Every time I sit down to blog, I feel like I am entering a confessional, "Forgive me, it has been ___ weeks since my last blog" So many things are happening with education here in Malawi, my days turn into weeks, my weeks turn into months...life is a whirlwind of activity!
Today is "Back to School" in Mgwyai Village. Of course, it is was so fun to see all of the eager little learners all lined up and ready to start when we arrived this morning. Many of the children have passed up to the next grade level, but everyone seemed to know where to go and what to do and school went on without a hitch! We also welcomed 21 new Reception (Kindergarten) students today!
On the secondary school front, we interviewed and hired a Head Master last week and will interview for the rest of the positions this week. Classes will start on January 4, 2010 with 30 Form I (Freshman) COTN kids. Classes will take place in a temporary classroom while construction of our permanent structure takes place. When I think about everything that has to get done, I feel overwhelmed. However, I am learning to take things one day at a time...I know it will all work out.
Last week I was excitedly talking about the secondary school plans with a couple of friends and I exclaimed, "Who needs Oprah? Who needs Madonna?" Then I wrote my proposal and budget and realized...maybe I do! The good news is that I serve a God who is much bigger than Oprah and much bigger than Madonna, and He knows where every brick, every book, and every piece of chalk is going to come from.
The past school holiday was also filled with a flurry of activity in all of our homes! I designed English and Math projects for the students to complete (to prevent boredom...ha!) over the course of the 2 month break. Of course, I also turned it into a competition...bribery is the best motivator for all teenagers! The kids wrote stories and plays, completed a novel and did a report, and they solved (yes, they counted!) 400 math problems. I spent last week collecting the projects, watching performances, and making good on my bribe. I walked away feeling so proud! They completed their work and produced some amazing and creative projects!
The projects also gave me the opportunity to build relationships with the older kids. They have learned to trust me and are opening up more. Unlike the little ones who run into my arms with all the trust in the world, the teenagers are a little harder to crack. I am loving getting to know them and learn about their goals, talents and passions.
On a personal level, I am continuing to walk day by day in complete faith and dependence on my God who has called me here. Though my condo is not yet rented, and my savings is fading away, I am learning to look at the bigger picture and appreciate my calling. I am thankful that I have a savings account. I am thankful that He has brought me here and has given me perspective on my place in the world. I am thankful that small blessings continue to pour in, daily, at just the right time. I am thankful for a strong and healthy body that is able to serve. I am thankful for the friends I have met in Malawi and the lifelong relationships that are forming. I am thankful that I have a safe and comfortable place to sleep at night. I am thankful that my supporters believe in me enough to faithfully sacrifice their money each month so that I may be here. But most of all, I am thankful for a deeper understanding of my God who has met me in my darkest hours. I have been broken, I have been transformed, and I am being restored.
I have also fallen in love. Malawi has made a home in my heart, and I will never be the same. I recently read in a book that it is the broken pieces of glass and stone that make the beautiful mosaic. This mosaic is still under construction; one piece at a time. I will return to you a different Annie, an Annie that has been broken and put back together. A more beautiful Annie than ever before.
Until next time...May your holidays be filled with peace, love and happiness. May you take the time to count your blessings, and may you know that you are loved.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Next Phase of the Journey...
It has been 3 months since my last post, and in that time so much has changed! The American interns have come, transformed themselves and others, and have gone. We had a fantastic summer together here in Malawi and it is safe to say that after our experience together, none of us will ever be the same.
I am now here in Malawi on my own and have spent the past two weeks finding my niche and settling into my new role. I am officially the "American Consultant to the Director of Education, COTN Malawi." What does that entail? Anything and everything having to do with the education of our orphaned and sponsored children, all 1,000 of them! I spend my time tutoring children in our orphan homes, anything and everything from remedial math to test prep; I follow up on progress reports of our children in schools throughout the central region; I deliver school fees and supplies to the children in our homes and programs throughout the villages; I am acting Head Mistress at a school in Mgwyai (the neighboring village); I present on a variety of topics (anything from reading aloud to autism) to our house parents and aunties; and I train teachers on topics including lesson planning and best teaching practices. Whew! I think that's it... I work with two National COTN staff members, Esther Lungu and Chance Gondwe.
Each day also brings with it the opportunity to walk through the village holding hands and playing with kids (often times my favorite part of the day). The children pick us up to walk to school each day, and their excitement for learning brings me hope and encourages me to keep working.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Interns
Our global (from the U.S.) and National (from Malawi) interns arrived last week, and now my summer family is complete! We spent the week familiarizing ourselves with one another, and spending time in the village, Mgwai, where we will do most of our work this summer. It is so exciting to finally be together with all of the people I have only known through emails for the past 4 months.
We have been going to Mgwai daily, and already have significant relationships with children and a few families. There is a school in Mgwai that was started by a Canadian organization, and it has been closed since April because of funding. They have agreed to let us use three classrooms, so we will be teaching grades 1-3 this summer. We went to the school last week and it was trashed. The desks were overturned and they were full of broken chairs; it was very sad. I decided we should go during the weekend and get it all cleaned up for Monday. We went there on Saturday afternoon and there was a little boy, age 12, there to meet us. He took me into the classroom by the hand to show me what he had done. He and another little boy had been over there all day cleaning and setting up the classrooms! Such a blessing. Needless to say, the kiddos are ready and excited to get started on Monday!
The interns are having a great time, and are overwhelmed daily by the things they are seeing and hearing. It is such a blessing to watch and learn about what God has planned for our group. It refreshing to see young people eager and willing to serve and are open to God's plan for them. Honestly, I was not sure what it would be like to work with college age kids, and I am loving them.
I know my blogging has been sporadic, at best. I am, however, updating on Facebook daily and have uploaded a bunch of pictures to give you a glimpse of my life here. If you are not a Facebook user, please sign up to keep in touch!
Much love-
AB
We have been going to Mgwai daily, and already have significant relationships with children and a few families. There is a school in Mgwai that was started by a Canadian organization, and it has been closed since April because of funding. They have agreed to let us use three classrooms, so we will be teaching grades 1-3 this summer. We went to the school last week and it was trashed. The desks were overturned and they were full of broken chairs; it was very sad. I decided we should go during the weekend and get it all cleaned up for Monday. We went there on Saturday afternoon and there was a little boy, age 12, there to meet us. He took me into the classroom by the hand to show me what he had done. He and another little boy had been over there all day cleaning and setting up the classrooms! Such a blessing. Needless to say, the kiddos are ready and excited to get started on Monday!
The interns are having a great time, and are overwhelmed daily by the things they are seeing and hearing. It is such a blessing to watch and learn about what God has planned for our group. It refreshing to see young people eager and willing to serve and are open to God's plan for them. Honestly, I was not sure what it would be like to work with college age kids, and I am loving them.
I know my blogging has been sporadic, at best. I am, however, updating on Facebook daily and have uploaded a bunch of pictures to give you a glimpse of my life here. If you are not a Facebook user, please sign up to keep in touch!
Much love-
AB
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Malawi
Well, after 48 hours of travel that included one near miss in Miami and a total miss in South Africa, I finally arrived in Malawi. I arrived in Orlando at the home of my friend and Intern Leader partner, Jen on the 11th. After a Costco trip and our last pizza for a while, we packed and re-packed our luggage to meet the airline weight requirements.
We left on the morning of the 12th to fly to Miami and catch our British Air flight to London. Due to weather in TX, the Miami flight was delayed by an hour, which meant a cutting it close in Miami. We made it to Miami, only to sit on the tarmac for 30 minutes. I got off the flight, and took off on a literal sprint through the airport, however, since the connection was international we had to get through security again. The men at security were very nice, and put us though quickly, yet sceptical that we would make it. I, again, took off on a sprint (sans the shoes I had removed at security) for the gate. I arrived at an empty gate as the fight attendants were closing the door to our plane. I began to cry and threw my shoes down in defeat. Apparently this little action tugged at the heart strings of the gate attendant, and he opened the door to the plane for me. I was pleading for them to wait for my friend who was running through the airport, but iIcould not see her behind me. They asked if I would go without her, and thinking of the other COTN leader we were meeting in London, I said yes and began to cry harder. Tears are the key... as they waited for Jen! Settled in and sweating profusely, we started out journey to London reliving the airport scene and laughing.
Once in London, after a night of fitful sleep and cramping legs, we decided to check and see if our luggage had made the Miami flight. The man at the counter told us we had nothing to worry about (in his charming accent). We believed him, though now I am not sure why... and planned out a day that included a trip to Windsor Castle and some English Pub food while we waited for Morgan, our other COTN leader to arrive in London. Once he arrived we set out to figure out the bus system and were on our way. When we got on the bus, we double checked that it would, in fact, drop us at Windsor Castle. The driver said yes, so we paid out pounds and took a seat... next to a man who knew we were on the wrong bus and would never arrive at Windsor; so he offered us a ride. We agreed, not giving a second thought to the bus fare that we had paid (this minor detail will come in very handy in a few hours).
After a day in Windsor, walking the grounds and surrounding town, we returned to the bus stop for a ride back to the airport...however, we did not have enough fare because we had wasted it earlier on the wrong bus...so I decided to do what any respectable American would do...I tried to charm our way onto the bus. After a big fat no from the bus driver, I began to check every payphone booth for pounds while my friends waited at the bus stop. I was able to find one pence, which, needless to say, is not enough. As a last resort, we begged a nice man and his wife for bus fare. God bless the English!
We got back to the aiport, only to discover that our flight to South Africa had been delayed by two hours. Which meant two things, a close connection in South Africa and two more hours to wait for our free meal on the plane! After waiting, and napping, we boarded the plane for another overnighter. The flight was uneventful, little did we know, our lives were about to become very eventful... We got off the plane and had 45 minutes to make our Malawi connection. We breezed through customs and security and arrived at the South African Air counter to get boarding passes. The man at the counter told us, "too late." Despite the fact that there were still 40 minutes before scheduled take off, despite the fact that we hadn't checked in yet becasue of a delayed flight, despite the fact that the next flight to Malawi was 24 hours away. He said, "too bad, take it up with British Air." British Air put us on the next flight for 24 hours later and put us up in a hotel for the night. There was nothing we could do, even if we all took off our shoes, threw them in dissapointment and cried, we were not getting out of there any time soon. So we went to the hotel to shower and hang out. We arrived at the hotel and it was like we had landed in Vegas! Casino and all! The hotel had casios, shops, and fine dining. It was such a trip to be in the middle of Africa and end up in this Vegas wanna be. However, the rooms were very nice (down comfortors and all) the food was great and once we were showered and had nothing but time, it felt good to relax.
The next morning we headed to the airport (3 hours early) to prepare for our flight to Malawi. We got on the flight with no problems. I was so excited that the trip was almost over, and after the past 45 hours of one thing after another, the 2 hour flight seemed like nothing. We landed in Malawi and headed to the baggage claim with high hopes. Morgan's bags made it, and one of Jens made it, but that was all. So, we filed a claim and went home.
As we drove from the airport, my mind was filled with a million thoughts. This was home for the next 14 months and I was taking it all in as we drove. Malawi traffic, people selling goods on the side of the road, the smell of the burning grass, and kids every where...surreal. We were welcomed to our village with open arms, hugs, and conversations with old friends. It was good to be here! I took a tour through "my house" and just sat and tried to process everything running through my mind. We had dinner, and returned back to the house to shower and sleep. The next day, a group from Florida was on the way, so they would pick up our luggage when they arrived. I didn't think a thing about it, and went on with my day of hanging out, catching up, and a trip to the village to be welcomed by the children. It was a great day, and it was nice to finally relax and get a feel for the people, routine, and ins and outs. We also went to the market so I could buy some fabric to wear for skirts until my luggage arrived.
While in the villalge we sang and danced with the kids. I taught them high 5 and we counted to 100, exchanged names, and continued to high 5 for about 30 minutes until they would sIng and dance to welcome us. After the welcome and introductions, we headed back home for dinner and time to un-pack and get settled. However, all of the other missing luggage had arrived except for mine. A blessing is, that I did send a suitcase to Florida in April since the team coming offered to bring some of my things so I could bring more than two bags. I did have some clothes, but was feeling really sad and angry that I didn't have all of my things. However, there was nothing I could do about it, so I tried not to let it bring me down.
Before bed, I was exhausted, but wanted to read my Bible before sleep becasue I was really feeling uneasy about all of the mishaps in the trip and the lost luggage. I began to question God and second guess my decision to come. Yes, I was tired, but was also vaulnerable and feeling like all of the mishaps were omens. I opened my Bible to Matthew and randomly began to read. I was reminded that God wants to bless our prayers and requests. Just like our earthly parents want to give us what we need, our heavenly father also wants to fill our requests. I was humbled, yet again, with the knowledge that it is just luggage, it will come, and that my focus needs to be on Him, not clothes. So as I fell asleep, I shot up one more prayer about the luggage and smiled at the thought of this journey and all I have been through for the last year preparing. God is good, all the time.
We left on the morning of the 12th to fly to Miami and catch our British Air flight to London. Due to weather in TX, the Miami flight was delayed by an hour, which meant a cutting it close in Miami. We made it to Miami, only to sit on the tarmac for 30 minutes. I got off the flight, and took off on a literal sprint through the airport, however, since the connection was international we had to get through security again. The men at security were very nice, and put us though quickly, yet sceptical that we would make it. I, again, took off on a sprint (sans the shoes I had removed at security) for the gate. I arrived at an empty gate as the fight attendants were closing the door to our plane. I began to cry and threw my shoes down in defeat. Apparently this little action tugged at the heart strings of the gate attendant, and he opened the door to the plane for me. I was pleading for them to wait for my friend who was running through the airport, but iIcould not see her behind me. They asked if I would go without her, and thinking of the other COTN leader we were meeting in London, I said yes and began to cry harder. Tears are the key... as they waited for Jen! Settled in and sweating profusely, we started out journey to London reliving the airport scene and laughing.
Once in London, after a night of fitful sleep and cramping legs, we decided to check and see if our luggage had made the Miami flight. The man at the counter told us we had nothing to worry about (in his charming accent). We believed him, though now I am not sure why... and planned out a day that included a trip to Windsor Castle and some English Pub food while we waited for Morgan, our other COTN leader to arrive in London. Once he arrived we set out to figure out the bus system and were on our way. When we got on the bus, we double checked that it would, in fact, drop us at Windsor Castle. The driver said yes, so we paid out pounds and took a seat... next to a man who knew we were on the wrong bus and would never arrive at Windsor; so he offered us a ride. We agreed, not giving a second thought to the bus fare that we had paid (this minor detail will come in very handy in a few hours).
After a day in Windsor, walking the grounds and surrounding town, we returned to the bus stop for a ride back to the airport...however, we did not have enough fare because we had wasted it earlier on the wrong bus...so I decided to do what any respectable American would do...I tried to charm our way onto the bus. After a big fat no from the bus driver, I began to check every payphone booth for pounds while my friends waited at the bus stop. I was able to find one pence, which, needless to say, is not enough. As a last resort, we begged a nice man and his wife for bus fare. God bless the English!
We got back to the aiport, only to discover that our flight to South Africa had been delayed by two hours. Which meant two things, a close connection in South Africa and two more hours to wait for our free meal on the plane! After waiting, and napping, we boarded the plane for another overnighter. The flight was uneventful, little did we know, our lives were about to become very eventful... We got off the plane and had 45 minutes to make our Malawi connection. We breezed through customs and security and arrived at the South African Air counter to get boarding passes. The man at the counter told us, "too late." Despite the fact that there were still 40 minutes before scheduled take off, despite the fact that we hadn't checked in yet becasue of a delayed flight, despite the fact that the next flight to Malawi was 24 hours away. He said, "too bad, take it up with British Air." British Air put us on the next flight for 24 hours later and put us up in a hotel for the night. There was nothing we could do, even if we all took off our shoes, threw them in dissapointment and cried, we were not getting out of there any time soon. So we went to the hotel to shower and hang out. We arrived at the hotel and it was like we had landed in Vegas! Casino and all! The hotel had casios, shops, and fine dining. It was such a trip to be in the middle of Africa and end up in this Vegas wanna be. However, the rooms were very nice (down comfortors and all) the food was great and once we were showered and had nothing but time, it felt good to relax.
The next morning we headed to the airport (3 hours early) to prepare for our flight to Malawi. We got on the flight with no problems. I was so excited that the trip was almost over, and after the past 45 hours of one thing after another, the 2 hour flight seemed like nothing. We landed in Malawi and headed to the baggage claim with high hopes. Morgan's bags made it, and one of Jens made it, but that was all. So, we filed a claim and went home.
As we drove from the airport, my mind was filled with a million thoughts. This was home for the next 14 months and I was taking it all in as we drove. Malawi traffic, people selling goods on the side of the road, the smell of the burning grass, and kids every where...surreal. We were welcomed to our village with open arms, hugs, and conversations with old friends. It was good to be here! I took a tour through "my house" and just sat and tried to process everything running through my mind. We had dinner, and returned back to the house to shower and sleep. The next day, a group from Florida was on the way, so they would pick up our luggage when they arrived. I didn't think a thing about it, and went on with my day of hanging out, catching up, and a trip to the village to be welcomed by the children. It was a great day, and it was nice to finally relax and get a feel for the people, routine, and ins and outs. We also went to the market so I could buy some fabric to wear for skirts until my luggage arrived.
While in the villalge we sang and danced with the kids. I taught them high 5 and we counted to 100, exchanged names, and continued to high 5 for about 30 minutes until they would sIng and dance to welcome us. After the welcome and introductions, we headed back home for dinner and time to un-pack and get settled. However, all of the other missing luggage had arrived except for mine. A blessing is, that I did send a suitcase to Florida in April since the team coming offered to bring some of my things so I could bring more than two bags. I did have some clothes, but was feeling really sad and angry that I didn't have all of my things. However, there was nothing I could do about it, so I tried not to let it bring me down.
Before bed, I was exhausted, but wanted to read my Bible before sleep becasue I was really feeling uneasy about all of the mishaps in the trip and the lost luggage. I began to question God and second guess my decision to come. Yes, I was tired, but was also vaulnerable and feeling like all of the mishaps were omens. I opened my Bible to Matthew and randomly began to read. I was reminded that God wants to bless our prayers and requests. Just like our earthly parents want to give us what we need, our heavenly father also wants to fill our requests. I was humbled, yet again, with the knowledge that it is just luggage, it will come, and that my focus needs to be on Him, not clothes. So as I fell asleep, I shot up one more prayer about the luggage and smiled at the thought of this journey and all I have been through for the last year preparing. God is good, all the time.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The day to day...
In an effort to get into the blogging habit, and to make Mar happy...
A diet coke, 20 searches on dex for addresses, 55 thank you notes, a load put in the wash, a walk to the dog groomer with Izzy, a shower, a skype conversation with John, one 50 lb suitcase, one 32 lb suitcase, a trip to the pharmacy, a visit with granny, a load of clothes folded, 10 emails responded to, and a handful of peanuts later... my to-do list is almost empty!
It has been a detail oriented (yuck!) day, and I am finally feeling like I might be organized. I have had all of my things to pack laid out for a couple of weeks and when I tried to pack it, realized that I had to do another round of cuts. Only one sweatshirt made the cut!
However, I am ready to go, and looking to post my next blog from the other side of the world.
In the mean time, God bless and be well!
~Annie
A diet coke, 20 searches on dex for addresses, 55 thank you notes, a load put in the wash, a walk to the dog groomer with Izzy, a shower, a skype conversation with John, one 50 lb suitcase, one 32 lb suitcase, a trip to the pharmacy, a visit with granny, a load of clothes folded, 10 emails responded to, and a handful of peanuts later... my to-do list is almost empty!
It has been a detail oriented (yuck!) day, and I am finally feeling like I might be organized. I have had all of my things to pack laid out for a couple of weeks and when I tried to pack it, realized that I had to do another round of cuts. Only one sweatshirt made the cut!
However, I am ready to go, and looking to post my next blog from the other side of the world.
In the mean time, God bless and be well!
~Annie
Monday, June 8, 2009
Humbled...
Wow. 48 hours before I depart. At this stage, I am truly humbled by blessing, after blessing, after blessing each and every day. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart. As I am learning to lean more and more on the Lord (don't worry, when I forget, He reminds me) I am finding peace about the journey. Ephesians 3:20 reminds me that He is able to do infinitely more than we can think or imagine. That verse fills me with joy for the year ahead!
Again, your prayers and support mean more to me than you will ever know. Thank you! In the mean time, be well, be happy, and let yourself be blessed.
All my love~ Annie b
Again, your prayers and support mean more to me than you will ever know. Thank you! In the mean time, be well, be happy, and let yourself be blessed.
All my love~ Annie b
Friday, May 8, 2009
4 Weeks and Counting...
Wow! It is hard to believe that I am now mere weeks away from my departure. I have started to pack my classroom and home, and I must admit that for a minimalist...I have a lot of stuff! As the school year winds down, and June 11th draws closer, I am finding the opportunity to share my story more and more. Every time I share I am more excited, and humbled by the outpouring of support I am receiving. I am so blessed by all of you who want to help. For those of you who are looking to donate supplies, the biggest needs as of now (believe it or not) are masking tape, and chalk. The teachers are in desperate need of chalk, always! And another missionary, Chris, who is there is at a dead end with a project and in a desperate search for masking tape. Of course, space in my bags are limited, but supplies such as pencils and toothbrushes travel easy and are always a need as well.
I know updates have been few and far between, I promise to update more when I am in Malawi :)
I know updates have been few and far between, I promise to update more when I am in Malawi :)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
3 months and counting...
This past Thursday was March 12th... as I was driving to school it dawned on me that I am leaving for Malawi in exactly 3 months! Wow. It is surreal when something you have wanted for so long becomes a reality. I also sent out my support letters this past month, and the response has been overwhelming! Thank you all so much for your belief in me, and your belief in the bigger picture. It seems not a day goes by that I don't receive a sweet card in the mail, a text message, or phone call. I am so blessed, truly.
This post would not be complete if I did not mention Little Joe. March 10th marked the 10 year anniversary of Little Joe's death, and consequently, the turning point in my life. Little Joe was such an example of what it meant to live life to the fullest. He inspired me in many ways while he was here with us, and still inspires me today. His death taught me that life IS short, and that we need to spend our days living life to the fullest. Thanks Little Joe- Ride on!
I hope this note finds you well. Thanks again for your role in this journey. In the mean time... I have a couple of people coming to look at my condo this week, keep your fingers crossed!
This post would not be complete if I did not mention Little Joe. March 10th marked the 10 year anniversary of Little Joe's death, and consequently, the turning point in my life. Little Joe was such an example of what it meant to live life to the fullest. He inspired me in many ways while he was here with us, and still inspires me today. His death taught me that life IS short, and that we need to spend our days living life to the fullest. Thanks Little Joe- Ride on!
I hope this note finds you well. Thanks again for your role in this journey. In the mean time... I have a couple of people coming to look at my condo this week, keep your fingers crossed!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Africa Bound!
Welcome to my blog! This is my first step in an effort to keep you updated on the happenings as I prepare for my journey to Malawi, Africa. The latest big news?? I know that I have to be in Malawi by June 17th to start my intern leadership position...so... I am looking to head out on June 12, 2009.
In the mean time? If you know of someone in need of a condo to rent in Arvada, Colorado I would love to hear from you!
Thanks for checking in, and thank you for your support as I start on this journey.
For more information on the organiaztion I will be working with, check out: http://www.blogger.com/www.cotni.org
In the mean time? If you know of someone in need of a condo to rent in Arvada, Colorado I would love to hear from you!
Thanks for checking in, and thank you for your support as I start on this journey.
For more information on the organiaztion I will be working with, check out: http://www.blogger.com/www.cotni.org
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