*The following blog post is a product of procrastination, sudden day-of-wifi writing skills, and a state of sarcasm. Laugh with caution.*
To answer the title, yes I am, in fact, alive.
HELLO AMERICA & THE WORLD!
It has been too long since we have last talked and my sincere apologies for not being an avid blogger as I may have dreamed and desired.
At last, we have arrived in the very large continent of AFRICA! Never in all my dreams did I imagine I’d ever step foot into Africa. Now here I sit with African orange mud engrained in my Chacos. What is my life? Known as “the warm heart of Africa,” Malawi has certainly opened its welcoming arms to embrace us, with all the shouts of “AZUNGOOS” to announce our presence into the area by the neighborhood children.
Team Dauntless and Team Meek (that’s us!) live in a house with our host family situated near the capital of Lilongwe. Our ministry is all around the board this month; from soccer, widow’s, the village, the city center, holding babies, playing with kids, and more. Life here with two teams is definitely an experience, but we are doing well together. But, we wont be together for much longer, as our three months in Malawi are full of change. This is my last month as a member of Team Dauntless and living with Team Meek because Manistry month is upon us! Manistry month is a point in the World Race when the girls and boys of the squad are separated and in separate teams and contacts. So for the month of January I will be in a new team of all girls. Then as February begins, we are switched back to co-ed teams and different contacts. When March hits, we will be on our way to our final country of The Philippines! Where will time go? (It’s almost like we’re an actual 11 n 11 trip!)
How are we already in Month 4 1/2 people? So much has happened in such a small amount of time of life but yet so much at the same time. I have seen so much change in the lives of my teammates and squad mates, and in my own life as well. I’ve learned so much and I continue to learn so very much.
Our time in El Salvador was a long one, but ever so meaningful and memorable.
I feel like this is a good time for a list…like…Most Memorable Moments of El Sal. Yeah, I’ll try that.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF EL SALVADOR
The three monsoon like rainstorms we had that sent my team and I running into a room with all our sleeping gear just to stay dry and it raining for three days straight.
Acquiring a sickness called Dengue fever.
My version of almost drowning in our beach town. (My teammates think I’m dramatic.)
Stepping out of an attitude of defeatedness and into an attitude of victoriousness.
Finally learning and embracing things in my heart of what my Father calls me. He calls me His Princess. I am beloved. Cherished. Precious. Beautiful. And so many other things I needed to hear. Now I know who I am and how he sees me. The devil has no control of telling me lies anymore.
More freedom and more confidence.
Finally accepting that I am a writer.
Falling in love with El Salvador.
Our trip to Antigua Guatemala for fun with our lovely host Andrea.
…and yes, my procrastination has now gotten to me as I am unprepared and coming up with these on the spot and failing. Just being honest.
Can I just make a shoutout to all you supporters out there? Those who have donated, those who have prayed, and those you have read: YOU ARE APPRECIATED! While I cannot seem to show you through words what has happened in my life these months, know it has not gone to waste. Most days I still question what I’m doing here and what purpose is there for me here, but I know through your support and through God’s provision and things He’s shown me, I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be. But I just want to thank you so much for your support. YOU ARE LOVED!
I ask that you continue to pray for my squad and I as we embark on all these adventures and changes we will face here in Africa. Pray for our protection, our health, and our growth! Most especially our endurance and strength. We would not be where we are without your prayers. So please pray for us.
You ‘da best. Much love.
Your Em.
