Mtsiliza Village

We have just returned from visiting our first village...and the experience was overwhelming. That is truly the only way that I can describe it.
We woke up early this morning and got ready to go to church on the African Bible College campus, or ABC. The service was very nice, and the preacher was American so we were able to understand everything. We sang worship songs accompanied by one man playing a very old piano - which sure made me appreciate the amazing worship bands at Summit even more than I already did. After the service we left to go into the village...

When we were driving into the village, the kids were all standing on the side of the road screaming and waving and dancing for us. We went to the village center at feeding time for the COTN village assistance program. There were hundreds of kids waiting to receive a small bowl of rice and meat. The children were so dirty and their clothes were worn and torn.

I held a small child for about 30 minutes and another few gathered around me. They were so happy to be in our company and they were absolutely obsessed with my camera! They kept saying, "One pik-cha. One pik-cha!" The smell from these children is so strong that I have a serious headache right now.

I feel overwhelmed.

House of Peace

I have already experienced so many things here in Malawi in less than 24 hours. Last night we boarded the "coasters" after dinner and drove through the African country-side for about half an hour. I enjoyed looking around and taking pictures. We went to the Children of the Nation's "House of Peace" where 32 orphans stay in the care of two amazing parents - who are retired but wanted to commit the rest of their lives to serving the Lord. How incredible is that?

I was greeted by two children who ran to me and wrapped their arms around me. They took me by both hands and led me into their home. To see these children - who have lost everything and gained very little in return - rejoice and smile and praise God for their blessings has hit me in a place I didn't know existed. How can I ever feel discontent in my life? How can I say that I "need" a new Ipod or a new dress or a new car...

Watching these children sing and perform their "welcome" show for us last night - it really hit me that I am in Africa. Their songs were so beautiful - and even though we couldn't understand most of the words we could still understand the message of their voices. "Thank you God...Thank you Jesus." Amen to that...

At the House of Peace, I walked and spoke with a young boy named Peter. He told me that he loves school and church - science and English are his favorite and when he grows up he wants to be a doctor. I prayed that these kids will pursue their dreams.

We think a lot of times that our desires for nice things - large houses filled with fancy things, to travel, to have an exciting job - we believe that these desires are born into us, that they are always with us. But watching these children and talking to Peter really shows me otherwise. These desires are not in us - we create them. Because in these children I don't see any of the worldly desires that I know.

So, what makes us different? The things that we possess or the contentment of our hearts. Beacuse they are so content with so little, yet I find discontent with so much.

I feel guilty.

Rat-Kabobs

I think it is important to document my first tramatic experience overseas. Have you ever heard of a rat-kabob? Neither had I, but apparently it is a nice and friendly snack here in Malawi. The Malawians who sell these disgusting things will burn mice out of the ground, stick them on a stick, and feast up! They are sold all over, including on the side of the road. What's worse - one of the kids in our group actually ate one. He said he was having trouble swallowing the hair. Please hold your vomit....

On a lighter note, we picked our cabins. I will, from this point forward, refer to my cabin affectionately as the "Monkey Butt Hut"...because, well...that's what it is. Going on this trip not knowing anyone was surely a challenge for me, but I was so incredibly blessed to become friends with all of these amazing people - especially the girls who stayed in my hut!

Children of the Nations

We arrived at the Children of the Nations camp - my home for the next 11 days. It is really beautiful here.

I can't really describe how quiet it is. Quiet and peaceful and untouched. I can feel the potential to encounter God here like you never have before. The Bible always speaks of "In the stillness you are there..." Maybe this is what they are speaking of. We lose track of all these things in all the business, the "noise", and minor tragedies of everyday life. I hear a distant car fumbling along, but it does not drown out the breezes and the birds and the sprinklers.

We took some time to practice our songs and dances that we will be performing for the kids this week.

Tiny Truck - Lots of Stuff

We loaded up all of our things onto a small pickup truck. It looks as though if this truck goes racing down the road at a speed greater than 9 m.p.h. all of our things will go flying off. Hopefully they know what they are doing...
Our team boarded two buses, or "coasters" as they call them, and we are headed to the COTN camp. I am once again overwhelmed trying to take everything in.

Malawi At Last

"Malawi..."
"Oh, me? I'm going to Malawi"
"Malawi - it's in southeast Africa"

MALAWI. I have been saying this word for many months now and all the while, in essence, it meant nothing. Now, I am bombarded.

"Welcome to Malawi!"
"Malawi Gin - A Truly Malawian Taste!"
"Air Malawi"

The word is everywhere. WE HAVE ARRIVED IN MALAWI.

Addis Ababa

We have landed in Ethiopia - Addis Ababa to be exact. I know that probably means nothing to you. Local time: 8:00 a.m.

I am trying to take everything in - the smells, the sounds, the signs, the languages. I'll tell you one thing for sure - a pack of 46 Americans huddled together stands out in a place like this. There are military security men all around - in suits similar to the American Marines only the colors are blue. There is an Ethiopian woman standing in the hallway of the airport screaming at the top of her lungs, and I have no idea what she's saying - but if I had to guess just by the tone of her high-pitched screams, I'd say that she's sick and tired of being at this airport but she has no idea how to get home. Oh, and she also hates airport personnel.

The flight was much better than I expected...and I was able to sleep mostly the whole time! Thank youuuuu sleeping pill. My next door neighbor, as I'd like to call him, asked me if I could get him some of what I'd been having - because apparently I didn't even wake up when we landed to refuel in Rome or when we took off from there. Yikes - maybe it was a horse tranquilizer and not a sleeping pill.
We still have about 3-4 hours to go before we land in Malawi and take a bus to the COTN camp. Everyone on our team seems to be enduring the travel well.

Being around so many different people from all over the world really makes you feel small. Small does not mean meaningless - just small.

As we were walking through the airport, I was thinking "Wow. I am in Africa. I'm really in....Africa." Everything is different here - but the same. That statement sounds confusing, but if you were here you would understand what I mean. I am so thankful for the opportunity to go on this trip. I hope that I will do so many great things through the Lord.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

International Flight Numero Uno

Well, I made it to Washington, D.C.
In the scheme of things - looking ahead to a 25+ hour international flight - this may seem like a small feat. But I am taking things one step at a time on this trip, so therefore - each tiny victory is still a VICTORY! I have learned that people, including myself, do strange things before a long trip abroad. First and most importantly, knowing that this will be our last opportunity to savor American food for a few weeks, we are running around this airport like wild animals looking for the following: Starbucks, McDonalds, Sbarro Pizza, Coke machines and any other shops that may serve fried, greasy food and/or coffee and soda. Check out this picture! My first bona fide international plane...I'll tell you in a few hours whether or not it will also be my last!

Summit Church

It is so early Friday morning - and I can't believe that my trip has already begun. Matt dropped me off at Summit at 2:30 a.m. and we sorted our luggage and also organized the 50+ boxes filled with donations for Children of the Nations. We loaded the bus and we're off to the airport. I am nervous for the flight - will my motion sickness prevail?! Or will the tiny pill called "Simply Sleep" be enough to keep me knocked out? More on the joys of travel later...

Ready To Go

As I sit here beside my bed, packing the last of my things into an extremely tiny suitcase...I cannot believe it's time. I have always heard that we should be the hands and feet of Jesus, but I don't know that I ever felt closer to that statement than I do now.

I am overflowing with appreciation for all of the support that you have shown me. I could never thank you all enough for helping to make this trip so close to my heart. They told us at the very beginning that sending out letters and talking to people about my trip would be one of the most important parts of my whole mission. Now, I wholeheartedly believe it.

I cannot wait to share all of my amazing stories and pictures with you when I get back. I am ready to go. Goodnight.

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep...

Guard me Jesus through the night
Help me please to do what's right
Open my heart, Lord, to see it all
With you beside me I am standing tall

I want so badly to be your light
Please give me ears to hear and eyes for sight
And show me the way to serve you best
I will pray a lot and leave you the rest

I want to hold a tiny child
And tell my family how she smiled
Show her that she's so much more
Than what this disease has in store

I want to talk to one without hope
And although this life is too much to cope
I'll show him that he's not alone
And someday he'll sit on heaven's throne

I want to tell them they matter to you
And say that you will see them through
I really hope they know these things
That one day they'll mount on eagle's wings

I want to see all things new
And appreciate this life more too
I want my heart to turn towards you
And make you proud when my life is through

If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take....