Posted by Amanda
Friday, August 13, 2010
Landed safely!
How lovely are Whit and Vanessa after 36 hours of traveling?! We JUST landed, haven't debarked! We are all safe with just a handful of sniffles! Thank you for all your love, support and prayers!!
Posted by Amanda
Posted by Amanda
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Eva: The Lord loves the little children
Eva here! Here is a recap:
Sunday: The last few days have been interesting. We have seen the Ministry of Hope's Crisis Nursery. We visited on Saturday and part of the church service we walked over to the nursery again and actively live out what it states in Luke 18:15-17 when Jesus talks about the little children. :) I think that's accurate to say that the Kingdom of God is through the children's eyes.
Tuesday: Today was pretty epic. We went back to Muzu to show respect to the Chief and our promise to present them with the Bridgeway Women's Ministry dresses. They were made out of simple pillowcases, and yet so much love and detail was put into each dress. That was great to see the smiling faces.
Our day was long. We brought with us our friends and guides Blessing and Richard. They are African Bible College students and they helped interpret for us with the kids and the chief. So it was worth it and we have a lot of photos and stories to bring back. :)
Tomorrow we head to Muzu again.
The team passing out dresses
Girls in line: :)
Tionana!
- Posted by Eva :) using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday: The last few days have been interesting. We have seen the Ministry of Hope's Crisis Nursery. We visited on Saturday and part of the church service we walked over to the nursery again and actively live out what it states in Luke 18:15-17 when Jesus talks about the little children. :) I think that's accurate to say that the Kingdom of God is through the children's eyes.
Tuesday: Today was pretty epic. We went back to Muzu to show respect to the Chief and our promise to present them with the Bridgeway Women's Ministry dresses. They were made out of simple pillowcases, and yet so much love and detail was put into each dress. That was great to see the smiling faces.
Our day was long. We brought with us our friends and guides Blessing and Richard. They are African Bible College students and they helped interpret for us with the kids and the chief. So it was worth it and we have a lot of photos and stories to bring back. :)
Tomorrow we head to Muzu again.
The team passing out dresses
Girls in line: :)
Tionana!
- Posted by Eva :) using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Malawi
Eva: The Lord loves the little children
Eva here! Here is a recap:
Sunday: The last few days have been interesting. We have seen the Ministry of Hope's Crisis Nursery. We visited on Saturday and part of the church service we walked over to the nursery again and actively live out what it states in Luke 18:15-17 when Jesus talks about the little children. :) I think that's accurate to say that the Kingdom of God is through the children's eyes.
Tuesday: Today was pretty epic. We went back to Muzu to show respect to the Chief and our promise to present them with the Bridgeway Women's Ministry dresses. They were made out of simple pillowcases, and yet so much love and detail was put into each dress. That was great to see the smiling faces.
Our day was long. We brought with us our friends and guides Blessing and Richard. They are African Bible College students and they helped interpret for us with the kids and the chief. So it was worth it and we have a lot of photos and stories to bring back. :)
Tomorrow we head to Muzu again.
The team passing out dresses
Girls in line: :)
Tionana!
- Posted by Eva :) using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday: The last few days have been interesting. We have seen the Ministry of Hope's Crisis Nursery. We visited on Saturday and part of the church service we walked over to the nursery again and actively live out what it states in Luke 18:15-17 when Jesus talks about the little children. :) I think that's accurate to say that the Kingdom of God is through the children's eyes.
Tuesday: Today was pretty epic. We went back to Muzu to show respect to the Chief and our promise to present them with the Bridgeway Women's Ministry dresses. They were made out of simple pillowcases, and yet so much love and detail was put into each dress. That was great to see the smiling faces.
Our day was long. We brought with us our friends and guides Blessing and Richard. They are African Bible College students and they helped interpret for us with the kids and the chief. So it was worth it and we have a lot of photos and stories to bring back. :)
Tomorrow we head to Muzu again.
The team passing out dresses
Girls in line: :)
Tionana!
- Posted by Eva :) using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Malawi
Monday, August 9, 2010
Blessings
It's hard to believe our visit here in Africa is coming to an end. The bore hole is FINISHED!! It was so amazing to watch the faces of the children light up when they saw the clean water easily accessible to them. They immediately began to take buckets back to their village. It was so awesome to see.
We also went to the Crisis Nursery to hold tiny little babies. They were just so precious. I was instantly attached. I held little Martha. She kept crossing her cute little fingers. I of course had to take a picture of it. She was so content and happy. But she was fighting sleep the whole time I was holding her.
The kids are so cute! I just want to pack them in my suitcase and take them home with me. But alas, I cannot. Their eyes just light up when they see us coming. Smiles are continually on their little faces. I wish my arms were big enough to hug them all at the same time.
I am having a blast here. We've been told that Malawi is the warm hub of Africa. I can agree with that. Just passing by people we've received genuine warm smiles and waves.
Tionanna!
-Vanessa
We also went to the Crisis Nursery to hold tiny little babies. They were just so precious. I was instantly attached. I held little Martha. She kept crossing her cute little fingers. I of course had to take a picture of it. She was so content and happy. But she was fighting sleep the whole time I was holding her.
The kids are so cute! I just want to pack them in my suitcase and take them home with me. But alas, I cannot. Their eyes just light up when they see us coming. Smiles are continually on their little faces. I wish my arms were big enough to hug them all at the same time.
I am having a blast here. We've been told that Malawi is the warm hub of Africa. I can agree with that. Just passing by people we've received genuine warm smiles and waves.
Tionanna!
-Vanessa
Location:M1,Lilongwe,Malawi
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Amazing grace....
We just got back from tea at Dr. Lungu's house. Wow... What an amazing man! His outlook on life has more joy, love, and respect than all of America combined. I had my first break down moment that I was fearful of. I lift him up to the Lord and pray for all of his future endeavors in COTN Malawi! He is deffinitly a man I would like to keep in contact with for my future Malawi visits! This trip has already taught me so much about how I live my life!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Malawi
This morning we went to Flood Malawi Church. Pastor Sean was amazing!!! So electric and alive! He delivered a sermon on sight and how blindly we look at the world! Being here in Malawi has really opened my eyes on how I look at my world at home. I hope to have a more open outlook on faith and happiness.
We came back and did laundry African style :) hand wash baby!!!
We were invited to tea with the COTN director! Pretty cool! So we'll head out to that in a couple hours!
Hope you are all well back home and we miss you like crazy!!!!
Whit
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We came back and did laundry African style :) hand wash baby!!!
We were invited to tea with the COTN director! Pretty cool! So we'll head out to that in a couple hours!
Hope you are all well back home and we miss you like crazy!!!!
Whit
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Malawi
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Clean Water!!!!!!!!
Hey everyone!
We just got back from spending all day at Muzu village! They now have a complete working bore hole!!!! It's amazing how that is so easy for us to get clean water but for them us coming and fixing this for is a God send. We got to meet the chief...he had the best hot pink sweatshirt!!! I wanted to trade with him ;) A little boy named George came up to Brett Jake and I and introduced himself and said thank you for doing this... It was a miracle for there village. Only God can make that happen! It was a really emotional day today. We also got to tour the whole village. Brett brought bubbles and the kids LOVED IT!!! It was so cute!! All of them running around trying to catch them! Brett and I had a great talking with Blessings, a Beacon of Hope employee(don't let that make him seem less special... He is amazing!), about creating a farm for Muzu. This would support the village with food and a selling product. We are so excited to get started with this as soon as we get back from the states! We are looking forward to making this our focus for future visits! So if you have it on your heart to be a part of this start praying and talk to me! I miss all of u so so so so so much!
Whit
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We just got back from spending all day at Muzu village! They now have a complete working bore hole!!!! It's amazing how that is so easy for us to get clean water but for them us coming and fixing this for is a God send. We got to meet the chief...he had the best hot pink sweatshirt!!! I wanted to trade with him ;) A little boy named George came up to Brett Jake and I and introduced himself and said thank you for doing this... It was a miracle for there village. Only God can make that happen! It was a really emotional day today. We also got to tour the whole village. Brett brought bubbles and the kids LOVED IT!!! It was so cute!! All of them running around trying to catch them! Brett and I had a great talking with Blessings, a Beacon of Hope employee(don't let that make him seem less special... He is amazing!), about creating a farm for Muzu. This would support the village with food and a selling product. We are so excited to get started with this as soon as we get back from the states! We are looking forward to making this our focus for future visits! So if you have it on your heart to be a part of this start praying and talk to me! I miss all of u so so so so so much!
Whit
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Chayamba,Lilongwe,Malawi
Eva: love flows here.
Eva here-Love is a funny thing. It's transcends all of my expectations. On this trip, I have seen love in the most tangible form. It's definitely in the smiles of the children, their laughter and within the context of their hope beyond their circumstances.
Yesterday (Wednesday here-it is a 9 hour difference from USA to Malawi), we spent time at the COTN compound in Mtlisiza with children from the feeding program. met a wonderful woman by the name of Ester. She was a house Aunt to orphan girls. We also saw the women of the widows program which was amazing since they are being trained to become self sufficient now in creating crafts and sowing.
Today (Thursday) we spent time visiting the town of Muzu where we spent time to do a benefit concert to raise the funds for the borehole back in November 2009. We spoke with the chief of the area who let us know that he had a damaged borehole that hadn't been working for 3 years. So we too part of the funds raised and paid for it today. All around us we had children who gathered and were skeptical at first... but then I introduced myself to them (incorrectly) in Chichewa of course! Lol. It was so funny. I tried to say "what is your name?" and said something like: tooth is your name? They laughed at me of course. I would too :D
The men who were brought to fix the borehole, fixed it within the next few hours. They were done. This borehole should provide water for thousands of people in the region. Love truly flows from Africa. This is a picture of the men working on the borehole:
And the borehole is done.
Until later
Tionana!
- Posted by Eva l :) using BlogPress from my iPhone
Yesterday (Wednesday here-it is a 9 hour difference from USA to Malawi), we spent time at the COTN compound in Mtlisiza with children from the feeding program. met a wonderful woman by the name of Ester. She was a house Aunt to orphan girls. We also saw the women of the widows program which was amazing since they are being trained to become self sufficient now in creating crafts and sowing.
Today (Thursday) we spent time visiting the town of Muzu where we spent time to do a benefit concert to raise the funds for the borehole back in November 2009. We spoke with the chief of the area who let us know that he had a damaged borehole that hadn't been working for 3 years. So we too part of the funds raised and paid for it today. All around us we had children who gathered and were skeptical at first... but then I introduced myself to them (incorrectly) in Chichewa of course! Lol. It was so funny. I tried to say "what is your name?" and said something like: tooth is your name? They laughed at me of course. I would too :D
The men who were brought to fix the borehole, fixed it within the next few hours. They were done. This borehole should provide water for thousands of people in the region. Love truly flows from Africa. This is a picture of the men working on the borehole:
And the borehole is done.
Until later
Tionana!
- Posted by Eva l :) using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Mtsilita adventures
Hi everyone!
We just got back from Mtsilita village. AMAZING!!! The children there are truly one of a kind! So much joy in there smiles! They all run up and ask "one picture" then of course want to see the picture! So funny they know that! It's so sad and breaks my heart that they all know how to say bye....
We took a tour of the whole village and when we went into the girls home Aunte Esther had a couple of the girls sing for us! Voices of angels! We also went and toured the Widows Ministry. Those women can sew!!! They make these beautiful purses and change bags. It's a way for the women to learn a trade to support there family! The sewing machines are these beautiful vintage singers. Like I know how to sew with that!! Hahaha! Its really is amazing how the Lord has worked in there life. The faith they have is unbelievable! Something every Christian strives for! They blindly fallow and have all faith and site of our Father.
We are back at the compound for lunch and then we'll head back to Mtsilita for the rest of the day. Miss you all and hope everything is great in the states!
Whitney
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We just got back from Mtsilita village. AMAZING!!! The children there are truly one of a kind! So much joy in there smiles! They all run up and ask "one picture" then of course want to see the picture! So funny they know that! It's so sad and breaks my heart that they all know how to say bye....
We took a tour of the whole village and when we went into the girls home Aunte Esther had a couple of the girls sing for us! Voices of angels! We also went and toured the Widows Ministry. Those women can sew!!! They make these beautiful purses and change bags. It's a way for the women to learn a trade to support there family! The sewing machines are these beautiful vintage singers. Like I know how to sew with that!! Hahaha! Its really is amazing how the Lord has worked in there life. The faith they have is unbelievable! Something every Christian strives for! They blindly fallow and have all faith and site of our Father.
We are back at the compound for lunch and then we'll head back to Mtsilita for the rest of the day. Miss you all and hope everything is great in the states!
Whitney
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:COTN compound, Malawi Africa
Monday, August 2, 2010
Waiting....waiting....waiting
We made it to Africa!!!!!! 25 hours later! Literally! Slept the whole way ;) we are now in the Johannesburg airport! Thank you Father for our safe trip!
We have a couple hours till we board for Lilongwe so were just hanging out in one of the coolest airport cafes I have ever seen! Hope you are all great back home! Miss u all! Love you! Keep praying for us!
Whit
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We have a couple hours till we board for Lilongwe so were just hanging out in one of the coolest airport cafes I have ever seen! Hope you are all great back home! Miss u all! Love you! Keep praying for us!
Whit
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Kempton Park,South Africa
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Finally!!!!!
Through all the crazy city traffic and finding out our flight is delayed 3 hours.... We are finally at our terminal!!! Thank you so much Brian for driving us! Have a safe drive home! I love you sweetie!!! Keep praying for us! We have a long long long flight ahead!!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:International Terminal Departures,Millbrae,United States
Safe and excited at SFO
Malawi here we come! We are officially through security and waiting at our gate in San Francisco. Our flight was delayed 3 hours so we all enjoyed a dinner at Elephant Bar overlooking the Bay. We're ecstatic!! Thanks to our devoted friends and family who drove us all down here and braved the delay with us! We continue to ask for your prayers! Check back in 12 or so hours for a post from London!
Posted by Amanda
Posted by Amanda
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Itinerary!
My lovely friend Melissa Cairo suggested I post our itinerary while we are in Malawi so you can all know how to best pray for us!
August 1- Depart from San Fransisco in the evening
August 3- Arrive in Malawi around 12:30 p.m.
Go into town for lunch and post on our BLOG FOR YOU!
August 4- Visit Mtsiliza Village to observe and invest in the widow's sewing ministry in the morning
Visit Mtsiliza Village to observe and participate in their feeding program in the afternoon
Visit Mtsiliza Village to join village church in the evening
August 5- Visit Mgwayi Village to observe ministry in the morning
Visit Chisomo Idea sport ministry to observe and participate in the afternoon
August 6- Visit Lake Malawi to purchase souvenirs and relax (in lue of Safari to conserve time and money) all day
Augut 7- Visit the Crisis Nursery in the morning
August 8- Visit Flood Church in the morning for church and to share devotions with the Flood staff before church
August 9- Visit African Bible College to tour the college and their clinic all day
August 10, 11- Visit Muzu Village to check on the status of the well and distribute the 300 dresses!
August 12- Possibly visit Muzu in the morning
Board the plane FOR HOME at night!
August 13- Arrive in San Francisco in the afternoon
August 1- Depart from San Fransisco in the evening
August 3- Arrive in Malawi around 12:30 p.m.
Go into town for lunch and post on our BLOG FOR YOU!
August 4- Visit Mtsiliza Village to observe and invest in the widow's sewing ministry in the morning
Visit Mtsiliza Village to observe and participate in their feeding program in the afternoon
Visit Mtsiliza Village to join village church in the evening
August 5- Visit Mgwayi Village to observe ministry in the morning
Visit Chisomo Idea sport ministry to observe and participate in the afternoon
August 6- Visit Lake Malawi to purchase souvenirs and relax (in lue of Safari to conserve time and money) all day
Augut 7- Visit the Crisis Nursery in the morning
August 8- Visit Flood Church in the morning for church and to share devotions with the Flood staff before church
August 9- Visit African Bible College to tour the college and their clinic all day
August 10, 11- Visit Muzu Village to check on the status of the well and distribute the 300 dresses!
August 12- Possibly visit Muzu in the morning
Board the plane FOR HOME at night!
August 13- Arrive in San Francisco in the afternoon
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Prayer request!
Our tickets are secured with British Air but it looks as though there are two spelling mistakes. Our travel agent is talking to BA to see what can be done. Rebooking would be almost $2000. Were praying for a miracle with BA or airport workers with grace!
Posted by Amanda
Posted by Amanda
Monday, July 26, 2010
Down to the wire....
Hey all!
We just had our final meeting last night! So unreal we will be on African soil in a week. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. The closer we get the more trials we all seem to be running into. I ask everyone to be praying for our focus and graditude. There is so much we are not prepaired for, and i have been praying to just keep our eyes and hearts on the Lord. We may not beable to do everything on a planned agenda, and I know for some of us that will be hard. :) I pray that the Lord watches over our loved ones here at home and that they have calmed minds and hearts while we are across the world.
Thank you thank you thank you to every single person that supported us. Not only financially but emotionally as well! You are our rock this wouldn't have been possible with out you! God bless you!
Whitney
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We just had our final meeting last night! So unreal we will be on African soil in a week. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. The closer we get the more trials we all seem to be running into. I ask everyone to be praying for our focus and graditude. There is so much we are not prepaired for, and i have been praying to just keep our eyes and hearts on the Lord. We may not beable to do everything on a planned agenda, and I know for some of us that will be hard. :) I pray that the Lord watches over our loved ones here at home and that they have calmed minds and hearts while we are across the world.
Thank you thank you thank you to every single person that supported us. Not only financially but emotionally as well! You are our rock this wouldn't have been possible with out you! God bless you!
Whitney
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:S Walnut St,Loomis,United States
Friday, July 23, 2010
Eva: The Battle of Control (PS 10 Days Left!)
Eva here--
So we made it! All of the funds were raised, including some extra funds for the momentous event of leaving for the continent of Africa for our entire TEAM! We have 10 Days left! I'm pretty excited. I still feel like I might forget something... eek! That's the only part of all of this I'm sorta nervous...strangely I've been fine when I think about traveling nearly 1/2 way across the world?
Building up our departure, I've been having issues with the crazy disagreements (small ones), all around frustrations, weird dreams, illness... including a sizable headache that lasted all of yesterday! What I have to say to that is: HA! Today I laugh at the face of adversity or more like: squint-in-the-day-light. I have tried to let go all of the lame stuff that has occurred recently without having a complete melt-down, or have it completely steal my joy. Honestly I have had my moments...which were honestly quite chaotic.
My God is good. Even when times are hard. That is the most important. I am staying pretty optimistic. Especially today :) I am very realistic: that with any mission event, we (as a team) might come into some issues/disagreements/setbacks. That happens whenever you do anything unknown and you are open and flexible to God's calling... Spiritual attacks are all over the place! I'm just saying this from direct experience. It is also non-exclusive to mission trips, but in our daily lives as people of God.
Change happens, no matter HOW much a few of us Type-A perfectionists like to plan stuff. I'm on my way to "recovery" in the level of being a perfectionist. This level of planning has always been a survival mechanism for me..."the master of my own destiny" as I've been told?? ugh! That is such deep level of deception that has taken a stronghold on my mind. Granted, I control my actions (free will) but it takes a lot for me to realize (again) that it's not all about me. It is one of those life-long lessons where I will need to be constantly reminded. This level of control manifests itself within the amount of work I take on, how I do it and how I balance my time (which has been extreme levels of trial and error). I am the type of person that freaks out if this post I am writing on this blog has improper spelling and is grammatically incorrect.. lol!!!
I'm in a constant state of learning and re-learning that life is full of situations that I can't control. I don't always give that impression. I am pretty laid-back as well. I am trying my best to not let this level of control hinder the team or myself at all:
Proverbs 19: 21 (NLT)
"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail"
So, I'm pretty convicted. Proverbs is so straightforward. It's pretty amazing. I'm working on giving God the rest...I'm still a work in progress... now were is my checklist..?
:)
So we made it! All of the funds were raised, including some extra funds for the momentous event of leaving for the continent of Africa for our entire TEAM! We have 10 Days left! I'm pretty excited. I still feel like I might forget something... eek! That's the only part of all of this I'm sorta nervous...strangely I've been fine when I think about traveling nearly 1/2 way across the world?
Building up our departure, I've been having issues with the crazy disagreements (small ones), all around frustrations, weird dreams, illness... including a sizable headache that lasted all of yesterday! What I have to say to that is: HA! Today I laugh at the face of adversity or more like: squint-in-the-day-light. I have tried to let go all of the lame stuff that has occurred recently without having a complete melt-down, or have it completely steal my joy. Honestly I have had my moments...which were honestly quite chaotic.
My God is good. Even when times are hard. That is the most important. I am staying pretty optimistic. Especially today :) I am very realistic: that with any mission event, we (as a team) might come into some issues/disagreements/setbacks. That happens whenever you do anything unknown and you are open and flexible to God's calling... Spiritual attacks are all over the place! I'm just saying this from direct experience. It is also non-exclusive to mission trips, but in our daily lives as people of God.
Change happens, no matter HOW much a few of us Type-A perfectionists like to plan stuff. I'm on my way to "recovery" in the level of being a perfectionist. This level of planning has always been a survival mechanism for me..."the master of my own destiny" as I've been told?? ugh! That is such deep level of deception that has taken a stronghold on my mind. Granted, I control my actions (free will) but it takes a lot for me to realize (again) that it's not all about me. It is one of those life-long lessons where I will need to be constantly reminded. This level of control manifests itself within the amount of work I take on, how I do it and how I balance my time (which has been extreme levels of trial and error). I am the type of person that freaks out if this post I am writing on this blog has improper spelling and is grammatically incorrect.. lol!!!
I'm in a constant state of learning and re-learning that life is full of situations that I can't control. I don't always give that impression. I am pretty laid-back as well. I am trying my best to not let this level of control hinder the team or myself at all:
Proverbs 19: 21 (NLT)
"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail"
So, I'm pretty convicted. Proverbs is so straightforward. It's pretty amazing. I'm working on giving God the rest...I'm still a work in progress... now were is my checklist..?
:)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
12 days!!! Wooooo!
Hello family and friends! I can't believe we are leaving so soon! I have to admit I was a nervous wreck about 3 days ago! I had lists on ever surface of my house haha. I have been praying non stop for focus on what the Lord is sending me to do! I talked to our amazing team leader Amanda and she calmed me by simply saying "if you forget anything were a team... We'll help!" so thanks girl! Well anyways I ask for everyone to keep praying for us as we depart here very soon!
God Bless
Whit :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
God Bless
Whit :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:El Paseo Ln,Sacramento,United States
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The start......
Hey everyone! Whitney here.... Taking a day off to reflect on everything were getting ready for. The closer and closer it gets the more reality kicks in that we are going to be in Africa!!!! I'm so excited! Obviously I linked our blog to my facebook so all of my friends and family can keep updated through out our trip!
I just ask for you all to keep praying for us. We are still a little short on funds so pray that God will provide with that. Thanx for stopping by and stayed tuned as the countdown begins!!!!
18 days!!
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I just ask for you all to keep praying for us. We are still a little short on funds so pray that God will provide with that. Thanx for stopping by and stayed tuned as the countdown begins!!!!
18 days!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:King Rd,Loomis,United States
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Excitement Arising!!!
Hmm, I think it's my turn to post to our fantastic blog. I just wanted to say a quick hello! It's Vanessa...the quiet one...or AM I??!! I tend to come off that way at first, but they probably won't be saying that for long! ;o) I think God put a well balanced and dynamic group of people together for this trip. I'm interested to see how He will use us. My team is amazing, and I'm excited to get to know them more and see them nonstop. For two whole weeks. Night. Day. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. :) NINETEEN more days until the journey begins! And also nineteen more days of re-assuring my mom that I will be okay...
So excited!
Pray. Serve. Go!
Hello Bridgeway family, friends, etc... Eva here. :) yay! I've been preparing for the Malawi trip like everyone on my team..who are so diligently are raising funds for the remaining amounts for the $3400 due this week.
Now I've been in a place of deep reflection upon what God wants to reveal TO me, through me and around me. I feel that God has been screaming out in my soul: Pray pray pray! Not only for myself or my team but for the people for Malawi (and the other teams from Bridgeway leaving and gone during the same time).
I truly believe that much will be revealed and prophecy in my own life fulfilled. (I have known for a long time I was supposed to go on a Mission trip abroad).
There was my season of life where I needed to serve within my community of Sacramento. I believe all of my experience working with impoverished communities, international students, multicultural groups, networking, research, technical skill and even community/clinical based healthcare makes me highly equipped and capable. Yet in times of these, I still doubt?? Wow. That's pretty lame. I am so glad God is good.
I have great confidence to know God will do great things even in my "lameness". He always does.
:)
Prayer request: Focus for me and focus for the team.
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Now I've been in a place of deep reflection upon what God wants to reveal TO me, through me and around me. I feel that God has been screaming out in my soul: Pray pray pray! Not only for myself or my team but for the people for Malawi (and the other teams from Bridgeway leaving and gone during the same time).
I truly believe that much will be revealed and prophecy in my own life fulfilled. (I have known for a long time I was supposed to go on a Mission trip abroad).
There was my season of life where I needed to serve within my community of Sacramento. I believe all of my experience working with impoverished communities, international students, multicultural groups, networking, research, technical skill and even community/clinical based healthcare makes me highly equipped and capable. Yet in times of these, I still doubt?? Wow. That's pretty lame. I am so glad God is good.
I have great confidence to know God will do great things even in my "lameness". He always does.
:)
Prayer request: Focus for me and focus for the team.
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Location:Chicago Ave,Fair Oaks,United States
Monday, July 12, 2010
Top 20 reasons I love Malawi
In honor of today marking 20 days till we leave for Malawi I thought I'd post the top 20 reasons I LOVE Malawi! Here goes nothin!
20. The people, the people, the people! Malawi is known as the warm heart of Africa and they do it justice!!!
19. Perfect "winter" weather! Seriously... It's like San Diego! In 20 days we'll be out of Sacramento's blistering 100 degree plus heat and sitting pretty 72 degree afternoons and warm sun! Don't worry, we'll send postcards ;)
18. Fanta! I've never enjoyed an orange fanta like I do in Malawi!
17. Mini buses. Where else can you sit on a strangers lap on public transit and it's totally normal? Don't worry moms, we won't take mini buses often!
16. Physical touch. Similar to Hispanic culture Malawians touch often! Greetings of hugs, kisses and long embraces are normal. The fun isn't just reserved for the ladies either! It's common place to see men holding hands or embracing in public!
15. Nsima!!!! Their food staple, a corn meal mush. If you were at our family dinner you feel our pain. Ok you got me... Nsima is no Americans favorite thing about Malawi but the food isn't horrible!
14. Church! Church in Malawi is LONG and can last for 4 or 5 hours easily but it's one of the moving things I've experienced!
13. The music! Malawians can sing and harmonize like champs! The most beautiful sound ever! Don't worry! Well record it for you!
12, 11, 10. Yea, I can do that! This is my top 20 list! The kids, the kids, the kids!
9. Hospitality like you've never known from people with almost literally no possessions. I don't care who you are... Experiencing that is convicting!
8. The sunsets! Some of the most beautiful on the planet I'm sure of it!
7. Tea time!
6. The smell of burning fields permeates the air during the winter.
5. Dancing! Wanna learn how to shake your booty? Ask a Malawian!
4. Cadbury chocolate. Enough said.
3. Bargaining and bartering... An art long lost in American that holds strong in Malawi!
2. The smiles! Some of the most genuine and gorgeous smiles you'll ever see!
1. Their respect and honor for God. I think this is something we lack in The American church that the Malawians have mastered!
Posted by Amanda
20. The people, the people, the people! Malawi is known as the warm heart of Africa and they do it justice!!!
19. Perfect "winter" weather! Seriously... It's like San Diego! In 20 days we'll be out of Sacramento's blistering 100 degree plus heat and sitting pretty 72 degree afternoons and warm sun! Don't worry, we'll send postcards ;)
18. Fanta! I've never enjoyed an orange fanta like I do in Malawi!
17. Mini buses. Where else can you sit on a strangers lap on public transit and it's totally normal? Don't worry moms, we won't take mini buses often!
16. Physical touch. Similar to Hispanic culture Malawians touch often! Greetings of hugs, kisses and long embraces are normal. The fun isn't just reserved for the ladies either! It's common place to see men holding hands or embracing in public!
15. Nsima!!!! Their food staple, a corn meal mush. If you were at our family dinner you feel our pain. Ok you got me... Nsima is no Americans favorite thing about Malawi but the food isn't horrible!
14. Church! Church in Malawi is LONG and can last for 4 or 5 hours easily but it's one of the moving things I've experienced!
13. The music! Malawians can sing and harmonize like champs! The most beautiful sound ever! Don't worry! Well record it for you!
12, 11, 10. Yea, I can do that! This is my top 20 list! The kids, the kids, the kids!
9. Hospitality like you've never known from people with almost literally no possessions. I don't care who you are... Experiencing that is convicting!
8. The sunsets! Some of the most beautiful on the planet I'm sure of it!
7. Tea time!
6. The smell of burning fields permeates the air during the winter.
5. Dancing! Wanna learn how to shake your booty? Ask a Malawian!
4. Cadbury chocolate. Enough said.
3. Bargaining and bartering... An art long lost in American that holds strong in Malawi!
2. The smiles! Some of the most genuine and gorgeous smiles you'll ever see!
1. Their respect and honor for God. I think this is something we lack in The American church that the Malawians have mastered!
Posted by Amanda
Disclaimer
Last night at our meeting where we learned all about clean water and how to teach Malawians how to purify their water to reduce illness and death we also got super techy! All the team members linked our blogs together! We can now post blogs not just from our iPhones but you'll be able to read blog entries from each of our team members in all their unique glory from right here! We're also hopefully going to easily post pictures and blogs from our iPhones while we're in Malawi! Can I get a shout out for technology!?
Posted by Amanda
Posted by Amanda
Sunday, July 11, 2010
What up yo
Hey guys! Nikie here. Just had another team meeting. THREE WEEKS LEFT! Woohoo! Got some good info tonight, learned not to poo in your water supply. It's good info people. We may dig some poo holes for Jesus! Pray for us in these last days, some of us (like me) still need some funds. :) thanks for all the support we've gotten! We're truly blessed! Well, that's all I got :) Lates!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
We have...
TICKETS! It was quite a process but the Lord has provided and we each officially have our plane tickets purchased to Malawi! Phew! Almost every team member still has at least a few hundred dollars left to raise so keep praying in that support with us! We're ecstatic we can all be on the same flights and that the Lord has provided funding for our plane tickets!
Stay tuned for an update from our latest meeting! Thanks for supporting us!
Stay tuned for an update from our latest meeting! Thanks for supporting us!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Our first official team meeting!
It's official! We have started meeting as a team! HORRAY! We got together tonight and enjoyed (my favorite) pizza place Cool River, hung out and set some great plans! I can't tell you how excited I am about this team! God is so faithful to have knit this group together with such obvious intention! The passion and skill set of each individual coupled with their unique gifts and temperaments is simply beautiful! We have Vanessa who is quiet, gentle and sweet! I can't wait to learn more about her and pick her brain! You can see the wisdom in her eyes! Brett is full of energy and up for anything! He's always ready and willing to give whoever 110% of what he has! Nikie shared great wisdom and insight tonight giving us real direction! She's chill and has shown a real commitment to the cause of Malawi. Whitney is a joy, full of useful connections and great ideas! Eva is a wealth of knowledge and commitment to educating herself about the issues Malawians face. Jake couldn't make the meeting but is clearly thrilled about the possibilities in Malawi! I can't wait to see how his background in business and banking play out in Malawi!
We discussed how to get in the rest of our support, specifics about packing and few details and made one big decision! Our ministry options! As a team we will offer a wound clinic and a seminar on water purification as well each be prepared to lead story telling for non-literate peoples!! Whitney will prepare to train the rest of the team for the wound clinic, Eva will train us on the water purification and I will teach the story telling. We are thrilled to have this finally decided!
We each need $2,700 turned in by Wednesday in order to purchase our plane tickets together! Please pray with us! Everyone is still in financial need except for Whitney. We fully believe God will provide!
We discussed how to get in the rest of our support, specifics about packing and few details and made one big decision! Our ministry options! As a team we will offer a wound clinic and a seminar on water purification as well each be prepared to lead story telling for non-literate peoples!! Whitney will prepare to train the rest of the team for the wound clinic, Eva will train us on the water purification and I will teach the story telling. We are thrilled to have this finally decided!
We each need $2,700 turned in by Wednesday in order to purchase our plane tickets together! Please pray with us! Everyone is still in financial need except for Whitney. We fully believe God will provide!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Team Member Bio- NIKIE!
Meet Nikie! Nikie has been on board with Malawi since it's humble beginnings at Bridgeway last November with our MADZI:MUZU benefit concert! Nikie has a rockin voice and a heart to serve! Rumor on the street is she makes a mean mocha! I love Nikie's creativity! She is working hard on her fundraising and holds "Mocha's for Malawi" parties where she makes mocha's and keeps all the profit to help send her to Malawi! Love it! Without further blabbing... here's Nikie!
Why are you excited to go to Malawi: I'm excited to build a relationship with the people and help support them. I am also really excited to experience the culture!
What is your greatest hope for this trip: To be used by God, whatever that is!
What's your greatest fear regarding the trip: SPIDERS! haha
What strengths do you bring to the team: I'm pretty easy going so I'm willing to pitch in with any task, and I enjoy helping with physical labor.
How long have you attended Bridgeway: About 5 years
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be: hmmm that's hard, I guess sandwiches!
Which cartoon character do you most resemble or act like: In attitude I'm a lot like Mulan
What book are you currently reading: The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Who has most impacted your life spiritually: Justin Pritchard. I was on junior high staff with him for a few years after I left the church I grew up in. I was in a rough place and he helped me grow immensely. Him and his family are some on my all time favorite people :)
What's your favorite restaurant for lunch: BJ's!
There you have it ladies and gents! NIKIE!
Why are you excited to go to Malawi: I'm excited to build a relationship with the people and help support them. I am also really excited to experience the culture!
What is your greatest hope for this trip: To be used by God, whatever that is!
What's your greatest fear regarding the trip: SPIDERS! haha
What strengths do you bring to the team: I'm pretty easy going so I'm willing to pitch in with any task, and I enjoy helping with physical labor.
How long have you attended Bridgeway: About 5 years
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be: hmmm that's hard, I guess sandwiches!
Which cartoon character do you most resemble or act like: In attitude I'm a lot like Mulan
What book are you currently reading: The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Who has most impacted your life spiritually: Justin Pritchard. I was on junior high staff with him for a few years after I left the church I grew up in. I was in a rough place and he helped me grow immensely. Him and his family are some on my all time favorite people :)
What's your favorite restaurant for lunch: BJ's!
There you have it ladies and gents! NIKIE!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Meet Your Ministry Partners!
Now that you've all met Whitney I'd like to introduce you to Children of the Nations! I (Amanda) interned with COTN in 2007 for a few months. They do amazing work with some of the most beautiful children and widows you'll ever meet! Speaking of meet children and widows allow me to introduce Alefa...
She a stunning, gentle spirited daughter of an AIDS widow from the village of Mtsiliza. I fell in love with sweet Alefa and her quiet hugs I received daily while in the village teaching her mom to sew and knit. I can't wait to give Alefa more hugs and hopefully (if she's not too tall already!) a new dress made lovingly by the hands of the women at Bridgeway!
Meet Thoko! I love his proud eyes as his buddy, "Uncle Jeremiah" ties his "tie" for him! Thoko is another widow's child I got to know and love during my time in Malawi. He is a spit fire! He is always climbing everywhere, starting fights and creating chaos. He thrived on much needed attention from Christian male role models like my friend and fellow intern, Jeremiah. I'm thrilled for him to meet and be loved on by Brett, Justin and Jake! In fact... he reminds me a lot of Brett now that I think about it! Maybe Brett has met his energy match in Thoko. This could be a match made in Heaven!
In Malawi we will tour COTN's ministry sites including a village assistance program and a functioning children's home farm called Chitipi. We will also be staying at their beautiful compound in an area of town called Njewa. Here is a shot of "Salima Village" where we will be staying! Plush huts, no?!
(sorry the picture is small!)
(sorry the picture is small!)There you go! COTN! I hope this is the beginning to a lovely friendship between you and COTN!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Team Member Bio- WHITNEY!
I'm pleased to introduce you to sweet Whitney!
I am thrilled to have Whitney as a part of our team! She will be a huge asset to the team (plus she's as adorable as can be and I can't wait to get to know her better!) Whitney makes wedding dresses! Every little girl's dream, right?! I hope you enjoy reading my little interview with Whitney! Check back for more team member bios every week!
Why are you excited to go to Malawi? I am excited to go to Malawi for the cultural experience. I am so excited to see the differences between the Christian communities here and there.
What is your hope for your time in Malawi? I hope this trip will bring me closer to God and open my eyes to the world around me!
What is your biggest fear regarding your trip to Malawi? I feel like I'm taking the fear in with the excitement... making it all a part of the experience.
What strengths do you bring to the team? One of the ministries we will work with is COTN's Widow's Ministry. They mainly deal with sewing and the construction of fabric products. I am very well educated in the construction of clothing so that is defiantly the biggest strength I bring to the team.
Have long have you attended Bridgeway? 4 years
Can you roll your tongue? YES! Only in the taco! No clover :(
What food could you eat everyday for the rest of your life? Grilled cheese sandwiches from Noah's bagels
What book are you currently reading? "The Art of Racing in the Rain" great great book! I defiantly recommend it!
Who has impacted your life the most spiritually? The Hagman family has impacted my life the most spiritually. If any of you know them you will agree they are all amazing family and have a way of making you feel loved and like a member of the family!
What's your favorite place for lunch? Blunami! Amazing sushi!
I am thrilled to have Whitney as a part of our team! She will be a huge asset to the team (plus she's as adorable as can be and I can't wait to get to know her better!) Whitney makes wedding dresses! Every little girl's dream, right?! I hope you enjoy reading my little interview with Whitney! Check back for more team member bios every week!
Why are you excited to go to Malawi? I am excited to go to Malawi for the cultural experience. I am so excited to see the differences between the Christian communities here and there.
What is your hope for your time in Malawi? I hope this trip will bring me closer to God and open my eyes to the world around me!
What is your biggest fear regarding your trip to Malawi? I feel like I'm taking the fear in with the excitement... making it all a part of the experience.
What strengths do you bring to the team? One of the ministries we will work with is COTN's Widow's Ministry. They mainly deal with sewing and the construction of fabric products. I am very well educated in the construction of clothing so that is defiantly the biggest strength I bring to the team.
Have long have you attended Bridgeway? 4 years
Can you roll your tongue? YES! Only in the taco! No clover :(
What food could you eat everyday for the rest of your life? Grilled cheese sandwiches from Noah's bagels
What book are you currently reading? "The Art of Racing in the Rain" great great book! I defiantly recommend it!
Who has impacted your life the most spiritually? The Hagman family has impacted my life the most spiritually. If any of you know them you will agree they are all amazing family and have a way of making you feel loved and like a member of the family!
What's your favorite place for lunch? Blunami! Amazing sushi!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Little Dresses for Africa
A few weeks ago the women's ministry at Bridgeway held an event called "Little Dresses for Africa". There was a HUGE turn out of women who came with sewing machines and pillow cases in hand ready to make an enormous impact in Malawi! We packed out the community hall in the church and the event ran like a well oiled machine with master seamstresses at 13 different tables leading teams of women who turned ordinary pillow into adorable, embellished dresses! I had the sweet opportunity to share with the women a bit about Malawi. I told them Malawi is one of the poorest nations in the world, struggling to survive with almost no possessions. I encouraged the women to assemble their dresses prayerfully considering the souls in which these dresses will bless. The dresses will likely be worn day in and day out for the next 20 or so years by a variety of girls. I thanked the women of Bridgeway for partnering with us to bless the girls of Malawi and assured them the dresses would be delivered with love. I promised the women of Bridgeway the girls receiving these dresses will know they are loved by them but more importantly and more immensely by their Heavenly Father! There were 171 dresses assembled the dresses and there are still more pouring in to the office at the church! We are so thankful for the skilled hands and loving hearts who have helped make this endeavor possible! Thank you women of Bridgeway! We promise we will takes lots of pictures! Speaking of pictures I hope you've enjoyed these from the event! 
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