Leanna in Malawi

01/09/2026

I see that the last time I wrote a blog was when I was still going for prenatal checkups! Since then, a lot of big things have happened! I've detailed the last few months in my last blog, but also wanted to take some time to say THANK YOU.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your support. For your prayers. For your donations. Your emails. Support shows up in many ways. So thank you too for following along. Finally, if you’re in the area we’d like to invite you to a Welcome Home party. Please see the invitation for details and know that we would LOVE to see you.
Greetings from the Taibu Family.

12/04/2025

LONG OVERDUE UPDATE

First of all, we are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of our precious daughter, Janelle Taibu on October 24th, 2025. We thank God above for a safe and normal delivery and for making everything with mom and baby go smoothly up until now. This first month with her has been absolutely precious.

Secondly, as we are making plans to round off my 3 year term here in Malawi, we are beginning to say our goodbyes. Lord willing, it is our plan to be back in Canada by mid December. We said our goodbyes to the children and all colleagues at Stephanos on November 24th. As usual, it was bittersweet. Saying goodbye is never easy. While we are looking forward to all that is awaiting us in Canada, this place and these people have become home. The mother's at Stephanos were thrilled to meet Janelle and the children showed openly their curiosity. There were precious moments of farewell closing off this chapter of life. We will definitely miss all those who have become like family, all those who have shared their wisdom and all those who have supported us through all the life changes we've walked through in these past 3 years.

Most of all, we thank God for the opportunities He has given us, for His unconditional guidance and everlasting faithfulness. God is the same everywhere!

11/10/2025

09/04/2025

New Blog and Baby News!

The new Blog is up, and all about my latest doctor's visit.
Both Mom and Baby Taibu are doing well and we are looking forward to meeting our little one in October, Lord willing.

07/30/2025

Today's work: taking photos of new children who are being taken into the program. While waiting for a few others to show up, they were singing for us.

There is also one group that always cooks lunch for us without fail. Today's was delicious! A choice of nsima and rice with sides of scrambled eggs in tomato 'soup', local chicken 😋, and vegetables.

07/25/2025

Today's work - children ready to be taken into the Stephanos programs, to start school in September.

I'm just trying to photograph them before everyone scatters far and wide for summer holidays (children often go to stay with an aunt and uncle, or other family member during summer break... so its really difficult to get them to meet and do programs with them while school is not in session.

Primary school is finished this week here in Malawi 🎒

04/21/2025

Easter Monday's task...
There is gorgeous sunshine for the first time in 3 days! Over the long weekend, both ESCOM (electricity company) and Blantyre Water Board are doing maintenance, which means we have had 3 full days now without running water and stretches of 9-12 hours daily without electricity. Which means no washing machine. So, now there's no choice but to find another way 💪🏼
Thankfully, within our compound, there is a bore hole, so we do have a plentiful supply of water!