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
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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
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
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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)
Monday, December 7, 2009
December Update
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.
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.
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.
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