My squad has been in Guatemala for almost a month now. After three months of spiritual warfare, a difficult culture, and a 48 hour travel day, we finally reached our last country. It seems unreal that almost seven months have passed since I left my little town of Front Royal. I have lived an abundant life unlike any other in that time. Only through looking back have I realized just how much I’ve seen and experienced all over the world. Our first weekend in Guatemala was just what my squad needed, a time of pause and reflection. A time to decompress our three months in Africa.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Malawi was a difficult three months for me. It would be all so easy to let bitterness take over and tell you all the hardships and all the less than amiable interactions. I could think the very worst of all of Africa, because of my experiences in one country. I could dwell on hurt and my anger towards the culture. I could let bitterness rule in my heart, but I refuse. I refuse to let bitterness dictate my time in Africa. Instead, I’ll choose to remember the good times, the laughs, and the early morning quiet times. When I think of Malawi, I’ll think of the pitter-patter of rain on the tin roofs, the pinks and oranges of sunrise in the early mornings, and jagged skyline where rich green meets pure blue.
I’ll remember the time we climbed over the wall around our house late at night so we didn’t wake our host.
I’ll laugh with Annie about when she almost fell out a window at school… with a kid on her shoulders.
I’ll tell stories about the ketamine kids and all their shenanigans.
I’ll close my eyes and picture the star filled sky I saw every clear night. The entire milky way on display just to remind of my God’s craftsmanship.
If you ask nicely, I might even do my best Chris impression of “Right, anyway”.
These are the memories I will associate with Malawi.
This transition into a new country and season has been exciting and rejuvenating. God is moving us out of a season of endurance and perseverance into a season of celebration, rest, and harvest. Africa is in the past and Guatemala looks brighter than ever. God is going to fulfill His promises here and show us the power of His hand. Guatemala holds so much and all we have to do is ask to receive what God has in store for these last two months.
