After a long couple of travel days, my squad and I finally made it to Africa! From El Salvador we flew to Atlanta and then to DC where we had an eleven-hour layover that I was so, so thankful for. My family drove down from Pittsburgh to spend some time with me J Because they’re the best family ever they brought Christmas decorations to decorate our hotel room and we celebrated the holiday a couple of weeks early. I walked into the room and there was a little Christmas tree covered in colorful lights, the curtain racks and the pictures were lined with the same lights, there were gifts under the tree, and even a manger scene on the table. I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to get a mosquito net as a gift before but let me tell you, it’s something to get excited about when you’re about to go live in Africa for three months. It is definitely a Christmas celebration that I will never forget so shout-out to fam for making me feel so loved (:
Our first night in Malawi our squad spent the night camping at a hostel and early in the morning the next day my team headed out to our new ministry spot in Zomba. It was about a four-hour drive to my new home, and a beautiful four hours it turned out to be. As we made our way from Lilongwe to Zomba I marveled at the majestic landscape that makes up Malawi. There seem to be mountains that appear out of nowhere, are there for about a half-mile, and then disappear into flat landscape just as quickly as they appeared. There are trees scattered throughout the planes, bursting with blooming flowers that cause heads to turn, and brown patches that remind you that yes, you are indeed in the warm heart of Africa. At one point in the drive we passed the largest river in Malawi, as pointed out by our new host, Pastor Gama. At another point we were right along the border of Malawi and Mozambique so as I was driving through Malawi, I was gazing out at Mozambique. I fell asleep for the rest of the ride so I couldn’t tell you about what the view was for the rest of the ride, but I can tell you that I had a very nice nap.
Once we arrived at our new home we were showed to our rooms to put all of our luggage down. We were pleasantly surprised to say the least when we discovered we had four rooms to share between the six of us. The best way I can describe our home is to compare it to a cozy little hobbit hole. We’re so thankful for the selflessness of Pastor Gama and his family as they allow us to have our own house during our stay here. After we claimed rooms and set our stuff down we ate our dinner and then met the whole family. After the meet and greets we al headed to bed to try to sleep away the jet lag.
The family here loves us so well. Mama Rose cooks all of our meals and sometimes even makes us snacks, Pastor Gama is always looking out for us, the children are always open to play with us, and the youngest of the bunch, Precious, is the cutest little child and is always a source of entertainment. J
Thankful for this country and our new family!
