Hello everyone!! I hope that this blog finds you well! 🙂 I wanted to update you on where my heart is and where I feel like I’m at in the process of the race! 🙂
As many of you may have read one of my blogs titled, “I left my heart in Zimbabwe…” I wanted to do an update on that.
The people that I encountered in Zimbabwe was beautiful! I had a blast with the team from Binga and with Hope Zimbabwe Ministries! They will always be in my heart and I’m thankful to have met each of them! I cannot lie when I say that all of Africa captured my heart. The atmosphere, cultures, landscapes, and richness in spirit really captivated me!
After Zimbabwe was Zambia and while Zambia was awesome, I didn’t find that my heart was totally in love with that particular country like I thought I might. Then we went to Malawi.
In Malawi I found myself doing a ministry I’m passionate about. The thought of leaving there broke my heart as I felt like there was more that I was supposed to do. I met a woman, Grace, and she is originally from Alaska and has been in Malawi for about 5 years now. I talked to her about Malawi and her vision and all the sudden I felt something stirring in my heart! I found my heart racing and getting excited and pounding so fast I thought it was going to fall out of my chest!
I prayed about what was going on and I found nothing but peace and an abundance of Joy! I found myself asking God if I could return to Malawi. I want to continue to pursue prison ministry and be apart of the women’s groups. I want to see if I can start up a small bible study group in Nkhata Bay. God answered my question with a huge smile and said, “yes, my child.”
So… that being said….. I am currently in the process (as we are 2.5 months away from returning to the US), of applying with an organization that the World Race recommended, the Cause, so that I can return to MALAWI!
My hopeful date to return to Malawi is by the first of April, 2018. I plan to continue doing missions there for a full year! I am beyond excited, but also totally at peace! I hope that you’re excited about this journey as I am!
If you can be in prayer for me for this process and for God to show me his heart and guide me in his timing and direction, that would be greatly appreciated!! 🙂 This has been a huge decision and one that I’m very excited to further explore! I’ll keep you all updated on the process and hopefully you’ll join me for the journey via blogs while I’m in Malawi! 🙂
Love, Mariah
