Africa has been a lot. A LOT a lot. It’s been very good, very hard, and occasionally very smelly. I’ve been stretched and pulled out of my comfort zone physically, emotionally, and spiritually, just all the things. God has been working in my heart VERY much so here. He has brought up things in my past to deal with and spoken promises over my future all while teaching me very much in the present. It has been a lot to take in and process. So much so I haven’t been able to form words. I wanted to blog, but how can one form words without processing what their feeling? I’m still processing quite a bit, but I’ve come to a point where I can share a little of what God has been doing in Africa.
I love Malawi and have enjoyed the simplicity of living. I sleep on the ground, take cold showers (sometimes out of a faucet, sometimes a bucket), cook on charcoal fires, hand wash my clothes outside, and I haven’t seen a mirror in weeks. Those reading this may not find any of those things enjoyable, but it has caused me to slow down, enjoy life, and really become thankful for the little things.
It is beautiful here. The glowing green grass contrasting to the bright orange roads and blue skies is absolutely gorgeous. I find myself in constant awe of the breathtaking sunsets and star filled night skies. To this day I still don’t understand it, but for some reason the sky in Africa is so much bigger than anywhere else in the world. And the people, oh the people are stunning. With dark, clear complexion, high cheekbones, and bright white teeth they are some of the most beautiful people I have ever seen.
I’ve been able to really bond with the locals. I love going outside of our compound to play with the street kids. Every time I go outside I hear them chanting, “Abigail Abigail Abigail!!!” In fact, the other day I was in the store and a little girl came up, gave me a big hug and said, “Hello Abigail!” I didn’t think I had ever seen her before, but I assume we’ve met at some point. With the long red hair and glowing white skin, I guess I’m easily recognized.
Our ministry here has been great. On Mondays we go to a nursery and help care for orphaned babies. The Crisis Nursery is a place for babies who are too young to stay in an orphanage. They will live here until they are three years old and then either be adopted or sent to a government orphanage. We go for a few hours to rock, feed, and play with them.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays we go to a children’s home. Chisomo Children’s Home is designed to save boys and girls from selling drugs on the streets, working in brothels, and living in abusive homes. The children will stay there long enough to receive counseling, medical attention, and find a safe relative to move in with. We play games with them, teach them songs, and share bible stories. Although they can be misbehaved at times, they are just kids who have had a really hard life. I love to come in and goof off, allowing them to just be kids and have fun!
On Wednesdays and Fridays we go teach at a primary school. This is a tiny little school with brick walls, tin roofs, and dirt floors. I have been designated as the Bible Knowledge teacher and my teammates teach Music and Art. Friday is sports day so for the second half of the day the school walks out to a field to play sports. I usually find myself either coaching volleyball or netball( a cross between basketball and ultimate.. my new favorite sport). I have fallen in love with the kids at this school and through this ministry, the Lord has revealed to me the path of becoming an elementary P.E. teacher. So I am happy to announce that I will be attending Liberty University this fall with the degree of Kinesiology and Teachers Licensure!
On Sunday’s we go to church and share testimonies, the Word, and sermons. I’ve gotten quite a bit of public speaking experience through this. Africa church usually lasts about three hours with all the speaking, praying, singing, and dancing. After church, we sometimes go eat home cooked Malawian food at church member’s houses. A common Sunday afternoon meal is stewed chicken, greens, bananas, and white rice usually paired with a bottled Coke or Fanta! Pastor Blessings calls this gathering a swallowship because we are swallowing while we fellowship. Swallowship may be my favorite part about Sundays!
Africa has been so great and I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. Honestly, I can’t believe I’ve been on the field for six months now and only have three more to go! I’m looking forward to what God has in store during these last three months in Guatemala.
