Last Minute Jitters….

I will keep it short since I am feeling anxious!!

There has been so much prep  & prayers, I have faith all will be alright… however,

I need to get rest tonight & hope my bags are light enough.

Did I pack everything?

6:10am…. that is when my ride is coming?! Oh goodness. Will I be able to carry every bag? Will I make it to the right gate?

BLAH blah BlaH!

These are just a few things running through my head tonight.

Pick up time from my sister’s apartment in the lower east village: 6:10am

Time of departure for an international flight: 10:40 am

16 Hours of flying we will land in Johannesburg — then 2 hours to make sure my bags make it through and walk  on to my next plane.. To MALAWI.

At that time, I think I will feel waay less nervous, anxious or stressed.

Thank You

Thank You!

If you have asked me about Malawi,  if you have said a prayer for me, if you have attended/helped an event to support my journey… Thank You.

A loss for words?! That is very foreign to me. However, my tears of joy last night spoke to for me. We raised over $700.00, when my goal left was $600.00! The money was literally raised it 2 hours! Thank You! People came out from all walks of life, parts of New Jersey, Wilmington DE, and  Philadelphia, including some people showing up who I just met! Words of encouragement, and cheer I received… Wow! I am seriously lucky! The people who I am surrounded by are truly incredible! I am assured that I have people who care for me, who ask about and who pray for the biggest adventure in my life–which is following God’s command for me to serve in Malawi for the next 5 months.

Thank you for raising a glass or two … or  for buying a raffle ticket, or 20! What an encouraging community. Thank you for expressing to me God’s Love. A love that acts, that is diligent and a love that is not self-seeking.

                                                                                                …I am blessed upon blessed…

Seriously, Thank You.

Speak English?

My style of travel is to challenge myself to know a bit more than just English. Typically the norm in our culture is to expect everything to be written, posted or even spoken in English. I dismiss that notion and move to a different beat.

I am extremely fortunate to know many Malawians here in Camden, NJ, & lucky because I have a head start on some of my Chichewa lessons. Chichewa, the main language spoken in Malawi is unique, but is a little difficult for my mouth to remember. In Chichewa, W’s follow right after B’s and M’s and W’sare close friends. Difficult for my month to remember because English was my mouth’s first language. My mouth is not used to a word like mwana;  which means child.

                                     Try it!  Say mwana.  Do you agree it is a bit of a bizarre feeling?

I am so happy I have had the the opportunity to learn words, phrases and formal greetings. Late last night I was given the opportunity to practice some of my skills, my friend Isaac who lives in Malawi was proud of me too!

I said, ” Zikomo! i cannot wait!! keep me in your prayers, I still need a bit more money to be raise/donated, and travel plans to work out… 🙂 miss you guys for sure.

Isaac Chikwawa replied, “Will keep on praying 4 u,wow,u can even write chichewa on your own? Amazing!!”

                     ndili wosangalala! Zikomo!

                         (I am happy, Thank you)