Africa. I still remember a couple years ago when a random Russian man told me he saw a vision of Jesus putting a crown on my head and sending me to Africa. I usually take prophesies with a grain of salt and weigh it with The Lord, but at the same time I’ve known since I was saved that these countries hold such a chunk of Gods heart and would hold some of mine as well. . . And now I’m here and can confirm that that is true and I’m sure I will be back somewhere in this continent some day.
In most countries we go, we just get accustomed to people staring at us everywhere we go (I’ve even thought I would have an attention crisis when I go home and realize that no ones looking at me cause I’m white), but now whenever we go out in public, I feel like I’m the new freak that’s staring open mouthed at everyone walking by. Everything about these people is so beautiful. The way they look, the way they talk, the way they laugh, the way they cook, the way they dress. The way they sing. . .they have zero instruments and magically seem to stay on beat and harmonize perfectly. And they sing. All. The. Time. The way they dance. We went to an African double wedding. Though it wasn’t like India, where they kicked the brides family out of their seats so we could sit and took the fan OFF the bride and put it on us, it was definitely an experience. The bride and groom dance down the aisle and then the guests dance and throw money at them. They dance EVERYWHERE. Even the grocery store, haha. They dance while they worship in church and it’s beautiful. You have not LIVED until you’ve been to an African church. The Spirit just moves through them so well (I mean the Spirit moves through us too, He just leaves out the rhythm, let’s be real).
This month we are living at Youth Care Ministries, an orphanage in Lilongwe, Malawi. We tutor the kids and then take trips into town to teach at an after school program. They provide games and snacks for the kids and then we split up into our classrooms. This month, I’m teaching 5th grade Math and English and I love my students! In the mornings, we’re doing construction work taking down a building. Whenever I’m not at ministry my days consist of lots of quiet time with The Lord, quality time with my team, learning songs in Chichewa (Malawi’s first language), attempting to have African swag, laughing hysterically when I fail, face painting, consuming about 3-5 mangos a day, and building relationships with the girls here at the orphanage. I’m really getting to know one girl, especially, named Samia. Her dad died several years ago and her mama died the day before we arrived, but you’d never be able to tell from the constant smile she has on her face. There’s another sweet girl named Tadala and her older sister, Lois. Lois is a beauty and VERY persistent in teaching me Chichewa, haha. One day the girls took me on a walk around the place and we walked to their neighbors house, where I met Liness. I attempted to help her make dinner, and now Liness walks over to see me every day. I SO love their hugs and sweet hellos. Hearts of gold. I’m praying for more love to give them.
Malawi doesn’t have much. It’s covered in dust that gets everywhere and there’s really no point in washing my feet until I leave Africa. You have to walk everywhere. There’s really not much to do in town. Food is mostly nsima, cassava, rice, beans, and potatoes. Yet, I’ve been taking so much joy in Africa. I think it’s the people that are so awesome. There’s three little village girls that come to the orphanage after tutoring. Sometimes they give them food or just play with them. They’re so adorable and I’ve loved seeing their blank expressions turn into smiles and then giggles. The other day, my team and I were walking back from town after getting water. I saw two of the little girls at one of the stores and ran up to give them a hug. As we were walking back, I started wondering if they were too small to really remember who I was or if I looked like some crazed white person running up to hug them. It wasn’t long before I turned around and saw them running after us. She walked beside me and kept looking up at me. I smiled and held down my hand. She reached up with her small hand and grabbed it and we walked the whole way back. I took a second to pause and see what my life was at this moment and realized I was beaming ear to ear. I tried to loosen my smile so I wouldn’t look absolutely ridiculous, but it was no use. My heart was so full simply by holding this little girls hand and I wondered if the Father heart of God must feel this way with us. He takes so much joy just being next to us, when we run up to Him JUST to walk with him and willingly hold his hand.
It’s so crazy how God gives us amazing dreams and aspirations that match up with His will and further His purpose. And then when we ask for His blessing, He says, “yes!” He let’s us delight in Him and carry out His plan and then we can dwell in His joy.
I think sometimes I selfishly feel like God even made mountains just for me, haha! I remember in Nepal, waking up to the Himalayan sunrise, which is breathtaking and unreal, and thinking, “all this for me??? You must really love me, God.” Even though, EVERYONE gets to see it, I think we delight in God and His creation when we realize how much He delights in us. Though he’s a father to many, he individually SEES us and KNOWS us more than anyone and knows how to win our hearts. Another Father characteristic of God that takes SO much joy in us that He wants to give us good gifts, that just so happen to further His glory as well. Like mountains, starry nights, coffee dates, friendships, sweet child hands that slip into yours, and sending His daughter to Africa.
Seriously. Is this real life??? God is SO good.
He has called me higher,
Jenn
