Cultural Differences

I have been exposed to many different cultures and lifestyles in the past 5 months. Malawi culture, obviously, but also Hindu and Muslim and a few others. Two nights ago we were asked by our coordinator here if we wanted to go to a Muslim wedding reception. We jumped at the chance. We've gone to Muslim's home for Eid earlier in the year so we are aware of huge parts of their culture but this was all new. We got dressed up in our nicest clothes we have here and headed off. The invitation told us to be there at 7:30 sharp. Like all of Africa and most Indian and Arab culture, time is a lose term. We were the first ones to arrive, people didn't start showing up until 8:30. Woman after woman walked through the door, dressed amazingly( it felt like we were at a fashion show) all in their beautiful Saris and dresses, we felt very under dressed. We all sat and waited some more. We waited a total of 2 hours until the bride and groom showed up. They were truly beautiful, dressed in rich colors and perfect fabrics. As soon as they sat down it became a feeding frenzy. Everyone dashed for the buffet tables and scooped up as much Indian food as they could. In typical Indian style there are no silverware so its all with the hands, it can get quite messy. After 20 minutes of consuming food we noticed the room had grown more empty. Apparently Muslim wedding receptions are all about the food. You sit and wait until the wedding party graces you with their presence and then the food is shoveled in and away you go. A true example of eat and run.

Adventures in Zambia- Merry Christmas

The past 8 days have been filled with many hours of driving and hours of exploration and adventures. Last Friday we loaded up a little Toyota Sprinter(Sputnik) and pulled out of Blantyre, heading for the Zambian border. We crossed through the Malawi countryside, through the Zambian jungle and cities, all to reach Livingstone. The home of the great Zambezi river and Victoria Falls. Here are a few stories and adventures we encountered that I wrote on the way.

Malawi- Zambia Border: Dec 17

We made it! Its official, we are now in Zambia. The border crossing was slightly confusing and frustrating but not as bad as we thought. We pulled into the Malawi gate and parked out little Sputnik car, at the gate. The officers kept telling us we needed a gate pass, but not how to get it. We were finally directed to the right office and began filling out the exit papers. Since we’ve been here for 5 months our tourist visas have expired and our temporary work visas have been in processing since October. We were given receipts and letters from the immigration office explaining that our TEP’s were processing, so we could leave the country. The immigration officer at the border was so ignorant and irritating. He kept telling us that we didn’t know what a receipt was and that we didn’t have the right papers to cross. He refused to call our immigration worker that gave us the papers and refused to read the letter that had his boss’ signature on it. I finally slide him my receipt and he accepted it for both of us. Such a joke!

Zambia-Victoria Falls: Dec 19

Today I accomplished something that many may dream about but never get a chance to do. We not only saw Victoria Falls, but swam at the edge of the several hundred foot drop. We pulled into the park and were met by beware of baboon signs and the thunder of the falls. The mist ripples through the trees. The fact that you’re are so close to all that natural power and wonder is amazing. Since its December the water level is decently low and clear. Even though the falls is not at its full potential it is still so majestically beautiful. I can’t even imagine David Livingstone’s thoughts and excitement when he found such an incredible piece of nature for the first time.

We hired a guide to take us to the top of the falls and to swim in Devil’s Pool. He showed us the different parts of the falls. The whole length of the falls is 1.7 km , 1 km is on the Zambian side and 700 m is in Zimbabwe. We hiked across the whole length on the Zambian side. We walked 200 meters on a 3 inch dam across the Zambezi River. We walked hand in hand crossing the Zambezi river right above the mighty falls. It was incredible. We finally reached Livingstone Island, in the middle of the falls. We reached the main falls and was told by our guide to just jump out in the river and let the current push us to the edge. Um wait, what? Let the current push us to the edge, doesn’t exactly sound like the safest plan. But like blundering tourists we followed our guide, jumping into Devil’s Pool. In fact the current was not very strong and we just slowly floated to the 3 foot thick cliff separating us from the 300 foot shortcut to the Indian ocean. Just another day in Africa. J

Zambia-Victoria Falls: Dec 20

Swim the Zambezi- P

Swim with crocodiles-P

Raft class 5 rapids- P

Didn’t flip while rafting the Zambezi- P

The last 12 hours have been a full time adrenaline rush. We woke up early and hopped on a safari truck from our hostel. We were joined by 3 other brave souls, out in the search of big holes, fast water, and surprisingly crocodiles. We met the rest of the people willing to risk their lives, and the crew who was willing to extract money from those that are crazy enough to risk their lives. After getting a run down of safety and other important information, we headed down to the “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (Victoria Falls) to hop on the Zambezi river and begin our adventure. Pathetically it took us 5 tries to paddle into the first rapid ( we had to enter half way through it) but we made it and the adrenaline continued for the next 8 hours and 30 km of river. The rafts with us each took turns flipping or dumping out passengers in various rapids, ours however conquered all. We did flip one person out, get stalled for a couple minutes in a hole, and flip completely vertical; but we never flipped. The great Zambezi, like most rivers in Africa, are known for crocodiles. This fact did not cross our minds until towards the end of the trip and we began seeing baby crocodiles resting in the sun. Of course where there are small crocodiles around there are bound to be big ones as well. Thankfully crocs do not like whitewater, so they stay clear of that, but they love the calm, warm water. Several times our experienced river guide told us to jump in and swim a smaller rapid (class 2-3), no hesitation I was in ready to be hit in the face with water and ride the waves. I didn’t think much about the fact that the river was home to crocodiles, until we reached the flat water. All of our eyes were peeled to the rocks and water lines, watching for splashes, we made slow movements and made sure our feet were up (not sure it would of made a difference). Thankfully no crocs were hungry today and we made it to the take out site. A gondola carried us 200 ft out of the canyon, on to live another day.

My Hope is Found

In moments of weakness I remember the little things of home that I miss. I miss the way the world seems to stop when snowflakes fall. I miss my family and the comfort and warmth of home. I miss the holiday celebrations and the excitement of being with all of my family. Its in these moments of weakness that I get so wrapped up in myself. I worry about what it will be like to return home, I worry what it will feel like to leave Africa. In the end, yes Africa has changed me and I can honestly say I will never be the same, but I did not come to Africa to cause that change in me I came to help impact other people. In these moments of weakness I have to stop and try to see the big picture and look away from myself and see that there are people hurting, struggling around me. God has placed me in Malawi for a speific purpose and its easy to loose track of that

Now for those of you that know me really well, you know that I am in love with the Owl City. He is by far my favorite band, and I get excited at any new music he releases. One of the biggest reasons I love Owl City so much because he is Christian. Even though he has a huge career and he is making a ton of money he has not lost sight of his mission in Christ and his relationship with his Father. A couple weeks ago I discovered one of his new releases; In Christ Alone. Now this is a pretty famous Christian song but as I listened to it, it brought me to tears and gave me a sense of encouragement. The lyrics pull you out of yourself and your problems, and make you look at the bigger picture. You may be going through "moments of weakness" or through hell and back, but when we stop and reach for God, our hope is found.

In Christ alone, my hope is found


He is my light, my strength, my song


This cornerstone, this solid ground


Firm through the fiercest drought and storm


What heights of love, what depths of peace


When fears are stilled, when strivings cease


My comforter, my all-in-all


Here in the love of Christ I stand

There in the ground His body lay


Light of the world by darkness slain


Then bursting forth in glorious day


Up from the grave He rose again!

And as He stands in victory


Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me


For I am His and He is mine


Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death


This is the power of Christ in me


From life’s first cry to final breath


Jesus commands my destiny


No power of hell, no scheme of man


Can ever pluck me from His hand


Till He returns or calls me home


Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Snapshots

Old Man Falls, Mulanje

The Blantyre girls at Malamulo
Samantha and I in the bush

Mbiza church, we rode bicycle taxis to get to
Hudson and I, one of the missionary kids at Malamulo

Hospital Day 1 10-29-10

This week I spent my first couple of hours in Blantyre Adventist Hospital. I was very unsure what exactly they would have me doing. I discovered it would be a lot of observing. This in a way is disappointing but also good, hopefully over time of observing and asking questions they will allow me to do more. Even though there were not any hands on stuff I did get to watch things that I may never see unless I was in med school in the States. The first thing I got to experience was a 12 year old boy who has been fighting cancer since this summer. He came to the hospital in June for his first surgery, where they removed his skull and removed two brain tumors (one on the inside and a mass growing on the outside of his head). It has now been about 4 months of long recovery of chemo and lots of skin grafts. Now all he has left to show for it all is a wicked scar, a soft spot on his skull, healing skin and a small wound they are still trying to get healed. He has been coming to the hospital daily since his surgery, to have his wounds dressed and cared for. It was incredible to see the healing process and what it all looked like several months back. After redressing his wound I was then taken to observe the OB/GYN doctor for the rest of the afternoon. It was amazing to watch the ultrasounds and try to understand what was in the confusing sea of gray that is portrayed on the computer screen. Being able to watch an ultrasound and hear the heart beats of the fetus’ was so intriguing and incredible. The OB doc then took me to the operating theater to watch my first procedure. I got all prepped for surgery, which here means wearing crocs, a surgical gap and hospital gown. For those that know medical terminology, the procedure was a D&C (or incomplete miscarriage). The thing that most intrigued me during the surgery was how fast the anesthesia kicked in. Since I’ve only been on the other side of it, it was incredible to watch. Before the anesthesiologist even pushed the last of the drugs into the IV the patient was out and snoring. The moment the snoring began the operating theater was a bustle of activity as they got everything ready to go. The procedure was only 15 minutes long and I loved every minute of it.

Challenges- 10/26/10

As I wake up and climb out of bed each morning I am greeted by the African sunshine, the strange calls of birds and buzzing of bugs and a possibility of a whole new set of challenges. I have never been tested and tried more in my life than I have been here. Every passing hour could bring another crisis, stressful situation or pure joy.

For the next month or so Samantha and I will be living with our oldest student Alexia. She is Brazilian and spending this year with her aunt and uncle (who are doctors at the hospital) to learn English. Her aunt and uncle left in the middle of October for leave to Brazil, leaving Samantha and I to enjoy an actual house and personal space.

However, not letting down the African reputation, everything seems to be falling in around us. The first weekend we were here we faced major flooding from the ceiling in my room. Three days later it happened again in a different room. We’ve had to deal with lazy house workers (who think they need to be our nannies), we’ve broken a vacuum, ran out of power, ran out of internet, killed the car, killed the lights in the master suit. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the Araujo’s will come back to their house still standing.

Being a teacher bring another set of challenges. Since we have such a big age range in our classroom (6-12) it is hard to keep everything running smoothly, and quietly. We’ve had to deal with fist fights, yelling parents, depancing of children, bumps and bruises, and tons of arguments.

Even though there are moments where you just want to give up and go home, they are met by moments that remind us why we are here. Like mom’s coming up to us before school and saying they’ve noticed such a change in their children since we’ve come. Their kids use to hate school, and now they can’t wait to come. Or one of our littlest kids (Sasha or Julian) comes and crawls into your lap or tap you on the shoulder and cutely say, “Miss Cassie (or Miss Samantha) watch me (or what is this).” Those moments make it all worth it.

A Taste of Malawi

A Bug's Life

Yesterday morning began with a jolt of excitement. Before coming to Malawi we had heard great things about all of the bugs, but the bugs have been staying clear of us for the most part. Not yesterday, bug after bug seemed to find its way to us. I awoke to Samantha shrieking. A big gross cockroach had decided to take up residence in our shower. It was sprawled on its back just chilling out, appearing to be very dead. She reached down to move it out when it became very alive and struggling to go after whatever had just touched its stomach. I woke from my grogginess of sleep and ask if everything was okay and all she said was "its looking at me". The nasty cockroach was staring her down with its beady little eyes. I jumped up and grabbed a toilet paper roll and our little blue pot for bucket showers. I trapped him and scooped him up. As soon as he was flipped back over, his legs began to violently move, clawing for an escape. I ran to the door and threw him out, as he had decided that my hand would be a better place to explore. As soon as that disgusting roach hit the ground it turned and ran between my feet, through the open door and back into the house. I tried once again trapping him against the wall, but yet again he escaped. We figured he had disappeared forever, since he was nowhere to be seen. I moved back our curtain and there he was, staring me down with his beady eyes, laughing at my inability to catch him. Roaches are extremely quick insects, with long stringy legs and before I could even dump him back in the pot he had launched himself out and onto my mosquito net(still hanging over my bed). Finally I was able to successfully catch him and I ran to the door and threw everything in my hands. The pot went flying, the toilet paper roll went flying, and that disgusting determined roach flew through the air. Until gravity kicked in and he hit the windshield of the Guarino's car. It landed on its back, legs flying everywhere. He quickly flipped himself over and scampered on down the car, hopefully never to be seen again. Our house was full of shrieks and laughter. In the past 24 hours we've found 2 cockroaches, 1 millipede, and 2 geckos inside our house. How they get inside we have no idea, but it sure is an adventure making them leave.

African Adventure

The Mbiza Church Family

We had been planning a trip out to Mulanje with Ethel and Mary (the Guarino family’s housemaid and daughter) for several weeks, and we were excited that it was actually happening and it would be full adventure. We just underestimated how much adventure!

We woke up bright and early around 5 am to be ready by 6 am, when Ethel was suppose to come get us. Our morning went pretty smoothly without too much adventure. We caught one minibus to the neighboring town of Limbe, then caught another minibus to Mulanje. I am going to stop right here and explain some of the wonders of Malawian minibuses. Most of these busses have seen better days and look like they could break apart anytime. Now most of these busses (they really are just vans) can carry 14 passengers comfortably, but that’s not smart for business. These Malawian bus drivers and advertiser/ money changer guy, pack these busses FULL. Instead of 14 passengers, I counted on one minibus that we rode on that there was 25 passengers, crammed into every corner.

Anyways, back to the story. Once we arrived in Mulanje by minibus we had to seek out other transportation up into the bush. Now since Samantha and I are “azungus” everyone tries to rip us off. Taxi drivers in town told Ethel that the cheapest they would go was 1,500 MK per person one way( which is a complete rip off since a minibus to Mulanje was only 370MK). So we opted for the cheaper option, bike taxi. Now these guys put a new meaning to being a fit bicyclist. They ride one speed bikes on dirt roads, often bare foot, up steep hills, across sketchy bridges, at least 100km a day. My driver for going back home told me that for example, the trip I was on was about 20 km, so he rode a total of 40 km just to get me back into town (20 km each way) and these are not 40 km of nice paved roads like back home. Once we got to the church, Mbiza church, we are instantly welcomed with much excitement. We were asked to sit in chairs at the front of the church, so everyone could see us. The church family continually thanked us for coming and presented us with amazing gifts at the end of the service. They gave us two HUGE “vines” of bananas, two huge bags of fresh peas, and dried cassava root. They also fed us amazing food. After lunch we walked probably 5 km up and down hills in the hot sun to get to Ethel’s family houses, where the bikes would pick us back up. Now Sam and I were a little under prepared and didn’t take enough water, so by the time we reached the houses we were severely dehydrated. I even resorted to drink a little water, that they claimed was safe but who knows. Of course living up to Malawi standards the bikes arrived an hour late to take us back. We left Mbiza around 3 pm and proceeded to have a fun, sometimes scary bicycle ride back in. After 40 minutes we arrived in town and proceeded to buy and down several water bottles. We got everything loaded on to a minibus and took off. Now we were placed comfortably in the minibus at first, but of course you can’t turn away a customer. So before I know it I am wedged in between Sam and Ethel sitting sideways, trying to take as little room as possible. As we got closer to town our minibus began to drive slower and with less energy, and low and behold we ran out of gas. We unloaded everything and switched to yet another minibus and drove into town. Now Limbe’s bus station is a mass amount of people and busses EVERYWHERE, so much chaos.

This is where it all begins. The sun is setting and dusk is quickly coming when we arrive. I step out of the minibus with Mary (Ethel’s 4 year old) on my hip and my bag right below my hand and her body. As I step out I see a hand brush against my bag, and I instantly reach my hand down and try to pull my bag away and I don’t think much about it. Until the lady that was sitting next to me on the bus told Ethel to check out bags because she saw someone grab a phone out of our bags. What do you know my awesome Malawian phone is gone. Now apparently Limbe is known for thieves, especially at night. A young guy came around and was trying to “help” with our bananas and received a lot of scolding and slaps from other men trying to help. He must have been known as a thief. Once we found out my phone was gone more men began to huddle around us, questioning and trying to help us find the thief. Now here in Malawi it’s ok to steal, until you get caught then it punished like everything else here, by getting the crap beat out of you or death. The men standing around us began questioning the little guy who was trying to “help” us with the bananas. He claimed he didn’t do it and told them to search him, but that didn’t change their minds. They continued to beat the crap out of him right beside us, sometimes getting us mixed up in it. It was dark, it was complete chaos and we just wanted to go home. Thankfully Shadrack( Ethel’s husband) showed up and got us another minibus that took us all the way home.

Yesterday was a very memorable Sabbath. There were so many situations that could of gone a lot worse but were survivable I know by the help of God and his amazing angels. Being in another country and faced with these situations you quickly learn to just put your trust in God and hang on, because there is nothing else you can do.

Go With the Flow

I am officially an illegal immigrant of Malawi. When you enter the country you receive a thirty day visa, stamped in your passport. Now this is fine if you’re just here for tourist purposes, but since we’re here for a just a little longer it could be a problem. Today is the end of my thirty days. When I first got here Samantha and I went to the Seventh Day Adventist Union office and applied for my official long term work visa. Well, that was four weeks ago and I am sure that my application is still sitting in a folder in the office. When we went yesterday to talk to the secretary at the Union office she was quite determined in saying that we shouldn’t go down to the visa office and extend my visa. According to her we were supposed to do our long term visa before we left, which Sam and I both tried to do, so if we went down to the visa office it would just alarm them that we are illegally in their country. We’ve given her enough time to get our official visas but she seems to keep making excuses. So on Monday we are suppose to go down to the immigration office with her and she will take care of my tourism visa, until then I am illegal. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it gets taken care of, if not if I leave the country I won’t be able to get back in(which is a slight problem).

Here’s the thing about Malawi; everything is done in their time. Everyone is laid back and have the strong mentality of “no big deal, it will happen when it needs to” or “if it’s not broken don’t fix it.” For example, the family that we are living on their property is having their house renovated. In the states it would probably take about a good 3 weeks or less to accomplish the job they are doing. Here, they are not schedule to be done till the end of October and they started in the middle of August. Samantha and I return from school and all of the workers are just sitting around talking. No one has seemed to have even heard of a work ethic. Now to be fair to Malawi, there are definitely some citizens that work hard and get things done in good time, but it seems to be quite rare. It has taken a lot of getting use to and a lot of frustration dealing with this mentality. Both Sam and I are so use to going out and getting what we need done when it needs to be done. Here we are being taught to go with the flow. Every day we are reminded that everything occurs in “Malawi time” and we can’t do anything to change that.

The Little Things

We got the most exciting new today! We’re getting a STOVE!!! Now I know that this seems like a simple and weird thing to get so excited about but it made Samantha and I literally dance around our room with joy. So far in this adventure we have been doing all of our cooking on a little apartment sized stove. The thing about this stove is it has three burners, but only one that works and the temperature is uncontrollable. This means you just turn the dial till it clicks and the burner turns red instantly, you have to stand next to what you’re cooking to stir it constantly since there’s only one temperature, HOT. Now the stove we have also has a warmer and an oven, but neither of these works. So for the past month or so we have been cooking one item at a time and lots of rice, beans and vegetables; nothing baked. So many different possibilities are being opened up, we will be able to make so many different types of food we’ve haven’t had since we left home.

A couple of weeks ago we came home from spending time at one of our friend’s home and out of the blue I decided to try the hot water faucet. Now up to this time we couldn’t even get water out of the hot water side, let alone hot. When I turned the faucet cold water came pouring out. WE HAVE WATER! We didn’t even care if it was cold, it meant there was a possibility that it would become hot. Now the way that hot water works here in Malawi, each house has a geyser switch that basically turns on the hot water heater, and then once you’re done with the hot water you switch it off to conserve power. Samantha switched on our geyser and we left it on a couple of hours Friday night and then turned it again on Sabbath morning. It worked! We got HOT SHOWERS!! After 2 ½ weeks of freezing cold showers they become very dreaded and infrequent and you completely forget how a hot shower even feels. The moment the hot water hit my face I felt every care melt and finally clean.

When we look at how busy our lives are in the States and all the little things we take for granted daily its incredible. When I was home I would of never second guessed being able to take a hot shower or go into the kitchen and bake something. It’s incredible how such little things as hot water or a new stove can fill your heart with joy and absolute excitement.

Foreign Hospitality 8-30-2010

Whenever you are going into the mission field or travelling outside of the country you always hear that the people are very hospitable and will love to cook for you. Samantha and I have found this to be very true. We have quickly learned a motto for going to other people’s homes…just eat, don’t ask, just eat it all. This can be quite the challenge sometimes. This past week we were invited to one of our student’s home. These students are Egyptian Muslim so this is their month to fast. However during their fast they can break it every day at 5:30, or at sundown. Samantha and I were invited to their home to join them in their one meal, and since they do not eat any other time in the day it was a very large meal.

I have grown up vegetarian and have only eaten small amounts of meat at a time. When all of the dishes were brought to the table I discovered that I would be eating A LOT of meat that meal. There were two kinds of beef pastry dishes, fried chicken, beef potatoes and who knows what other kind of meat in the all the dishes. My mother taught me well though and I took a good helping of everything and swallowed it with a smile. However it seemed that anytime I got even close to finishing, my plate was full again. Apparently it is an offensive to Egyptians for the guests to stop eating before they do, so we ate and ate. I felt like I had eaten a whole cow and half a chicken. Finally the family had eaten all they could so they sat and waited for us to finish our plates. We waddled into the living room and were soon served fruit salad. The food seemed to be a never ending process. They eventually drove us back home and each pothole we hit it seemed more and more questionable if I would be able to digest all that meat. After about four Pepto Pismo’s and a night’s sleep I survived!

Life as a Teacher

Our mornings begin at 6:30 as we get ready for school; take a cold shower, eat a quick breakfast, and then out the door and down the road we go to the Adventist church. Our little classroom is usually used as a Sabbath school room in the church, so each Sunday we have to go in and pull out the desks and reset up our classroom. There are ten kids this year at the Kabula Hill School, ranging from grades 1^st- 8^th and each one we’ve found out is quite the hand full.

We start off with worship and then jump right into the work. Since it is an A Beka homeschool program we just give them their assigned work we have mapped out and then answer questions that they have. Unlike an actual school we are rarely in front at the whiteboard teaching, it’s all done at their desks. After a couple hours of working and a break, the school work portion of the day is done. From 12pm to 1pm we do different extracurricular activities daily; cooking, art, swimming, sports, and music. Football (Soccer) is the popular sport here, so any free time or sport activity is usually consumed by a game of football. First day of cooking class was absolute chaos. Some kids were helping and asking continually what they can do next but most of them were screaming and running around the room. Of course during all of this chaos, that we were trying to control, in walked the hospital director, who is our boss, adding to the stress level. What a day! We’ve found that most days can be extremely trying. The kids can’t seem to understand that we’re not like their previous teachers and we’re going to enforce some different things. It takes a lot of patience everyday to answer and deal with the many questions and challenges. But overall our first week of classes is completed and we have quickly gained a bigger respect for all of our elementary teachers.

My Heart

The children of Malawi now have my heart. Samantha and I were able to tag along with Susan, Janelle and Marquelle Woods (they are basically my aunt and cousins) to the Open Arm Orphanage yesterday. As we pulled into the compound it looked like any other Malawian structure with a guard attending the gate. As we parked the car and walked inside we found differently. This structure was full to the brim with screening, sleeping and playing children. The toddlers see you and run full speed at your legs grabbing them for dear life and begging to be picked up and played with. Their giggles are precious as you squeeze them tight and make them feel loved. One little girl I spent time with was Patricia, she had recently arrived at the orphanage and was been said to be shy and not very active. However after a few minutes of letting her play with my fingers and hands she decided to stand up and walk over and sit on my lap, using my fingers as support of course. Once she reached my lap she begin bouncing up and down and trying to move everywhere, the orphanage volunteers were surprised at how much she was coming out of her shell.

Now most of the children that live there have been left by their parents or family members. We were told that after the child turn five or so the parents return to take their child back home. Unfortunately the African families often struggle and with another mouth to feed it’s almost impossible to take care of a needy infant and toddler. The volunteers at the orphanage said that some of the parents or families come every day to visit and play with their child, but it’s too much for them to take their child home. Most of these little ones have been abandoned, found in toilets, roadsides, or any public place. Some of the children are HIV positive and so are not wanted by their parents. The ages of the children range from 0-5, after 5 if you are still in the orphanage you go out to several different foster homes. As you step into the rooms it breaks your heart in two as you glance into the eyes of all of the precious and deserving children.

My favorite child I held was a little two month old boy named Enock. We walked into the infant room and he began to cry and fuss, so I reached down to pick him up. He was TINY. Most of the children at the orphanage are so behind developmentally that is not uncommon for them to be small. Since he is only two months old his size is expected. He fought to keep his eyes open but finally gave up and fell asleep on my shoulder, sucking his thumb. Being able to give just a little love to as many children as we could was absolutely incredible and we are hooked forever!

First Impressions 8/19/10

The past twenty-four hours have been full of first impressions and first occurrences. My first glimpse of Blantyre airport was exactly how I imagined it, a small white building with palm trees, dry grass and shrubbery, people packed onto a porch awaiting the arrivals. As I stepped off the plane I looked up into the crowd of people on the porch and was greeted by excited waves from the Woods and Samantha, knowing that they were there to greet me was such a relief. Malawi is everything I thought it would be but in many ways different. I had heard so much about how civilized and westernized Blantyre is. When you actually step foot in it it reality hits, it’s still AFRICA. It may look civilized and busy, but when you get into the heart of it and start experiencing it, you quickly learn of the poverty and simple ways. There has not been one moment that I haven’t seen hundreds of people on the streets, or cars driving crazily down roads. Most people seem to walk where they are going, or ride mini buses, pedestrians seem to have no fear of cars and roam the roadsides and cross when they please. I have my first blisters on my feet from walking all over this morning. We have walked at least 5 miles through town and through the compound. After nine months we either going to be really skinny or really in shape, maybe both J.

My first few steps out of my driveway and road were met by whistles and hellos from teenage boys excited to talk to American girls. When you walk on the street you’re almost always approached by vendors or beggars and strange smells. Samantha and I made our first trip to the market this morning. It was incredible to see everything that was sold there, from DVDs to fruit and vegetables, almost everything you would need in life (maybe not super high quality things however). The food portion of the market was incredible, so many different smells, bright colored vegetables, all types of beans, rice and delicious looking fruit.

My first few steps into my new home for the next nine months where a little shocking, our apartment is quite humble, we have no hot water (which makes showering EXCITING), little storage, one working stove top, and no working oven and slight water leakage. However when you look at the homes of most locals we are extremely blessed. I have to say after twenty-four hours here it’s already growing on me and beginning to feel more like a home.

I have met so many new people in the last day. There are about four Marantha guys that are around mine and Samantha’s age. A couple of the guys are based out of Mozambique so we won’t have much contact with them, but its nice having people our age around. There is also a girl close to our age that lives nearby that works for ADRA. I have never been exposed to a lot of ethnic foods before but this year is going to be a little different. For lunch today Samantha took me to a vegetarian restaurant called Vege Delight and I tasted my first Indian meal. It was pretty tasty. We then visited a local family’s home for desert. I experienced my first encounter of foreign culture hospitality, I don’t know if I’ve ever been that full. Every time I slowed down eating they gave me something else to try. The family we visited is a brother and sister that live together and are Indian, so I was introduced to even more Indian dishes. I’ve never been a huge fan of curry before, but I have a feeling I am going to have to be soon.

Samantha and I are feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure about school. We only have about two more days to really work on getting things ready. I for one definitely don’t feel ready. School starts Monday at 8am and I know it’s going to be an interesting and trying first day. We have to copy all of our books for the children, unfortunately the copy shop we go to is a little slow so we are maybe half way through all of the books and school starts in about 4 days. We have so much to accomplish and not a lot of time.

Internet is a little bit a challenge. We don’t have internet at our apartment so we have to walk a couple hundred yards to the hospital and use it in the doctor lounge. I have been told that Skype video doesn’t work super well or at all sometimes, so IMing or emails may end up being the best way to communicate with everyone. I will try to regularly blog as well but it may be difficult since we don’t have direct acess to internet, but I’ll do my best.

I am sure I could write another 500 words on what I have experienced so far, but I guess this will have to do. Malawi is an amazing country! The people are so generous and friendly. I know I will make plenty of new friends soon. Now I just need to work hard on learning the language! Thank you everyone back home for all the support!!

Tearful Goodbyes

It may be awhile before I actually get this posted but my journey has begun. I am sitting in the Spokane Airport waiting for my plane to San Francisco to arrive. As I look back on my feelings over the past couple of days there are a flood of emotions. Today has been filled with nervous stomach, tears and feeling of complete overwhelming emotions. It doesn’t seem like today is the day that I start my journey. It has taken so long to plan and get ready for that now that it’s actually here it’s hard to accept and even harder to say goodbye. Nine months is a long time and since I’ve never been out of the country by myself before or left the country for more than two weeks the goodbyes seem to be even harder. As I walked up the gate to the security it felt like my heart was ripped in two as I stepped out of sight from my family. Is it wrong of me to already want to run back home for another day with my dad, mom and brother? Deep down I know that this adventure may be the biggest adventure in my life and that I will never regret anything that happens in the next nine months. God is by my side and with him there nothing can harm me or seem impossible. I GOT THIS!! GOD GOT THIS!! I just need to remember to TRUST.

Mom and Dad: Thank you so much for supporting me in my decision and desire to be a student missionary. As I walked away from you today I understood how hard it was for you to see me go and that you are truly giving up your greatest gift to God. Never forget I love you guys!! I will be home and sleeping in my bed before you know it!!

Step 1...Complete

"Jesus looked hard at them and said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it."- Matthew 19:26 (The Message Bible)

The past several days have been filled with hundreds of emails and decisions, but the final decision was made today. My ticket to Africa was finally bought and paid for. In about three weeks I will be boarding an airplane with two 50lbs bags loaded with enough stuff to survive sufficiently for 10 months. This fact excites me but yet scares every cell in my body. The trip to Africa will take three days, two nights of flying and lots of airports and finding gates. The thing that scares me the most is that all of this most be done by myself; no parent, no friend to get me through the rough times, getting lost, being exhausted, and running across a huge foreign airport to make my flight. Now that I have an official date of departure the day seems to be screaming closer and I am beginning to realize the little and big things that I'll miss.

These last couple of months the trip has just felt like a dream to me, I've known I am going but it seemed far away and untouchable. The dream stage is gone though and reality has hit me hard. On August 16th at 6:30 pm I will march down the airport terminal in Spokane and wave goodbye to my parents, brother and friends for 10 months. But like I've said this is not all scary and unconceivable. I am going to AFRICA!! Its been a dream of mine to see Africa since I was little and for this to come true and for me to have this amazing experience and adventure is a miracle. God has blessed me with so many things and I too quickly forget all that He's done to get me to where I am today. In my head its easier to take on the worry and burdens myself and I forget that God is there and He has it planned out and taken care of I just have to TRUST. I have so many different emotions running through my head but I know without a doubt that I am suppose to be in Blantyre Malawi, and that it will be the best experience of my life and I will gain so much from every adventure, mishap, conflict and excitement that I encounter. God has got me under His arm and He will be beside me through each flight, airport, car and house that I will be in. So here we go its time to "Explore.Dream.Discover"

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

The Next Step

Its hard to believe how fast the time is passing. Only two weeks ago I finished my first year at WWU and now June is almost over. I received an email from the director of the hospital and school over in Blantyre this morning. She informed me that the school starts August 23rd so I need to be there for sure by then. Since my summer job doesn't end till August 30th, I feel bad leaving so early on them but at this point it looks like I will be looking for flights to Malawi for around August 15th.

I am beginning to become a little stressed with the level of things that I need to accomplish before the 15th of August arrives. Thankfully my job this year allows me to have afternoons off so that should help in the process. The task of fundraising has began. This task scares me the most,$3,000 is a lot of money to raise. The SM office at WWU doesn't even begin to look at tickets until we have at least half of the our money. I know God will provide and that I just need to place it all in his hands and do my best but its hard for me not to stress just a little. Please continue to keep me your prayers. 58 more day (plus or minus a few) and I'll be on a plane to Africa!!

The Adventure in the Making

~"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." ~

Albert Schweitzer

My childhood dream is quickly becoming a reality. Since the first time I heard a mission story and from the first time I set foot on a plane on my first short term mission trip, I knew that I wanted to become a missionary. Next year I have been given my chance. In about 3 months I will be boarding a plane to Malawi Africa and making a huge change in my life. I can say without a doubt in my heart that God has called me to this spot of the world. I walked into the student missions office at WWU with the plan that I was going to be doing medical work in a Spanish speaking country. Now look where I am heading, the complete opposite. So many doors have already been opened to get me to where I am now, and I can not wait to see what else He has in store for me.

A little information about what I will be doing in Malawi...My main purpose is going as a school teacher for a small school for the doctor and expatriate children who live in the area. I will be joined by a girl from Southern Adventist University, who I can not wait to meet. The school is a multi-grade school with children ranging from 1st-8th grade. Since there is an Adventist hospital near by I would absolutely love to able spend a fair amount of my time there as well. There are so many unknowns about next year, which kind of scares me but makes me want to experience them first hand even more.

I am not the most talented writer, so please have patience with me. My hope is this will be an easy way for all my family and friends at home to be able to know what new adventures I am experiencing. Thank you for all the prayers and support!! :)

~"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile"~

Albert Einstein