I awoke to the morning sounds of roosters crowing and birds singing. An open window with screens lets the breeze in and keeps the mosquitos out. It’s very different to wake up under a mosquito net, and at 5:00 the rising sun is so bright…

… that I wish I had worn my eye mask to bed–only, last night when I went to bed it was pitch black and I couldn’t see anything except the stars illuminating the night sky.

First Madagascar lesson: Go to bed early and get up early.  It’s cooler in the morning, and since I’m a coffee drinker, it’s nice to be able to drink some before the sweating starts.

Second lesson: Learn how to make coffee in a coffee press!  Electricity is sporadic here, so with a gas stove we can boil water… a lifesaver when the power is out.

After four days of travel, we are finally here, and in all of my excitement to see my kids, I almost forgot to savor the moment of MADAGASCAR.

Madagascar, with all of its sounds and sights and smells.  French and Malagasy speaking, curious and helpful, these are a kind, beautiful people with hopes and dreams, joy and sorrow just like me.  Unlike me, I am travelling the world, while many of them have never even left their own little corner of the world.  Children with dirty, ragged clothing and big smiles.

I am reading a devotion about peace as I hear the sounds of Tulear awaken–trucks and motorbikes, children crying, dogs barking, and voices in a strange language…

… and I’m reminded of Revelation 7:9

After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hands.

… and I am excited to meet these people that God has called my children to.

My first impression is a memorable one, and I have a feeling that I will fall in love with this place and the people that God loves so much that He sent His Son to die for.

~~Vickie @Madagascar 2014