The Warm Heart of Africa is Malawi’s nickname and there is no better way to describe this country. We have had the opportunity to work with a variety of different ministries throughout these few weeks. During the first month we had 4 different ministries a week. On Mondays and Friday’s we go to a group of widows and share love with them. In these places of Africa, losing a husband is more than just losing your soulmate, it also means losing the means of support in your life. The women here are not as valued as the men and therefore are not expected to be the bread winners. So when these beautiful ladies lose their husbands, they have to figure out a way to provide for themselves and their families. This group offers them work and support. They sew clothes, bags, ties, basically everything and sell them to make a living for their families. They do like to work a lot but their time with us consists of more than just sewing and cooking and working, we dance and sing for hours upon hours. These women are so energetic and love to teach us new dances and songs every time we come in. They have taught me the beauty of life and how to live in a simple, childlike way. Their youthfulness remains and is evident in everything they do.
On Tuesdays, we go to a hair salon and preach and make relationships with the community there. It is so sweet returning back to the salon every week and having the ability to hear their stories as well as make relationships with these kind souls. On Wednesdays, we go to our church where about 600 kids (mainly orphans) gather to get fed. We have the opportunity to, not only feed them, but also to tell them stories, show them love, and to dance and sing with them. It is crazy that every week, about 2-3 children will attach to us and make a connection that is so deep it hurts to leave. We usually can’t communicate with these children, but the way they cling to our hands and don’t want to let go shows so much more love than their words could say. It is a beautiful thing being able to make connections so deep yet so quick.
On Thursdays, we go to a crisis nursery and simply hold babies. these babies are either orphaned and left there or given to the nursery by prostitute mothers. I’m gonna be honest, I’m not much of a baby person by any means and this ministry is definitely challenging, but it is still so sweet to know that these babies have a safe place to go to be cared for. There are so many workers there that love them beyond words and it really is an honor to be able to love on them. Even if love looks like getting vomited on or messily trying to feed them porridge, it’s a cool experience to be able to love these children.
Our first month of ministry was so memorable and amazing. there isn’t much to do here on off days (except for the lake which is about 8 hours away but I 10/10 recommend- its crazy beautiful). However, that leaves a lot of time to be and not do, which is something I am learning how to grow in a lot more. It is a sweet thing, to just be able to take in the present moment and not have to constantly distract yourself from it. It has left a lot of time for reading, reflecting, and even crocheting.
Malawi has been a very sweet month so far. However last week was full of surprises. Our Wednesday and Friday ministry got cancelled and we were left confused as to what our ministry would be. We were told that we were going to be working at a primary school about 10 minutes away from our house. Well, it turns out I am a 1st grade English and math teacher. Honestly, I absolutely love it and am so happy to be able to have this experience. Teaching is one thing I really wanted to do on the race and it is so cool that I now am able to do it. I teach a class of about 24 kids and they are so enthusiastic and adorable. they know much more English than I thought they would, but it makes it easier to teach for sure. It is a challenge to teach here sometimes considering the fact that there are so many differences. For example, we were going over different professions the other day and careers such as architect, astronaut, lawyer, etc. are not professions that they have here. They have careers such as carpenters and tailors, something less common to us in the States. it is very different but interesting and I love learning about all the small differences between our cultures that you don’t really think about. So that is our new ministry and what the next three weeks will consist of.
I’m sorry this blog is so long and I have not blogged in a while, but I’m gonna make it just slightly longer. Something that has been on my heart a lot lately is the power that each and every one of us hold. Now bare with me- I was watching Divergent the other day and I realized how much power is in our hands, which can be used for bad mainly, but also for good. We also carry that power in our mind and our voice and in every part of us. We have so much power to destroy or to build up other people and others’ lives. We have the ability to affect so many people in any way we want to. It is so cool that we were given such a strong power to literally change the world if we wanted to. Too many people out there use their power for bad and to bring others down whether it be on social media or in real life- it’s all around us. I want to challenge all of us to learn how to use our power for good in every situation whether it be what you post or what you say. Make every word positive, make everything you do and say uplifting and encouraging because that’s what our power is meant for. There are too many bad people already in this world, too many people don’t believe that they can change the world, but I am a strong believer that each and every one of us can change the world in whatever way we wish to see the change. And it all starts with a positive and determined mind that is ready to use their power for good. And the amazing news is- we have all been blessed with this power so please use it for good in all situations. No situation is too small to bring in joy & positivity- remember it will always be appreciated and it will always bring a light to someone’s life.
go with happiness
xoxo,
Skyler <3
