3 weeks to go...

I've been having a good few days since my post last week. The weekend at Njewa was a lot of fun and much needed. It was really good to catch up with the other interns and see what God has been doing in their lives. We got to just relax the whole weekend. We even had pizza and ice cream Friday. Oh man--it was heaven. Sunday morning we went to Flood Church. 4 of the interns at Njewa go to Flood in San Diego. Flood did a church plant in Malawi and so we got to go. Us Chiwengo interns were so happy. Church in Chiwengo consists of sitting there for 3 or 4 hours not being able to understand anything. We always bring books to read ha. We sang songs we knew in English and we could understand the sermon! I have been missing church, but I didn't realize how much I missed it until Sunday. As a Christian, you really need that nourishment and fellowship. Church was much needed.

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was getting to talk to my parents, my sister, and Amy Scott. I got to talk to them on Saturday, and it made my day. I was actually really nervous an hour or so before I was going to talk to them. I mean, I haven't talked to them in a month. It was so good to hear their voices, and I definitely cried all 3 times I was on the phone. Talking to home made some of the girls homesick and I was nervous it would make this next month harder, but it did just the opposite. I was so encouraged by the conversations no matter how short they were. It really gave me the push I needed to get through the last 4 weeks or so. The whole weekend really recharged me and I was pumped to be back in Chiwengo Sunday night.

I've mentioned before that this is the hardest thing I've ever done and that it's really teaching me to rely on God. I think that's probably the biggest thing I'm going to get out of this internship. I'm learning a lot about perseverance and getting through each day with the help of God's strength. As of right now, my heart isn't really in Chiwengo. I don't mean that in a bad way and I don't mean that I hate it. It's just that it's not something that truly moves me and makes me come alive--like working in children's homes and stuff. Some interns are at home here and God is telling them this is what I want you to do. And it's not like that for me so that makes it a little harder for me. I mean, I love these kids and I love COTN, but Chiwengo is simply not me. HOwever, throw me in a village of kids during outreach and I love it. Even this heart issue is teaching me to rely on God, so I can't complain really. I was talking to Keltner (one of the leaders) about maybe coming back next year and staying at Njewa. We'll see...that's a summer away...

I feel like John 15:5 has been a theme for me--the whole vine and branches and remaining in Him thing. That's something I've been really trying to do and praying about.

So usually we don't go into town until Saturday, but we're here today. This weekend is really busy so they gave us today off. The sports tournament is this weekend. And the Njewa interns are coming Saturday for the weekend! I am excited about that. We're going to show them what we do and they're excited to help us out. Sunday we have 2 teams coming--Hawaii and Colorado? So next week should be crazy. We're also celebrating Christmas in July on Sat..complete with secret santa. I have McKenna...shh..

So...witchcraft is a big thing in Malawi, and we are experiencing that firsthand at Chiwengo. There are 2 witches that have been talking to some of our kids. There is such a fight for their souls and these kids are so impressionable. Witchcraft is a scary thing and I am concerned for the kids here. Even though many in Malawi are "Christian," witchcraft is still present. We have been really praying for these kids lately in regards to this and I ask that you would do the same. It's such a dangerous thing to be playing with.

I have about 2--2 1/2 weeks left and Chiwengo and I'm trying to make the most of them. I've been learning that something even as small as holding a hand or smiling makes a difference. One of the national interns told us that whenever an azungu held her hand as a child, she wouldn't wash her hands for days. Makes you think about what you're doing...and every hand you hold.
I am continually blown away by the support and prayers. My mom told me that there is a prison in Jax praying for us--so cool. God is so good. Keep it up, friends. I'll see you soon.

but i press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me -philippians 3:12