When reflecting on Malawi I knew it would be hard to write down how much the month actually meant to me. I have started this blog multiple times but nothing has done it justice. So instead of forcing something that will never truly express what our month in Malawi was like. I would love to show you the people that quickly became family, the kids that we came home to everyday and the country that has stolen my heart.
This is a small glimpse into our month in Malawi. ENJOY!
When we first arrived in Malawi we did not know what to expect. Only one of us on my team had been to Africa before, but we were all ready for something different. Little did we know what was waiting for us. From the moment we meet Pastor Phillip we knew that this month was going to be different from all the rest. I remember having our first meeting with him and praying over our month to come and being so overcome with unexplainable joy. This place felt right, this place felt like home. When we finally made it to Bangwe after a very long day of traveling we were immediately taken to our host’s home to have dinner and to meet his family. Three very short weeks later, we took this picture. A lot has happened, since our first dinner and the Lord has used this family to spark so much growth in each of us. The joy in the picture is so real. At the center of this family is the joy of Christ and the Lord knew that our team made up of 7 women needed to experience this pure joy.
Pastor Phillip, is a man of God that can not be swayed. He is truly devoted to his creator and has a gift of bring others along with him. He believes in the word and everything that the bible has to offer. He is a teacher, a father, a husband, and true disciple. He is disciplined and has such a beautiful vision for his community.
Momma Lillian, is a mother to everyone she meets. She has lived her life raising a house full of boys. She has an infectious laugh and a quiet and gentle demeanor but, her soul reeks of her heavenly father. She is wise and noble and has taught us so much of what it looks like to care for a family and not ask for anything in return. She is such a beautiful example of what it looks like to be a servant hearted.
My prayers for them, is that the Lord would continue to give them vision for their community and that possibilities would be endless for them. That their household would continue to be a beacon of hope in their community and that the Lord would bless there marriage more and more everyday.
Our Boys. (from right to left)
Phillip: Phillip is a dreamer. One of my favorite parts of the day was walking home with Phillip every night after dinner. I love how it did not take him long to open up and share his hopes and dreams for the future and remind me that the Lord wants us to dream big and trust that he will always provide in the best way possible. The Lord used Phillip to remind me that I am currently living out my dream, to travel the world and meet the Lords people; to experience culture and not just read about it. To live life knowing that there is so much more. Phillip is a worshiper, and one day hopes to be a well known pianist. His sole passion in life is to glorify the Lord through music. My hope and prayer for Phillip is that he would always be a dreamer and that he would trust in his creator to provide.
Kenneth: Kenneth is a influencer. He worships the Lord with so much passion and dedication. While in Malawi we kept referring to him as the “cool brother” and now that I have had the opportunity to look back on our time with him I understand the deeper meaning. Kenneth has an aura of destiny. He is only 17 years old and yet he soaks up all knowledge that is around him. He also has the ability to truly see a person for who they are. My prayer for Kenneth is that the Lord would continue to use him as a vessel to reach the community that he lives in and the country that he calls home. My hope is that his knowledge and understanding of who the Lord is would continue to bless him and all those that come in contact with him.
Caleb: Caleb was our brother from the moment we met him. While it took everyone else a few days to warm up to us Caleb was all in from the moment we walked through the door. Everyday after ministry Caleb was the first one to greet us and this became one of my favorite things to look forward to each day. Caleb asks great questions and is willing to jump into anything. He has a laugh that surpasses all other laughter and a heart that is genuine and humble to the core. I love his adventurous spirit and his curiosity. My prayer for Caleb is that the Lord would continue to be the author of his life. Caleb broke his leg and because of this had to undergo surgery. This has changed his daily life, but has not broken his spirit. My prayer is that the Lord would bless him greatly because of his discipline and trust.
Joshua: Where to begin with this sweet boy. Joshua is our youngest brother but has made such a huge impact on all of us. His purity and childlike faith is such a testament to the Lords faithfulness, and yet he gives everything he has in his 14 year old body when he worships. He epitomizes the verse in 1 Timothy that says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” My prayer for him is that he would be the example. That his friends, family, and community would see his faith as something to be celebrated and that he too would be able to dream. That he would dream knowing that his God knows and wants to give him the desires of his heart.
Ministry in Malawi was full of laughter, on the spot thinking, singing, acting, and moments of pure bliss. You never knew what to expect and how kids would take things but, that is what made it fun. Everyday was spent traveling to villages around our town and gathering people and just spending the day with people and sharing life and sharing stories. Some of my favorite moments on the race so far happened during this month during ministry.
On one of our last nights we surprised our host and his wife by throwing them a surprise party, complete with cornbread cake, party hats, and a homemade meal. We were able to take photos from our month and family pictures that we took and give them their very own photo album. We were also able to give our brother there very own bibles complete with engraving.
Leaving Malawi and our family was probably one of the hardest goodbyes I have every had to say but as time goes on I know that I am getting closer and closer to seeing them again. This family and community that thrives because of them has changed my life and I am so grateful to say that I am and will always be an official princess of Bangwe.
