Diving In

We all joined each other for breakfast. We had a surprised guest, T.K. Iliesanmi, who is the director of African Leadership in Malawi. He is a funny guy and delights in making people smile  as such his name sake. After breakfast, we had our orientation day, and we got a deep baptism. We went out to the Adziwa project site in Kauma village. The Adziwa committee greeted us and together with Steve Bowler, Adziwa project coordinator, gave us a great orientation to the project itself as well as Malawi and it’s culture. We met James, who is the local point person for the project, and he is a great leader. We learned that the women need to wear some skirts even at the work site. We needed to buy tachingi (sorry Pastor Henry if we butchered that one) which are basically wraps...off to the local market.  That was an interesting, cultural experience. Joy, an Adziwa committee member, was kind enough to be our guide at the market. It was so nice to have a Malawian with us. We purchased out “wraps” and went to CCBC for lunch where Joy then showed us the proper way to wear them. 

After lunch, we headed back to Adziwa where some of us were dropped off while some made an airport run to check on Tucker’s lost luggage. When we pulled up, there was a group of kids awaiting our arrival. 

Those of us who were at the project site, were greeted in song and praise by the women in the community. Talk about tears filling your eyes. It was such a humbling experience. We continued to have praise for several minutes in their native language. It was a taste of heaven, worshipping and praising in pure adoration as one body of Christ. While praising, Mary was getting all into it, so much so, that she didn’t even realize her wrap had come undone. Whoopsies. Luckily, we still had on our pants from earlier in the day. The women chuckled.  After praise, Mary shared her story of coming to know the Lord and her trials and tribulations along the way, and how she remains faithful and trust Him always. It’s a constant learning experience. Kelley, as well, shared her trials with the women as well. James encouraged to share our trials so that the women would know that they are not alone. That it’s not just a Malawi thing. After sharing, we took prayer requests, several women came forward and knelt before us, so that we could pray for them. Mary, Kelley and Stephanie prayed for the women. It was a blessing and joyous time together with the women and their small children. On the other front, the bag was a no show. The other team members came back to the site to join us once again.

After the women’s study, it was time to love on some children. Many children came running in with smiles on their faces, staring deep into our eyes. Joy led a time of song and praise in their language. After a few songs, Mary and Stephanie led worship in English. It was such a joy to see the faces of the kids as they sang and looked adoringly in our eyes.

Once again, we fought tears as our hearts filled with joy and love. After praise, Stephanie told a bible story on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We shared how God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him and how he protects his people. That in all circumstances, we should worship Him and him only.  Followed by a round of questions relating to the stories, the children were able to answer all questions. After the story, we played games with the kids. Mary shared a new game with them that they seemed to really enjoy. As several of us sat and loved on the children. We could spend every day this way for a long time. It so amazing how the children warm up to you so fast, all wanting to touch us and hold our hands. Some even fighting over who gets to hold our hand. Oh and we should mention, that we were not prepared for any of this, we had no idea we would be responsible to lead women’s and children’s study time. Amazing how God gives us the words to say when we weren’t even prepared to share scripture, tell a bible story, lead worship or share our stories.

After a long day, we left the village. Our hands were so tired after waving bye so much. We cannot wait to go back tomorrow. We came back to the hotel, were as soon as we pulled in the electricity went out. The group tomorrow will be divided, Will, Tucker and Scott will have construction duty, Suzy and Stephanie will be teaching at the school and Kelley, Brandon, Mary and Richard will prayer walk. 

Tucker and Innocent

End of the Day