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. :-)