28 February 2009

Dear Friends of the University of Livingstonia:

Greetings from Washington State, U.S.A. where we hear spring is just around the corner although we had snow two nights ago!  We are writing to share with you news of our upcoming “retirement” from active volunteer service in Malawi, Africa.  Professor J. David Rubadiri, Chairman of the Unilia Board of Trustees, recently communicated to us that our request for retirement effective 30 June 2009 from our positions at the University of Livingstonia has been accepted.  We have begun a transition period. 

The past seven years have been exciting and challenging.  We marvel at all that has been accomplished since 2002 when we were asked by the Synod of Livingstonia to assume the roles of Vice Chancellor and Director of University Relations.  It has been a rare privilege for us to help Malawians realize their 100+ year dream of establishing a Christian university in Malawi at Livingstonia.  The Providence of God and commitment of so many in Malawi and around the world have made Unilia what it is today.  Students, faculty and staff at all 5 constituent colleges are to be commended for their hard work and faithfulness to the development of Unilia.

Since 2002, over 200 short and long term expatriate volunteers with whom we have worked have contributed thousands of hours of dedicated service.  In addition, through the University of Livingstonia Foundation, countless donors have supported both Unilia and Livingstonia community development programs.  Many, many more have added encouragement through prayer and by making it possible for us to spend months at a time away from our Chehalis home without worry.  Our families have graciously accepted and supported our absence while our grandchildren have grown up without us (they have a habit of doing that!).  

All involved have believed that a viable system of higher education in Malawi is an effective way to move forward the nation of Malawi.  This common motivation and concentration on development of the University of Livingstonia has made progress possible.  With grateful hearts, we thank every one – you among them.

We plan to return to Malawi for a few weeks later this year to bid “farewell” to many of our friends and colleagues there.  Meanwhile, we wanted to share our plans with you and to let you know how much your support and encouragement have meant to us as we complete these years of service with the university. 

Our work on behalf of Malawi will continue at home through our church’s Malawi Support Team which began our 11 year relationship with the Synod of Livingstonia.  We will participate on our Presbytery’s Malawi Task Force which has established a partnership with the Synod of Livingstonia to “nurture Christian relationships and help develop the University of Livingstonia.”

God has abundantly blessed us through our efforts on behalf of Malawians.   Many fond memories remind us how our lives have been enriched by working with a myriad of people focused on helping Malawians build better lives for themselves and a better future for their nation.  We pray you will join us in continuing support of this most worthy project and in extending best wishes to those who will provide leadership for Unilia in the future. 

Gratefully,

Henry and Jenny Kirk