawn Kopp
UNC Project
Private Bag A-104
Lilongwe, Malawi