"No one can do everything. But everyone can do something."

It’s hard to know where to begin when writing about my adventures in Africa thus far. So much has happened, and many of these experiences are difficult to describe or express with simple words.

I have now been here nearly three weeks, although it feels much longer than that. I am adjusting to life as a foreigner and learning to live in a third world country. Conveniences that I have never thought twice about are now obviously missing- such as a microwave, high speed internet, good staplers, working stoplights, etc. Luckily, the challenge of going without these amenities is, currently, entertaining. There is somewhat of a thrill in the fact that every day offers a new trial to tackle.

This past week I FINALLY finished setting up my fourth grade classroom, decorating each nook and cranny for my students. Thursday began the new school year and I excitedly met an anxious bunch of fourth graders. I already love the close knit community at the academy, values the school upholds, and the diversity in the student population. The first two days confirmed that teaching is exactly what I want to be doing. My favorite comment of the week was a student lamenting on Friday afternoon, “I wish it was Monday already!” This definitely made me feel like a successful teacher, whether this is true or not is another question entirely. I guess we’ll see if he feels the same way in a few weeks…

As for free time and weekend adventures, I have had the opportunity to visit Lake Malawi twice. The first time was just to enjoy the beautiful beach, Jet Ski, learn to paddle board, and relax. But yesterday, our trip looked very different.

ABC has a program called Project Juembo. This project partners with churches and schools in the USA to send backpacks full of supplies to children in some of the poorest villages of Malawi. I had the amazing opportunity to help pass out these backpacks and visit the children in these villages. It is unbelievable that nestled right off the shore of this incredible lake is such a decrepit village. The children do not speak English and have little exposure to white people. What really hit me was just how crazy it is that your place of birth (which you have no choice in), dictates who you are, what you have, and what you are able to do in life. Whereas I had virtually unlimited options as a child, these kids have nothing available to them. They are stuck in a track of life that they didn’t choose for themselves. It is hard to know how to rectify this, considering there are countless children around the world in the same boat. Countering that depressing thought, Project Juembo has a motivating and comforting motto, “No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.” That is exactly what I had the privilege of being a part of- just helping in some small way to brighten the lives of these children. In this case, I think the following pictures express what words just fail to capture…

 

 

 

 The smiles on the faces of these kids are perfect reminders of why I originally wanted to travel to Malawi. I hope that gives a slight glimpse into my time so far in Malawi. I am so thankful and humbled that I am fortunate enough to spend a year in such a wonderful country. I know will have more to write about soon. Thank you for all of your prayers!  

Love,

Danielle








If you would like to know more about Project Juembo you can visit their website: www.projectjuembo.com

I'M IN AFRICA!

Wow, I've been in Africa less than a week and yet it feels so much longer. I cannot believe the amazing opportunity I have to serve here in Lilongwe for a year.



The Streets of Malawi

The adventure began last Sunday evening when I left my wonderful family at the gate of the DIA airport. It was so hard to say goodbye, but the excitement of the unknown pulled me forward. The travel process ended up being better than I could have hoped. I sat next to the nicest people, and in London met up with another girl going to ABC. Three flights and two layovers later, I arrived in Malawi, Africa.


It smelled like Africa as soon as I was off the plane. I don't know how really to describe it, but Africa smells and feels different than America. I had memories of my trip in 2009 to Zambia and South Africa when I first decided to become a teacher.. Finally, that day had come!



Rickety African Bridge
(Apparently knocked down every rainy season and rebuilt)

We were met by smiling faces and welcoming arms, the ABC staff were so friendly. It was like we were old friends. This feeling has continued all week. I have yet to cook a meal for myself, as all the families are having us over for dinner. There have been game nights, potlucks, shopping trips, and workout sessions. People here just have an openness that seems to be missing in America. The culture here is more relationship than success focused.

 

Shopping

This week I have also already had my first shopping and market experience. Let me just say, I may be living off cereal and rice for the next year. Cooking here is completely from scratch. Forget about finding the same ingredients as in America, unless you plan on spending a fortune. I also realized how much I have to learn. I am the immigrant who doesn't understand how to count money, or who nods and laughs at all the wrong times. But I am thrilled about the opportunity to discover so many new things!


Food at the Market

With all of this going on, it is no wonder I haven't had much time to write! School here starts in a little over a week, which is actually what is giving me the most anxiety. As a first year teacher, there are so many details to organize and think about. My classroom is coming along well though :)

 

 

Scavenger Hunt

All in all, I am so blessed to be here at ABC. It hasn't even been a week and I already have so many stories (like finding a lizard in my bathroom, riding in a mini bus with twenty people, scavenger hunts, and crossing rickety bridges to reach overcrowded markets).

 

 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me both with prayers and finances. I am exactly where God has called me to be and that wouldn't be possible without the love and support of everyone back home. I find myself constantly thinking and saying..."I'M IN AFRICA!" It just seems so unbelievable that I am actually living out my dream.

I hope to share with you all more of my journey soon!

Love,

Danielle