So I dread updating my blog, because there's so much to say that I don't know what to say and where to start! Well, to start, I had my 20th Birthday here in Malawi! It was just an awesome experience. I never really celebrate my birthday back in the states because, well, it's just not a big deal to me and I don't want to be reminded that I'm growing up. It was just so nice to wake up to letters written to me from the interns and getting special treatment throughout the day. I FINALLY (after begging Keltner every week) got to go visit the widows in Mstiliza (they make all the bags and cutesy things from the widows shop which i bought as gifts for some of you!). They sang happy birthday to me and it was just so nice. And later at night, we had an intern meeting and everyone gave me a verbal birthday card. It was awkward being in the hot seat having everyone saying how they appreciate me. But I was just so touched, beyond words can describe. I think this is the most memorable birthday I'll ever have, not because I'm in Africa, not because I'm entering the roaring 20's, but because it was the first, genuine, friend-filled (missed my family though =[ ), God-centered, birthday I've ever had.
This week, Hmmmmm I'm going to be completely honest, was not the best week ever. We teach school everyday in Mgwayi and its frustrating for everyone to get past the language barrier. We have translators and whatnot, but its just not the same. The biggest struggle for me is seeing how I can help these kids learn so much more if only we spoke the same language. It's frustrating when you repeat the A B C's so much that you mess up or when you go A for apple, B for banana, C for cat, and you ask them what A's for and they go ELEPHANT! You ask them to name a letter in the alphabet and they go ONE and you're like what? Are you sure? TWO? So, yes, it's hard. But I think it makes me sad more than frustrated or angry. Some kids are 15 and they don't even know how to hold a pencil or write their name. Which is why I'm glad God has brought us here to Mgwayi.
Just last night, I was talking to one of the interns about something that honestly, just turned things upside down and broke my heart even more. I don't know if I'm able to disclose all of it here, but it has to do with things that happen in the village.
There are these people who dress up in masks and run around the village scaring kids. It's terrifying because sometimes they do more than just scare them. I've never seen one, but other interns have, and I've seen a wave of kids just crying all of a sudden because they saw one of them. It makes me angry how some people do that to little children.
Sometimes in the morning, we can hear this moaning sound coming from the village and I heard it was the husbands beating their wives. And this ritual that happens when girls turn 13 that just completely broke my heart. I don't know if any of this is 100% true, but some of it has to be. I feel like I've been seeing everyday through rose colored lenses. But, whether or not it's true, it's still hard knowing that more than half the people I've interacted with has gone through some time of emotional, physical, spiritual, trauma. That the faces I've come to know, the people I've come to love, the hands I've gotten to hold, carry so much pain and suffering, yet its all concealed by a smile or a forced laugh. I only see the happy side of things because the kids are always happy when we're there. I wonder what it's like when we're not.But, if I can take away that suffering for one moment, then I'm okay with that.
I think that this week has been especially hard for me because everyday seems more like a routine, and more and more like an obligation. Of course I know I'm going to be doing things that I would not particularly like to do. But I just feel like I'm pent up in a bubble. I don't like routine. I like spontaneity, I like adventure, I like discovering and learning new things. But I know in order to build momentum for something, we need a rhythm and finally this rhythm is going, I just need to put all my effort into it and push even harder. I know that once I get upset over something I want to do, but I don't get to do, it's just me being selfish. I'm not here for myself. I'm here for the kids, for something bigger than me, for God.
I have fallen in love with these kids (I seriously think I'm going to be like Madonna and adopt a Malawian baby). They are what drive me when I'm discouraged and down. They are what keep me going. I love them like I would love my own kids if I had kids right now (good thing I don't). Just replaying their faces in my minds really brings tears into my eyes. I've probably said this before, but I can't imagine not seeing those familiar faces ever again. I know that these last 2 weeks may be the hardest for me. But I'm willing to give my all. I know that I'm going to have to use all the self control I have not to get too emotional; I know it'll be hard. But I also know that I have God.
My mom wrote me this comment in my last blog, and I just think it's the most beautiful thing ever so I'm going to post it here again:
Dear Angela
You are filled with wonder and with praise at the beauty of God's grace.You will exalt his name and not be silent,God's love will set your music free.
May God's grace warm your heart, dry your tears.May God's spirit strengthen your soul, help you stand for all that's true.May God's peace comfort your mind,calm your fears.May God's joy let your feet dance, let your voice sing.May God's love be reflected in your life.
Happy birthday,Hsuan Hsuan!I love you.
Love,
Mom
Love, Love, Love,
Angela
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Midway in Malawi
AH! is all I can say. It's been 4 weeks here in Malawi. We just had our midway retreat with our other team from Chiwengo. Last Friday, we had PIZZA for the first time! I don't think I've ever been that excited in my life, which is why I felt so horrible after because a couple steps from where we were eating pizza, kids were dying from malnutrition and starvation. Who am I to deserve this? To be born into a privelidged family and have pizza all the time, whenever I want.
So, that got me worrying about when I come back to the states. Honestly, besides seeing my family and hugging my mom, I don't want to come home. What am I going to do when I'm surrounded by luxury? I can't help but be angry. I can't help but be angry at myself, my family, and my friends for taking everything we have for granted.
We had to do midway evaluations and there was a question asking what I want to do here as a closure for this trip. Here's my answer: I don't want closure. Because closure means to have a resolution for everything. To tie the loose ends together. Everything is resolved and you can't come back to it. I don't want Africa to be a memory, I want it to be my life. Present, past, and future. I don't want to feel helpless in the states. So my prayer right now is to have Malawi alive in my heart even after I get back. That I will be able to use whatever feelings of frustration, anger, sorrow, as ways to grow; to know God better, and to trust Him better.
Today, my friend Ben asked me to sing for devotion. At first I was like what? Really? Why? Me? Are you sure? But then something in my heart said, 'you know you want to', and I did. That was when I realized. I don't sing for people back in the states. My whole life up until middle school had been all about singing. I wanted to be a singer when I grew up. But something happened in middle school that made me stop singing for people. I was surrounded by people who made me feel inadequate. That because I wasn't a designated singer (wasn't in choir), I didn't have the right to sing, that I couldn't sing. All my life, I had been surrounded with people like that. So I chose to hide it. I made singing such a personal thing that I wouldn't share it with others.
But, I feel free here, and encouraged. I feel completley myself. Not hiding nor keeping to myself the gifts the God has given me. I don't have to hide the fact that I love to sing. My prayer coming here had been for God to reveal my purpose and that my purpose would have to do with the gifts He has given me, my passions. Everyday, I pray for opportunities. For me to be able to share his love through what I love to do. So, tomorrow I'm leading worship and I just pray that people will come to love God even more through music.
I went to the launch party for the Chisomo Idea, a non-profit (chisomoidea.com) that Noel Musicha and others is starting. I got to meet some high school Flood folks which was cool. Anyways, while I was watching the video, a thought crossed my mind. What if I started something here. I can't say what exactly yet, but I feel like God is slowly revealing to me that maybe it has to do with music. Maybe my heart is here for a reason. I know this sounds bad, but maybe that's why I have absolutely no desire to go home. Maybe that's why I love the idea of living here after college. God, please show me what you want for me.
So at the end of the day, all that I can think of are the kids, running after me through the august rush fields screaming Ahnzela! Ahnzela! Even when I'm long gone, out of their sight, I can hear my name in the distance. It's amazing how easy it is for me to recognize and name almost every single child I've built a relationship with. (p.s. to Sarah from Flood, I handed out all albums you made! they were amazing and the kids absolutely adored it. And they were screaming Auntie Sarah! We translated your letter to them and it just filled my heart with joy the expressions on their faces)
Every single day, as I reflect, I fall even more in love with Malawi. Not just with the kids, but with the people I interact with every day, the national as well as global interns, the culture, the jokes, the dance parties, the uno parties, nsima, nzimbe, our broken down jeep (the hummer) which we cram 12 people into, even the long walks to town. I love it all and I can't get enough of it.
I know it may seem as if everything here is peachy. That is all simple and its all about playing with the kids. But its much more than that. Ever day is incredibly emotionally exhausting for all of us. We constantly struggle with why God has put us here. We struggle with seeing ourselves as adequate. At times, we are impatient with God's plan and timing. But, we are here and God is here and its reassuring to know that He put us here. And we may not know why yet, but we will. It may take weeks, months, maybe years, but I know we will. I just trust.
Highlights of the week:
-I went to the market where there were these really cool wood carvings and I got practice my bargaining skills. This guy was going to charge me 16,000 for a painting and I ended up getting 2 for 2,500 kwacha (which was still a little pricy) Anyways, I'm learning. But this is where my "strength" of empathy is a weakness
-Flood worship was amazing yesterday
-met the amazing race people (traveling to 11 countries in 11 months)
-reunited with our Chiwengo interns
-had a dance party in the gazebo
-then had a Malawian uno party right after (it's not Malawian unless you feel like you've been wronged)
-learning to trust God more and more
-African sunrises and sunsets
-finishing Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
-Current book: Crazy Love, by (I forgot his first name) Chan
Well, before I say goodbye, I want to say Happy Birthday to my mom. Don't worry, I won't mention your age on here. You are an amazing woman of God. I miss you and I love you, go out and have fun for once!
Love, Love, Love,
Angela
So, that got me worrying about when I come back to the states. Honestly, besides seeing my family and hugging my mom, I don't want to come home. What am I going to do when I'm surrounded by luxury? I can't help but be angry. I can't help but be angry at myself, my family, and my friends for taking everything we have for granted.
We had to do midway evaluations and there was a question asking what I want to do here as a closure for this trip. Here's my answer: I don't want closure. Because closure means to have a resolution for everything. To tie the loose ends together. Everything is resolved and you can't come back to it. I don't want Africa to be a memory, I want it to be my life. Present, past, and future. I don't want to feel helpless in the states. So my prayer right now is to have Malawi alive in my heart even after I get back. That I will be able to use whatever feelings of frustration, anger, sorrow, as ways to grow; to know God better, and to trust Him better.
Today, my friend Ben asked me to sing for devotion. At first I was like what? Really? Why? Me? Are you sure? But then something in my heart said, 'you know you want to', and I did. That was when I realized. I don't sing for people back in the states. My whole life up until middle school had been all about singing. I wanted to be a singer when I grew up. But something happened in middle school that made me stop singing for people. I was surrounded by people who made me feel inadequate. That because I wasn't a designated singer (wasn't in choir), I didn't have the right to sing, that I couldn't sing. All my life, I had been surrounded with people like that. So I chose to hide it. I made singing such a personal thing that I wouldn't share it with others.
But, I feel free here, and encouraged. I feel completley myself. Not hiding nor keeping to myself the gifts the God has given me. I don't have to hide the fact that I love to sing. My prayer coming here had been for God to reveal my purpose and that my purpose would have to do with the gifts He has given me, my passions. Everyday, I pray for opportunities. For me to be able to share his love through what I love to do. So, tomorrow I'm leading worship and I just pray that people will come to love God even more through music.
I went to the launch party for the Chisomo Idea, a non-profit (chisomoidea.com) that Noel Musicha and others is starting. I got to meet some high school Flood folks which was cool. Anyways, while I was watching the video, a thought crossed my mind. What if I started something here. I can't say what exactly yet, but I feel like God is slowly revealing to me that maybe it has to do with music. Maybe my heart is here for a reason. I know this sounds bad, but maybe that's why I have absolutely no desire to go home. Maybe that's why I love the idea of living here after college. God, please show me what you want for me.
So at the end of the day, all that I can think of are the kids, running after me through the august rush fields screaming Ahnzela! Ahnzela! Even when I'm long gone, out of their sight, I can hear my name in the distance. It's amazing how easy it is for me to recognize and name almost every single child I've built a relationship with. (p.s. to Sarah from Flood, I handed out all albums you made! they were amazing and the kids absolutely adored it. And they were screaming Auntie Sarah! We translated your letter to them and it just filled my heart with joy the expressions on their faces)
Every single day, as I reflect, I fall even more in love with Malawi. Not just with the kids, but with the people I interact with every day, the national as well as global interns, the culture, the jokes, the dance parties, the uno parties, nsima, nzimbe, our broken down jeep (the hummer) which we cram 12 people into, even the long walks to town. I love it all and I can't get enough of it.
I know it may seem as if everything here is peachy. That is all simple and its all about playing with the kids. But its much more than that. Ever day is incredibly emotionally exhausting for all of us. We constantly struggle with why God has put us here. We struggle with seeing ourselves as adequate. At times, we are impatient with God's plan and timing. But, we are here and God is here and its reassuring to know that He put us here. And we may not know why yet, but we will. It may take weeks, months, maybe years, but I know we will. I just trust.
Highlights of the week:
-I went to the market where there were these really cool wood carvings and I got practice my bargaining skills. This guy was going to charge me 16,000 for a painting and I ended up getting 2 for 2,500 kwacha (which was still a little pricy) Anyways, I'm learning. But this is where my "strength" of empathy is a weakness
-Flood worship was amazing yesterday
-met the amazing race people (traveling to 11 countries in 11 months)
-reunited with our Chiwengo interns
-had a dance party in the gazebo
-then had a Malawian uno party right after (it's not Malawian unless you feel like you've been wronged)
-learning to trust God more and more
-African sunrises and sunsets
-finishing Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
-Current book: Crazy Love, by (I forgot his first name) Chan
Well, before I say goodbye, I want to say Happy Birthday to my mom. Don't worry, I won't mention your age on here. You are an amazing woman of God. I miss you and I love you, go out and have fun for once!
Love, Love, Love,
Angela
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Music needs no language
Hello again!
I'm sitting outside of the offices with Mpotso, our German Shephard guard dog. He's featured in one of our MTV cribs episodes. Um, this week was good. It's hard to summarize how I'm feeling and I think I finally understand how last year's interns felt. So my feelings are indescribable, but what's so beautiful about that is that God is in my unknown. The more I don't know, the more He knows and the more I'm trusting in Him to know for me. If that makes any sense. But I was struggling with that this week. It's not like God disappeared on me, it was more like he got quiet. I was so frustrated on Monday that I remember sitting in this little gazebo, and in my mind, just yelling. Where are you? I wasn't looking forward to our home visits later because I felt like I was going implode or something. But as we were walking to Mgwayi, I kept on praying that God would give me strength to stay intact. As we were approaching our house (The house of Mercy [named after our house mom]), I saw these two smiling little boys who I always played with, pushing past the people in front of me and just racing to see who grabbed my hand first. At that moment, I didn't think much about it because that was basically what I did every day, hold hands ("hand ministry" coined by Ben Meki). But that night, as I was reflecting on my day. That image popped into my mind. I kept on replaying it over and over in my head. Their smiling eyes, their crooked baby teeth, their snotty noses and sticky hands. In that split of a second, He revealed Himself to me in the face of little Chifuniro (his name means "God's will"). I wrote in my journal, "I'm just so overwhelemed by it right now. Those kids have absolutely nothing, (or what we consider as nothing) and yet there were still so overjoyed. I don't deserve this at all. Who am I for them to find such happiness and joy in? I'm nobody. Seeing us interns is truly the highlight of their day, maybe even their childhood. So instead of groaning when they ask for the millionth time 'one peekcha' (one picture). I'll take it. What is one more or one million more pictures to me? It's nothing. But it's everything to them. So why don't I give them my nothing so they can have their everything?" [these kids love seeing themselves in pictures, mostly because they don't have mirrors so they don't know what they look like. so consequently, when an azungu comes, they as for 'one peekcha' all the time, and a never ending cycle of 'one peekchas' begin] I was just so humbled at that moment and it is such an honor to be loved by these kids.
There's more, as I was taking pictures of these kids and replaying the picture back to them, I stumbled across this video I had taken of kids in Chitipi welcoming us to Malawi in song. I played the video and hoards of kids just piled on top of me (the kids were so close I think someone even drooled on me). Even though they didn't know the song, they were trying to sing along. I replayed it and more kids came running towards me. The pushing got so bad that Felix, our national intern, had to tell them to get off of me which was funny. After the video, I asked how many of them liked to sing. Immediately, all these hands shot up. That was when I thought we should sing. It was so fun, singing songs in Chichewa. But it wasn't just fun. It was uniting. No one was pushing each other, no one was fighting for the intern's hands, no one was yelling. Everyone came together in song and I'm glad I captured that on my video camera. I later replayed that video back to the kids and they were soo happy. They pointed and laughed at themselves, their friends, and at me. It was such a God filled moment.
Music is such a powerful thing, especially in Malawian culture. Everyone sings, everyone dances. I wanted to use music to bring people together and bring them to God. With that in mind, I prepared a message for my family on Thursday. We first did some chores. We grinded some corn into flour at a corn mill, and carried the buckets on our heads all the way back. Then we played, what I call the booty game. All the girls gather in circles, clapping, and singing, and would take turns dancing in the middle. I'm amazed at how well they can shake it. We were so loud that the whole neighborhood started joining in. When we had a whole crowd, Felix started singing a Chichewa worship song ("Tikutamandani" which means we praise you). It was so amazing to see these people, kids and adults, sing with such passion. It was then and there that I knew I was speaking their language. I told them later that because I can't speak Chichewa, my way of speaking to them, of sharing my love for them, of sharing God's love for them, is through song. I shared a couple Psalms and told them that singing is also my way of talking to God. I told them that we should sing loud so that everyone in the village can join us in chorus, and through that, may they come to God. So, I'm going to try to make this a regular thing. Singing. And I just pray that God's song will touch their hearts as it did mine.
So ofcourse their is so much to tell, but little time. So here's a condensed version of what went on this week:
-Flood interns went to George's wedding yesterday (He works at Flood Malawi) and we did a little number on the dance floor which was funny because people started cheering for us
-shared many lifestories yesterday
-watched "cool runnings" which was very inspiring and we're now going to start a Malawian bobsled team
-introduced kids to bubbles and how they are for playing with and not for eating
-Oh! Daddy Chris came this week (Chris Clark, founder of COTN), which was really awesome because he gave a really touching sermon about how when we focus on God and not the waves of life that can break you down, the world will start to fade away; we will be able to see things through His lenses.
-went to the welcoming party for Big Daddy Chris. There were "acrobats" which really scared me because they were climbing on the beams of the building and I thought the roof was going to collapse.
-had a nzimbe (sugar cane) eating contest (it wasn't really a contest, I was just wanted to see how fast I could finish one) which made my teeth feel like they were going to fall out (you had to strip the bark with your teeth, I'm surprised I didn't get any splinters in my tongue)
that's all for now folks. I'm hoping to upload some videos and pictures soon on facebook. Also, I just want to thank all of you for your comments, emails, and everything. It really is an encouragement to read!
I'm sitting outside of the offices with Mpotso, our German Shephard guard dog. He's featured in one of our MTV cribs episodes. Um, this week was good. It's hard to summarize how I'm feeling and I think I finally understand how last year's interns felt. So my feelings are indescribable, but what's so beautiful about that is that God is in my unknown. The more I don't know, the more He knows and the more I'm trusting in Him to know for me. If that makes any sense. But I was struggling with that this week. It's not like God disappeared on me, it was more like he got quiet. I was so frustrated on Monday that I remember sitting in this little gazebo, and in my mind, just yelling. Where are you? I wasn't looking forward to our home visits later because I felt like I was going implode or something. But as we were walking to Mgwayi, I kept on praying that God would give me strength to stay intact. As we were approaching our house (The house of Mercy [named after our house mom]), I saw these two smiling little boys who I always played with, pushing past the people in front of me and just racing to see who grabbed my hand first. At that moment, I didn't think much about it because that was basically what I did every day, hold hands ("hand ministry" coined by Ben Meki). But that night, as I was reflecting on my day. That image popped into my mind. I kept on replaying it over and over in my head. Their smiling eyes, their crooked baby teeth, their snotty noses and sticky hands. In that split of a second, He revealed Himself to me in the face of little Chifuniro (his name means "God's will"). I wrote in my journal, "I'm just so overwhelemed by it right now. Those kids have absolutely nothing, (or what we consider as nothing) and yet there were still so overjoyed. I don't deserve this at all. Who am I for them to find such happiness and joy in? I'm nobody. Seeing us interns is truly the highlight of their day, maybe even their childhood. So instead of groaning when they ask for the millionth time 'one peekcha' (one picture). I'll take it. What is one more or one million more pictures to me? It's nothing. But it's everything to them. So why don't I give them my nothing so they can have their everything?" [these kids love seeing themselves in pictures, mostly because they don't have mirrors so they don't know what they look like. so consequently, when an azungu comes, they as for 'one peekcha' all the time, and a never ending cycle of 'one peekchas' begin] I was just so humbled at that moment and it is such an honor to be loved by these kids.
There's more, as I was taking pictures of these kids and replaying the picture back to them, I stumbled across this video I had taken of kids in Chitipi welcoming us to Malawi in song. I played the video and hoards of kids just piled on top of me (the kids were so close I think someone even drooled on me). Even though they didn't know the song, they were trying to sing along. I replayed it and more kids came running towards me. The pushing got so bad that Felix, our national intern, had to tell them to get off of me which was funny. After the video, I asked how many of them liked to sing. Immediately, all these hands shot up. That was when I thought we should sing. It was so fun, singing songs in Chichewa. But it wasn't just fun. It was uniting. No one was pushing each other, no one was fighting for the intern's hands, no one was yelling. Everyone came together in song and I'm glad I captured that on my video camera. I later replayed that video back to the kids and they were soo happy. They pointed and laughed at themselves, their friends, and at me. It was such a God filled moment.
Music is such a powerful thing, especially in Malawian culture. Everyone sings, everyone dances. I wanted to use music to bring people together and bring them to God. With that in mind, I prepared a message for my family on Thursday. We first did some chores. We grinded some corn into flour at a corn mill, and carried the buckets on our heads all the way back. Then we played, what I call the booty game. All the girls gather in circles, clapping, and singing, and would take turns dancing in the middle. I'm amazed at how well they can shake it. We were so loud that the whole neighborhood started joining in. When we had a whole crowd, Felix started singing a Chichewa worship song ("Tikutamandani" which means we praise you). It was so amazing to see these people, kids and adults, sing with such passion. It was then and there that I knew I was speaking their language. I told them later that because I can't speak Chichewa, my way of speaking to them, of sharing my love for them, of sharing God's love for them, is through song. I shared a couple Psalms and told them that singing is also my way of talking to God. I told them that we should sing loud so that everyone in the village can join us in chorus, and through that, may they come to God. So, I'm going to try to make this a regular thing. Singing. And I just pray that God's song will touch their hearts as it did mine.
So ofcourse their is so much to tell, but little time. So here's a condensed version of what went on this week:
-Flood interns went to George's wedding yesterday (He works at Flood Malawi) and we did a little number on the dance floor which was funny because people started cheering for us
-shared many lifestories yesterday
-watched "cool runnings" which was very inspiring and we're now going to start a Malawian bobsled team
-introduced kids to bubbles and how they are for playing with and not for eating
-Oh! Daddy Chris came this week (Chris Clark, founder of COTN), which was really awesome because he gave a really touching sermon about how when we focus on God and not the waves of life that can break you down, the world will start to fade away; we will be able to see things through His lenses.
-went to the welcoming party for Big Daddy Chris. There were "acrobats" which really scared me because they were climbing on the beams of the building and I thought the roof was going to collapse.
-had a nzimbe (sugar cane) eating contest (it wasn't really a contest, I was just wanted to see how fast I could finish one) which made my teeth feel like they were going to fall out (you had to strip the bark with your teeth, I'm surprised I didn't get any splinters in my tongue)
that's all for now folks. I'm hoping to upload some videos and pictures soon on facebook. Also, I just want to thank all of you for your comments, emails, and everything. It really is an encouragement to read!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Another quickie
So I'm on Keltner's comp, spending more time than I should on the internet. BUT, I really want to keep you guys plugged in to what I'm doing here. I'm hoping this blog will allow you to vicariously witness God in Africa.
Coming to Africa, I thought I was going to be completely blown away by the differences in culture, in people, language, everything. But the longer I'm here, the more I realize how similar we really are. And I'm blown away by that. It doesn't matter where I am or who I'm with because God is here. God is in these people, in this place. We are all connected by one God. We are all God's children. It's just so amazing seeing it here.
A couple times a week, the interns meet to share life stories. Though I've shared my story in bits in pieces, I've never really shared it as one whole cohesive thing. So I was dreading it, putting it off, and dreading it some more. But, I felt that God was really calling me tell it all and tell it like it is AND to people I'd met only about a week ago. He truly gave me the strength to face my life and tell my story. And, once I told that story, I was just overwhelmed with love. Love that I never expected, and love that was from God.
It's just so awesome here. Living, breathing, walking, talking, laughing, crying, with God all the time. And at the end of every single day, I can't help but feel a little bit sad that I have one less day here in Malawi.
So since I don't have much time to elaborate on everything, here's a list of things about today that I want to mention:
I went to Flood Malawi today and met with Pastor Sean!
Got a tour of African Bible College!
Went to Bright's (a friend) farm today and had sugar cane, some root thing, and Malawian "bubblegum" which was really Malawian mucus! (I'll explain later)
I've crashed a Malawian birthday party!
Hopefully I'll get to crash a couple Malawian weddings soon.
Went to the Malawian market and bargained in Chichewa.
Squished with 11 other people in the defender (our jeep) which we also refer to as the hummer
Made Nsima with the villagers
Learned how to shake it like Malawians do
Assimilated with ease with Malawian time (Malawians are always late...probably not the best thing)
Took a million pictures
Made MTV Cribs Malawi Africa Edition
The stars here are amazing! (different hemisphere, different constellations. I can see the southen cross!)
The clouds are even more ridiculous!
AND, African sunsets are more than I bargained for
Book I'm currently reading: Abba's Child by Brennan Manning
Ok it's time to go now, but hopefully you got a little taste of Malawi from this! Still more to come!!
Love, Love, Love
Angela
Coming to Africa, I thought I was going to be completely blown away by the differences in culture, in people, language, everything. But the longer I'm here, the more I realize how similar we really are. And I'm blown away by that. It doesn't matter where I am or who I'm with because God is here. God is in these people, in this place. We are all connected by one God. We are all God's children. It's just so amazing seeing it here.
A couple times a week, the interns meet to share life stories. Though I've shared my story in bits in pieces, I've never really shared it as one whole cohesive thing. So I was dreading it, putting it off, and dreading it some more. But, I felt that God was really calling me tell it all and tell it like it is AND to people I'd met only about a week ago. He truly gave me the strength to face my life and tell my story. And, once I told that story, I was just overwhelmed with love. Love that I never expected, and love that was from God.
It's just so awesome here. Living, breathing, walking, talking, laughing, crying, with God all the time. And at the end of every single day, I can't help but feel a little bit sad that I have one less day here in Malawi.
So since I don't have much time to elaborate on everything, here's a list of things about today that I want to mention:
I went to Flood Malawi today and met with Pastor Sean!
Got a tour of African Bible College!
Went to Bright's (a friend) farm today and had sugar cane, some root thing, and Malawian "bubblegum" which was really Malawian mucus! (I'll explain later)
I've crashed a Malawian birthday party!
Hopefully I'll get to crash a couple Malawian weddings soon.
Went to the Malawian market and bargained in Chichewa.
Squished with 11 other people in the defender (our jeep) which we also refer to as the hummer
Made Nsima with the villagers
Learned how to shake it like Malawians do
Assimilated with ease with Malawian time (Malawians are always late...probably not the best thing)
Took a million pictures
Made MTV Cribs Malawi Africa Edition
The stars here are amazing! (different hemisphere, different constellations. I can see the southen cross!)
The clouds are even more ridiculous!
AND, African sunsets are more than I bargained for
Book I'm currently reading: Abba's Child by Brennan Manning
Ok it's time to go now, but hopefully you got a little taste of Malawi from this! Still more to come!!
Love, Love, Love
Angela
Saturday, July 4, 2009
HellOoOOoo from Malawiiii!!!
MULI BWANGI my friends!
Ok so I'm finally allowed to use the internet! And I officially have 17 minutes and 41 seconds left so I have to make this a quickie. Malawi is AMAAAZING. The people here are just so friendly, loving, funny, and all of the above. I really feel home here and surprisingly I'm not homesick. Coming to Malawi, I was expecting to be culture shocked immediately, but I don't feel entirely shocked yet. We live right next to a village called Mgwayi and we go there for home visits and teaching at a elementary school. Its so funny because right as we enter the village, we hear kids shouting AZUNGU AZUNGU! (which means white people) ahaha then we hear a storm of running footsteps and emerging from the grassy fields is a stampede of little African children with their hands open wide, reaching out to grab ours. I'm sitting here trying to describe how I feel every time I walk out there and I can't (probably because I keep checking how many minutes I have left online). It's overwhelming. This week alone has been so amazing. God is everywhere. I see it Him in my fellow interns, the national interns, and even in the snotty faces of the kids. I love it! There are so many stories I need to post on here, but it will take more than 6 minutes. So, I just wanted to tell you all that I'm alive and loving every single moment here! I hope you all are doing well in the states. I'm thinking of and praying for you all!
Love, Love, Love,
Angela
Ok so I'm finally allowed to use the internet! And I officially have 17 minutes and 41 seconds left so I have to make this a quickie. Malawi is AMAAAZING. The people here are just so friendly, loving, funny, and all of the above. I really feel home here and surprisingly I'm not homesick. Coming to Malawi, I was expecting to be culture shocked immediately, but I don't feel entirely shocked yet. We live right next to a village called Mgwayi and we go there for home visits and teaching at a elementary school. Its so funny because right as we enter the village, we hear kids shouting AZUNGU AZUNGU! (which means white people) ahaha then we hear a storm of running footsteps and emerging from the grassy fields is a stampede of little African children with their hands open wide, reaching out to grab ours. I'm sitting here trying to describe how I feel every time I walk out there and I can't (probably because I keep checking how many minutes I have left online). It's overwhelming. This week alone has been so amazing. God is everywhere. I see it Him in my fellow interns, the national interns, and even in the snotty faces of the kids. I love it! There are so many stories I need to post on here, but it will take more than 6 minutes. So, I just wanted to tell you all that I'm alive and loving every single moment here! I hope you all are doing well in the states. I'm thinking of and praying for you all!
Love, Love, Love,
Angela
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