This Is Not Just Like Malawi
Self-awareness is a gift. Not to each of us, but to those around us. A cross-cultural experience, even a short one, can often boost our self-awareness. But only if we let it. Too often, though, we settle for the performance of reflection rather than the real thing. We come back with polished phrases about what […]
What Malawi Taught Me About Time, Trust and the Pace of Life
She shuffled off down the hall leading to the consultation room. Not slow, but definitely not rushed. The nurse is the gatekeeper to all healthcare. You cannot proceed in the hospital without her knowing your temperature, blood pressure, height and weight. With my statistics in hand, she sets an unambitious pace. Just fast enough. Few […]
Counting Strength, Not Setbacks: Notes from a Fast-Moving Season
Those who’ve followed our blogs might have noticed that I like to structure my writing around a metaphor or theme. Sharing family updates alongside ministry activities and often difficult national or local news takes a degree of careful weaving to avoid being trite or insensitive. But themes of seasons, growth, patience often emerge when putting […]
Goodbyes and God’s Grace: Our Final Season in Malawi
I’ve been seeing familiar things a little differently these last few weeks. Seeing the spontaneity of dance among the children at school open days, recognising the wide community of friends we have, taking in the eclectic names of roadside coffin shops, and, this morning, feeling that cool wind that comes ahead of the rain sitting […]
Seasons Change, So Do We
Reflections on life and faith in Malawi during a year of political change, cultural adaptation, church growth, and family transitions. Learning how God shapes us through change.
Glimpses of the Garden and the City
From Zambia’s wildlife and worship to leadership training and tree-planting in Malawi, this blog reflects on faith, family, and formation. Discover how glimpses of God’s garden and city inspire hope, purpose, and action in challenging times—through the Emerging Leaders Programme, environmental care, and life together in mission.
Stamped Foreign: Travel, Aid, and the Politics of Borders
I’m wondering how I got to be almost 40 years old and have never crossed a land border between countries. We didn’t do international holidays as a family. The United Kingdom is a cluster of islands, so I’ve crossed borders by air and sea. So, I guess the answer is self-explanatory. This week, however, I […]
New Year, Same Challenges – But New Mercies Every Morning
As 2025 begins, familiar challenges persist in Malawi, but God’s mercies remain new every morning. Reflecting on faith, leadership, and daily provision, we find hope amidst uncertainty. Read more.
From Scotland to Malawi: Reflections on Faith, Fuel, and Fellowship
Greetings from Mzuzu! We have just returned from a busy but fruitful deputation trip to Scotland. From a base in Edinburgh, we travelled across South West and Forth Valley and Clydesdale Presbyteries. Our previous attempts at deputation tours were heavily impacted by COVID and then by presbytery changes. From Largs to Dumfries and Strathaven to […]
From Scotland to Malawi and Back Again: Celebrations, Reflections and Connections
We’ll be on Scottish soil by the time you read this. We look forward to spending time withfamily and friends and connecting with congregations. I’ll summarise the dates and events at theend of the letter, and I hope we’ll see you there. The last few months have gone by in a bit of a blur, […]