April Update

The Journey…
“Don’t fail to do something just because you can’t do everything.” –Bob Pierce, World Vision, Founder

May 1, 2010 Volume I Issue 13

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

Credit/debit card donations can be made at: www.cotni.org
Click “Make a Donation” on the right side of the screen, then scroll down to “Support Individual/Consultant” and enter my name: Anne Brown
Account Code: MA_CAB609

February News Letter

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

The First class (above)