Author's Note: First and foremost, if you have any hangups, you won't like this story, especially if those hangups involve incest, interracial sexuality, and/or bisexuality of any type. This story takes place in a universe where there are no STDs. Secondly, I wish to apologize to anyone offended by my portrayal of Malawi and its people and customs. I have taken very generous liberties with regard to customs and the general infrastructure of the country for the sake of the story. Comments are greatly appreciated.
Missionary Family
"We are so blessed to be given this opportunity to serve the Lord through Christ," Harriet Moore said as she intoned a prayer before lunch. "May He continue to bless each of us as we strive to do His work."
"Amen!" James Moore replied to finish his wife's prayer.
"Amen!" John, 23, and Mary, 22, added.
"There was a lot of interest in this mission," James explained as they ate. "I don't know why they picked us as opposed to some of the other fine families, but the Lord's Blessing has fallen upon us."
"I had no idea where Malawi was," Mary said. "I had to look it up."
"David Livingstone was the first European to discover Malawi," Harriet explained. "That's the Dr. Livingstone of Stanley & Livingstone fame. He thought it was a beautiful land and encouraged the British government to create settlements. It was part of the British crown territories for a long time."
"How do they feel about Christians and white people today?" John asked.
"The country is basically a Christian nation," James replied. "The Anglican church and our own Presbyterian church were very active early on. There is almost no racial strife. English is the primary language, though there are probably a dozen native dialects spoken."
"And we're going to be based in the town of Nkopola, very close to the border with Mozambique at the southern edge of Lake Malawi," Harriet added. "It should be very exciting. We'll have a wonderful opportunity to spread the word of Christ."
"I hope we can make some new friends," Mary said. "I'm going to miss mine."
"We're all going to miss friends," Harriet sympathized. "And we're going to have the opportunity to make new ones. I'm sure we'll have no trouble."
"How is it that there is this opening?" John asked.
"The last family that they sent had some difficulties adjusting," James replied. "Not every family is cut out to live in primitive, 3rd-world conditions."
"We've had some correspondence with other missionary families already," Harriet explained. "They've all pretty much said the same thing; if you truly believe in the Lord and his Word and Christ, His Son, and can adapt and accept that not all people do all things alike, then Malawi is a kind of heaven on earth."
"They advised us to keep a very open mind," James added, "and to trust in our faith in Christ."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Wow, it sure is warm here," Mary said when they deplaned into the sweltering tropical heat.
"I think we're not going to be able to wear a lot of the clothes that we've brought," Harriet said.
"This is like summer," John said, "and it's December."
"Oh, look at all of the colors!" Mary exclaimed. "It's so beautiful against their black skin."
"It looks sensible, too, for the weather," Harriet observed.
"Ah, there they are," James said, seeing a sign labeled MOORE waving from the small crowd awaiting the passengers.
"You must be James Moore," a large, florid-faced man said, a big smile on his face.
"I am indeed," James said, holding out his hand. "Are you Abel Hooker?"
"I am," Abel confirmed, "and this is my wife, Julie," he said, introducing the small, blonde woman next to him.
"Welcome to Malawi," Julie said, smiling as she held out her hand, her sea-green eyes sparkling. "We're so happy to have you here and I just know that you'll come to love Malawi as much as we."
"Thank you," Harriet said as they shook hands. "I'm Harriet, this is John and Mary."
"Let's get you to the house that's been prepared for you," Abel said. "Then we'll let you get settled in and rest a bit. We're having a community dinner in your honor tonight so that you'll get a chance to meet a large part of our community, plus all of the mission leaders."
"That sounds wonderful," Harriet said.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Oh, what a beautiful house!" Harriet exclaimed when she saw the colonial-era, colonnaded and balconied, 2-story home that was to be theirs.
"This house is over 125 years old," Julie explained. "It's very comfortable. Anything that's missing that you need, just let me know and I'll do what I can. Once you learn the ropes, you'll find that pretty much anything is available."
"This is Chabwera and his wife, Teleza," Abel said, introducing an ebony couple in their 50s. "Chabwera means 'he who has arrived at last', though you'll find that he is always on time, if not early. Teleza means 'slippery'. She lives up to her name, always finding ways of getting things done. They'll be in charge of the house for you. You just let them know what it is that you require and they'll make it happen."
"I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with the idea of servants," Harriet said after shaking hands with Chabwera and Teleza. "It seems contrary to the Lord's word."
"You shouldn't think of them as servants," Abel explained. "They're more like extended members of your family, just like you'll be extended members of theirs. Them helping you is part of their service to the Lord, just as you helping them to understand our Lord's Word is your service."
"Chabwera and Teleza will bring you to the community hall for dinner," Julie said. "We'll leave you to get settled in and see you then."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Oh, James, this is so beautiful!" Harriet exclaimed as they stood with their arms around each other's waist on the balcony of their bedroom overlooking the town of Nkopola and Lake Malawi beyond.
"It does seem like paradise," James concurred. "I'm really looking forward to this."
"Me, too," Harriet replied, "though I do have to admit to having had serious trepidations. I'm mostly worried for the children. I worry for them socially. They're at an age where they should be starting to look to their own future families."