Let the adventure begin... Malawi

It took me 3 days to get here and I came very close to missing 2 flights but I made it. My luggage unfortunately got left in Washington DC so it took a couple days to arrive. Things have been very busy since I arrived last Saturday afternoon. Malawi is very different than the others places I've been in Africa. Even though it is the 6th poorest country in the world there is much development in the capital city. The gap between the rich and the poor here is beyond what you can imagine. I've seen many humanitarian groups, missionaries,etc in these last couple of days in the capital but very few venture out into the villages for long. Just over 20km outside of town there is a different reality. Poverty so intense you can't help but be changed in an instant. Though I've been in this environment several times before I pray it never becomes common to me, that it never stops compelling me to action and that I would cease to praise God every second for the abundance of blessings He has poured out in my life. I have been given more than I could hope for and I admit that more of than I would like I live life to the fullest in a material way. On Monday I went to see the place where we will build the 2 school classrooms and well for the school. It's going to be oneof the only actual buildings in the area. The areas government rep. is so serious about the need to educate this young generation so that they might help themselves that he built 2 classrooms with his own money. These young ones are the hope of Africa but I'm seeing that without education they have no hope for escaping the bonds of poverty here. We talked with several of the small children and asked them about school and if they attend. Many said yes they went to the school that is currently in our building location but several others told us they did not go because they have no money for the uniforms. The church we are working with has a vision to help these children. In the very same place we are building the primary school they are praying for a junior high and a medical clinic to be built in the coming years. They are praying for it to become a hub for the 20 surrounding villages where they can come and get the education and help they need. The pastor went with us on Monday to the building site and he told the children in their language that we are going to build them a school so that their brain could become smarter. They began to shout, "I want it, I want it!" and raise their hands. What a picture of desire. These children long for what they cannot have. I'm praising God that he has given me such an opportunity to come and be apart of these children's future. Like every place I go these children have captured me. They are fascinated with the color of my skin here in malawi but be it a smile or a handshake I want to love them closer to Christ. They are also so much fun to be around and watch their fearlessness as children.

I've been reading mostly in Romans 4 about how Abraham hoped against hope, how he didn't weaken in his faith when he considered his age and the bareness of Sarah's womb. I often times wonder if I have this same faith andI really believe God to these depths. verse 20 & 21 have become two of my favorites.It says no distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. If only I had an ounce of the faith of Abraham. Not only did he not
lose hope, weaken in his faith or waver in the promises, he grew strong and fully convinced of the promises of God. This can only be God. Abraham knew God and had experienced God in a way that I have yet to. I long to grow strong in my faith as well like Abraham and not just say I'm convinced that God can do what he promises but actually believe it. So often I can say I have this faith but deep down I know I'm not completely believing Him for everything in my life whether it be support for staff, Italian students coming to Christ, getting married one day or that He has the perfect plan for my life. I know this because there is often times doubt, fear or anxiety that I experience. Pray with me that I would have a faith like Abraham had and that you would as well. Our God is an awesome God and he reigns. He is able to do more than I could ever ask or imagine. That I would honor Him with my belief of His promises towards me as His beloved daughter.