tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57533222828436175222023-11-16T05:52:14.922-08:00On Mission in MalawiGod has called me to go to Malawi, Africa for two months. This blog is so my friends and family can stay updated on what God is doing in my life.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-50545459376353672532011-03-22T18:38:00.000-07:002011-03-22T18:38:51.424-07:00Things I Will and Will NOT Miss<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">As I sat in the London Heathrow Airport waiting for my flight, I wrote a list of things I will miss and not miss about <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Malawi</place></country-region>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><strong>I will NOT miss…</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…risking my life every time we walked somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Malawians are crazy drivers and always speed through our neighborhood, despite all the school children walking home. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…being squeezed onto a minibus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minibuses were made to seat 14 people, however, 20 was usually the lucky number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…the constant obnoxious honking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Malawian drivers are obsessed about hearing their own horn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered what would happen if all the horns were taken out, well, I found an answer a couple days later when I saw a car with an air horn taped to the window sill, yeah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…being called “Mama” when walking in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not your mother!” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…women breastfeeding anywhere and everywhere at any time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I just never get used to that)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…Malawian vehicles that are always falling apart! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Story number 1: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting off a minibus is never graceful and this day I had to balance my backpack and a grocery bag as I climbed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rested my hand on the side of the bus as I stepped down to steady myself and the whole door popped off the track!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt really bad! “Pempani (I’m sorry), Pempani!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People were laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, Francis explained to me that it was no big deal and that it happened all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go figure it would happen to me! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Story number 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took Miles, our friend and taxi driver, to <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mt.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Mulange</placename></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our way there one of the back seat windows gave us some troubles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First it would not go down, then a little while later it decided to go down by itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, once we parked the car the stupid window would not go up, so Miles had to pull the whole door apart to get the widow to go up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All us ladies could do was stand by and try not to laugh too hard at how typical the situation was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…the confusing currency or balancing my finance book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Kelsey, can I get an Amen?!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…the mosquitoes!!! The sound they make in your ear, teasing you, is utterly obnoxious and they are fast little boogers!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><strong>I will miss…</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…my African Mama Maribeth and my sister Kelsey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…the Team.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul’s singing, Simon’s videotaping, Yamikani’s “Oh, thank God!” ‘s, Abbie’s sweet heart, and James’ goofiness.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…the Montessori Teachers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…the beautiful view from our backyard. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…the orange African sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It truly gives the color orange a new vibrancy, a new life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…singing with the children at the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Montessori</placename> <placetype w:st="on">School</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song “Father Abraham” will always be special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…being able to get fresh baked bread at any and every corner. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…surprising people on the streets by greeting them in Chichewa. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…getting the sick children in the orthopedic, oncology, and Moyo ward to smile and laugh.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…walking everywhere. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…the beauty of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Malawi</place></country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The variations of bright green, the good weather, and the tropical bird noises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…<country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Frances</place></country-region>’ weekly Chichewa lessons.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…Silvester, our cat, though he was a pill.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…Arnold and his beautiful family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…Maribeth’s baked goodies, they were all delicious but the banana bread had no competition! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…the great chats the 3 of us had during dinner and often afterwards as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ona!!” *squirt!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">…the staff parties! The food, the singing, the laughs! Great times!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…looking into the eyes of a Malawian baby and seeing your reflection in their big black eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…the great meals we always made for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">…the street boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love them all and they hold a special place in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-44127343643634109592011-03-16T01:10:00.000-07:002011-03-16T01:10:00.176-07:00Wednesday, March 16, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today is the day I am flying home, I am leaving <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Malawi</place></country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly can not believe it is over so soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I just got here, yet I know that in the time I have been here, I have changed so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have spent this morning packing last minute things and zipping up my big suitcases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still can not believe I am going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">I am not happy, but I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not happy to be leaving all my dear friends here, who have become my second family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not happy to be leaving this lifestyle that I have become comfortable living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not happy to be leaving this beautiful country in <place w:st="on">Africa</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy because I am going home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been two months and I am ready, I had a great time here, but I am ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy at the thought of seeing my family and friends soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Now, here comes the tough part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maribeth, Kelsey and the whole Team are taking me to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not worried about flying by myself; I know God will take care of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tough part is saying goodbye to these people I love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-15265808691228793492011-03-16T01:09:00.000-07:002011-03-16T01:09:11.949-07:00Tuesday, March 15, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was busy and bitter sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my last full day in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Malawi</place></country-region>, which is sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the whole morning packing and cleaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I we went to the school to say goodbye to the kids and teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was definitely harder than I thought it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tisu announced to the kids that Madame Becca had to leave tomorrow and gave them a chance to say something to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of the kids said that they loved me, will miss me and that they hope I have a safe flight and come back soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they had me sit in the middle of their circle and they prayed for me, which meant a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the prayer they sang a song that said something like goodbye is not forever, we will meet again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I totally cried, I was trying not to, but I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the kids were dismissed most of them came up and gave me a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I had to say goodbye to the teachers, which was even harder, they said sweet things and I got teary eyed saying goodbye to each one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Once we came home I did more organizing, packing, and cleaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so sad to be leaving this beautiful place but I am also happy to be seeing my friends and family back home soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-86107804230686294532011-03-16T01:05:00.000-07:002011-03-16T01:05:13.110-07:00Monday, March 14, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Today was my last day serving at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelsey and I met up with Abbie in the morning and visited the kids in the orthopedic wards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I brought my camera with me and as soon as the kids saw it, they wanted their picture taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have brought the camera in sooner because it made them all excited and happy and when I showed each child their picture they laughed and laughed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a lot of fun!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HEr_VGXwDKUOjCJQH1BGboNUSNyGGOYiyUJLCq-SG3aMLtW9PyG5PGdVm4jFd1Tdt_ehJt6sk0SlpU7aPZ49tF0mWoZYAUpVustbU6eYM2T03TXvYt22nm4zUjenElCzs7mLMBPFVjvD/s1600/100_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HEr_VGXwDKUOjCJQH1BGboNUSNyGGOYiyUJLCq-SG3aMLtW9PyG5PGdVm4jFd1Tdt_ehJt6sk0SlpU7aPZ49tF0mWoZYAUpVustbU6eYM2T03TXvYt22nm4zUjenElCzs7mLMBPFVjvD/s400/100_2589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">After being in the wards, we went to some of the covered patios and read to the guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abbie and I read the story of the prodigal son and the adults enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were very appreciative that we would take the time to read to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were also very interactive, which was nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yamikani joined our group a short time later and we read to some more guardians around the Moyo ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">We ended our work at <place w:st="on">Queens</place> early so that we could take Abbie into town for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun to go out, just us three girls to celebrate my last day at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to a new restaurant Kelsey and I had not gone to before, it wasn’t the cleanest, but the food was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a nice time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Once we finished lunch Kelsey and I went to the South African Airline office and confirmed my flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is still on track and looking good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we ran some last minute errands and I enjoyed my last trip in town.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-91092059061768080202011-03-16T00:41:00.000-07:002011-03-16T00:41:57.511-07:00Sunday, March 13, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Today was good but difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning I taught the Street Boys and it was crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had 20 boys in my class and the young girl from two weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys were rowdy to begin with, and then the young girl started causing trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever she was saying in Chichewa made the boys irritated and they antagonized her, at one point she violently grabbed one of the smallest boys and three other boys started attacking her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two people helping me and I had to pull the boys away and get all the boys settled down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, it happened again, only five or six boys attacked her and again we had to pull them all away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started singing a song in Chichewa to calm them all down because even the boys who where still seated where yelling and going crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the song she grabbed the same boy for the third time and ALL the boys went at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a full on fight in the Sunday school classroom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flew so fast through the door separating Maribeth’s classroom from mine and told Maribeth that the young girl needed to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I helped pull kids out of the fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once fists stopped flying Maribeth and one of the pastors tried to get her to leave, but she refused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we moved all the little boys into the other classroom with the bigger boys for safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The older boys lead their own program and once one of the boys started preaching, I could tell the little ones were getting antsy, so I moved them into the main worship room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though the worship team was practicing their songs for the service, it worked out fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I passed out little books we made about Jesus being the Good Shepherd and how we are his sheep and they colored it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time it came around for the boys to have their snack, the girl had moved into the lobby and Maribeth and Laurette where with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys got their snack and then left.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, once they left the classroom and went out into the lobby and started antagonizing the young girl again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to get them to leave her alone a couple of times but there were too many of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally a couple of the pastors got the boys to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And eventually the young girl left as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maribeth told me later that the young girl was possessed and that she and Laurette spent the whole time holding the girl and praying for her. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">After everything that had happened in the past hour and a half I had trouble switching gears for church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried my hardest to listen to the sermon but my mind was preoccupied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart was heavy for all those little boys and that young girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my last Sunday with them before I have to leave to go back home and as of yet nobody has stepped up to help. These boys are really dear to my heart and it is really hard to leave them when they have no leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am praying God will provide somebody to step up and love these boys or bring me back soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These boys need a mommy figure to teach them about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Once church ended we went out to lunch and had our Chichewa lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my last lesson and I am disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is pretty simple to learn and it’s a beautiful language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">After the lesson, we went to the curio place to buy some souvenirs and gifts and then we came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The curio place is crazy because there are a dozen men talking to you at once trying to get you to look at their stuff and buy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I tried to look at something they all got in my face to show me their item, which is exactly the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each stand had the same things and they were all competing for my attention and money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I tried to talk to Maribeth and buy something they all stood around us all talking to me at once, “Madame, Madame.”, “Look at this.”, “Come look at my stand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite crazy! I was happy to get out of there quickly!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">After that, we came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was one big over stimulating day and on top of that I was really sad to be leaving the street boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried because I do not want to leave those boys, I love them so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time, I know I will be back and I must trust God, that He will take care of them.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-89758250411190067932011-03-15T12:17:00.001-07:002011-03-15T12:17:45.705-07:00Saturday, March 12, 2011<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maribeth, Kelsey and I had a good morning getting stuff done around the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has rained for three days straight and we all desperately needed to do our laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we took advantage of the nice, sunny morning to do our laundry and hang it outside to dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Once we finished our laundry, we ran into town and got a few quick things done before going to Anansa’s house for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anansa’s house is very pretty and we had a fun time eating lunch and socializing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we went home and had a relaxing evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-41118923317546075052011-03-15T12:16:00.000-07:002011-03-15T12:16:35.048-07:00Friday, March 11, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was really great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning we went to the school and had a quick meeting with the ABC Team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Tisu and Abbie came back to the house with us to help us cook for the staff party/meeting this afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun chopping veggies and sifting through rice with the women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team arrived a short time later and we did the Holy Spirit Bible study we have been going through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the study was over we ate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dinning room table was filled with delicious food and we all dug in! The food was just as good as our first party!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">After lunch, we had our staff meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yamikani was officially announced as the project leader for the hospital, which is a blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all excited for him to become the team’s hospital Abusa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Maribeth reminded the team that I am leaving and gave everyone the opportunity to say something to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all had something to say and it was very sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was choking back tears, but I really appreciated it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team has become my Malawian family, they are all incredible people and I am going to miss every single one of them dearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGygtiWCHRs4Wmb8aWescCthB7o1iIZJCfigHMVZHwDX2vy57mShfQPjDfYxrDexPjL4JkqZKB3NmrFqwg0Mfic1nVCojD-kzT_D5VhrOzmQQh6qppuJDvFtARgI6T-liu7V4BP7wiDWW/s1600/100_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGygtiWCHRs4Wmb8aWescCthB7o1iIZJCfigHMVZHwDX2vy57mShfQPjDfYxrDexPjL4JkqZKB3NmrFqwg0Mfic1nVCojD-kzT_D5VhrOzmQQh6qppuJDvFtARgI6T-liu7V4BP7wiDWW/s400/100_2573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOrvAAb8AIZKM6vbmeLs6u6_-qCXkkRh8m5u-f8h5FvPFrWiM30bHPdjC_LneS2W-ifFkY5_RdiWkznZ8SYrzyigWqYJ6Ce-R8trPFINQKyqqu43TSMK3ebnHODc6k_PxWSHf2n8hURc4/s1600/100_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOrvAAb8AIZKM6vbmeLs6u6_-qCXkkRh8m5u-f8h5FvPFrWiM30bHPdjC_LneS2W-ifFkY5_RdiWkznZ8SYrzyigWqYJ6Ce-R8trPFINQKyqqu43TSMK3ebnHODc6k_PxWSHf2n8hURc4/s400/100_2578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once they left, I cleaned the floors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Malawians eat, food flies everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually enjoyed sweeping and mopping because it gave me some time to process through my emotions and think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving Malawi is way tougher than I imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-21986377451633107622011-03-15T12:10:00.000-07:002011-03-15T12:10:12.237-07:00Thursday, March 10, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was really wet and rainy but good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Abbie at <place w:st="on">Queens</place> this morning and we prayed for the kids in the wards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we could not go sit outside in our normal spot on the grass because it was raining so we went to different patio shelters outside and read to the guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We read the story of Zacchaeus and they really liked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They thanked us for reading to them and encouraging them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">At lunch the three of us huddled under an umbrella outside of a small food stand so that we could stay out of the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we finished lunch, we read to more guardians outside and then went into the Moyo ward to visit and pray for the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">After we were done with <place w:st="on">Queens</place>, Kelsey and I ran some errands in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finished we spoiled ourselves and took Miles, our friend and taxi driver, home so we would not have to trek through the rain and puddles with all our bags.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">In the evening, we went to our friend Ramila’s house for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner was great and I had a fun time socializing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-9517843661688274072011-03-15T12:09:00.000-07:002011-03-15T12:09:08.752-07:00Wednesday, March 9, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Today was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We served at <place w:st="on">Queens</place> with the ABC Team all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the morning we all paired off and went separate ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yamikani and I visited the children in the orthopedic wards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the kids we already knew but there were a couple of new faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed for all of them, the kids loved getting the attention and their parents appreciated it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we went to the oncology ward and played with the kids in the play area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really loved it and I had as much fun playing as they did!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Lunch time was special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it was my last Wednesday, Kelsey and I decided to make them an American lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They liked it a lot! It has been fun Americanizing them! Haha! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">In the afternoon, Yamikani and I read to the guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a lot of guardians outside, under the patios because of the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really enjoyed the story and were interactive, asking questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">After we finished at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>, Kelsey and I came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both really tired, so had dinner and now I am going to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-58048943637183232132011-03-15T12:08:00.000-07:002011-03-15T12:08:03.886-07:00Tuesday, March 8, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was a blessing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke up early this morning to find a note from Kelsey on our dinner table saying that Abbie was not going to <place w:st="on">Queens</place> today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I decided to take the day off and spend it with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had not had a day with God in a long time and it was really needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the whole day praying to God, reading in my Bible and reflecting on how God has used me and also how He has grown me spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gave me some time to process everything that has happened and start to face the fact that I only have one more full week here until I leave to go back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Kelsey and Yamikani ended up going to <place w:st="on">Queens</place> in the afternoon to minister to the children and guardians, which was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Kelsey left, our landlord and a plumber came to fix our leaky toilet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While they were still here, our friends Jane J., Simon and Paul from the school and ABC Team showed up, unannounced, to harvest some of the maze in our backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, the plumber figured out that the septic tank is full but they temporarily fixed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as our friends where leaving with the maze, our landlord and a different plumber stopped by so that he could get a second opinion before hiring a truck to come and pump the tank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conclusion was the same so he said he would arrange for a truck to come in the next couple days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after they left, Francis, our Chichewa teacher came to give Maribeth her Chichewa lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Halfway through her lesson, her friend Ramila unexpectedly stopped by to say hi and invite us over for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made plans to go to her house Thursday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the whole day there was a revolving door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And despite all the distractions, it was a blessing that I was able to spend a much needed day with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having that time really refreshed me emotionally and spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-42058189818139366532011-03-15T12:06:00.001-07:002011-03-15T12:06:56.698-07:00Monday, March 7, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this morning was horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left the house late, but walked to the minibus pickup spot with Maribeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited for a minibus for a half an hour before I actually got picked up by one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rode the bus into town and caught a minibus from there to <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way to <place w:st="on">Queens</place>, the boy behind me had a bunch of live chickens tied together and put them under my seat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could hear them squawking and rustling, trying to get free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid they were going to bite my ankles or something! I was stressed and aggravated from being late but I prayed for God’s peace and once I got to <place w:st="on">Queens</place>, I was fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">I met up with Abbie there and we visited the kids in the orthopedic ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were happy to see us and we were happy to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not have time to see the kids in oncology before the doctors came in because we started late, so we went to our normal spot on the grass and prayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always have a time of intercession prayer for the hospital, for the sick children and for our guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">After lunch, Kelsey and Yamikani joined Abbie and me at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yamikani and I read about baby Moses in the basket to the guardians and they really liked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we all visited the Moyo ward and prayed with the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abbie was not feeling good, so after we finished, she went to the doctor to get tested for malaria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once there was nothing else Kelsey or I could do for her, we went to town and ran some errands.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Once we got home we had Chichewa lessons, which was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the rest of our evening was nice.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-45891545890288138502011-03-15T12:05:00.000-07:002011-03-15T12:05:47.585-07:00Sunday, March 6, 2011<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">This morning Xiomy came with Maribeth and me to see what we do with the street boys in the church ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week I shared the story of salvation using different color string.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained what each color meant and then had the boys make bracelets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave one to each child and he braided it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were all proud of their bracelets and the smile on their face as we tied it onto their wrist was priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIPrRiONABEztAnwrWgf8EvSuUXuAb_PszakHJ6npElNYZRlovt0PgE-Vb6nTjLckbKjDAxqfa_eqc8oC9x5jxqN376LNEzN0d8rzkboGr7CSNA9oPhkoRfHs3-q74DJT1G4KQWUxyci2/s1600/100_2555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIPrRiONABEztAnwrWgf8EvSuUXuAb_PszakHJ6npElNYZRlovt0PgE-Vb6nTjLckbKjDAxqfa_eqc8oC9x5jxqN376LNEzN0d8rzkboGr7CSNA9oPhkoRfHs3-q74DJT1G4KQWUxyci2/s400/100_2555.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">The church service was nice, Pastor Glen spoke about keeping faith when facing mountains or trials and it was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After church we went to the <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Blantyre</place></city> market to get fresh fruits and vegetables for the week and then we came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a Sunday nap and had a relaxing evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-9706288143309532482011-03-15T11:50:00.000-07:002011-03-15T11:50:41.302-07:00Saturday, March 5, 2011<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was good, our friend Xiomy has come to visit us for the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning Kelsey and I had a lazy morning and then we went to town to run some errands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were in town, we met up with Xiomy and after finishing our errands, we came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After being home for a bit, Kelsey and Maribeth took Xiomy to experience <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Prayer</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Mountain</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in town I bought colorful string to make salvation bracelets for the boys in the street kids’ ministry through our church, so I stayed behind and prepared that for the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Once they got back we had great dinner, including beef, rice and home made baked beans from our garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a feast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dinner we stayed up talking for a while and then went to bed. </span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-22834879030533001132011-03-15T11:01:00.000-07:002011-03-15T11:01:38.011-07:00Friday, March 4, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Today we had meetings, meetings, and more meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a meeting with the ABC Team to do our weekly overview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Kelsey, Abbie and I met and did our Bible Study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that was lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And finally we had a staff meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, Kelsey and I only stayed for the Bible Study part; we are doing a study on the Holy Spirit, which is really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that Kelsey and I were free to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came home and cleaned the house because company is coming over tomorrow.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-73197865864787387412011-03-11T09:01:00.000-08:002011-03-11T09:10:33.843-08:00Thursday, March 3, 2011 – Holiday!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Today was a national holiday in Malawi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was off of school and work so Maribeth took Kelsey and me to <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mount</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Mulanje</placename></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put all thoughts of work and <place w:st="on">Queens</place> away and enjoyed a day of rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took Miles, our friend and taxi driver, for the hour drive to the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a perfect name for a taxi driver, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except, that here in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Malawi</place></country-region> they use kilometers instead of miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, the drive there was very beautiful and we stopped Miles often to take pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we arrived, <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mt.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Mulanje</placename></place> was HUGE and very gorgeous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the base of the mountain there were tea fields where Malawians were working, picking the tea leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking through the tea fields was lovely because it smelled so nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we got to the base of the actual mountain, we began the ascension on a little path, but with African rain forest all around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about a half an hour, we came to the most beautiful set of waterfalls I have ever seen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the weather was warm and the water looked so cool and inviting that we went swimming!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up spending almost three hours playing in the water, soaking up the beautiful nature around us and praising God for how amazing He is.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">The falls were so pretty that we never went further than the falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would have been content to stay at the waterfalls for days; however, that was not practical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we dragged ourselves away and headed home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a wonderful day away from our routine to enjoy friendship and God’s beautiful creation.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-7802082596616460562011-03-08T07:30:00.001-08:002011-03-08T07:30:56.652-08:00Wednesday, March 2, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">As usual for Wednesdays, Kelsey and I worked with the team at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We broke up into groups and dispersed throughout the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped by the orthopedic wards to say hi to the kids, of course, they were excited to see me and I was happy to see their bright shining faces despite their injuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, I went with Yamicani and Paul to the HIV/AIDs clinic to play with the children waiting with their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my first time there and honestly, the ward is very dark and depressing and I was a little nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew the boys would never let anything happen to me, understandably felt a little hesitant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, God calls us out of our comfort zone (as if by living in <place w:st="on">Africa</place> I am not already) to do His will and love His people, so I rebuked my fear and played with the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up coloring with three or four of them for two hours and they loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">After playing with the kids in the clinic we had lunch and then I read to the guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read the Bible story about the Fall of Man and explained that we are all sinners and deserve death, but God sent his only Son, Jesus, who is perfect, so that we can have a relationship with God and be in eternity with Him someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many guardians outside today that we could only read at some of the outer areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I saw them all the only thing I could think of was that there were as numerous as the children of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Israel</place></country-region> from the Old Testament; they were everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could only read to those sitting in the outer areas because there were so many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have spent hours upon hours reading to them all, but unfortunately we had a schedule to keep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Kelsey and I went met up with Francis, our Chichewa teacher, because we had to give him something and then we got groceries at Shoprite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to lug all our groceries home, our backpacks were full and we had to carry some as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we got dropped off by the minibus and started our trek home, I told Kelsey to start praying for someone we know to pick us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hot, the bags were heavy and we were tired from the long day we’d had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About five minutes into our walk, Mr. Chewa, our landlord, drives up and offered us a ride!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew God would provide and He did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just a little thing, but it was such a blessing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-283957301884445402011-03-08T07:27:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:27:18.200-08:00Tuesday, March 1, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was good, we worked at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yamicani joined us in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to the orthopedic and oncology ward as normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, the kids were thrilled to see us. And the fathers in the oncology ward did not give us as bad of a time as yesterday, which was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it is because we had Yami with us, he commands unspoken respect and authority that young women, no matter how hard we try, can not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Youth and women are not as respected in this culture as in <country-region w:st="on">America</country-region>; although, in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">America</place></country-region> youth and women demand respect, where here they just take the disrespect quietly without a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">We spent some time before lunch in prayer outside the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed for spiritual strength and courage, along with God’s guidance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, for the doctors, nurses and hospital administration, that they would have wisdom as they go about their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed for the sick patients and their guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good time of intercession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">After lunch Abbie and I read to the guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were not very many outside during the lunch hour today, we are not sure why but we read to those that were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We read the story of Creation and then I explained how God loves his creation, especially you and I, and that he wants to have a personal relationship with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were not completely responsive but I could tell they were listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we finished working at <place w:st="on">Queens</place> for the day Kelsey and I ran some errands in town and then came home. </span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-86588744083410380742011-03-08T07:25:00.001-08:002011-03-08T07:25:58.960-08:00Monday, February 28, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today we went to <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited and prayed for the children in the orthopedic wards and oncology ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the oncology ward I got a sense that some for the fathers were making fun of us because they were laughing and I heard ‘azungu’ a couple of times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abigail told me afterwards that they were making fun of us both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then had a heart to heart and she shared that she has been feeling discouraged because some of the guardians have been saying rude and even mean things that she has not repeated to Kelsey or I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelsey and I had an idea about what was going on because we can read body language but we did not know it was this bad and that it was having such an impact on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After finding that out Abbie and I spent some time praying for spiritual protection and strength for Abbie as well as God to open the hearts of those verbally persecuting us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spiritual warfare is very present here, Satan is going to use every vice he can to discourage us and keep us from doing God’s work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we are not going to bow out that easily!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">After lunch Abigail and I read the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and shared that the living water Jesus refers to in the story represents salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I explained what salvation is, means, and how to obtain it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not do an alter call or anything like that, but I gave them a chance to ask questions at the end and they were pretty responsive, which is encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once we could go back into the wards when spent some time praying in the Moyo ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the kids from last week have gotten better and gone home which is good to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met some new kids and guardians today so gave the children books, they always love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are also building a relationship with the nurse who is in charge of the ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is great because we can give her some much needed encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kelsey and I helped out at the school for a little while and then came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Francis came over and we had our Chichewa lesson, we ended up having two hours of lessons instead of just one because Maribeth was running late and too tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our second lesson ended up being in the kitchen as we cut vegetables and prepared dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was silly, but it worked and was a nice change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Francis left shortly after and us ladies had a lovely dinner and a relaxing evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-77907045468851228232011-03-08T07:13:00.000-08:002011-03-08T07:13:28.887-08:00Sunday, February 27, 2011<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning I taught Sunday school to the younger group street boys again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a young girl in my group as well, which no one had seen before, but I made her feel welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell right away that she was really troubled and not completely all there mentally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my best to encourage her and after being there for a while she became more at ease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave the kids the books we made about being a child of the King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They loved receiving the book and coloring it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I read the book to them (some of them can not read), I made them all crowns out of white paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I taped each crown to fit their head, the largest smile was on their face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the time they were at the church they wore their crowns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will forever hold onto the image of those kids proudly walking out the church door wearing their crowns with the biggest smiles on their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me so happy to see their joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">At the beginning of the church service the girl from the streets who was in my Sunday school that morning came back and sat down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maribeth told me that the street kids will often come back and sit in the back of the church because they feel safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl was sitting by herself so I went over during the worship and sat with her, at first she was uncomfortable but soon she relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the worship time the congregation had a time of prayer and I was able to use the opportunity to pray for this girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a lot of things troubling her, she had the spirit of confusion regarding her mother and her personal situation, and she had a cough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Maribeth and I prayed for her, she sat with us for most of the service but left before it ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that she continues to come on Sundays so that Maribeth and I can continue to minister to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Our friend Anansa and her husband joined us at church and then we went to her parent’s bed and breakfast/restaurant for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up having Mongolian barbeque for lunch and then banana chocolate cake for dessert, it was amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had some really good, deep conversations and it was nice to relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-4826854119560690222011-03-07T08:15:00.000-08:002011-03-07T08:15:35.850-08:00Saturday, February 26, 2011 – Safari Day 2!!!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">This morning we woke up 5:30 to prepare for the bush walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gave us just enough time to drink some tea and wake up before our next adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked to the river and saw some hippos and on our way back we saw some monkeys close up, which was cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuh_0CNjbXlgANqNM_VEJBA4MRT0Aa3OYU7d_6lzpsGBP96DqBRZov_14JhtaJqtsfhNEP7QLkhpGKuSkwpUn_IHigEGZ17rqeS8SSVv2KwnEq3wwjmkraph-h2cqvRlJxu_ZMMMTRL_u0/s1600/DSCN3363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuh_0CNjbXlgANqNM_VEJBA4MRT0Aa3OYU7d_6lzpsGBP96DqBRZov_14JhtaJqtsfhNEP7QLkhpGKuSkwpUn_IHigEGZ17rqeS8SSVv2KwnEq3wwjmkraph-h2cqvRlJxu_ZMMMTRL_u0/s400/DSCN3363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Our tour guide</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VKILIDu6vE5CXRdmWTaJovuUmn17MFCinGRQROvRpdea6AJzik9rHAB2AvkxX2AJzBwmkD68AMMT8AZABcFmPEL1jD23OeMT3DbwBIE4dUc0n8q7T-xyGcavIxlnzqB6f1l0eTxo3vNN/s1600/DSCN3367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VKILIDu6vE5CXRdmWTaJovuUmn17MFCinGRQROvRpdea6AJzik9rHAB2AvkxX2AJzBwmkD68AMMT8AZABcFmPEL1jD23OeMT3DbwBIE4dUc0n8q7T-xyGcavIxlnzqB6f1l0eTxo3vNN/s400/DSCN3367.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalVkPWyQ1PZ2uRqNWuS1D9UaqCS1e5ffpeO8MP5Eb2R1k7fR1zxvTKJu376rPmGOe1fc4HJAbDBVjjbWHLjB8cNa-AxhjsAodg-tI2vfwNZc-RdqgJ7E-XPEUay69zynL9ifSVLzUjYns/s1600/DSCN3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalVkPWyQ1PZ2uRqNWuS1D9UaqCS1e5ffpeO8MP5Eb2R1k7fR1zxvTKJu376rPmGOe1fc4HJAbDBVjjbWHLjB8cNa-AxhjsAodg-tI2vfwNZc-RdqgJ7E-XPEUay69zynL9ifSVLzUjYns/s400/DSCN3378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLR-G6y71UCThHVotHzQY94VHbs-zQ1aDbPEvlKL_tM45MGC3CbTUWJthZ69skjSzT5szGlBwiBSSvz_Y1lxI8COzauYCBQocV6twfH301HxneE5ix8CP4nZbHPkGrPDvLwaG-8G7jzTV/s1600/DSCN3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLR-G6y71UCThHVotHzQY94VHbs-zQ1aDbPEvlKL_tM45MGC3CbTUWJthZ69skjSzT5szGlBwiBSSvz_Y1lxI8COzauYCBQocV6twfH301HxneE5ix8CP4nZbHPkGrPDvLwaG-8G7jzTV/s400/DSCN3380.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;">When I was told bush walk, I did not realize how literal they meant! Haha!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">During breakfast we met a nice married couple who had arrived late last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The husband was a pastor and starts churches in villages that do not have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found out that they were leaving the same time we were and live in the township just past ours, so they offered us a ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To Kelsey and my greatest relief and with gratitude we accepted their kind offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">After we got back the park manager asked us if we would like to go on a safari boat ride for free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The safari boat ride is a new activity the park is going to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There ended being men from Malawi TV were there that day to film and take pictures for a documentary and advertisement for the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelsey and I agreed and the men took our picture and filmed us on the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to be famous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haha! It was fun and the men were nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sort of felt like we were being used, but it was a free ride and we got to see some more animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked the manager afterward for a copy of any publication that I will be in, he agreed but we’ll see if it will truly happen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the quick ride from the camp to the river we saw an elephant up close and personal!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">During the safari boat ride, Kelsey and I got to see some animals really close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the beginning of our ride I was a little nervous because I did NOT want to boat to tip and meet an alligator up close and personal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, that did not happen and I got more comfortable being on the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to see at least a dozen hippo in the water and the coolest thing we got to see was an elephant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An elephant was standing in the water by the shore of the river eating plants and washing itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was spectacular, I truly had a moment where I was like, “Yes, now this is <place w:st="on">Africa</place>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to watch him and get close in the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole scene with him in the water and the jungle behind him was really, really spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pastor Paisley and his wife drove us home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelsey and I were both very grateful because the thought of riding in that wanna be pick up again and taking a minibus home was not appealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got talking with the couple on the ride back and found out that he knows the pastor of our church and our friend and Chichewa teacher, Francis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that was neat, God sure has a way with taking care of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see now that our horrible journey to the wildlife park just made everything we experienced that much more appreciated, especially the ride home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Kelsey, Maribeth and I ended up going out to dinner that evening with some missionary friends of Mary’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was interesting to hear about the work they are doing and discuss things we have in common as missionaries; such as, observations of the culture and obstacles we have encountered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were nice people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
</span></span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-90388311920518967652011-03-06T08:31:00.000-08:002011-03-06T08:31:20.001-08:00Friday, February 25, 2011 – Safari Day!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Kelsey and I went to the team meeting we have every Friday at school, it went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then headed off on our grand adventure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to the Winera bus stop in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Blantyre</place></city> and got on a minibus headed to Nchalo at 11:00am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got dropped off in Chikwawa at 2:00pm; however, it only takes an hour to get to Chikwawa from <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Blantyre</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn’t add up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got on the minibus for Nchalo, Kelsey and I sat there for two hours before the bus was full, so we did not even leave the station until 1:00pm. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once we got to Chikwawa, the minibus dropped us off in the middle of a very long street with many little stores along it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were supposed to be picked up there by a driver being sent from the wildlife park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we spent a half an hour and at least two dozen phone calls back and forth before we figured out where exactly he was picking us up, what the person’s name was and what type of vehicle he drove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make matters worse, it felt like we were dropped off in a hell hole (pardon my word usage), it was very humid, the sun was directly overhead and there was not an ounce of shade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to say that the heat was so bad it was like we were in an easy bake oven and these white girls where getting baked, but that analogy does not do it justice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What felt like forever later and despite the sweat and frustration, we got picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, you would think that after the hours of being on the minibus and then being tortured by the sun would be enough, but no, it gets better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">We got picked up in this little white wanna be pick-up truck and we start driving the longest 45 minute drive I have ever experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pick-up (for lack of a better word) is only a two person vehicle; however, there are three of us, I had to sit in the middle with my legs basically in Kelsey’s lap so that the driver could shift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly down the road I start to notice the side mirror taped on by duct tape and the rearview mirror hanging on by one small piece of tape, the driver had to adjust it every five minutes so that he could see out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, eventually we turn onto an unpaved, rough dirt road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About ten minutes into our journey the knob on the top of the shifter fell off and into my lap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I can get anything out, the driver looks at me and says, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this handled.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, things like this are very typical in Malawi, the vehicles are always falling apart or falling off, but just the same from that point on I was earnestly praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh and by the way, I held onto the knob off the shifter the rest of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only by God’s grace did we make it into the Majete Wildlife Reserve and at the Thawale Camp where we were staying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once we arrived at the camp, Kelsey and I became a little concerned because we were their ONLY guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see the new commercial in my head: “Saw VII”, Starring: Kelsey and Becca in the African Jungle”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though Kelsey and I both felt that way, we were also so exhausted from our trip that we did not care too much; however, it stayed in the back of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">We had been told that we were staying in a tent at the camp, now Kelsey and I were a little hesitant to see what they meant by ‘tent’, but we found that the tent was a large platform and looked like a nice hotel room with two nicely made beds and had a built in bathroom with a shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our crazy journey, it was a sight for soar eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">After getting settled, we went on a game drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just Kelsey, me, our tour guide (who had a really big gun) and our driver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though we were a little uneasy about being the only visitors, it was nice going on the safari by ourselves and not worry about other people being noisy or anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vehicle we rode in was really neat; it was open and had two bench seats with a cover to shade us from the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The park was not an open plain, like you think of when you think of going on a safari, it was like a jungle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made seeing animals a little bit harder but the scenery was so beautiful, especially when the sun was setting, it was incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw a ton of animals, impala, waterbuck, water buffalo, warthogs, zebras, hippos, alligators, baboons, elephants and monkeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the park did not have giraffes, lions or any other big cat, but the animals we saw were magnificent.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy778OkdBRchGa5APoHiZGs9Z3vd2wazYpop9PAY1SXMtjw2OVBMAgaj_t_cP7KriRySUX4eLAJ7QswtxJ6wxe-DHHe3-BtyycEF89S5oNTXsBGyujHWAOSAeUGCyD-fPnPPX6Iz-OkTn/s1600/100_2274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghy778OkdBRchGa5APoHiZGs9Z3vd2wazYpop9PAY1SXMtjw2OVBMAgaj_t_cP7KriRySUX4eLAJ7QswtxJ6wxe-DHHe3-BtyycEF89S5oNTXsBGyujHWAOSAeUGCyD-fPnPPX6Iz-OkTn/s400/100_2274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">Aligator across the river</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4G7_qy2HYqUC5J9TSQE35tzQsN7wntVHtBcQ8APSdwQ7vbXzukwqCajwyrT7VwWrujXfTyDb1Fpx9aea_ZbcmLca6w4X14N2es0nggr_sD0FRHTBndjyXddHN75VpaLMROdufIUyNhzM/s1600/100_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4G7_qy2HYqUC5J9TSQE35tzQsN7wntVHtBcQ8APSdwQ7vbXzukwqCajwyrT7VwWrujXfTyDb1Fpx9aea_ZbcmLca6w4X14N2es0nggr_sD0FRHTBndjyXddHN75VpaLMROdufIUyNhzM/s400/100_2276.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">Hippo across the river</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">During dinner we watched buffalo drink at the waterhole a short distance away from the lodge where we ate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lodge was like a large open covered patio and it was relaxing to sit there in the coolness of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dinner we went back to our tent and showered, I still felt sticky but at least I was clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The camp had electricity from 6pm to 9pm which ran off a generator, it was nice to have lights and the ceiling fan in our tent going but it was a also a bummer when it went off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, we’re going to bed early because the bush walk starts at 6am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-64575127316679564912011-03-03T11:06:00.001-08:002011-03-03T11:11:53.745-08:00Thursday, February 24, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today Kelsey and I met Abigail at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played and prayed for the kids in the orthopedic and oncology wards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then went outside to the grassy area by the maternity and infant wards and prayed for the people out there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We basically went to one group at a time, introduced ourselves and then asked if they had any prayer requests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the guardians had new babies in the ward and were waiting for them to be discharged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nice time praying, thanking God for new life and asking for Him to bless the life of a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">We had an early lunch and then Abbie and I read Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd” to the guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of the older women knew it and quoted it as Abbie read it, which was neat, but most listened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to one group of guardians to the next outside for an hour, then we visited the Moyo ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The positive side of seeing the same kids and guardians every day is the fact that we can give then continuous encouragement and actually build a relationship with them, which is important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">After we were finished at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>, Kelsey and I ran some errands in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up finding DVDs for sale in the <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Blantyre</place></city> market which were only $3!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because we both miss watching movies, we both got a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are in English and have English subtitles, which cannot be turned off, and they are definitely not HD plasma screen TV quality but when you’re far from home and just want to watch a movie, it works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maribeth mentioned that the movies are probably pirated copies, which I honestly did not even think of, but thankfully that is not a big deal here in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Malawi</place></country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This evening I watched The Lion King because #1: I’m in <place w:st="on">Africa</place> and what better movie to watch?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And #2: to get me ready for the safari Kelsey and I are going on tomorrow! I am super excited! </span></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-11128844536125002862011-03-03T11:04:00.000-08:002011-03-03T11:04:51.102-08:00Wednesday, February 23, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today we went to <place w:st="on">Queens</place> with the ABC Team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We broke up into groups of two this week so that we could go into more wards and pray for more kids then all six of us going into one ward together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was paired up with Yamicani and we visited one of the orthopedic wards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids in that ward usually have a broken arm, a broken leg, a shoulder or a hip problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically they are stuck in bed, even for a broken arm because it is suspended by a bar above the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I passed out the books we made for our project and read it to them and prayed for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a good about of time in that ward and I enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we went to the oncology ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were still doctors working there so we sat in the corner the nurses have made into a play area and played with three kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun, we played catch with some foam balls and I build a train track for one of the little boys and he loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">After lunch we visited the Moyo ward and prayed for the kids and guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really encouraging because the kids are slowly getting better and it is neat to celebrate their recovery with the parents, share their joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we left the ward I went outside and read the story of David and Goliath to the guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many that I ended up reading it four times in different areas so that most people heard it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really enjoy and appreciate hearing the Bible stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we finished reading, it was time to leave so we came home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK6F-E63XFHev8X1DBMePzBcbtrvLTeO1oO6Vzb2uKzWZxX6ruia1P44kVGCIWuJG3D1xQBds_np4RrS7bYX7DDptbeZHgyE7GvqK336cs6LU8E27rAq24MC0ncy03N32J7rCyEWVy2wO/s1600/DSCN3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK6F-E63XFHev8X1DBMePzBcbtrvLTeO1oO6Vzb2uKzWZxX6ruia1P44kVGCIWuJG3D1xQBds_np4RrS7bYX7DDptbeZHgyE7GvqK336cs6LU8E27rAq24MC0ncy03N32J7rCyEWVy2wO/s400/DSCN3268.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-84564408558300329472011-03-03T11:00:00.000-08:002011-03-03T11:00:16.628-08:00Tuesday, February 22, 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Today was day two of working at <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Queens</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Hospital</placetype></place> and it went well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelsey, Abigail and I went into the orthopedic and oncology Pediatric wards and prayed for the kids and guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw a lot of the same kids and guardians as yesterday and it was encouraging for them to see us coming again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the kids are getting better, it is a slow process sometimes, but it is still very encouraging!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After spending our allotted hour in the wards we went to town to make more copies of the book we are handing out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After getting 500 copies of the book made to pass out to the sick kids, we went back to <place w:st="on">Queens</place> and had an early lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">When the three of us originally brainstormed things we could do at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>, we came up with an idea to read the Bible to the guardians (parents of the sick kids).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, today God really placed on my heart to do it, so after lunch I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read the story of Job and gave a brief message on how we need to trust and have faith in God in both good and bad situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all seemed to really enjoy hearing the story and because there where so many sitting outside because it was their lunch hour, I ended up reading and giving the message four times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, I had Abigail to help me because I can not read Chichewa well enough so she translated everything for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have come to realize that these people do not hear Bible stories, they go to church and hear a sermon but they do not know most Bible stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me to read one of the stories and then share a basic truth is fairly simple because these people are spiritual babies, I feel like I am teaching Sunday school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is not a bad thing, I love teaching Sunday school and I am teaching them where they are at spiritually, it works out wonderfully.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">After reading to a young group of women they asked us to go into the ward that their sick babies where in and pray for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, of course we did, it was neat to go into another ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ward was filled to the max with sick babies from new born to two years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were all mostly sick with flu or a cold and we went around praying for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The funny/sad thing was that most of the babies were scared of us because the only other white people they have ever seen have been doctors and there is no way to explain to an infant that we are not doctors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we moved from one end of the ward to the other, you could hear the babies crying as we moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the crying, it was nice to encourage the parents and they really appreciated it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Then we went to the Moyo ward and passed out our books to the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was sad to see that a lot of the same kids and parents where still there but it was nice to pray for them again and give then much needed encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Once we finished at <place w:st="on">Queens</place> for the day, we went to the school and folded the books we had made copies of earlier so that they would be ready to be passed out the rest of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of our afternoon and evening were nice and uneventful. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5753322282843617522.post-9880035332865759412011-03-03T10:50:00.000-08:002011-03-03T11:08:52.712-08:00Monday, February 21, 2011 – Beautiful and Ugly<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today was the first day Kelsey, Abigail and I started our project at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was beautiful and ugly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The ugly: Waking up at 5 o’clock in the morning to a raining ceiling in the living room with little sleep under my belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful: The weather was the perfect mixture of warmth and coolness with the gentle breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made this mornings walk that much prettier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">More beautiful and ugly to come but first I must share this funny experience with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">On the minibus ride to <place w:st="on">Queens</place>, I got squished in the very back row against a window and Malawian man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is normal, minibus’ fit 14 but they always manage to squeeze at least 4 extra people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, halfway to <place w:st="on">Queens</place> the man sitting next to me asks me to open the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try but it was broken and I could not get open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a minute or two the man says never mind and I apologize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then hesitates and then says in perfect English, “Just so you know, I broke wind.”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, it took me a minute to process what he said, but after repeating the phrase in my head I realized!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bit my tongue, shrugged my shoulders and acted like I was no big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt bad for him because I know a situation like that can be embarrassing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, inside I was busting up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not believe this Malawian man admitted to farting! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What makes the situation funnier is that in <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Malawi</country-region></place> it is illegal to fart in public!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Now I know why God decided to make me different from my family and a doer of SBDs because I could get in some serious trouble otherwise! Thank goodness God knew what He was doing! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> ) I totally could have given this man on the minibus a hard time and told him, “You know, that is illegal, right?” but if I had opened my mouth, I would have laughed out loud!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love how our God has a sense of humor!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">After that funny experience we made it to <place w:st="on">Queens</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The ugly: As I walked through one of the corridors a mentally unstable patient grabbed me by the arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, one of my team members was behind me and got the man to let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It startled me but just told myself to shake it off and focus on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful: In the morning we visited three of the Pediatric wards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed with the children and their parents and passed out a little book we made for them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book is about being a child of the King, it is simple but the kids really love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also went around to people sitting out front of the hospital and asked if we could pray for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We encountered one lady who was waiting on her husband and really needed prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her husband had cancer in his leg a couple years ago and was told that if it came back they would have to amputate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, the cancer has come back and he was in the hospital to meet with a surgeon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God knew that she and her husband needed to be prayed for and He sent us to her to do exactly that; it was a divine appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The ugly: As the three of us sat on the grass and ate our lunch we encountered the sprit of begging multiple times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spirit of begging is very common in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Malawi</place></country-region>, the people now it is wrong but because of the poor culture and environment that they live in, they do it anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spirit of begging is not of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult because we want to help them but we can not because we must not encourage the spirit of begging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, so multiple people asked for food and money and it was difficult to deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful: After lunch we went into the Pediatric burn unit and Moyo ward (a miscellaneous ward) and prayed for the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really encouraging in the Moyo ward because I had prayed for some of the kids that last Wednesday and they were doing better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that was really neat to see!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The ugly:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we finished at <place w:st="on">Queens</place>, Kelsey and I had to get some things at the store and as we bagged the items the cap on the bleach came off and I got bleach on my favorite pink shirt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really annoyed, there are spots all down the front of it so I can’t wear it anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Super bummed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got iced coffees at the café next store and it was really, really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Starbucks quality for half the price!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me feel a little better about the whole shirt thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The ugly:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we finished our coffees we walked to the nearest minibus station to catch a bus to town so we could catch another one to go home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got there the men were more obnoxious than normal and where yelling at us, telling us what bus to get on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was crazy and quite frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One man grabbed my hand and tried to pull me to a bus, but I quickly yanked my hand a way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a culture that does not touch and is not physical, I got grabbed twice in one day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, it was totally Satan, he knows that my love language is touch and to have these strangers grab my arm or hand would freak me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It worked until I realized it was Satan, and then I rebuked him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, once we finally got on a minibus Kelsey and I were relieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would think that the crazy would end there, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we got to town we went to the next station to get on a bus to go home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, would you believe it; we experienced MORE shouting and yelling from the men, trying to tell us where to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we got on the bus the yelling stopped but we had multiple people come up to the bus windows begging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m telling you, it was crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful: We made it home safely and some friends of ours came over for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a nice time socializing and it was a nice way to end our insane day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Today just goes to show you, and myself really, that there is serious warfare going on. </span></span>Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429493458255804375noreply@blogger.com0