I promised to blog bomb so I definitely hope you came back to read this blog! Malawi is some country in Africa! Cool right! Pretty basic stuff I know. I am not exactly sure where I am in the world when it comes to relevance to societies, western culture, the equator, chick fil-a and Wal-Mart, but I know that this place is special. Since landing in Lilongwe, Malawi on the 26th of August, I have not seen one glimpse of something that may even seem culturally similar to America or Europe. Very different. Now I certainly wouldn’t call this place a wasteland because it is vibrant, but it is flat and largely a place that seems to be forgotten by many. But let me back track for just a moment to that all you future racers know what you’re getting into for traveling. So here is the exact path. Leave Draganesti-Olt, Romania at 7am— arrive Bucharest, Romania 3 hours later, wait for like 4 hours— 2.5 hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany with a 6 hour layover— after a 6 hour flight we landed in some city in Ethiopia and had a 4 hour layover— landed in Lilongwe, Malawi after a 4 hour flight—and a 7 hour bus ride to Mzuzu, Malawi. So in all the travels, it was a meager 45 hours of traveling. Woosh!! That was tiring. Also, no joke, my legs were about to explode. They looked like stuffed sausages. So swollen. My goodness it hurt. Anyways, I made it to the “Warm Heart of Africa,” and I can certainly say they live up to the name. Everywhere you look, someone is smiling. Happiness abounds and you cannot help but want to join in on the smile party. Ok, let’s get real. Handshakes are SUCH A BIG DEAL HERE!!!! I have never been in a handshake longer than maybe 3 seconds. Without exaggeration, a handshake can last long enough to create that drippy kind of sweat between hands. A little mysterious about the duration but it is kinda fun…sort of game like. Furthermore, men hold hands!!! At training camp I was told but thought that was village thing. Nope. I have never held hands with a man so much in my entire life. Again, just another reality that is surprising and interesting. Ohh, how could I forget, being white or “Mzungu” here is so interesting. People are all about it. I was told that the term was endearing and I can agree!!!! I feel loved being called that. Weird? Not sure. Nevertheless, when we arrived in Malawi, Pastor Prince picked us up and we headed to the bus station. So great! What can I say?!! I had one guy cradle my arm telling me we were best friends, another looking suspicious at my bags, cars driving around bodies sitting and laying everywhere, buses that are potentially not up to “American standards” but are operational, and people are everywhere with sugar cane, fruit, veggies and other things balanced on their heads. It was a bustling area. So in the midst of the chaos, we caught our bus at the right time to leave and how you would know it, the bus left 1 hour late. No biggie though. But I must tell you about the bus. So……….bus was full capacity. Not sure how often deodorant is applied but let’s just say infrequently. A little stanky, but I can handle it. Beginning our bus ride, there was a sudden Holy Fire Yell being spoken in the front of the bus coming towards where I was sitting in the center. “Ohh nooo, maybe they want to kick us off!!.” Wrong. Apparently ever bus ride begins with a preacher to pray protection over the travels. Say what!!!?! Neato for sure. He was actually a really cool guy and perhaps is coming to our church in Mzuzu this coming week. After his “5 minute” sermon lasted 20 minutes, we dropped him off at a gas station and proceeded to Mzuzu. Since I love to exercise my kidneys by drinking loads of water, I was about to explode! Thankfully, we stopped at just the right time. I was directed to the bathroom. I paid my 10 cents to enter and it was a confusing experience. The bathroom was lit with candles like it was a Catholic communion service or something. As I entered the stall, there was definitely a squatty potty, but there were some suspect shadows gracing the floor before me as I was going to the bathroom. Kind of a traditional churchy experience for critters that happened to be a human bathroom. Through all the travels, we finally made it to Mzuzu and I pitched my tent in the church to prevent mosquito bites. So far its been good, but I’m sure I’ll have to wage war on one or two in my tent eventually!!!!!
Ministry has been so great! The day after we got here, we got to help run a 3 day Vacation Bible School for kids in the surrounding area. They have so much passion and love for Jesus. It is infectious. We learned and taught the kids how to be a Fisher of Men as described in Mark 1:17. Wonderful scripture and super relevant in the changing world we all are living in. On our off day, some of us went to into the street market in town. It was fun and eye opening. For many, this is their living. They support their family based on the income they can provide. Some do not sell items for days or weeks. Some workers did not have shoes. The market was supported by sticks and tin roofs. Again, just alarming at the poverty of the community. It ended up being a really good day!!! So hold on!!! Yesterday we did house visits. Such an incredible experience. I had the chance to share the Word of God with families who cannot make it to church or have to travel great distances to church a word of encouragement. Prayer was powerful throughout the day! Many of them had to utmost joy of the Lord residing in them despite their housing situation. Every single family opened their homes up wide open, without trying to impress us but to welcome us into their life. One family travels 30 minutes by foot to get to church. Another lady travels 1.5 hours each way to get to church. Her husband and kids are not believers and her father has a brain tumor. She is faithful woman, trusting in the love of the Father. Thank you Mayi Mvula for letting my specifically pray and share the gospel with you!!! Another family travels to church by foot. She is widow with 3 kids and a “gogo” (grandmother) to support. She sells the little she can, but others all around her sell the same stuff so she is having a rough time. I am so thankful to Jesus for their hearts and dedication to Him through the storms of life. We Americans, including myself, have so much to learn from these families! I pray you all are thankful for every last thing you have! Give God the glory for it all! He gives and takes away. He has grace and favor for all! Come back to Jesus. He is waiting to welcome you home and to the feasting table. Just open the door!! Amen!
Scripture of the Week: Galatians 2:17-19 on Grace not works and Ezekiel 37:14 that those in Christ are part of his Army. Not by human weapons we have, but through the Word of God, our testimony, and love we live as a grace filled, lamplight Army for Jesus Christ!
