Storms, Fireworks and Sunny Days

First two weeks here in (Ntcheu) Malawi have been adventurous. I have already survived two huge storms that were loud and strong. I have slept in a mosquito net and even slept in a room with a gecko. The art of learning to speak with my hands is being improved as I speak the only Chichewa I know and explain what I want in the market. I have sat beside sweaty people in a hot bus and have even shaken hands with many strangers. Overall, I can say these first two weeks have been far from boring.

God has been watching over me and I am constantly reminded how blessed and privileged I am to be Canadian, and to be a Westerner. I have a running toilet at the compound, but in the village its mostly holes in the ground. Different kinds of foods or options for meals is a luxury that few get. All around I look and see poverty. It is blatantly obvious that I am not poor so many beggars ask for money all around me. It is tough to see but I know that this is the only way they may have a chance of surviving another day. It has been tough for Malawians who sell produce. They really need rain which God seems to be supplying. My heart has been breaking every time I leave the compound and I look at all the people who are slaving away in the hot sun just so they can have a meal at dinnertime for themselves and for their family.

It really puts things into perspective.

Fireworks came early in the day after a storm. We lost electricity for a time and when the electricity was turned back on the electrical lines started to smoke...and eventually sparks were flying. It was scary but we prayed and the sparks went away. Amazing how God always takes care of the little details.

Anyways, it's been hot and sunny with bursts of rain and I can say it truly does make the view of the mountain beautiful. I'll have to post pictures soon. But even still..they wouldn't do it justice.

I'll write again soon. I am safe and I am blessed.

Until next time,

Chantal

An Exciting Adventure

It is now officially the first day of the New Year. I hope everyone had a great time celebrating with friends and/or family. I can officially say there is only 13 more days left till I am leaving for Malawi to begin my internship with the amazing missionary Sarah Parlee. I will be working with Action International Ministries assisting with the feeding programs, children programs, house visits, discipleship programs with the young women and many other ministries. I will be staying in Malawi for 3 months. This is so exciting and what a great way to begin the New Year! I am truly blessed to be able to go and get course credit while combining my love of ministry with my passion for education and intercultural learning. It has been a long road of preparation from when this dream first came about. It has been officially an entire year of growing, preparation, fundraising, and working to see this amazing opportunity become a reality. My heart is full of love to give, and it is abundant in joy. I am starting to become restless with anticipation for amazing things to happen! 

I traveled not too long ago to Ghana where I worked with children and youth in the private schools. That experience in its entirety created a longing to continue pursuing international aid work and ministry. However, 3 years ago I had no idea that God had a missions opportunity planned. Looking back, I was content and blessed and ready to start a career. I never imagined I would go back to school and go to college for Child and Youth Worker.  It feels like only yesterday that I was in my orientation for my new program. Now, in a few months I will return from Malawi to graduate with honors. It is an awesome thing to see what God has been doing. But let's not get ahead of myself. 

These next few months I will see firsthand what it is like to be a missionary. I will be learning a new language called Chichewa which will be a wonderful new challenge. In addition, I will be speaking to local villages and working hand in hand with some amazing initiatives/ministries to  help meet the needs of the people, and bring the gospel and love of Christ to them. I am truly elated to be on the missions field once again and I am excited to see what God is going to do through and around me. 

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this opportunity a reality through the encouragement, financial support and constant prayer. I pray that you continue to pray for the people of Malawi, the missionaries on the field with me, and for amazing things to be done this year in the local village of Nchteu. Remember we are blessed to be a blessing and be the hands and feet of Christ. I am excited to see what God has in store for me this year and for the people around me. Let's keep praying believers of Christ for prayer is a powerful weapon against the enemy. A passage to encourage and remind us of our responsibility as believers in Christ:

We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper]. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankfuland continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 Amplified Bible.

Love you all!

C.M