Coming to Africa has been a dream of mine ever since The Lion King came out when I was a little girl. I mean who wouldn’t want to go where there were talking animals, beautiful sunsets, and adventure to be had? I think any sane person would choose yes if they had the opportunity to go. Growing up, my younger brother had friends from Kenya, Africa, and I had friends from Ghana and Nigeria. They often shared stories about where they came from. I always remember hearing good things about the culture and the people. Even though I’m not in any of the places our friends were from exactly, this past month in Malawi has not let me down. The people, the culture, the colors and animals, the smiles and welcoming hugs have been everything I have always dreamed of. To finally walk down the road of a village to an African market to buy some vegetables and build relationships with locals or at the end of the day have dirt covering your feet and entire body for that matter, after playing hard with the children that greet you every morning with big, white teethed smiles has been so fulfilling in so many ways.
This month we served Moyo Preschool teaching children from throughout the village and worked along side the teachers there, we prayed at the hospital, crashed a Malawian wedding, jumped off of rocks into Lake Malawi, went hiking, listened to our contact, Jarvis, sing Taylor Swift (HAHAha..) and so much more. My squad gave me a birthday party, and my team loved on me more than ever. It has been such a blessing and has been more of a birthday month than anything. I think my favorite part was growing closer to my team, and receiving drawings from each person. This has definitely been the best birthday of my life and a gift from the Lord 🙂
