I wanted to write a whole blog about my time in El Salvador, but I honestly don’t have the words for it right now. In the coming weeks, I may be able to write about my time there, but for now I decided to write a blog about my new home in Malawi!
Update on My Life in Malawi
My squad and I arrived in Malawi, Africa a little over a week ago! Our lives here are in full force now, adjusting to life in the culture and doing all types of ministry. Like usual, my squad separated with our teams to different places to do ministry. I am still part of Team Dauntless and we are partnered with Team Meek again for this month (Dauntless + Meek = Daunk). My squad will change teams in January, so my living situation and ministry will look different in just two short weeks.
Our ministry host for this month is a pastor named Blessings. We currently live with Blessings and his family in their home in Lilongwe. We have been so blessed by our living situation and this family; they have welcomed Team Daunk with open arms and lots of love. Blessings wants the girls and I to experience all that Malawi has to offer and allow us to be a part of a variety of ministries. Because of that, our ministry looks different every day. It is truly a blessing and so encouraging to be engulfed in all types of ministry.
As for our living situation, there are thirteen girls sharing three smaller rooms and one bathroom. Yes, one bathroom. It sounds and may look much worse than it actually is. Living in such small area with so many people brings fun, adventure, and time to practice your patience. There is lots of talking, card playing, eating and laughter. If you were ever worried about me not getting enough community while on the race, please be comforted by this. I am surrounded by at least ten people for most of my days. There is no “being alone” here; frankly I have forgotten what it feels like to be alone. This is both a blessing and a curse. If I ever need to talk to someone, they are there. If I ever need to be alone, they are there too. Honestly though, for a girl who loves her alone time, it hasn’t been the worst thing. I enjoy living in community; it just takes a lot of patience and grace.
Update on My Heart in Malawi
When I stepped off the plane in Malawi, my heart was instantly filled with joy. I can’t explain the way I felt. I just knew that this country and this season was going to be good. As I was praying and preparing my heart for Malawi, God gave me a word for this season: BLOSSOM. He said it is finally time for Bailey to blossom.
What does this mean?
From my understanding so far, God wants me to become who He created me to be and walk in confidence of that. No more hiding or acting; He is calling me out of that to experience life in a new way. I have been wearing a mask for most of my life. Putting up guards and walls to keep people from seeing my true heart. Acting like someone I’m not so people wouldn’t judge me for who I really am. This is something I have been very aware of since the beginning of my race and I have been working through it. But God told me that it’s time now. It’s time to break the walls down, rip off the mask, and blossom. It is time for Bailey to be the Bailey He created.
So here I am: ready to BLOSSOM
I haven’t had much time to dive into what it really means for me to blossom. In all honesty, I have lost sight of who I am in Christ and how He has created me because of years of acting and building walls. I am having to start from the beginning. I asked God to reveal characteristics, passions, and gifts so I may blossom into the person He has created me to be. There will be no more hiding from people because of fear, no more acting, and no more walls. I will be the Bailey I was called to be.
So here’s to Malawi: the country of blossoming and becoming Bailey!
Much love,
Bailey
