Closing out 2012

I honestly didn't think anyone read this thing anymore...but apparently I was wrong. After 2+ years in Malawi I started moving out of all of the very interesting things about Malawi and  more into the "look at all of the fun things we do in Malawi"...which sort of felt like bragging.  Let's be real here.  Both B and I have full time jobs - more than full time jobs if you can classify them as such!  I suppose our mantra is to work hard and play hard (but you'd never believe the work hard part if the photos are any indication)!  Regardless, forgive me for not posting anything in the last 3 months.... and with that....here is what we've been up to since October...

A fancy restaurant opened in town.  We frequent it regularly (especially when former Malawi friends return for a visit)

We went to Kili....

And we hiked it!

..and got to watch the sunrise from the summit

(Proof that we made it to the summit - 5,895 m or 19,340 ft!)

Went to Rwanda for work (and got to meet up with some of my favorite people)

Saw a banana that looked like this

Returned to Swaziland and saw some awesome dancing (they're spinning verrrry fast)

Went to a fish market....

IN MAPUTO (and got to spend time with some other dear friends)

Found out we're moving to LIBERIA next summer (but we don't have a photo to prove it, so you'll just have to take my word for it)

Went back to Pumulani

...AND GOT ENGAGED! :-)

Got up close and personal with a hippo in Liwonde

Hosted the xmas party at our house

(and got to see Santa)

Had a classy "red lipstick" Christmas dinner...

...with some of Lilongwe's finest

Met him.

Hung out with these little monkeys...

...and this big one

witnessed Poi Poi trying to wink

spent time with both grandmas at once!

got some QT with my fave

relished the time we got to spend together

introduced B to the wonder that is Cleveland

and in return he introduced me to the wonder that is Minneapolis

Spent time with B's family at his home

and nearly got dunked in the snow

 So, that's about it.  

Talk about a whirlwind year!  A tough one professionally but an amazing one personally.  Here's to hoping that 2013 treats all of you with every bit of magic that you deserve. 

Lots of love from Malawi, B&L