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!

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!)

There you go! COTN! I hope this is the beginning to a lovely friendship between you and COTN!

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!