Hello from Nkhata Bay, Malawi! 🙂
It’s been a while since I’ve written, and honestly, it’s due to me not being able to put my thoughts into words on this month.
As I sit overlooking the lake on this fine afternoon there are a few things that come to mind about this month.
1- Gods love is relentless. He loves all people. Unconditionally. Forever.
2- God gives us new mercy every day.
Why do I say these things? Culturally, this has been the hardest country for me to connect with people wise. It’s not due to Malawi being the poorest country in the world (which it is, but I would not have ever guessed that by how developed it seems). Economically they are not doing well due to the amount of corruption within the government, but that’s not a factor for me.
Coming to a new country every month allows me to adapt to my new surroundings and to get a grasp on what the cultural norms are. Some of the norms here are not things I want to adapt to.
I believe that every person should have a voice. Regardless of their social standing, race/ethnicity, occupation, or age. Every person deserves to be heard (in my opinion), and that’s not exactly how Malawi wants to do things. I’m fortunate to come from a country that values women (granted it’s a new development, but I’m thankful for my generation nonetheless). By no means are things terrible in Malawi, but there are things I don’t agree with, but I am thankful for the opportunity to see how they live life. I have been challenged to be here and it’s also been such a blessing! 🙂
I’m walking out in the things I’m passionate in- prison ministry (I’ve wanted to do this since I was a freshman in college). This has been my top favorite ministry- I’ll write a separate blog for this one! 🙂
I’m also working on a few things personally- what it looks like to fully trust the Lord, have faith {in Him and not the result I’m hoping for}, as well as trust people in my life {with things that I value- words, memories, emotions}, and also to not have a savior complex.
The later one has looked very complicated this month as I have tried very passionately, fervently, and intimately to love those around me, but more specifically the art vendors down the street from us. I am a relational being to the core- literally to the extreme (but that’s something I’ve learned to love about myself). The art vendors have been my ministry this month, not as a project but to love them as people who have value and worth- not according to what they make daily by their talents or abilities though.
Something that God taught me on Easter though is that I cannot love someone to Christ. That’s a decision that they have to make on their own. We’re all given the option to make choices in life, and just as I have made the decision years ago to follow Christ- that’s one they also have to choose on their own.
With all these things circling through my brain- it has brought new memories, many mistakes, but also great wisdom. God has taught me a ton this month, and luckily enough for me- the month isn’t over quiet yet! God has literally opened my eyes this month to see people the way that he does, and to love them with the same authenticity, and that’s what I love. I love having the comfort and the confidence to work out of the giftings the lord has blessed me with and I’m thankful for a team that gives me the grace to do that and make mistakes as well. :]
Guys– I have a little over $800 in order to be fully funded- whoop whoop!! If you want to donate to my journey, please do so via my blog! You guys are awesome, thanks for all of the love and support! 🙂
