Tionana Vincent!

"Tionana" is the Chichewa word for "We will see you again" -- the closest word to "Goodbye".  This past week we said our "tionana's" to Vincent - the man who has been the gardener here for the past 8 years at the house we're living in.  After the long season of "farewells" the Hanlons have been through over the past year as we prepared to come to the mission field, we were so thankful for the relationships God had waiting for us in both Vincent and Doris (our housekeeper).  It's been great getting to know them and learning about their lives. It was a wonderful surprise that God had for us as we were so focused on the relationships we would be building with students, staff, and in finding a church. 

Since the day Vincent told us he was leaving we have looked for ways to bless him as he goes.  We wanted to use the support so many of you provide to really tangibly impact his life for the road ahead.  God was faithful to bring a couple things to our attention and, by the faithful giving of so many, we were able to bless Vincent in some pretty neat ways. 

Vincent and his new rear tire

As I wrote in a blog a couple weeks ago, when Vincent's daughter fell into that deep pit, he had no way of getting back to her quickly because his rear bicycle tire was out.  The tube had been patched about 4 or 5 times but the bigger problem was the tire itself.  It was so threadbare that the tube didn't stand a chance.  For a little under 2000 Kwacha (about $12) we were able to bless Vincent with a new rear tire for his bike. 

When I arrived at Vincent's home to transport his daughter to the clinic, I noticed how his roof had several holes in it.  He is blessed to live in a home with a metal roof as most of the homes in his area have straw roofs.  He just didn't have enough money to be able to finish the job.  Knowing that he will be traveling a long distance to school and, most likely, will be leaving his family behind, we told Vincent we would like to purchase the remaining pieces of sheet metal so he could finish his roof in time for the rainy season (starting November or December).  Here is a picture of Vincent and his wife in front of their house with the new pieces in place and the overhang which he had always dreamed of being able to cover.  Altogether it came to about 13,000 Kwacha or the equivalent of about $75.  He was overjoyed (although it's hard to tell from the photo since Malawians don't typically smile in pictures unless compelled to). 

Vincent leading the line to start the feast (on Doris's command)

Finally, we thought it fitting to throw Vincent a little "tionana" party with his long time co-workers and friends here on the campus.  He has shared his life with these people for the past 8 years, we didn't want him to slip away unnoticed and unappreciated.  We decided on a traditional Malawian meal complete with chicken, nsima (the staple food), rice, greens, and cold Cokes (a real treat for them).  Sarah also made a chocolate cake which most had probably never had before.  We realized later that a meal like this was only had during Christmas time.

Finally, we had a time of short speeches where different people shared their love and appreciation for Vincent.  We also had some singing and a time of prayer together.  It was a wonderful event and Vincent was in awe of the special treatment.  He'll be heading down to Blantyre to try his hand at mechanic work.  We pray that it's a great opportunity for him and that God opens many doors for him in the future. 

Thank you for your partnership in allowing us to do things like this. 
I believe that one day, he'll express his own gratefulness to you in person. 
Because as Christians, it's never "goodbye" but always, "we will see you".