Hey all!
I have been back in the states for about three weeks now, and now am entering the time of reflections and sorting through everything I just experienced. The transition home has been bittersweet as I’m sure it always is. I am back at Washington State University finishing up my last year, living in my sorority, and starting to think about the future..scary! I thought I would send a little recap with the highlights of my summer in hopes that you all will be able to get a glimpse of what this distant land in Africa is like.
My Ministry:
Every morning after breakfast we would head out for our ministry projects. Two other interns and I would grab our wooden boards (chalk boards) and head across the field to Mgwayi village. It was inevitable that a couple of the kids would see us coming so they would run to meet us to carry the boards to the spot where we taught. We would walk through the village to pick up the rest of the kids. This often took a while because we had to greet everyone we walked by with a full greeting. At school we taught 50 little wiggly kids the alphabet, numbers, colors and shapes. The kids knew the alphabet song but had no idea that the letters correlated with the song. We did a new letter everyday starting by drawing it in the air and then the kids would go and draw it in the dirt. After we were done with the plans for the day, the kids would sing a little and then we would play.
We would walk back across the field for lunch at the mission center where we usually had American food, but sometimes beans, rice and nsima (the staple food of Malawi). In the afternoon we would head out to evangelism. Evangelism was my favorite part of everyday. We would walk back to the village, or go to other villages that are supported by COTN. This time kids ran across the field to us not to carry the boards, but to chase each other for the soccer balls; Malawian kids LOVE soccer, or “futball”. Same as the morning we would walk through the villages surrounded by a pack of kids, greeting the elders and yelling “groundie-football”. The boys would all run out to the field and the girls would usually follow along side us singing songs and attempting to talk to us in Chichewa (the Malawian language). We would play circle games, soccer and netball then round them up for a Bible lesson. For my evangelism I told the story of Daniel and how God saved him when he was thrown into the lions den because he was always so faithful to God. After the Bible lesson we would sing songs and then say goodbye until tomorrow; “tienna mowa”.
It was the winter in Africa so the days were shorter. At night we would plan for the next day, go to a COTN kids home and do a devotion, mend clothes for the village kids, or just hang out. I loved mending clothes for the kids. Just being able to sit out under the gazebo stitching up seams, wondering which kid these clothes belong to and praying that they are safe and well-cared for, were some of my favorite times.
Living Conditions:
Surprisingly life for us was not too difficult for us. We lived in a mission center that had beds, running water (often warm), and usually American food. There weren’t any real mysterious creatures or animals..we did catch a hedge hog! The weather was mild, usually 70s-80s during the day. The nights were way cooler than what we had prepared for so many of us had to double up on blankets.
As nice as the living conditions were, I struggled with being in Malawi and trying to adapt to culture, yet still having my little America. It’s hard to play with kids all day who have one outfit and no shoes, then go lay on a nice comfy bed with my ipod in. I’m still trying to figure out how to link the two worlds together.
What I learned and experienced:
Living in Malawi this past summer was more than an experience. It’s like a life-changing moment that I re-live daily.
The most incredible thing I learned this summer is what it means to truly love. The love that I feel towards these kids, and how they felt toward me has helped me to figure out God’s love. These kids became enthralled with the smallest things, a hand jive, a fun noise, jumping up and down while saying “we are jumping, we are jumping” (even though they didn’t know English they still said it too). These kids made us feel as though we were the coolest people on the Earth, and the same time we thought they were the coolest kids on the Earth. They all wanted to play with us, sit on our laps, and hold our hands; I remember at one evangelism I fit three girls on my lap.
As much as these kids were completely captivated by us, it helped me to realize that is how God feels towards me. Who knew that what I should of learned in the years of Sunday school, I wouldn’t understand till I went to Africa in my last year of college...
I saw what it was like to have a joyful and passionate character. The Malawian interns that worked side-by-side with us have the most authentic faith. The Malawian people in general worship with so much energy; it’s like a big celebration. In church, especially a Wednesday night potluck dinner, we would sing and dance in circles. I have so many stories about church alone.. The Malawians have the ability to quote scripture off the top of their heads, pray with complete assurance that God is listening and going to answer prayers, and sing- they are the most incredible singers! The Malawian’s character with the kids joyful spirits was refreshing to experience. Many of these kids have faced larger mountains than I could ever imagine, and yet they still show joy in being able to play and be loved.
I learned a lot about spiritual warfare and how powerful it is. It was definitely something that I had not expected to encounter, but looking back it was inevitable. We learned about witch doctors and the spirits that the villages are involved with. We experienced first hand the strong-hold that is on so many villages, and what that does to the people and kids in the village.
The People and Culture Tid-bits:
Africa was not what I thought it would be. I imagined the commercials where kids are poor, crying and starving; my intention was to save the world. Of course the standard of living is very low, but it works for them. The people have their way of doing things and although it would be easier to use tools such as tractors, they don’t have them so they make do.
Most of the women marry young and have three to seven kids. All of the kids take care of each other. It is not unusual to see a six-year old with her baby sibling on the back. I rarely ever saw the men in the Mgwayi village; I’m guessing that they are usually at work or off trying to find work.
The kids are mal-nourished. It was shocking for me to see all the little belly buttons that are supposed to be innies that are now outies. Alcoholism is a huge problem in the Mgwayi village. When I was there it was the end of the harvest season, so it was time to celebrate. The alcohol problem leads to further mal-nourishment of the kids. The money that would support the family goes to alcohol, or the parents are too drunk to feed their kids.
As far as AIDS goes, I always wondered how many of the kids I interacted with day to day were HIV positive. Malawi is the orphan nation due to AIDS, but the kids were always too lively it was impossible to tell.
Malawian dress is usually a wrap called a chitinge with some sort of top. Girls always wear dresses or skirts, and for women knees must always be covered. The boys and men wear anything, usually shorts and a top. The kids clothes are so worn, they wear clothes until there is nothing left, and even a little bit longer. Most kids don’t have shoes. The ones who go to school do because they have to, but otherwise the kids run around barefoot everywhere.
Malawian people are very relationship-based people. The sense of time is not nearly as important as stopping to talk to someone. I always loved when the older men of the village would stop me as I’m walking through and asked to play a game with them, it was a generous offer but I had my agenda to get the kids to the grounds. Our driver, Wilson, would stop the coaster and talk to the gate guard for at least a minute or two before we could leave the mission center. Women of the village would walk up as we’re teaching and greet us. Mid-sentence I’d have to stop teaching to shake hands and do a full greeting. It still makes me laugh to think about it.
I could write and tell stories about Malawi all day long, but I feel as though this is getting quite long. This past summer was by far the most incredible summer of my life. I absolutely love Malawi and Africa as a whole. I am completely contempt with the understanding that the mission I was sent to do has been fulfilled. The kids may or may not know their ABC’s now, but I believe they know that God loves them and that even though life may be hard now, something bigger awaits for them. We spent time building relationships and planting the seed for God to build a garden. Whether this time was intended for me to learn, or for them to experience God, it was a win-win situation. I’m anxiously awaiting the next call to action whether it is my next trip to Africa, or organizing something to support my village. I am so blessed that I got to experience the place that I fell in love with so long ago. Thank you again for your support, whether it is through prayer or finance. These kids in Malawi got to experience God because of you, and for that I know they are blessed.
October 14, 2007
September 19, 2007
Africa Update 4
Update 4!!
Friends and Family,
Hello to all! Since I last wrote you nothing too much has changed. Working with the kids gets better and better everyday. We finally made it half-way through the alphabet..a minor accomplishment. I have taken on a new project of mending clothes for the women of the village. I look around at all of the kids and their clothes are torn and tattered, so twice a week I get a bag of clothes that need basic mending..holes from the armpit to the bottom seam. These are the times when eighth grade home-ec finally pays off! I find that it is a good way to serve the women of the village.
I have an experience I’d like to share. On our way to evangelism the other day, we walked by two “gule wamkulu’s”. These are men who are part of a village who dress in this tribal wear. They paint their faces white, wear sunglasses and dress up in straw. Something you would imagine seeing in a national geographic. What happens is when these men are in costume they are participating in tribal traditions, often drunk or heavily drugged out. When they get to a point a spirit comes over them and they become that spirit; usually something that has been passed down from generation to generation. They act as this spirit, may be an animal or something else, who knows. When we walked by them, I actually got a bit scared for my life; about the same amount as being on a rollercoaster. I can just imagine so many of you reading this and beginning to worry, but rest assured that rules the chief of the villages set forth are the highest priority; thus we were safe. I learned so much from this experience. I learned that as far as ministry goes, we are up against something that is bigger than what I thought. The spirits that these men are attached to are so heavily rooted in some tribes, yet are based completely out of fear and sin. Through this I have been discovering and have been redeeming my faith that God can change lives in a big way. One of my favorites songs is “Mighty to Save,” and in this song I find encouragement in a line that says; “…forever, author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave- SHINE YOUR LIGHT and let the whole world see, He’s risen for the glory of the risen King…” I have been a light since I have been here, and I plan to finish strong, showing my light even when it is hard.
With this said, I am entering a hard time and I need prayer. This next week is our final week of ministry before we go on safari in Zambia and then debriefing. The goodbyes that I tear up thinking about everyday will be a reality come Friday. I’m not ready to go home, but when the time comes I hope I will be. If you could pray for this time and the upcoming week that the stresses of goodbye will reside for a bit, until Friday when it is time, I want my light to shine through to the end.
I thank you all for your support and prayers, and I look forward to my final update once I arrive back in Washington August 20th. Until then, Tienna!
Blessings,
Mindy
Friends and Family,
Hello to all! Since I last wrote you nothing too much has changed. Working with the kids gets better and better everyday. We finally made it half-way through the alphabet..a minor accomplishment. I have taken on a new project of mending clothes for the women of the village. I look around at all of the kids and their clothes are torn and tattered, so twice a week I get a bag of clothes that need basic mending..holes from the armpit to the bottom seam. These are the times when eighth grade home-ec finally pays off! I find that it is a good way to serve the women of the village.
I have an experience I’d like to share. On our way to evangelism the other day, we walked by two “gule wamkulu’s”. These are men who are part of a village who dress in this tribal wear. They paint their faces white, wear sunglasses and dress up in straw. Something you would imagine seeing in a national geographic. What happens is when these men are in costume they are participating in tribal traditions, often drunk or heavily drugged out. When they get to a point a spirit comes over them and they become that spirit; usually something that has been passed down from generation to generation. They act as this spirit, may be an animal or something else, who knows. When we walked by them, I actually got a bit scared for my life; about the same amount as being on a rollercoaster. I can just imagine so many of you reading this and beginning to worry, but rest assured that rules the chief of the villages set forth are the highest priority; thus we were safe. I learned so much from this experience. I learned that as far as ministry goes, we are up against something that is bigger than what I thought. The spirits that these men are attached to are so heavily rooted in some tribes, yet are based completely out of fear and sin. Through this I have been discovering and have been redeeming my faith that God can change lives in a big way. One of my favorites songs is “Mighty to Save,” and in this song I find encouragement in a line that says; “…forever, author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave- SHINE YOUR LIGHT and let the whole world see, He’s risen for the glory of the risen King…” I have been a light since I have been here, and I plan to finish strong, showing my light even when it is hard.
With this said, I am entering a hard time and I need prayer. This next week is our final week of ministry before we go on safari in Zambia and then debriefing. The goodbyes that I tear up thinking about everyday will be a reality come Friday. I’m not ready to go home, but when the time comes I hope I will be. If you could pray for this time and the upcoming week that the stresses of goodbye will reside for a bit, until Friday when it is time, I want my light to shine through to the end.
I thank you all for your support and prayers, and I look forward to my final update once I arrive back in Washington August 20th. Until then, Tienna!
Blessings,
Mindy
Africa Update 3
Update 3
Hey friends and family,
I questioned whether or not to send another update email within the same week, but I feel as though the last one was lacking in life…
We just got back from our mid-summer intern retreat. Lets just say that Lake Malawi is no lake, I’d consider it a freshwater ocean (yes I know there is no such thing). It’s huge and beautiful. Most of our time was spent just hanging out on the beach attempting to get tan in the African winter sun. My nose is pink and the rest of me is questionable…hopefully somewhat tan.
The retreat got us ready to finish out our mission trip strong. Yesterday was our first day back in the villages and let me tell you, I was ready. Being away from the kids for 10 days was tough (we were visiting the Chiwengo village). What was tougher was coming back to find that many of the things we taught them before we left they had forgotten; I now know how frustrating it is for teachers after breaks. Through it all though, I found the greatest joy. To hear them run and yell “Auntie Mindy,” made all my anticipation worth it.
After being here for a month I’ve come to realize how much this place is home. While we were gone from Njewa we all got homesick for our beds, our running water, and our kids. I sat around yesterday during the evangelism message looking at all the faces I know; Mavis, Memory, Jennifer, Jacklyn, Wally, Olly, Kennedy, Wayes to name a few favorites (even though favorites are not allowed..), and wondered how I’m going to get through when it’s time to say goodbye. What struck me next is that we are not close saying goodbye. It’s a sweet thing that the Lord can bless us with great relationships. Relationships where communication is “shap” and perhaps an eyebrow lift at most; then again there are the smiles that are universal. These relationships that are being built in this village are being started on a small but strong foundation, and I feel so blessed to have an opportunity to see God change these kid’s lives. At the end of the day when I have my girls, one on each hand walking me to the road where we say “tianana,” (see you later), I know that God is the builder of these relationships and not to mention my most favorite moments.
Here was some insight on what’s happening here in Malawi. Thanks for all of your prayers, I’m pretty sure all my requests are being answered, things are running smoothly!
Much Love,
Mindy
Hey friends and family,
I questioned whether or not to send another update email within the same week, but I feel as though the last one was lacking in life…
We just got back from our mid-summer intern retreat. Lets just say that Lake Malawi is no lake, I’d consider it a freshwater ocean (yes I know there is no such thing). It’s huge and beautiful. Most of our time was spent just hanging out on the beach attempting to get tan in the African winter sun. My nose is pink and the rest of me is questionable…hopefully somewhat tan.
The retreat got us ready to finish out our mission trip strong. Yesterday was our first day back in the villages and let me tell you, I was ready. Being away from the kids for 10 days was tough (we were visiting the Chiwengo village). What was tougher was coming back to find that many of the things we taught them before we left they had forgotten; I now know how frustrating it is for teachers after breaks. Through it all though, I found the greatest joy. To hear them run and yell “Auntie Mindy,” made all my anticipation worth it.
After being here for a month I’ve come to realize how much this place is home. While we were gone from Njewa we all got homesick for our beds, our running water, and our kids. I sat around yesterday during the evangelism message looking at all the faces I know; Mavis, Memory, Jennifer, Jacklyn, Wally, Olly, Kennedy, Wayes to name a few favorites (even though favorites are not allowed..), and wondered how I’m going to get through when it’s time to say goodbye. What struck me next is that we are not close saying goodbye. It’s a sweet thing that the Lord can bless us with great relationships. Relationships where communication is “shap” and perhaps an eyebrow lift at most; then again there are the smiles that are universal. These relationships that are being built in this village are being started on a small but strong foundation, and I feel so blessed to have an opportunity to see God change these kid’s lives. At the end of the day when I have my girls, one on each hand walking me to the road where we say “tianana,” (see you later), I know that God is the builder of these relationships and not to mention my most favorite moments.
Here was some insight on what’s happening here in Malawi. Thanks for all of your prayers, I’m pretty sure all my requests are being answered, things are running smoothly!
Much Love,
Mindy
Africa Update 2
I have to start off telling you that the last time I sent out an update e-mail, I walked back to begin a lovel 2 days of the big “hoosker doosker”. I am fully healed, as are all the other interns, Praise God!
Things here in Malawi have been incredible. The ministry that I am apart of is going well, we are building great relationships in this new village. I have fallen in love with many of the kids, but a few of them in particular. We tried to show the Jesus film in the village but it didn’t work; we will try again soon.
I know this is short, but we are about to load the coaster for our mid-intern retreat. I love it here and wish that I could tell each one of you every detail about what God is doing here…I’ll write a full review when internet is free!
Dealing with administration has been very difficult for many of us interns, just as far as communication and respect goes towards us, so prayer for that. Prayer for my ministry and the kids. Finally that I am walking daily in God’s will and direction with these kids.
Ill try and give a better review in a few days
Things here in Malawi have been incredible. The ministry that I am apart of is going well, we are building great relationships in this new village. I have fallen in love with many of the kids, but a few of them in particular. We tried to show the Jesus film in the village but it didn’t work; we will try again soon.
I know this is short, but we are about to load the coaster for our mid-intern retreat. I love it here and wish that I could tell each one of you every detail about what God is doing here…I’ll write a full review when internet is free!
Dealing with administration has been very difficult for many of us interns, just as far as communication and respect goes towards us, so prayer for that. Prayer for my ministry and the kids. Finally that I am walking daily in God’s will and direction with these kids.
Ill try and give a better review in a few days
Africa Update 1
ZABOO (hi) Friends and Family,
I can’t even begin to tell you how great it is to be in communication with the world!
Malawi is absolutely wonderful! I’m in love! Lets start out with the travels.. Our travels took a little bit longer than we had hoped. After living on a plane and in airports for 2 days, our flight from London to Johannesberg was delayed. This then left us in Jo-berg for a night because we missed the ONLY flight to Malawi. Imagine this; 4 girls each with an oversized suitcase and a box running from the airport to the shuttle down a sidewalk that was a little under American standards…great first experience in Africa let me tell you!!
Once we arrived here in Liliongwe we were greeted by the Mtsilza Village kids. They came to the Njewa Mission center where we are staying and performed songs, sweet Malawi dances, recited bible verses and welcomed us with a “Shapo” (thumbs up)! Malawi in general is incredible and more than we could imagine. The kids cling to us and run to us wherever we go. “Azungu, Azungu” (white person) they scream with their high squeaky voices as they run towards us. Working with the Malawian interns as help and translators has helped us share the incredible news of God. They may have snot running down their noses, dirty hands, and cavity filled teeth, but the love and happiness they show is nothing that we have seen before!
The days vary, but are starting to become more scheduled (on Malawi time that runs at least ½ late to everything :). Every morning we break up into different “site projects.” Myself, and two other girls along with about 6 guys are working in a village that is new with COTN. We walk about 200 yards in our backyard and there the village is. The other day we sat and shucked corn with the women and had a time where they could ask us questions and we could ask them questions. Two of them were engaged to get married, one 16, one 18. One of them didn’t have parents and so the only way she could care for herself was to get married. The other one’s parents were pushing her out of the home. We asked them how they met their fiancés and they said, “We were walking through the fields and we just fell in love.” My heart just broke for them. Through the conversations with the women we identified the needs of the village and we are going to start tutoring 1st and 2nd graders. The school these kids attend is too far for them to walk to so they stay home. We also play to work with the women of the village teaching them basic care such as food preparation and hygiene care. The rest of our days are spent evangelizing or visiting the other villages.
The other day I had a God moment that was so sweet. We walked from the Mtsilza village to a nearby village about a 30-minute walk. There we began a typical evangelizing day. It starts off with games and songs to gather kids from the village in for about 20 minutes. Once those wind down we bring the kids all in and listen to a message by one of our fellow interns. As we were sitting there all I could think about was how my arms were too short. All I wanted was to have arms long enough to reach each one of the kids to know that they are special to me, and that I could feel each one of their hands. It isn’t possible though, I can only handle 3-4 at a time. That’s when I felt God say to me, “Hey Mindy, what do you think I’m for.” It was the first time I experienced God’s love around all of these children, and how he was using me to show them that….
It’s been very sweet being here. I am hopefully at the peak of my illness… I got well after my first bout of illness somewhere in the air between London and Johannesberg (I got sick the MORNING I was leaving). This week practically all of the interns have gotten sick, 6 of them went to the doctor the other day. My immune system was holding on strong until yesterday. I’m trying hard to prevent the part where I am on the toilet with something we have termed the big “hoosker doosker”. My 4 mile walk here to use the internet has helped a bit…we’ll see how the walk back will be…
Sorry I know this is VERY long, but I am wrapping it up. Prayers for health with my stomach and all of the interns, patience with the leadership, and continual prayer that we’re going in God’s direction through everything.
Thanks to all, I miss you! Sorry for misspelled words, time is ticking!
Love, Mindy
I can’t even begin to tell you how great it is to be in communication with the world!
Malawi is absolutely wonderful! I’m in love! Lets start out with the travels.. Our travels took a little bit longer than we had hoped. After living on a plane and in airports for 2 days, our flight from London to Johannesberg was delayed. This then left us in Jo-berg for a night because we missed the ONLY flight to Malawi. Imagine this; 4 girls each with an oversized suitcase and a box running from the airport to the shuttle down a sidewalk that was a little under American standards…great first experience in Africa let me tell you!!
Once we arrived here in Liliongwe we were greeted by the Mtsilza Village kids. They came to the Njewa Mission center where we are staying and performed songs, sweet Malawi dances, recited bible verses and welcomed us with a “Shapo” (thumbs up)! Malawi in general is incredible and more than we could imagine. The kids cling to us and run to us wherever we go. “Azungu, Azungu” (white person) they scream with their high squeaky voices as they run towards us. Working with the Malawian interns as help and translators has helped us share the incredible news of God. They may have snot running down their noses, dirty hands, and cavity filled teeth, but the love and happiness they show is nothing that we have seen before!
The days vary, but are starting to become more scheduled (on Malawi time that runs at least ½ late to everything :). Every morning we break up into different “site projects.” Myself, and two other girls along with about 6 guys are working in a village that is new with COTN. We walk about 200 yards in our backyard and there the village is. The other day we sat and shucked corn with the women and had a time where they could ask us questions and we could ask them questions. Two of them were engaged to get married, one 16, one 18. One of them didn’t have parents and so the only way she could care for herself was to get married. The other one’s parents were pushing her out of the home. We asked them how they met their fiancés and they said, “We were walking through the fields and we just fell in love.” My heart just broke for them. Through the conversations with the women we identified the needs of the village and we are going to start tutoring 1st and 2nd graders. The school these kids attend is too far for them to walk to so they stay home. We also play to work with the women of the village teaching them basic care such as food preparation and hygiene care. The rest of our days are spent evangelizing or visiting the other villages.
The other day I had a God moment that was so sweet. We walked from the Mtsilza village to a nearby village about a 30-minute walk. There we began a typical evangelizing day. It starts off with games and songs to gather kids from the village in for about 20 minutes. Once those wind down we bring the kids all in and listen to a message by one of our fellow interns. As we were sitting there all I could think about was how my arms were too short. All I wanted was to have arms long enough to reach each one of the kids to know that they are special to me, and that I could feel each one of their hands. It isn’t possible though, I can only handle 3-4 at a time. That’s when I felt God say to me, “Hey Mindy, what do you think I’m for.” It was the first time I experienced God’s love around all of these children, and how he was using me to show them that….
It’s been very sweet being here. I am hopefully at the peak of my illness… I got well after my first bout of illness somewhere in the air between London and Johannesberg (I got sick the MORNING I was leaving). This week practically all of the interns have gotten sick, 6 of them went to the doctor the other day. My immune system was holding on strong until yesterday. I’m trying hard to prevent the part where I am on the toilet with something we have termed the big “hoosker doosker”. My 4 mile walk here to use the internet has helped a bit…we’ll see how the walk back will be…
Sorry I know this is VERY long, but I am wrapping it up. Prayers for health with my stomach and all of the interns, patience with the leadership, and continual prayer that we’re going in God’s direction through everything.
Thanks to all, I miss you! Sorry for misspelled words, time is ticking!
Love, Mindy
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