"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