"Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Something else I have learned, is that the people who serve, would be utterly lost without the people that support their service. Through you and your support, WE serve. One year ago this week, I returned "home" from Malawi, Africa. My time there can be summed up as the best worst year of my life (a line I borrowed from my dear friends, the Finnefrocks). For those of you who followed my blog and journal entries, you know that by the time I left Malawi, it was also "home" to me. I learned that I was capable of loving deeper than I ever imagined, I learned that I could dig deep and grow stronger every day, and I humbly learned what it meant to depend on those who supported me, and my kids.
When I left Malawi a year ago, I left a secondary school of 30 students, one classroom, two blackboards, and three teachers. I left confident in the sustainability of a school that was my heart and soul, and knew that with time, energy, and a lot of drive and determination it would one day thrive. I am happy to report that today the COTN Secondary School is home to 65 students, four classrooms (more in progress), a staff of seven, and...well...probably still two blackboards!
One of the most important experiences I had while I tried to integrate myself back into American culture was the opportunities I had to share Malawi with you. All of you asked about the school, the kids, my heart, and most importantly, everyone of you asked, "When are you going back? How can I help?" This helped me to realize the vital role that each one of you had during my time in Malawi.
I am returning this year by myself. This makes it very difficult to take all of the things I would like to take to the kids in the school, orphanages, and village. I am allowed two 50 lb bags. My bags are at capacity at this point. I was able to have uniform shirts made for the students (which fills them with an amazing sense of pride and belonging) as well as various school supplies and needs for day to day life (don't worry, I also found room for water balloons). Thank you, humbly, to all of you who have donated. My trip is paid for thanks to my Income Tax return, and all of the supplies I am taking to this point have been generously donated. I am paying for the shirts, basically on a shirt by shirt basis.
This is where you come in... One of my favorite things to do in Malawi is help provide for families and kids in need as I see them on my daily walks through the village, and as I watch the kids in the homes and at school. It could be providing medical treatment for a sick child, baby formula for a struggling baby, buying flour for a family, tooth brushes for kids in the homes, or even a first pair of shoes for a teenage boy from the village. This year, I would also like to invite you to provide a uniform shirt for a secondary school student. If you feel that you would like to contribute to this part of the journey, I would love to have you play a role. I promise to document every step of the journey, and collect stories and pictures of those you help.
Donations can be made through Hillside Community Church. Donations can be made at: www.hc3.org or they can be mailed to:
Hillside Community Church
103 North Ford Street
Golden, CO
80403
Just be sure to Mention "Annie Brown- Malawi" in the memo.
Thank you again for your support, your prayers, and your belief in me and the children of Malawi.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thoughts...May 2011
Malawi is located in South East Africa, and is bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. Malawi is among the world’s least developed countries, and is listed as one of the world’s ten poorest countries. HIV/AIDS affects one in eleven people in the rural villages and one in seven in the city. As a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, one-million children have been orphaned. Malawi has low life expectancy and high infant mortality rates. The average Malawian child attends five years of school…To many these statistics are sad. Perhaps they cause you to count your blessings, thankful for what you have. To most these statistics are simply statistics.
Rebecca, Grace, Chimwemwe, Adija, Promise, Wezzie, Gracious, Patience, Haswell, Dina, Rhoda, Henry, Esenart, Felix, Lidson, Gordo, Lucy, Maggie, Fiskani, Tikambe, Madalitso, Lankford, Doris…to me, these statistics have names, faces, hearts full of hope, eyes full of faith. Each one of these names represents a child with a story to tell.
I spent 14 months in 2009 and 2010 learning the stories, names, faces, and hearts of the people of Malawi. I can only describe it as the best worst year of my life. During my time, I learned what it feels like to be truly desperate, utterly out of control, lonely, dependent and beat up. Ironically, the living definitions of these words taught me the concepts of grace, mercy, patience, faith, love and even peace. Mother Theresa taught us the importance of being faithful in the small things, for in them your strength lies. Faithfully, I followed my calling to Malawi. In the little things like holding a baby or the hand of a child, putting a Band-Aid on a cut, in sitting with someone with whom I could not communicate verbally, I found my true strength.
Most of you know that I am a teacher in Jefferson County, Colorado. I teach because I believe with all of my heart that educated children change the world. I carried this belief with me to Malawi, Africa where I partnered with an orphan care organization to start a secondary school for the children in their care. I wrote curriculum, tutored children, taught the parents, aunties and village leaders about the importance of literacy, hired and trained teachers, fought tooth and nail for books and school supplies, wrote and re-wrote and re-wrote and re-wrote budgets and proposals, made myself known at the Ministry of Education, fought with contractors, sought out resources, developed and taught lessons in my strange accent, and even shaved heads in my role as “Educational Consultant”.
I also walked hundreds, if not, thousands of miles with the hand of a child in mine. I became a part of their hearts and they became a part of mine. Their stories, their eyes, their sheer hope and determination became the driving force behind my actions in a position that I could not have filled on my own. I quickly learned that God does not call the equipped, and I quickly found peace in the realization that He equips the called. In miracle after miracle that I witnessed and received, it was made clear to me that He does in fact, equip the called.
Of course, I have a million stories. Yet every time I begin to articulate my journey, one in particular comes to mind. It is the simple story of a Band Aid and it goes like this:
On my first day in Malawi, I went for a walk through the village next to the compound where I would be staying. Children and women ran to me anxious to greet me and hold my hand. One little boy reached out to hold my hand and I noticed he had an oozing cut in his hand. Like a typical American, I rinsed his sore with hand sanitizer and applied a Band Aid faster than he could blink. Soon after, he and his mother were showering me with thanks. They kept telling me that God had sent me to heal the cut and that his hand would be saved, a true miracle! They showered me with praise and humble thank yous. I remember thinking, “Enough already, it is just a Band Aid!” After some time, I came to realize that this is the way Malawians react to most things that they have no access to. A little dramatic I thought, yet in a country where an infected cut can lead to death, I suppose not. I got used to their reactions, bordering on embarrassing. Eventually, I learned to smile and nod…and then one day, I received a gift. A gift that seemed simple to the giver, but humbled me to tears.
It was some time in March or April of 2010. I had run out of support funds and literally had .30 cents to my name. I decided that God was telling me it was time to go back to Colorado. Later that day as I was trying to wrap my head around my situation, preparing to write a letter to my parents asking for a plane ticket home, two American men entered the gate looking for me. They had been in country for three days and were trying to get to a town about 30 kilometers from where I lived. A friend of a friend had told them about me and assured them that they could get in touch with me if they needed any help. Consequently, there was a diesel fuel shortage in the country and the car they had borrowed ran on diesel fuel; they were stranded. They decided they would visit me to see if I could help them get fuel or find a way to hire a non-diesel car. I met them and chatted with them about the project. I showed them the classroom building on progress, and introduced them to some of the secondary boarding students.
After a while, they excused themselves for about 10 minutes. When they came back to me they told me that they felt burdened to support me and one of the men handed me an envelope containing $350 U.S. dollars. I fell to the floor, overwhelmed with emotion; all I could do was cry. I pulled myself together and told them my story to which they replied, “If God brought us all the way to Malawi for this moment, it was worth it.” To them, I am sure their actions were simple, follow the voice in your heart and fill the need. To me, it was a miracle.
Today, I want to say thank you to all of you for the Band Aids you placed on the wounds of my journey. You felt called to help and though it may have been a little sacrifice to you, it was a life saving sacrifice to me and the children of Malawi. With your support I was used to save the lives of kids, kids who have a hope and a future. I often find myself at a loss for words. I do not think there are any words to thank you for your support, to express what it means to me. Your financial contributions, prayers, care packages, kind letters, and belief in me and my kids mean more than you will ever know.
JFK said, “Let us think of education as the means to developing our greatest abilities because in each of us there is a hope and dream, which fulfilled can be translated into benefit for everyone.” It is my greatest hope that my pictures have captured the courage, hopes and dreams in the eyes of the children of Malawi. Through the education that you have supported, God will use them to do amazing things in their villages, cities, countries and even the world. Education is enabling them to see a future, a future with a dream that is possible. They want to be teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, Ministers of government, farmers… they want to apply Band Aids to the wounds of the wounded. He is at work in them and he is using us to enrich their stories.
Today, I honestly do not know what is next for me. I am headed to Malawi on August 1st- 16th. From there I will listen and follow and humbly partner with you as our journey continues. I do know that there are many people out there being used to do amazing things. When people ask how they can help, I reply that it is important to find someone who is doing what you believe in. It could be someone working in Colorado, Nicaragua, Ukraine, or Malawi, but they could not be used to put band Aids on the soul of the world without the prayers and support of people who believe in their calling.
Online donations can be made at: www.hc3.org
Memo: Annie Brown- Malaiw
Rebecca, Grace, Chimwemwe, Adija, Promise, Wezzie, Gracious, Patience, Haswell, Dina, Rhoda, Henry, Esenart, Felix, Lidson, Gordo, Lucy, Maggie, Fiskani, Tikambe, Madalitso, Lankford, Doris…to me, these statistics have names, faces, hearts full of hope, eyes full of faith. Each one of these names represents a child with a story to tell.
I spent 14 months in 2009 and 2010 learning the stories, names, faces, and hearts of the people of Malawi. I can only describe it as the best worst year of my life. During my time, I learned what it feels like to be truly desperate, utterly out of control, lonely, dependent and beat up. Ironically, the living definitions of these words taught me the concepts of grace, mercy, patience, faith, love and even peace. Mother Theresa taught us the importance of being faithful in the small things, for in them your strength lies. Faithfully, I followed my calling to Malawi. In the little things like holding a baby or the hand of a child, putting a Band-Aid on a cut, in sitting with someone with whom I could not communicate verbally, I found my true strength.
Most of you know that I am a teacher in Jefferson County, Colorado. I teach because I believe with all of my heart that educated children change the world. I carried this belief with me to Malawi, Africa where I partnered with an orphan care organization to start a secondary school for the children in their care. I wrote curriculum, tutored children, taught the parents, aunties and village leaders about the importance of literacy, hired and trained teachers, fought tooth and nail for books and school supplies, wrote and re-wrote and re-wrote and re-wrote budgets and proposals, made myself known at the Ministry of Education, fought with contractors, sought out resources, developed and taught lessons in my strange accent, and even shaved heads in my role as “Educational Consultant”.
I also walked hundreds, if not, thousands of miles with the hand of a child in mine. I became a part of their hearts and they became a part of mine. Their stories, their eyes, their sheer hope and determination became the driving force behind my actions in a position that I could not have filled on my own. I quickly learned that God does not call the equipped, and I quickly found peace in the realization that He equips the called. In miracle after miracle that I witnessed and received, it was made clear to me that He does in fact, equip the called.
Of course, I have a million stories. Yet every time I begin to articulate my journey, one in particular comes to mind. It is the simple story of a Band Aid and it goes like this:
On my first day in Malawi, I went for a walk through the village next to the compound where I would be staying. Children and women ran to me anxious to greet me and hold my hand. One little boy reached out to hold my hand and I noticed he had an oozing cut in his hand. Like a typical American, I rinsed his sore with hand sanitizer and applied a Band Aid faster than he could blink. Soon after, he and his mother were showering me with thanks. They kept telling me that God had sent me to heal the cut and that his hand would be saved, a true miracle! They showered me with praise and humble thank yous. I remember thinking, “Enough already, it is just a Band Aid!” After some time, I came to realize that this is the way Malawians react to most things that they have no access to. A little dramatic I thought, yet in a country where an infected cut can lead to death, I suppose not. I got used to their reactions, bordering on embarrassing. Eventually, I learned to smile and nod…and then one day, I received a gift. A gift that seemed simple to the giver, but humbled me to tears.
It was some time in March or April of 2010. I had run out of support funds and literally had .30 cents to my name. I decided that God was telling me it was time to go back to Colorado. Later that day as I was trying to wrap my head around my situation, preparing to write a letter to my parents asking for a plane ticket home, two American men entered the gate looking for me. They had been in country for three days and were trying to get to a town about 30 kilometers from where I lived. A friend of a friend had told them about me and assured them that they could get in touch with me if they needed any help. Consequently, there was a diesel fuel shortage in the country and the car they had borrowed ran on diesel fuel; they were stranded. They decided they would visit me to see if I could help them get fuel or find a way to hire a non-diesel car. I met them and chatted with them about the project. I showed them the classroom building on progress, and introduced them to some of the secondary boarding students.
After a while, they excused themselves for about 10 minutes. When they came back to me they told me that they felt burdened to support me and one of the men handed me an envelope containing $350 U.S. dollars. I fell to the floor, overwhelmed with emotion; all I could do was cry. I pulled myself together and told them my story to which they replied, “If God brought us all the way to Malawi for this moment, it was worth it.” To them, I am sure their actions were simple, follow the voice in your heart and fill the need. To me, it was a miracle.
Today, I want to say thank you to all of you for the Band Aids you placed on the wounds of my journey. You felt called to help and though it may have been a little sacrifice to you, it was a life saving sacrifice to me and the children of Malawi. With your support I was used to save the lives of kids, kids who have a hope and a future. I often find myself at a loss for words. I do not think there are any words to thank you for your support, to express what it means to me. Your financial contributions, prayers, care packages, kind letters, and belief in me and my kids mean more than you will ever know.
JFK said, “Let us think of education as the means to developing our greatest abilities because in each of us there is a hope and dream, which fulfilled can be translated into benefit for everyone.” It is my greatest hope that my pictures have captured the courage, hopes and dreams in the eyes of the children of Malawi. Through the education that you have supported, God will use them to do amazing things in their villages, cities, countries and even the world. Education is enabling them to see a future, a future with a dream that is possible. They want to be teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, Ministers of government, farmers… they want to apply Band Aids to the wounds of the wounded. He is at work in them and he is using us to enrich their stories.
Today, I honestly do not know what is next for me. I am headed to Malawi on August 1st- 16th. From there I will listen and follow and humbly partner with you as our journey continues. I do know that there are many people out there being used to do amazing things. When people ask how they can help, I reply that it is important to find someone who is doing what you believe in. It could be someone working in Colorado, Nicaragua, Ukraine, or Malawi, but they could not be used to put band Aids on the soul of the world without the prayers and support of people who believe in their calling.
Online donations can be made at: www.hc3.org
Memo: Annie Brown- Malaiw
March 2011
April showers…are finished, which brings us to the end of the rainy season in Malawi. We are now entering Winter which means no more (ok, less…) mosquitoes, no more (ok, less…) humidity, and best of all, cooler temperatures! It is also harvest time which means plenty of food for families and their children, which means the people of the villages are eating well and hopefully health conditions will improve.
We have just finished mid-term exams at the COTN International Academy. It is hard to believe that just four months ago I was wondering if we would make it. I am proud to say that not only are we making it, we are thriving. Test scores are better than ever before for most students. The students have gotten used to my American accent, so communication is improved, and they are learning to think, investigate, predict and take risks; quite a change from the rote memorization they are used to!
The Country Director, Yobbe Lungu, was speaking to the students a few weeks back, and he was reminding them (and me) that, not only are they making history in Malawi, but that they are miracles. I took some time to reflect on his words, and it hit me. Merely ten years ago these children were the babies that were starving with nothing but water to eat. They were the little ones in the villages that were the worst off. They were the orphans, the abandoned children, the abused…no food, no families, no hope. Today they have a family in COTN, they are taking exams and scoring 80% or better, they have a hope and a future. Miracles.
Many of my days in Malawi are emotionally overwhelming. There is so much need, and so many times that I feel so inadequate. These students have helped me realize that how important it is to do what I can with what I have. I am teaching the future leaders of Malawi. I can help 30 of them, each one of them can grow up to help 30, and each one of them…that is how lasting change occurs.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for your support and encouragement. A friend recently asked, “What is the best way to help?” I replied, “Help those who are helping.” Without supporters, the teachers, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, engineers, counselors, pastors, and others who are helping train the current and future leaders of this country in a way that is culturally appropriate would not be able to make an impact. My children and I could never begin to repay you, but we do promise to keep learning, we promise to keep helping others, and we promise to continue to make a difference where we are with what we have.
Until next time, all my love-
Annie
For updated pictures, visit: anniebinafrica.blogspot.com
or find me on Facebook!
We have just finished mid-term exams at the COTN International Academy. It is hard to believe that just four months ago I was wondering if we would make it. I am proud to say that not only are we making it, we are thriving. Test scores are better than ever before for most students. The students have gotten used to my American accent, so communication is improved, and they are learning to think, investigate, predict and take risks; quite a change from the rote memorization they are used to!
The Country Director, Yobbe Lungu, was speaking to the students a few weeks back, and he was reminding them (and me) that, not only are they making history in Malawi, but that they are miracles. I took some time to reflect on his words, and it hit me. Merely ten years ago these children were the babies that were starving with nothing but water to eat. They were the little ones in the villages that were the worst off. They were the orphans, the abandoned children, the abused…no food, no families, no hope. Today they have a family in COTN, they are taking exams and scoring 80% or better, they have a hope and a future. Miracles.
Many of my days in Malawi are emotionally overwhelming. There is so much need, and so many times that I feel so inadequate. These students have helped me realize that how important it is to do what I can with what I have. I am teaching the future leaders of Malawi. I can help 30 of them, each one of them can grow up to help 30, and each one of them…that is how lasting change occurs.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for your support and encouragement. A friend recently asked, “What is the best way to help?” I replied, “Help those who are helping.” Without supporters, the teachers, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, engineers, counselors, pastors, and others who are helping train the current and future leaders of this country in a way that is culturally appropriate would not be able to make an impact. My children and I could never begin to repay you, but we do promise to keep learning, we promise to keep helping others, and we promise to continue to make a difference where we are with what we have.
Until next time, all my love-
Annie
For updated pictures, visit: anniebinafrica.blogspot.com
or find me on Facebook!
February 2011
In the country of Malawi, according to statistics collected by UNICEF, Malaria kills 180 per 100,000 people of all ages living in Malawi. Malaria kills 1,288 per 100,000 children ages 0-4 living in Malawi. Most of these deaths are reported among children and families living in rural villages, and these statistics are inclusive of the families who actually report the deaths. Many deaths go un-counted in rural villages, simply because it is very difficult to collect the data.
This past month can only be described as eye opening for me. On one hand, I have been able to see the fortune and opportunity given to our children who have been rescued out of the most destitute situations. They are thriving, learning, happy and engaged. They all come to us with tragic stories and their lives are amazing testimonies. While Malaria has taken its toll on our children, some of whom have spent time in the hospital, they have all survived and are doing well. We are so fortunate to have a relationship with a local clinic and sponsors in the US who provide us with resources that include food and medical care.
On the other hand, in Mgwyai Village just steps away from my home, three children ages 3-5 who attend our primary school have died in a span of two weeks. Caroline (pictured below) is a story with a happy ending, as she was sent to school sick and we were able to attend to her and get her to the hospital right away. Many do not attend school when they are sick and we don’t get word until it is too late.
Attending the funerals of these young children is heart wrenching. However, more heart wrenching are the facts that (a) children are used to losing their young friends and (b) the mothers feel so helpless and feel they have no choice but to hold their children who are dying of a treatable disease. While I know it is impossible to save them all, I know that just a small amount of education could change the outcome to many of these tragic stories. So with that, I find hope in the Psalm quoted above, I continue to talk to people, form relationships, and teach the children knowing that that is where true change starts.
With that, I thank you for your continued support, prayers, and words of encouragement. There are a lot of people doing a lot of good and making a lot of difference. While it is hard to see through the heart ache at times, it is happening and would not be at all possible without the supporters who believe in us and send us. Humbly, thank you.
Prayer Requests:
• Please pray for the children. For their health, resilience, and continued hope despite the seemingly hopeless circumstances.
• Pray for my endurance as the days are long and emotional.
• Pray for the COTN International Academy, as we will be moving into our new classroom this month. The kids are excited about learning and their energy is such a blessing.
• Please pray for my personal finances. The remaining amount for my fundraising goal is $3,000.00. It has been amazing to see every penny come in at just the right time. I am continually humbled and grateful for the support.
Thank you, again, for your continued support.
Love- Annie
This past month can only be described as eye opening for me. On one hand, I have been able to see the fortune and opportunity given to our children who have been rescued out of the most destitute situations. They are thriving, learning, happy and engaged. They all come to us with tragic stories and their lives are amazing testimonies. While Malaria has taken its toll on our children, some of whom have spent time in the hospital, they have all survived and are doing well. We are so fortunate to have a relationship with a local clinic and sponsors in the US who provide us with resources that include food and medical care.
On the other hand, in Mgwyai Village just steps away from my home, three children ages 3-5 who attend our primary school have died in a span of two weeks. Caroline (pictured below) is a story with a happy ending, as she was sent to school sick and we were able to attend to her and get her to the hospital right away. Many do not attend school when they are sick and we don’t get word until it is too late.
Attending the funerals of these young children is heart wrenching. However, more heart wrenching are the facts that (a) children are used to losing their young friends and (b) the mothers feel so helpless and feel they have no choice but to hold their children who are dying of a treatable disease. While I know it is impossible to save them all, I know that just a small amount of education could change the outcome to many of these tragic stories. So with that, I find hope in the Psalm quoted above, I continue to talk to people, form relationships, and teach the children knowing that that is where true change starts.
With that, I thank you for your continued support, prayers, and words of encouragement. There are a lot of people doing a lot of good and making a lot of difference. While it is hard to see through the heart ache at times, it is happening and would not be at all possible without the supporters who believe in us and send us. Humbly, thank you.
Prayer Requests:
• Please pray for the children. For their health, resilience, and continued hope despite the seemingly hopeless circumstances.
• Pray for my endurance as the days are long and emotional.
• Pray for the COTN International Academy, as we will be moving into our new classroom this month. The kids are excited about learning and their energy is such a blessing.
• Please pray for my personal finances. The remaining amount for my fundraising goal is $3,000.00. It has been amazing to see every penny come in at just the right time. I am continually humbled and grateful for the support.
Thank you, again, for your continued support.
Love- Annie
January 2011
The Journey… Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ~Hebrews 11:1
February 10, 2010 Volume: I Issue: 11
I am pleased to announce…the COTN International Christian Academy opened January 4, 2010! And with that, my work here is done…not really! When I began preparations to come to Malawi, COTN informed me that it has been a dream to open a secondary school for 3 years now. Many generous donors (including my own students from Colorado) have raised thousands of dollars, and COTN was ready to start the building and planning phase of the school. Originally, I was going to help with the planning, curriculum development, and teacher training. As it turns out, I am now the curriculum developer, Head Mistress, Biology, Mathematics, and Physics teacher, keeper of the budget, manager of the Matron and Patron, and…you name it! I can be found handing out toothpaste and break dancing with the kids as well. Needless to say, I am very busy. However, when the kids thank me with tears in their eyes, or say, “Wow Auntie Annie, you brought us these books, you must really love us.” It makes it all worth while.
The school is just one Form I (freshman) class of 29 students; 10 girls and 19 boys. They are all COTN kids, so while I am their teacher, I am also their parent. When they are misbehaving, I have to have the parent and teacher talk with them. This has provided me the opportunity to get to know the older kids and to really form a trusting relationship with them. Many of them have a hard outer shell, they have been through more in their short lives than I could ever imagine. It is hard for them to trust adults, let alone one in a position of authority. There is a fine line to walk between teacher and parent, but we are taking things one day at a time and are really enjoying one another. Of course, this also means I have 29 kids living on campus with me, so when they think it is appropriate to play football in my yard at 6:00 am on a Saturday; I also get to play the grouchy neighbor.
I tell them every day how much I believe in them and how many people in America believe in them and want them to succeed too. All of these kids would not be in school today (as they were not selected to schools by the government) if it weren’t for this school. Thank you for your support and belief in us. May you know the value of a penny and the way that each one you have donated has been used to change the world, literally.
I have attached a few pictures of the class, get to know these faces, they are making history and will be the very children who will one day transform this nation.
At COTN International Christian Academy we are, “Raising children who transform nations through quality education in a Christ-centered environment; enabling them to create positive and lasting change in their nations.”
Thank you to all of you who continue to support me financially and prayerfully, it means more than you will ever know.
Love- Annie
February 10, 2010 Volume: I Issue: 11
I am pleased to announce…the COTN International Christian Academy opened January 4, 2010! And with that, my work here is done…not really! When I began preparations to come to Malawi, COTN informed me that it has been a dream to open a secondary school for 3 years now. Many generous donors (including my own students from Colorado) have raised thousands of dollars, and COTN was ready to start the building and planning phase of the school. Originally, I was going to help with the planning, curriculum development, and teacher training. As it turns out, I am now the curriculum developer, Head Mistress, Biology, Mathematics, and Physics teacher, keeper of the budget, manager of the Matron and Patron, and…you name it! I can be found handing out toothpaste and break dancing with the kids as well. Needless to say, I am very busy. However, when the kids thank me with tears in their eyes, or say, “Wow Auntie Annie, you brought us these books, you must really love us.” It makes it all worth while.
The school is just one Form I (freshman) class of 29 students; 10 girls and 19 boys. They are all COTN kids, so while I am their teacher, I am also their parent. When they are misbehaving, I have to have the parent and teacher talk with them. This has provided me the opportunity to get to know the older kids and to really form a trusting relationship with them. Many of them have a hard outer shell, they have been through more in their short lives than I could ever imagine. It is hard for them to trust adults, let alone one in a position of authority. There is a fine line to walk between teacher and parent, but we are taking things one day at a time and are really enjoying one another. Of course, this also means I have 29 kids living on campus with me, so when they think it is appropriate to play football in my yard at 6:00 am on a Saturday; I also get to play the grouchy neighbor.
I tell them every day how much I believe in them and how many people in America believe in them and want them to succeed too. All of these kids would not be in school today (as they were not selected to schools by the government) if it weren’t for this school. Thank you for your support and belief in us. May you know the value of a penny and the way that each one you have donated has been used to change the world, literally.
I have attached a few pictures of the class, get to know these faces, they are making history and will be the very children who will one day transform this nation.
At COTN International Christian Academy we are, “Raising children who transform nations through quality education in a Christ-centered environment; enabling them to create positive and lasting change in their nations.”
Thank you to all of you who continue to support me financially and prayerfully, it means more than you will ever know.
Love- Annie
November 2009
Blood, sweat, and tears…I have been in Malawi for just about five months now. It is hard to believe that is has been that long! I think this month it is appropriate to share with you the blood, sweat, and tears that have defined my October. Blood? In the form of countless scratches from my new little friends, Chikonde (love) and Madalo (blessings). I now share my home with two 9 week old kittens. I got them mainly to keep the mice away, but they are proving to be good company and entertainment! I am also pleased to inform you that I am now dwelling in a mouse free home!
Sweat? Summertime in Malawi…I am melting faster than a Colorado snowman. The daily temp averages between 95 and 100 degrees and I find myself lethargic and tired in the afternoon. However, my hydration is in check, as cold water is a welcome treat! I find it hard to believe that it was Halloween, as it is so hot here and I find myself feeling like I am trapped in July.
Tears? I find life in the third world utterly exhausting! Grocery shopping, for example, requires at least two hours and trips to three or four stores to get everything on the list. Most of the time there is a shortage of something, so I can’t find things I need. This is not just true of grocery shopping; it is true of just about every outing. Throw in a little bartering, a language
barrier, the disaster that is called traffic, a probable stop by the
traffic police demanding money to let me go and a few goats and that just about defines every outing. Exhausting. Most of the time, the little quirks that make Malawi Malawi are amusing…but when I am tired and have run into obstacle after obstacle, sometimes I find myself crying in the middle of town set off by something trivial. I am sure these are the same little obstacles that I will find myself missing one day…It is also these same little outings that keep me dependent on God. I have to keep seeking Him and His purpose as I search for peace in my own heart about my time and work in Malawi.
In the education realm, we finally have approval to start our secondary school in January! The first day of classes will be January 4th. We don’t have a building yet, so we are renting classrooms from one school and a science lab from another. The logistics are not all worked out yet, but it exciting and energizing to think that we will be up and running in no time! Of course this means I have a lot, and I mean a lot of work to do, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Thank you for all of your prayers and contributions! We are hoping to break ground on our own building in January. I am finally going to spend all of
the pennies we have raised! Please continue to pray, as the stress of opening a new school and building can be a challenge. However, it will be good to have our kids on campus and to be in touch, daily, with their education.
Until next time, thank you. Your support and encouragement do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Love- Annie
Sweat? Summertime in Malawi…I am melting faster than a Colorado snowman. The daily temp averages between 95 and 100 degrees and I find myself lethargic and tired in the afternoon. However, my hydration is in check, as cold water is a welcome treat! I find it hard to believe that it was Halloween, as it is so hot here and I find myself feeling like I am trapped in July.
Tears? I find life in the third world utterly exhausting! Grocery shopping, for example, requires at least two hours and trips to three or four stores to get everything on the list. Most of the time there is a shortage of something, so I can’t find things I need. This is not just true of grocery shopping; it is true of just about every outing. Throw in a little bartering, a language
barrier, the disaster that is called traffic, a probable stop by the
traffic police demanding money to let me go and a few goats and that just about defines every outing. Exhausting. Most of the time, the little quirks that make Malawi Malawi are amusing…but when I am tired and have run into obstacle after obstacle, sometimes I find myself crying in the middle of town set off by something trivial. I am sure these are the same little obstacles that I will find myself missing one day…It is also these same little outings that keep me dependent on God. I have to keep seeking Him and His purpose as I search for peace in my own heart about my time and work in Malawi.
In the education realm, we finally have approval to start our secondary school in January! The first day of classes will be January 4th. We don’t have a building yet, so we are renting classrooms from one school and a science lab from another. The logistics are not all worked out yet, but it exciting and energizing to think that we will be up and running in no time! Of course this means I have a lot, and I mean a lot of work to do, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Thank you for all of your prayers and contributions! We are hoping to break ground on our own building in January. I am finally going to spend all of
the pennies we have raised! Please continue to pray, as the stress of opening a new school and building can be a challenge. However, it will be good to have our kids on campus and to be in touch, daily, with their education.
Until next time, thank you. Your support and encouragement do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Love- Annie
October 2009
As I sit and write my September update, it is hard to believe it has only been one month, so much has happened! My colleagues, Esther and Chance, and I have been very busy conducting teacher workshops in our villages. We decided that if we wanted to raise the standard of education for our children, a good place to start would be the schools where they learn every day. We have been graciously welcomed and supported by three government schools and have conducted workshops on inclusion. We are working with teachers who are so desperate for help and so appreciative of new knowledge; they literally write down every word I say!
School in Mgwyai is also going along very well. The children are learning to read and write and are still so excited for school! Their English is coming along well and we get to “chat” a little more each day.
This month has also brought with it the talk of construction for the secondary school and the building plans are moving along through the approval process.
My favorite time of the week is still my Wednesday afternoons at Chitipi. I work with my same group of five kids and we are having a lot of fun. Last week the kids took pictures of each other and their farm and we are sending them to the United States with letters to our pen pals. We can’t wait to hear back!
This past month I was also asked to coach the swim team at an International school just down the road. I have a team of 60 ranging in age from 5-16. Next week we are headed to Zambia for a meet where we will compete with teams from Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. I am having so much fun; I didn’t realize how much I missed coaching!
September also brought with it my first visitors from the United States! My mom and friends, Cathy and Jamie, came for two weeks. As I played host and tour guide, I had the opportunity to share with them the kids that make life here so sweet, the frustrations that make life here a challenge, and we spent relaxing at the lake. It has been nice to have company and to be able to share the warm heart of Africa with people who will now go back to the US with peace and understanding of what life is like and why even the frustrations are part of my love of this crazy journey.
As always, thank you for your belief in me and my journey. Your support and encouragement are truly a priceless gift. Until next month, please keep me in your prayers, and know that I am doing the same for you~
Annie
Donations can be made online at: www.hc3.org
Memo: Annie Brown- Malawi
School in Mgwyai is also going along very well. The children are learning to read and write and are still so excited for school! Their English is coming along well and we get to “chat” a little more each day.
This month has also brought with it the talk of construction for the secondary school and the building plans are moving along through the approval process.
My favorite time of the week is still my Wednesday afternoons at Chitipi. I work with my same group of five kids and we are having a lot of fun. Last week the kids took pictures of each other and their farm and we are sending them to the United States with letters to our pen pals. We can’t wait to hear back!
This past month I was also asked to coach the swim team at an International school just down the road. I have a team of 60 ranging in age from 5-16. Next week we are headed to Zambia for a meet where we will compete with teams from Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. I am having so much fun; I didn’t realize how much I missed coaching!
September also brought with it my first visitors from the United States! My mom and friends, Cathy and Jamie, came for two weeks. As I played host and tour guide, I had the opportunity to share with them the kids that make life here so sweet, the frustrations that make life here a challenge, and we spent relaxing at the lake. It has been nice to have company and to be able to share the warm heart of Africa with people who will now go back to the US with peace and understanding of what life is like and why even the frustrations are part of my love of this crazy journey.
As always, thank you for your belief in me and my journey. Your support and encouragement are truly a priceless gift. Until next month, please keep me in your prayers, and know that I am doing the same for you~
Annie
Donations can be made online at: www.hc3.org
Memo: Annie Brown- Malawi
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