Almost a Month Here in Malawi

I have almost been here in Malawi for a month now. Can't believe how much I have done in a month and I haven't even listed everything. I am excited to share with all of you who are supporting me on this journey and following these updates. 

To update you here are some things I have done while I have been here (not listed in any order):

• Eaten termites-- They were crunchy and salty. Enough said.

• Been sick.--Turns out eating two meals of local food (pumpkin leaf relish, nsima termites, and eggplant) could put my stomach to the test.
  NOTE: Nsima is a staple food here and it is like a sticky dough that fills you up but has no real nutritional value. People eat it because it can fill you up for two or more meals. They have also eaten it since they were young, its what they have with every meal.
• Enjoyed warmer weather despite high temperatures. --The heat can sometimes be difficult to withstand. The rain showers are a nice relief sometimes. 
• Eaten a mango like a Malawian (peeling it with my teeth).

• Enjoyed learning about Malawian culture.
• Enjoyed visiting and working in the multiple feeding centers that Action International Ministries has up and running. It has been a blessing to see children hungry for God's word.

SIDE NOTE: 

Sarah, Amanda and I are picture here on the left at one of the smaller feeding centers in the village. We had just finished hearing them sing a song. They wanted a picture. Notice how many of them are not smiling. This is common. Some of them have never seen a camera. They don't know what to do in front of one. 

• Experienced heart break when I have seen children waiting for their ration of food for the day knowing they might not even eat the whole thing. Often times, it is shared with their family back home or children they meet along the way who are like them, starving. Some children that come to the centers haven't eaten properly for days.
• Visited local churches and joined them in their praise and worship. --Canadians would be seen as very stiff and boring in comparison. Here in Malawi everyone sings in harmony and must dance. No exceptions ;)
• Taught lessons to the children in different villages with help from wonderful translators.

• Learned a Chichewa song and some local greetings.
• Met pastors and had deep conversations with them about ministry and God's love and provision.
• Celebrated a pastor's child's birthday with my family here at the compound. It was an amazing time of sweets, Fanta, music, and a movie. Everyone enjoyed their evening :) It was a blessing to be a part of the celebration.

• Rode in a minibus crammed with many people who were of course curious to why we missionaries were in Malawi.
• Survived a torrential downpour. (Picture seen below)

• Seen lizards, huge bees, and various types of insects and animals and have been safe :)
• Truly deepened my relationship with God and have seen a gradual transformation already taking place.
• Been blessed and have been used to be a blessing in many lives here in Malawi.

It has been a privilege to be here and to be used by God in various ways. My team and I are praying and thanking God for his people's hospitality and compassion. We are constantly thanking Him for giving us the resources to bring food to the hungry orphans and widows here in Ntcheu and the surrounding regions. I am thrilled to say so many children have been fed this month with food and with the gospel. I am learning that sometimes what we can do is just be there. We can learn from the people. We can love the people.  They are constantly teaching me and showing me grace, humility and compassion. They are loving and very warm-hearted. Truly, God is doing something amazing here and I can't wait to see what He has planned for this next upcoming month. I love you all back home and miss you. Please keep praying for us as we are witnesses, and as we are hands to help reach the lost, hurting, and hungry.

Blessings,

Chantal