How can you possibly begin to explain Africa? So many faces. There’s so much history and beauty written out in the smiles of children and faces you pass.
This month has been a curve ball.
I never saw it coming but I’m so glad it did. Refreshed is an understatement.
We have stayed at Butterfly Space which is located on a beach in Nkhata Bay. Everything you need is at least a fifteen to twenty minute walk uphill to town or to ministry.
Stepping into this place is like taking a step into history but not exactly a place I could ever pinpoint.
My best description would be a mixture of Neverland and Woodstock.
I don’t know if that’s helpful but we’ll go with it .
After you walk in the entrance You walk down a giant flight of uneven steps and the rest unfolds into a series of more uneven steps. Steps to the bathroom that’s up a cliff (or so it seems) especially when dysentery or morning pee hits. I’ve learned to time these things. Which is basically avoiding it until the last possible second. The front of the toilet area is open and overlooking the lake. Kind of like a throne.
Completely appropriate in my opinion. It’s a wooden seat over a pit in which you then throw sand and wood chips over to “flush”.
Down a few levels is the media room with a few computers and the sketchiest wifi you’ve ever encountered. There’s a tiny room where they have a few pieces of equipment that locals use to produce their own music. I love hearing them produce melodies over reggae beats.
Down another level is where we have lived! Two strips of grass on either side of a gravel pathway sit six lovely tents. Past our tents is the hangout /kitchen/bar area. Many a card games, Cokes, and movie nights happen here. Just down a few more steps is the beach! A little piece of heaven situated in lovely rocks with a dock and clear water. Aka …. Showers.
It’s a simple life and a beautiful one.
During the week Butterfly Space has several clubs that meet and are run by volunteers.
One of my favorite things about this place is you get people from all walks of life volunteering to help build this community of incredible people.
For instance in one day you could have a conversation with a middle aged Canadian woman who just so happens to have traveled the world. She’s was an activist, Harvard graduate , geologists in Alaska, and one of the first female ordained Buddhists who completed her training Kill Bill style.
You could also run into A half Malawian and half Scottish guy with awesome hair and glasses. Rob has an incredible story and is here seeking to serve God with all his heart. He is also the teacher of Cambio. My new favorite card game.
Then there’s the ornery two year old with beautiful caramel skin and wild blonde hair. It personifies her spirit so wonderfully. She’s not one for talking much (or clothing for that matter) but she’s already way cooler than me or Salvestor Stallone for that matter and all at the age of two.
In the morning we wake up with the sun and by we I mean my teammates. I don’t morning.
We split up between nursery, primary school, disability club, HIV club, loading bricks into the truck, youth club, or prison ministry.
I love the nursery . Up the mountain is a two room school with painted open rooms. Abc’s, 123’s and all that jazz. The 1-3ish something’s play in one room while the 4-6ish something’s raise hell and learn the basics.
I volunteer for the baby room of course 😉
They steal each other’s toys and scream for 3 hours but I just love it!
There’s nothing like squeezing on little ones to brighten your day. They pay no attention to my “no! You can’t smack people” or “you should probably share but you know… Whatever floats your boat.” I learned that if you snatch up the troublemaker with a butt load of hugs and kisses it solves most problems. It’s the loves. Gets em every time.
I think I’m doing alright with this whole kid thing. Then right before everyone parts ways…. Porridge! The consistency of cream of wheat that looks like what I’d imagine salted sand tastes like. The kids pray an adorable prayer of thanks before Jane, the Malawian, teacher dismisses them .
The prayer is my favorite. They do this rocking thing back and forth and fold their hands with their eyes glued shut. Cutest ever.
I think what touches me the most is the childlike faith and innocence.
These kids show up in the same outfits day after day. Sometimes sick with fevers and runny noses. I know this sounds like the classic “I went halfway around the world and saw poverty and now I’m forever changed”
Which is truth.. And valid and meaningful.
But if I could articulate it best… It would be that I need to become like these children.
These kids take ME to school every day.
They don’t live or “act” like people who are in poverty. They don’t even see themselves that way. How could they? They’ve been in this world 1-3 years. They don’t realize the life they lead isn’t the only life.
Instead I see the joy of the Lord. The simplicity and peace of living each day a child of the most high God.
Recently I’ve been learning about what it means to be a child of God.
In the words of Heidi Baker, “His provision is our inheritance.” He is our portion . When we approach the throne as sons and daughters He lavishes us in his grace and love.
I want to be so full of his love that it oozes out of me.
I want to walk hand in hand with the Heavenly Father and learn every day what it means to be a daughter.
I’m so glad he takes our orphaned hearts and transforms us into beloved children.
I want to learn what it means to be tucked into His heart so deeply that I mirror him. What an incredible honor it is to be made in the image of the almighty God. I’m so glad we have the unique capacity to seek him on a deeper level then all the rest of creation . Formed by his hands to be be his hands . Separated from darkness to shine his light.
Maybe you don’t know or you’ve forgotten what it means to be a child of God. It’s humbling and sometimes painful to make ourselves as children. Pride gets in the way. But when we can approach the throne with all personal motives aside and with hearts willing to say “yes” I think we’d be amazed at what He wants to do through us. A heart that says yes is only alive if it’s followed by action. Often I find myself at a loss for why I don’t feel that God is moving. I’ve noticed I say “anoint me Lord” and then leave it there like last weeks leftovers. His word says we are capable of the same miracles and wonders and even more so that Jesus performed. We must be like children with untouchable faith. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit and power from high. We must learn what it means to see with Jesus’s eyes and to not let that be just some romantic, Christianese statement. Jesus said whatever you do for the least of these you do for me. We must see others not just as He would see them but as if they were Him. It’s like that classic question, “Would you drive by Jesus when he was hungry and cold?”
I think a lot of people including myself would say yes. Because “he’s probably just going to use that money for alcohol, right?” Yeah, maybe he is. And maybe at the bottom of that bottle Jesus will make himself more real to him than ever before. Who are we to judge how and when God works and moves? I think it looks more like this….Would you stop giving even if it meant you were without? Will you stop seeking and even when you don’t see the results? Can you trust God with your whole life and walk in obedience even when it seems you will not have provision?
I don’t often see it capable to be able to love like Jesus. Although I know that level of selflessness is not just reserved for the people out doing great things. I know the power of God and miracles isn’t just for the missionary in a foreign land. Loving without conditions isn’t something we’re blessed with. It’s a piece of Him that we have access to if we want it. It’s a choice to pick up the cross and follow.
I know His love for me isn’t confined to my human limitations but instead to His God sized imagination. It can be for me. It can be for you.
