Two days until I retire…sounds funny but AMAZING. One week until I’m in Florida to visit my dad. One month until the journey to Malawi begins!!
The journey began earlier this year when I was looking for an open door to travel and serve. God broke my heart and closed many doors. Although I am extremely excited for Malawi, I really have no idea why He wants me there. You see Africa was not on the map for me. I yearned to go to India, Southeast Asia, or Greece in order to continue working with anti-human trafficking initiatives. For reasons I do not yet know, He said ‘No’.
I am very thankful He clearly opened another door and that it has lead me to Malawi. I am honored to partner with International Teams because they encompass what it is to be a good steward of Christ. We believe that everyone deserves to have food, freedom, and forgiveness. By His power we are bringing people together to help the oppressed. He has connected me to my amazing leaders Jake and Jenn. I could not be happier to do life and ministry with these two. They have welcomed me into their team already with open arms and with gentle hearts.
While many emails have been sent, Skype calls have been made, and one very blessed dinner was had, I still am unsure about everything that will come in Malawi. I yearn to be part of the team to an even great level. To understand the inside jokes, to know the lingo, to be two steps ahead instead of five steps behind, but I know this will all take time. I have a great team welcoming me. I so look forward to meeting the rest of the team.
In preparation to head over to Malawi and have my hand at microenterprise and micro lending, I’ve been doing a little bit of studying. Learning the local language, Chichewa is pretty non-existent but hey I’ve at least opened the book a couple times. I have enjoyed learning more about the history of micro lending and have quite a few more books stacked up to read.
As I listen to the radio and watch TV, I start to hear the commercials for that time of year, Christmas. While my heart aches to be home for Christmas, I know that He has other amazing plans. My (1st mistake) original plan was to leave by the end of October. When that did not happen I stayed positive but was hurt that I didn’t reach my (again bad news) goal. The funny thing is that I was making it all about what I thought. He doesn’t always keep to my timing; how rude right?!
Through the waiting of finding International Teams, then of waiting to where I would be placed and finally waiting to be funded, God has shaped me. Looking back now, I was not ready, not like I am now. I have grown more patient, more reliant on God, and changed my perceptions. It amazes me on the lessons I have learned through these times of waiting.
While at the gym this past week I was listening to For King & Country’s song ‘Fix My Eyes’. I have found it to kind of be my anthem, my reason, my want. These are the lyrics that encapsulate my ‘why’…..
Live life for another
Take time for a brother
Fight for the weak ones
Speak out for freedom
Find faith in the battle
Stand tall but above it all
Fix my eyes on you
I am ready to fight and stand in battle in Malawi. I am ready to grow in and through Christ.
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