Now that I have officially left the foreign mission field,
it's time for a debriefing. What was I doing in Malawi? What was the point of
being overseas? What did I accomplish? How will this affect my future, and the
future of the people I met? Will I go back? How have I changed over this time? There
are a thousand things to consider now that I have returned to the United
States, and it can all be a little overwhelming. So I'm going to try and answer
these questions to the best of my ability. Here we go.
What was I (and my
family) doing in Malawi?
While we were there, I didn't just drop out of school to go live in a village in the middle of nowhere. I went to ABC Christian Academy, an American-styled school, from freshman to junior year. There I took classes, had exams, studied, and did things like most high schoolers. I was the main photographer and took photos of basically any event that happened—mostly the high school boys football (soccer) games. However, there were a couple major differences. 1) Class size. In my grade, it fluctuated between 5-7 people during my three years. In my junior year, there were five of us, and only one sophomore, so he joined most of our classes. 2) Structure. There were about five classrooms in total that teachers would switch between. We had no lockers; instead we used wooden cubbies (like what elementary schools use). We had no actual cafeteria, but ate in a huge pavilion that had a kitchen you could buy food from. Most things were open— kind of like a Californian style. 3) Teachers. A lot of our teachers are very young, but it works well. It's nice having teachers be in your generation to understand the same kinds of things that you. There's a special bond between students and staff while maintaining a good level of professionalism.
While we were there, I didn't just drop out of school to go live in a village in the middle of nowhere. I went to ABC Christian Academy, an American-styled school, from freshman to junior year. There I took classes, had exams, studied, and did things like most high schoolers. I was the main photographer and took photos of basically any event that happened—mostly the high school boys football (soccer) games. However, there were a couple major differences. 1) Class size. In my grade, it fluctuated between 5-7 people during my three years. In my junior year, there were five of us, and only one sophomore, so he joined most of our classes. 2) Structure. There were about five classrooms in total that teachers would switch between. We had no lockers; instead we used wooden cubbies (like what elementary schools use). We had no actual cafeteria, but ate in a huge pavilion that had a kitchen you could buy food from. Most things were open— kind of like a Californian style. 3) Teachers. A lot of our teachers are very young, but it works well. It's nice having teachers be in your generation to understand the same kinds of things that you. There's a special bond between students and staff while maintaining a good level of professionalism.
 |
| Sophomore and Junior class with our homeroom teacher Miss V |
In addition
to being a high school student, I helped run the Malawi side of an organization
called Project Juembo (Juembo means bag
in the language Chichewa). This ministry is similar to Operation Christmas
Child, but is not limited to the Christmas season, and uses backpacks instead
of shoeboxes. People in the States, and other first world countries, fill a
backpack with clothes, shoes, school supplies, hygiene items, toys, and other
things for a child of specified age and gender. The backpacks are then sent to
Malawi, and that is where my work began. I would inventory all the bags, and
analyze the different ages and genders. I would then find a school, orphanage,
or small village that was in great need. I would match up the backpacks that
were donated with a child of the specified age and gender. On the day of
distribution a photo would be taken of the child and that bag they received.
This photo is then emailed back to the donor with a thank you message. The two
years I helped run this organization, we were able to donate roughly 400
backpacks to kids in need. If you want to get involved with the project, go to
www.projectjuembo.com.
An everyday
thing that I also was involved with was tutoring two boys (9 and 11) every day
after school. If your friends with me on Facebook you've probably seen many of
my humorous conversations with them. These boys became like little brothers to
me, and I was able to see them grow in so many ways over the years. It was a
really humbling to work with these kids because often times I was the only one
who showed them any attention. Their parents worked and didn't spend much time
with them, so I had to be there for them. Many times, especially when doing
Bible homework or memorizing verses, they would ask me about Jesus or things
they didn't understand about Christianity. It was exciting to be able to share
Christ with these kids and help them understand him better. I will miss them tremendously.
As for my parents, they did a lot too.
 |
| Typical day with one of my kids |
My mom taught fourth grade at ABC Christian
Academy all three years we were in Malawi. The last two years she was the head
teacher of the upper elementary (3rd-5th grade). This entailed teaching and
managing her own classroom of about 20 students, overlooking and helping the
other teachers in her domain, and being part of the administrative team. She also
acted as a mother figure to many people on the ABC campus. Weather they were
young single teachers who missed their families, or college students that
didn't have families, there were always people at our house.
 |
| My mom and dad with two college students |
There were
very few things my dad was not involved in. His main job was heading up the
Mass Communications department of African Bible College (ABC). This meant
teaching 9 classes, running the new TV station (ABC TV channel 21), and
assisting in the ABC radio. If you know my father at all, you know that he
always runs the sound system at an event—that didn't change in Malawi. So
basically any time there was a need for microphones or speakers to be used, my
dad was the one in charge. He also coached the girls' basketball team, the Lady
Lions and lead them to their first championship victory in the history of ABC.
Needless to
say, we kept very busy while in Malawi.
What was the point of
being in Malawi?
Though we were not living out in a village, or church planting in remote areas, or other stereotypical missionary thing, we were missionaries. Our main purpose was unquestionably to share the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ. This was accomplished in many ways. The main one was in everyday life and interaction with other people—Malawian or ex-pats. The way we interacted with people and what we taught them was a means of showing Christ. There were other more direct methods such as going out to villages and sharing Christ. We were in Malawi to further God's kingdom and help people that were in need.
Though we were not living out in a village, or church planting in remote areas, or other stereotypical missionary thing, we were missionaries. Our main purpose was unquestionably to share the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ. This was accomplished in many ways. The main one was in everyday life and interaction with other people—Malawian or ex-pats. The way we interacted with people and what we taught them was a means of showing Christ. There were other more direct methods such as going out to villages and sharing Christ. We were in Malawi to further God's kingdom and help people that were in need.
How does this Change the
future?
Perspective is what has really changed, and that will dictate my future. After living in one of, if not the, poorest country in the world, my outlook on things has changed so much. Priorities have been shifted tremendously for me. The people I have met and the things I have seen have given me a more rounded view of the world. It is because of living in Malawi that I know what I want to do with my future.
Perspective is what has really changed, and that will dictate my future. After living in one of, if not the, poorest country in the world, my outlook on things has changed so much. Priorities have been shifted tremendously for me. The people I have met and the things I have seen have given me a more rounded view of the world. It is because of living in Malawi that I know what I want to do with my future.
Will I go back?
I have been asked this question countless times. The answer is yes. I will go back to Malawi at some point—I don't know when, but I will. I am hoping that over the course of my senior year in the States, I will be able to raise enough money to go back and visit Malawi. Aside from visiting, I would love to live in Malawi again. My plan is to become a doctor, and after the excruciatingly long process of under grad, med school, and residency, I will try and move to Malawi and serve there. So don't worry, Malawi, we will meet again.
I have been asked this question countless times. The answer is yes. I will go back to Malawi at some point—I don't know when, but I will. I am hoping that over the course of my senior year in the States, I will be able to raise enough money to go back and visit Malawi. Aside from visiting, I would love to live in Malawi again. My plan is to become a doctor, and after the excruciatingly long process of under grad, med school, and residency, I will try and move to Malawi and serve there. So don't worry, Malawi, we will meet again.
As for my
parents, their decision is up in the air. The events that transpire this
upcoming year will determine what they do. If one or both of them get long term
jobs, then the will stay in the States. However, if neither get jobs, then they
will start raising support to go back to Malawi.
How have I changed?
Like I said, my biggest change is my perspective on things. Coming home and going to Walmart last night was one of the most overwhelming experiences I've had. I stood staring at Oreos for five minutes confused as to why someone could possibly need 15 different kinds of Oreos. Malawi taught me simplicity and necessity. Being in America where things are complex and desire-based, I get annoyed and confused. I think about the importance of my complaints and how they compare to others: e.g. "Mom wouldn't stop for Chick-fil-A on the way home" versus "Mom didn't get paid, so we aren't eating today."
Like I said, my biggest change is my perspective on things. Coming home and going to Walmart last night was one of the most overwhelming experiences I've had. I stood staring at Oreos for five minutes confused as to why someone could possibly need 15 different kinds of Oreos. Malawi taught me simplicity and necessity. Being in America where things are complex and desire-based, I get annoyed and confused. I think about the importance of my complaints and how they compare to others: e.g. "Mom wouldn't stop for Chick-fil-A on the way home" versus "Mom didn't get paid, so we aren't eating today."
My priorities have also shifted. Recently
we had a prom that was organized outside of school. I bought a new dress for it
and spent roughly $60. I was shopping with a college student that I became close
with, and after I bought it she said, "You just spent the same amount on a
dress as a wealthy Malawian makes in one month." Of course she didn't say
this to make me feel bad, but I instantly felt guilty. There is a constant
thought of, "is this necessity, or is there a better alternative?" because
of living in Malawi.
Now What?
So I'm no longer in Malawi. I don't know where I'll be spending my senior year. There is a lot of uncertainty concerning my future. I know that whatever may lie in the oblivion it will be affected by my time in Malawi. We'll see what the future holds.
So I'm no longer in Malawi. I don't know where I'll be spending my senior year. There is a lot of uncertainty concerning my future. I know that whatever may lie in the oblivion it will be affected by my time in Malawi. We'll see what the future holds.
