Here I am sitting at my desk, it’s warm outside, the sky is blue and I haven’t seen rain for several weeks. It sounds much like Madagascar at this time of year and not a lot like N. Ireland. And yet, this scene is how it is here in N. Ireland.

In March 2020, I was in the process of printing boarding passes, just 12 hours before I was due to board the airport bus from Belfast to Dublin, when I heard that it was probably unwise to fly to Madagascar. A couple of phone calls later and the decision was made. My plans to return to Madagascar were postponed. I would not return until the threat of Coronavirus eased and the normal schedule of flights to Madagascar resumed.

Over one year later and I am still here. This was not the plan, not my plan. This wasn’t where I expected to be in July 2021. It is reassuring to know that God knew that this would happen and nothing about my situation caught Him by surprise. I am thankful that I have had a place to stay, thankful that I have been able to join in with my church services online and now in a socially distanced church congregation, thankful that I still have plenty of work to keep me occupied and thankful that the countryside where I am staying lends itself to a series of meandering walks where I can exercise.

I have been staying with my parents and will continue to do so until I am able to return to Madagascar. I have set up a small office in a spare room where I can work. I have had things to continue to work on which have included writing my dissertation which brings to a conclusion the Masters course I have been studying.

I had hoped to go to Mandritsara last year to visit the Tsimihety team, but travel restrictions due to the coronavirus put paid to that idea. When it is possible to return to Madagascar, I intend to pay them a long overdue visit. At the beginning of lockdown, I initially communicated with them by email which was a real test of my Malagasy writing skills, however now I can also meet with them on Zoom which is better by far! The team meets on Saturday mornings in small groups of three or four. I am so thankful to God for the support we receive from the community in Mandritsara and particularly those at the Good News Hospital where the team is permitted to use a room for their meetings. The Tsimihety team is a constant encouragement to me when I think of their enthusiasm, commitment and trust in God. How good it is to know that our God is steadfast and faithful even now, whilst the world is in turmoil.