I find it hard to believe that just two short months ago, our preparation for this trip began. I honestly believed that I wasn't going to go back to Malawi for several years. Then, when this opportunity came up, there were a lot of barriers. Of course, there were the issues with the trip cost. That was inhibitive in itself! But there were also a lot of process changes at the church that sincerely made me wonder if we were going to be able to go. But I am continuously amazed at how God breaks through barriers. When He desires something to be done, it just can't be stopped! There is no doubt in my mind that Cindy and I are supposed to go on this trip. It is obvious because only He could have broken down those barriers and made the trip possible.
Here are a couple of other things that are amazing:
* Cindy and I had our garage sale on Saturday, June 18th and raised $952!!! That sincerely blows me away becausewe didn't have any "big ticket" items. We had lots of smaller items, clothes, books, CDs/DVDs, and knick-knacks. Many thanks to those of you who donated to our garage sale. We had a steady stream of people ALL day long, we had some GREAT helpers (Elisa, Francine, Dave & Ron), and we sold a TON of stuff. We were blessed by the outcome.
* What really bakes my noodle is that we are 100% funded for our trip!!!!! WOW!!! We are two weeks out and are 100% funded! Agin, that just blows my mind. I am so grateful for all of the financial support received for this trip. We should even have enough to get an additional couple suitcases to Malawi. What an amazing gift!
I don't know why I doubt sometimes. I guess that's part of our human nature but I sure wish I could be more faith-filled. I know that God doesn't have to give me every little thing I want. I am not like a child who can ask for any toy or trinket and expect God to fulfill my desires like a genie in a bottle. But He is so faithful to give us what we need. Philippians 4:19 tells us that "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." That is so very true.
This trip to Malawi is about shining light into dark places, bringing hope to many who are hopeless, and giving love to many who feel unloved and alone. That is what Jesus is all about and I am amazed to get to go back to Malawi to participate in that mission. And you all will be there with me. Through your garage sale donations, financial donations, prayers, and support, we will all be on mission in Malawi together. Thank you for your generosity. You truly amaze and inspire me.
All my love,
~ Pam
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Time is Flying!
Hi, friends!
As we get closer to our departure date (just over six weeks away), I find myself getting even more excited about going back to Malawi. The below report from Maribeth is one of the reasons why.
Maribeth is one of our partners in Malawi. She and Kelsey room together and serve together. The following account seriously gave me goosebumps and reminded me of why I go to Malawi. Bringing light into these dark places is SOOO important. There are so many hurting little ones out there who need to know that they are loved and matter to the Creator of the universe; that He knew them and loved them before they were even born; that He thinks about them more often than there are grains of sand (Psalm 139).
Reported by Maribeth on May 22, 2011:
"At our church in Blantyre we have a Sunday program for the children who are living and sleeping on the streets of Blantyre. They live on the streets, begging and stealing because their their parents are dead, addicted, crazy or abusive. The streets are very dangerous at night especially. About 20 of them ages 6 to 18 years show up each Sunday and we teach them about God's love and give them Malawian donuts...
"We discovered that one of these little boys was being beaten by older kids, but with a beautiful team effort yesterday, he spent his first night in a lovely home for children, run by a committed Malawian couple. Though they have no real resources themselves, they have 28 children they are raising. 28 children. With all the things I am doing here, nothing was more important then yesterday. Our friend, David saw him being beaten and took him. Once Henry stopped crying, Kelsey gave him a banana. Then our pastor put us all in his car and drove us past the market. I ran and bought clothes and shoes in about 5 minutes, praying for the right sizes. Thanks God, everything a perfect fit.
"We drove to STEKA, which is the Children's Home. He was really scared and distrustful, having been abused like he had. I bathed him, singing to him in Chichewa about Jesus. His body was covered with bug bites, large scars, denoting serious past injuries. We put on his new clothes and sat him in front of the homes TV with the other kids. He watched Jesus children's dance videos (smile) for about an hour and then began playing with the kids outside in the yard. We stayed until the sun was going down and promised him in Chichewa that we would be back today. STEKA is in our neighborhood where we live, a 10 minute walk. We will see Henry today. Most likely he will come to our Malawi Montessori Christian School. Two of the children in this home already do. STEKA is one of the centers we work with through our Africa ABC project. Today, I can't think of another reason I am alive. Really, can't think of another reason to live. Can't think of another thing to give my life to."
THESE are the types of stories that makes my heart pump! Like Maribeth said, I can't think of another thing to give my life to. And I am so thankful to have you all with me on this journey. I couldn't do it without your support.
Sincerely,
~ Pam
As we get closer to our departure date (just over six weeks away), I find myself getting even more excited about going back to Malawi. The below report from Maribeth is one of the reasons why.
Maribeth is one of our partners in Malawi. She and Kelsey room together and serve together. The following account seriously gave me goosebumps and reminded me of why I go to Malawi. Bringing light into these dark places is SOOO important. There are so many hurting little ones out there who need to know that they are loved and matter to the Creator of the universe; that He knew them and loved them before they were even born; that He thinks about them more often than there are grains of sand (Psalm 139).
Reported by Maribeth on May 22, 2011:
"At our church in Blantyre we have a Sunday program for the children who are living and sleeping on the streets of Blantyre. They live on the streets, begging and stealing because their their parents are dead, addicted, crazy or abusive. The streets are very dangerous at night especially. About 20 of them ages 6 to 18 years show up each Sunday and we teach them about God's love and give them Malawian donuts...
"We discovered that one of these little boys was being beaten by older kids, but with a beautiful team effort yesterday, he spent his first night in a lovely home for children, run by a committed Malawian couple. Though they have no real resources themselves, they have 28 children they are raising. 28 children. With all the things I am doing here, nothing was more important then yesterday. Our friend, David saw him being beaten and took him. Once Henry stopped crying, Kelsey gave him a banana. Then our pastor put us all in his car and drove us past the market. I ran and bought clothes and shoes in about 5 minutes, praying for the right sizes. Thanks God, everything a perfect fit.
"We drove to STEKA, which is the Children's Home. He was really scared and distrustful, having been abused like he had. I bathed him, singing to him in Chichewa about Jesus. His body was covered with bug bites, large scars, denoting serious past injuries. We put on his new clothes and sat him in front of the homes TV with the other kids. He watched Jesus children's dance videos (smile) for about an hour and then began playing with the kids outside in the yard. We stayed until the sun was going down and promised him in Chichewa that we would be back today. STEKA is in our neighborhood where we live, a 10 minute walk. We will see Henry today. Most likely he will come to our Malawi Montessori Christian School. Two of the children in this home already do. STEKA is one of the centers we work with through our Africa ABC project. Today, I can't think of another reason I am alive. Really, can't think of another reason to live. Can't think of another thing to give my life to."
THESE are the types of stories that makes my heart pump! Like Maribeth said, I can't think of another thing to give my life to. And I am so thankful to have you all with me on this journey. I couldn't do it without your support.
Sincerely,
~ Pam
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