Well first off, I want to really apologize for my lack of blogs over the past month and a half. I have loved my time in Africa, but I have learned that Africa is definitely not known for certain things, transportation and internet being at the top of that list! Getting an internet connection at all has been a struggle, and this is the first time that I have had a connection that is fast enough to blog. But as they say- T.I.A: This is Africa. So… please bear with me as I attempt to catch you up to speed!
When I last posted, we were about to leave Massacca, Mozambique to meet up with the rest of the squad in Vilanculos, a town about 12 hours north of Massacca. As I mentioned, I have learned that Africa is definitely not known for its excellent transportaion. I would say that this trip was my first true “African travel experience.” We took a “charter” bus (I think it may have been a charter bus in the 60’s), and it was crammed to the max. The aisles were filled with peoples, animals, luggage, you name it. But after 12 hours or so of not being able to move a muscle, we arrived safely in Vilanculos.
From there, our African travel experience got even more interesting, as we learned that our entire squad would be traveling to Malawi in the back of a flat bed truck- for nearly 40 hours straight. That’s right- all of us, together, for almost 40 hours. But I am happy to say that we all survived and made it safely to Malawi, though I can honestly say that I don’t think I have ever been that exhausted or dirty in my life. This is the only picture I have of the truck. Sorry that it’s not very good- let’s just say it wasn’t an experience I was dying to remember… =)
But though the experience of getting to Malawi was not the best, it was worth it. I had no idea what to expect in coming, but I honestly think it was my favorite country to date. Our whole squad worked with Harvesters International Ministries, which is a church planting ministry. We all worked with Harvesters, but we were split into three groups- in the northern, central, and southern regions of the country. Team Bamboo worked in the Southern Region in a BEAUTIFUL town named Zomba.
Like I said, I didn’t know what to expect in coming to Malawi, but everything was a pleasant surprise. It was one of the most naturally beautiful countries we have been too, but the people were equally beautiful. We were able to life with our contact, Pastor Medson Gama, his wife Rose, and the rest of their family. I think Pastor Gama and Rose have been the two people who have touched me the most on this trip so far. Since the second we stepped in their door, they showed us nothing but amazing kindness and hospitality. They loved us like we were their own children, and have given us all a picture of what a true, humble servant of Jesus should look like.
Our ministry primarily consisted of traveling around to different churches in the region and sharing with the pastors and other leaders. Normally, we would all share our testimony and then one person would preach. Preaching is not something I am used to, but it was a good learning experience for us all to get out of our comfort zones a little bit. Everywhere we went, the people were amazingly gracious to us and made us feel so welcomed and loved. They even gave us a live chicken once as a thank you!
We were also able to do some other types of ministry, such as home visits, and reaching out to Pastor Gama’s local church. We had a great time playing with the kids, ministering to the youth, and even teaching some of the women how to knit.
Ok, I suppose that is all I will share for now. We are now currently back in South Africa, debriefing one more time before we head to Asia. Since this is the first time I have had decent internet, I am hoping to post several blogs over the next week to share with you everything that has happened. So thank you for your patience as I play catch up!
Even though I have not had good communication over the past month, I know that many of you have been so faithful to pray for me and my team, and I am so grateful to you. I have felt your prayers and I so appreciate every blog comment, email, facebook message, etc. Your support and encouragement means so much! I love you all!
