Saturday, August 27, 2011

Melting Hearts

First day in Malawi.

So I didn't quite bound off the plane as I had been anticipating. It was more of a sluggish walk, dead tired from not sleeping much (or well) on the plane and my body aching from sitting in the same position for two days straight. I was, however, totally and completely thrilled to be back in Malawi. As soon as the plane landed in the beautiful Warm Heart of Africa a foolish grin crossed my face. I couldn't shake it for the rest of the day. I felt oddly at home.

As soon as I stepped off the plane onto the tarmac of the runway I inhaled, taking a long, deep breath. What I smelled made my heart melt. I don't know how a land can have a smell, but Malawi has a smell. It's hard to describe. It's an earthly, rustic smell.. one that makes me think of open air and camp fires. It is the best smell in the world.

I made it to Lilongwe in one piece. Although I was anticipating a bit of trouble from the airlines, I had incredibly smooth travels. I was even lucky enough to have all of my bags arrive on time, and with nothing stolen from them.

I have unpacked in my adorable new apartment. I live in a studio like apartment this year and love it. I have pretty much recovered from my jet-lag and travels. I am now just gearing up to start work on Monday. Being back in Malawi and this culture has filled my heart to the brim with joy. I am so excited that I have one more year here. I can't wait to see what adventures await me.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Back to Malawi

On the plane back to Malawi.

Last year, right about this time, I was completely and totally freaked out. I was terrified of what was to come. I was terrified of what I was leaving behind, and how it would change. I was terrified of all the unknowns and questions I still had unanswered. Last year, right about this time, the absolute last thing that I wanted to do was be on a plane headed to the far away, unknown land of Malawi. This year, there is no terror. This year there are no longer unknowns. Well, that's not completely true, I still don't know what I am leaving behind and how it will change when I am gone. But, this year I know that I am completely trusting God... with everything.

Last year I sluggishly sulked off the plane in Malawi. With my eyes wide with tears I was trying to take in my new surroundings and home while holding myself together. It took everything in me to not completely and totally fall apart. All I wanted to do was turn around and head back to the comforts of America.

This year things are a little different. I plan on bounding off the plane, exhilarated by this new opportunity to help the amazing people of Malawi. (Well as much bounding as my jet-lagged, over tired body will be able to do.) I am full to the brim with excitement of the things I can do- the opportunities that I am positive God is going to bring into my life. I can't wait to see what this next year brings. I can't wait to continue to have my eyes opened and my heart broken. I can't wait to grow closer to God. I can't wait to love and serve others.

I am so blessed to be able to call this my life. I had the chance to live in a foreign country for 10 months. Now I get to go back to the land I have fallen in love with, and live there for longer. How amazing is my life.

My prayer for this next year is that I am able to affect others as much as others effected me last year. My prayer is that each and every day my eyes are opened by the amazing-ness of God's grace and love. My prayer is that I have the strength and the courage to love those around me more than I love myself. That I can show everyone what God's love really is. My prayer is that everywhere I turn I can impact the lives around me. My prayer for this next year is that I have the courage and the strength to completely and totally follow God with every step that I take.

Malawi year two. Here we go. :-)