All Squad month was great in Romania. I loved seeing everyone and building my friendships even more with fellow squad mates. The ministry aspect was a little tough because my team and I did office work. However, I did get to sneak in a little sports ministry with another team, which was probably my ministry highlight of the month. As I mentioned I truly loved the “all squad” aspect of all squad month, but it was also time for it to be over or to simply have a week of complete solitude. Living in a house/compound with 54 other people for a month isn’t always the easiest thing.
But now… We are in Malawi!
After two days of travel, four different airports, a taxi ride I negotiated for, and a 4-hour bus ride through the Bush of Africa we made it safely to Malawi. My team and I are in Blantyre, Malawi. We will be ministering to the community of Baluti while working with a Christian nursery/primary school called Life Child. We have been welcomed so graciously and the people are amazing.
I’m so stoked about this month!
The kids in this community light up when they see us…Let’s be honest for a sec, they light up for any white person that walks by. But, I will take what I can get. It is such an opportunity for us to impact them so deeply. One little boy has already gravitated to me the first time he saw me. His name is Khleford (phonetically pronounced Clifford). He has the biggest eyes and the cutest smile. The first time he met me he just grabbed my hand and didn’t want to let go for the entire 3 hours we spent together. I can’t wait to continue to hangout with him and show him love.
During the week we will spend every day working at the Christian Nursery/primary School. We will be teaching them English, teaching them the Bible, and serving the teachers whatever way we can. Also included in our weekly schedule is sports ministry. I’m so pumped for this. This will basically include a lot of soccer with a little more soccer. We also have a few free days included in our schedule where I hope to see more of Malawi and hangout with another team here in Blantyre.
Our Living Situation
Our living situation is actually pretty cool. It certainly isn’t the U.S. but it is still fun. In my eyes it is another fun way to connect to the culture. We have running water…sometimes, and it is in the form of a water spicket outside. That’s where we get our water for bucket showers, washing dishes, and cleaning clothes. We also have electricity…sometimes. It goes in and out like the water, but it’s decently reliable. Quite frankly we don’t need it because there is no wifi, which I’m actually really excited about. When the power is out I cook over a charcoal stove outside, which is a lot of fun for me, and it’s a cool way to serve my team. The bathroom situation is new as well. It’s an outhouse squatty potty. I never thought my football 3-point stance would come in handy off the field, but it comes in handy everyday twice a day (you’re welcome).
How you can pray…
This month I’m really seeking the Lord’s voice. I’m not even sure what exactly I want to hear, but I know I want Him to speak. I am currently praying for a more refined vision and calling on my life and what that looks like in action. I’m also praying for my World Race finances to be fully funded, so I can continue my race until the end. But like I said, I would love for the Lord to speak in any area He may want to speak. I just want to hear His voice. Please be praying for me in these things. Your prayer is so powerful, and I cannot thank you enough for it.
Blessings from Blantyre
