As I ushered in the month of November, I said “goodbye” to month 4 in Africa and started anew in Asia. With Europe and Africa under my belt, I’m super excited for Asian culture. As soon as I arrived in Cambodia, I noticed a stark difference in the terrain…..hot and humid, green and lush, wet and rainy, whereas Africa was dry and dusty. I would like to take a moment and give a snapshot of the last two months in Africa.
I will never forget our month in Malawi, also known as The Warm Heart of Africa. I fell in love with the African people, their warm and generous hearts. I will dearly miss the street children calling me “Azungu” (meaning white person), chasing after me, and grabbing my hands. Their sweet and innocent smiles I will never forget. Teaching preschool had many challenging moments, but they were triumphed by growth and much improvement in just a few short weeks. Teaching Awana and the basics of computers in Zambia was fun, especially hearing kids pray and learn new bible verses and songs. Doing medical ministry (dispensing vaccines to children) in the bush was so valuable and vital because they have no other means of getting them.
I cannot comprehend how blessed I am and the things that I take for granted back in the U.S. My security used to be in my job, material possessions, and everyday comforts. I gave up most of those things to come on this race and learn to set my security, safety, and comfort in Christ alone. There is no security in money, job, or materialism. The Lord gives and can take away (Job 1:21). But at the end of the day what counts the most is what I’m doing with my time on Earth, how I treat people, what I’m doing for God’s kingdom, and my relationship with Christ Jesus. And I learned this best from my African brothers and sisters. They model well how to be content with very little and still be filled with great joy and love for one another. Their love, admiration, hunger, and consistency for Christ is alive and contagious.
Coming to Asia not only marks a new continent, but also new teammates. My squad went through team changes during the last few days in Africa. With this change come new challenges of starting over and getting to know one another: new friendships, new growing opportunities, new memories and celebrations. I came into this race with an open heart and an open mind, and I am excited and cannot wait to see what the next months will look like.
I would like to conclude this letter with gratitude to everyone for their financial support and for keeping me in your prayers. A million times “Thank You” for believing and investing in me!!! Please continue to support me if you can. I’m $1152 short from my previous deadline and have to raise this amount ASAP by November 10th. Please partner with me and help me by sharing this blog with your family and friends.
Sincerely yours,
Galina
