Epiphany Number One!!!

If any of you read my email about having the energy for this I now know the answer is “Yes!”. Oh man, God has been showing me some wonderful things. Like that I need serious help when it comes to patience...and that’s just the beginning!!! You know when I look back into last year and my “blessing of a class” at Liberty I remember feeling so much more at ease and patient with my kids for the first time in my teaching career. Granted it was my third year but for the longest time I questioned why things were so much easier and wondered when it was all going to BLOW UP! Optimistic, I know! But it never did, and I now can see that if God hadn’t started to prepare me last year for what I am being asked to do this year, I wouldn’t be ready for these kids here at ABCCA or this task. God won’t give me more than I can handle and He leads me in baby steps to where He wants me to go. On that journey there are speed bumps and potholes, which I’m sure will continue, but He has allowed for me to arrive to a place where I honestly never thought I would be. Teaching in Africa was always a thought or idea but never on the pursuance of becoming a reality. Every now and then I stop and think, “I’m in Africa….How the heck did I get here?”. I’ve now come to the realization that I am here because this is where God wants me to be.
One of the greatest challenges since being here has been re-directing the glory. Last night I read Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and PRAISE YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.” Everyone likes affirmation. I’m not going to lie, I have basked in and enjoyed every bit of praise and encouragement thrown my way. However, in all honesty, saying “yes” to Africa was the greatest of my accomplishments in this whole process and even that was spurred on by the Man Upstairs. Any light that might be shinning from me is not because of me, any good deed that has happened is not because of me. Therefore the praise needs to continue past me towards God in gratefulness and thanksgiving for the opportunity and blessings that have and will continue to come of this. When I look at it that way I then feel so blessed and honored to be chosen for the task. I’m free from the pressure I put on myself and I can step out in confidence knowing that God is behind me 100%.
Now, just because I’ve had this enlightening moment, please don’t think I’ve become the lady version of Apostle Paul and am wandering throughout Africa fearlessly preaching the Word of God. Baby steps remember?! Actually, I really need you to save these thoughts and email them back to me in a month or so. Because I’m human, and a forgetful one at that, I know this is something I will need reminding of and need accountability for! You can also pray that these thoughts would do more than just sit in my head but permeate in my heart forever. God is revealing Himself and my purpose for being here as I go along. Please continue to pray for me as I have the opportunity to build friendships with those around me, especially the students here on ABC’s campus! Also continue to pray for my students and the relationships I’m building with them!!!

In Memory of Bright Blue

Today at approximately 3:00 in the afternoon Bright Blue Mosquito Net was laid to rest in the dustbin of Michelle Halemeier’s room on the ABC Campus in Lilongwe, Malawi. Bright Blue lived a noble life in service and dedication towards protecting the lives of others. Who knows how many others he blessed (I’d actually like to know) as he served each night to protect and guard off the Malaria Biting Mosquitoes of Lilongwe. Bright Blue was best known for his clumsiness as he would sometimes fall onto the heads of those he protected. However, Bright Blue never meant to harm anyone and with a smile and a soft chuckle he was always hung back up to do his job. Bright Blue passed away quietly this morning around 9:00am due to a tearing of a thread leading to the dislocation dislodging of the circular wire that holds his form. Bright Blue will soon (like tomorrow) be replaced…but never forgotten. Goodbye Blue, goodbye.

The 4 Stages of Acceptance

The past few months have been a bundle of emotions and new emotions only continue to surface as this process continues. From questioning and disbelief to a sense of assurance and surrender, I hold on tight to the knowledge that our God is mighty and freely gives a love deeper than what I can fathom. The process to go to Malawi seemed to come so quickly into play the moment my heart said "yes"! There were no "take backs" or "ha, I changed my mind". And as scary as that was, I also felt a deep sense of comfort and a soft whisper telling me to have faith and take a step. He would take care of me if I trusted Him on this one!

So as I prepare for a year teaching in Africa I've noticed some things. I notice myself becoming more in need of hugs and love as I realize that very soon I will be separated from everyone near and dear to my heart for a whole year. My apologies if you feel smothered at all!! I also want to spend every waking moment with friends and family. Even if that means taking a friend to the health center to help me get shots, or simply dragging friends around town in the heat to run errands. Thank you dear friends for that. I've also noticed how extremely anxious I've become about how to pack for a year. How does one pack for a whole year? Honestly?

However, as I think about the opportunity to go to Africa I think about many of you. When the opportunity to go teach in Malawi arose I prayed that God would reveal Himself to me and continue to reaffirm this life-changing decision…and He has through many of you! Through your excitement and enthusiasm I have been so encouraged. Your willingness to pray for me has been uplifting. I have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of those who already have or have said they are willing to support me financially, and I love that so many have jumped on board and are diligently collecting cans for me. There are even a special few who are willing to stay after church to dumpster dive with me, or even help me cart a load of cans to be recycled. You people should be given a medal, I'll put in the order to heaven now!
All in all I just want to say “THANK YOU”!!!! Your love and support goes much further than you may realize and I am so grateful for all your love.