Goodbyes, Prayers, & Thankful Hearts

August 1, 2016

My heart feels quiet this morning.  I am trying to sort out all the things I have experienced during these last two weeks in Malawi, but I'm not quite sure how to do it!  I am overwhelmed with the things I have seen and learned, and am so thankful that this opportunity was placed in front of me nine weeks ago.

Our team has said many goodbyes over the last three days - to the Malawian pastors, to the Zambian pastors, to new friends we met at Mutheto Lodge, to the women and men who work at the ELCM compound......this morning we will say our final goodbyes to those who have consistently been with us throughout these weeks.  There is no amount of "thank you's" that could ever adequately show my gratitude - somehow Malawians seem so much more sincere in their thankfulness.  If only I could embody a fraction of that sincerity...

With my first experience of Malawi nearly over, I am trying to think back to the whirlwind of activities we've participated in since we arrived - the safari, Lake Malawi, new foods, markets and shopping, the incredible pastors' academy....but the absolute, most life-changing part of my time in Malawi was, without a doubt, the people -  .....together, these gentle souls have shown me what love, kindness, compassion, sharing, hospitality, joy, humility, strength, faith, and resilience looks like.  And this is a gift that cannot be repaid...only accepted with grace, and, hopefully, paid forward.

I have been fascinated with the culture here - they dynamics of conversations and relationships, the joy in spirit, the inherent ability to radiate prayer and emotion through song, the innovative and creative ways to solve problems, and the non-complicated way of living.  It's been juxtaposed with a touch of western culture that seems to be edging its way into parts of Lilongwe (and beyond)....I realize that this could eventually be "good" for the economy, but it unsettling to see.

All week long I have also been trying to wrap my mind around the severity of the famine here - I have only been given a glimpse of its affects on the people, and I cannot imagine facing these conditions on a daily basis...particularly with a family.   ....Imagine how much worse things will be if there is famine again during this next growing season.  Please, friends, pray for adequate rain in Malawi.  It may not seem like much, but we have to start somewhere.   And then, pray for sustainable solutions to end hunger here.... we have to tap into resources in the US and abroad that will have longevity....

Yesterday, part of our time was spent visiting a place that specializes in permaculture - an agricultural movement that encourages the intentional growing of foods that are native to Africa.  This concept would allow crops (food) to be grown throughout the year, not just during the rainy season.  Ideas like this have the potential to impact hunger here in Malawi.  I am excited to see where this goes!



I also snuck into the school at the compound to say hello to the children who were there.  They happily posed for a picture and were giddy when they saw themselves and their friends on screen.  Our team also had the opportunity to see a bit more of Lilongwe - Kathy and I got to climb the clock tower near the presidential monument - being this high allowed us to see the city with broader perspective.  We observed the Chinese gardens, the stadium, the government buildings, and the corn mills (which were empty not long ago...within the last few days, imported maize has been delivered there).  And we picked up some Malawian rice and peanuts to take on our journey home before traveling back to the ELCM compound.  Once we returned, we met Bishop Bvumbwe and his wife, Maria, for tea in their home - we were thankful for the invitation, the delicious tea and banana bread, and the conversation.  Shortly after, dinner was enjoyed, with Malawian bananas for dessert (Thanks, Lazarus! These were seriously the best bananas I have ever eaten!).  And then it was off to our rooms to prepare for sleep and departure in the morning.  Another good, full day :)

In two weeks, I have quickly fallen in love with Malawi- the landscape, the culture, the spirit here, and of course, the amazing people........ and I know there will be an empty space in my heart until I am able to return.   Beautiful Malawi, thank you for impacting my faith in a way that nothing else has; thank you for giving me an image of the world that I wish everyone could experience; and thank you for renewing my spirit and sharing your warm heart with me.  My cup runneth over.....

Much love until next time...



My prayer for today:  That we can work together to eliminate hunger everywhere in the world – there is no reason anyone should go hungry..…..none at all……..;that we would openly offer joy and hospitality to everyone we meet, much like the Malawians do (despite their hunger); and that we might see the world with a different, more open-minded perspective, and have the courage to show others what that looks like.  Amen.

Joy, Dancing, & Worship

July 31, 2016

This weekend we have been flooded with joy…..

Saturday, we had the privilege of attending the wedding of our friend Mabel Madinga’s son, Phindu, and his wife Lumbani.  While the wedding had some elements that seemed familiar, much of the ceremony was refreshingly different.  As the ceremony began, two attendants escorted a number of children down the isle – the girls were dressed in gold and navy blue dresses, and the boys in khaki pants, plaid shirts and navy blue vests – they were adorable, to say the least! 

Shortly after, the bridal party began to process-- the gentlemen (dressed in an adult version of the children’s clothing) waited up front – the women (dressed in adult versions of the girls dresses) started from the back.  When it was their turn, the pair would dance down the isle toward each other, meet at the center where they would dance a circle around each other, and then continue dancing toward the front where they would wait.  As Phindu and Lumbani entered the space (sweetly escorted by their fathers), they continued in the same pattern, however, those in attendance began to hoot and call and cheer for them  - it was rowdy and fun! 

The ceremony was officiated by Bishop Bvumbwe, and everything was celebrated; the vows, the message, the signing of the marriage certificate, the showing of the rings, the first kiss….you name it, and family and friends celebrated it with their cheers.  It was joy-filled!

Following the wedding, Mphatso took us to lunch (we had PIZZA!) and then we explored the local market where we shopped for a wedding card (to hold the gift of money we would later give to the bride and groom), and some African fabric (that was WAY more fun that I though it would be!) The market was a lively place packed with vendors of all sorts - people selling fresh fruits and veggies, chicken, household items, clothing and shoes, fabric, roasted grasshoppers…..

After shopping, we met everyone at the “rock gardens” where the wedding reception was located – the outdoor space was beautiful –tall trees, lush grass (which is NOT typical in Lilongwe during the winter months), beautiful flowers….We sat under a tent (right behind Mabel!!!) and watched as the reception commenced.  In Malawi, a wedding reception, while being a place for family and friends to gather and celebrate, is also a way for the new couple to receive money that can help carry them through their first few months of marriage.  We watched as the bridal party danced down a long, red carpet, ending on the grassy dance space in front of everyone. 

The newlyweds were first surrounded by their wedding party where they danced and danced and threw money all around, and danced some more.  Then people danced around Phindu and threw money again, then the same with Lumbani, then around Phindu’s parents, and then Lumbani’s.   After the bridal party danced some more, then people could present their wrapped gifts.  Each group was announced and they could dance with their gifts down the red carpet toward the couple where we could congratulate them and offer our gift.  Then we stayed and danced some more until the next group’s turn.  SO MUCH FUN! People were laughing with us……at us?......not sure J But John, Kathy, Derrick, and I had a great time! 

As a thank you, everyone received a box with snacks, a soda, a cupcake, and a candle.

 

As we prepared to leave we said goodbye to Mabel and her husband – what gracious hearts their family has. 

When we arrived back at the lodge, Rebecca came to the room to apologize for the water not working - - another commonality here…we just go with it… (Rebecca is one of the women who has been here ALL week, arranging meals, cleaning rooms, opening the front gate for cars, working in the reservation office, doing laundry….she did it all, and often at all hours of the night.) She was fascinated by the wooding carvings and fabric I had in my room, so I asked if she would like to see them– she and I chatted for quite a while about her hometown, how we were both at the market today, what color/patterns she likes for making skirts, and how she definitely deserves a break after her busy week.  I thanked her for her hospitality and kindness during our time there…her reply: “No…. thank you.  My week has been blessed having all you pastors staying here.”  Tears……..all week long it has been lovely to be greeted by her warm and genuine smile.  She doesn’t realize that she has been the blessing in this space this week. 

This morning I awoke after my FIRST full night’s sleep since we embarked on this trip.  We enjoyed breakfast, and headed to the ELCM cathedral for worship.  I watched as Abusa John and Abusa Kathy process down the center isle with Bishop Bvumbwe and three other pastors, all dressed in Pentecost green.  I was invited to offer a greeting from the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, and shared my prayers and thankfulness to them.  Abusa John was asked to preach, and did a wonderful job focusing on Ecclesiastes.  (He looked REALLY tall in the pulpit, by the way!)  The music was fantastic – three choirs, a brass band, and a praise team.  Our friends Lazarus and Chicco were in two of the choirs…their smiles never get old!   

I was grateful for the woman sitting next to me at worship – I think she could tell I was lost in translation and would often explain when I needed to move, pray, sit and stand.  When it was time for Holy Communion, a group of us gathered at the kneelers, and waited as one of the pastors would take bread, dip in into a chalice of wine, and place it in our mouths for us…..a little weird for me, but it sure was a blessing to share that sacrament with friends in Malawi. 

In the afternoon, we had our first official FREE time – nothing scheduled until later tonight.   So I napped for three hours and then woke up and called my family J  It was amazing to hear their voices and I am excited to see them in a few days. 

Dinner was enjoyed at a local Italian restaurant (great food!).  Upon returning to our car, Derrick noticed the battery was dead…a sticky situation when you don’t have “jumpers” in your "boot."  But, another vehicle on their way out of the parking lot noticed our trouble and offered to help – looks like there are nice people everywhere J  It didn’t take long to get up and running again.

Tonight we will need to pack everything up, as tomorrow we will be moving around a bit.  After our meeting with the bishop in the morning, we will get settled into our new rooms at the ELCM compound and take a few hours to explore more of Lilongwe before we leave on Tuesday.  I hope we can see Chicco and Lazarus one last time, too. 

Until tomorrow, everyone! 

Friends, Family, & Famine

July 26-29, 2016

Hello everyone!  Sorry I've been off the grid for a few days - there has not been much time as I've (we've) been prepping for teaching in and out of power outages....that's just the way things roll in beautiful Malawi :)

Even though today is the last official teaching day at the academy, I suppose I should take the story back a few days so we can catch up together!

Tuesday morning our team enjoyed breakfast again together - I am reminded daily by the staff here what hospitality looks like - although I may forget their names, I hope I will never forget their sweet, smiling faces.  

I had the privilege of meeting the famous Chicco on Tuesday - he graciously invited the three of us to his home during one of our breaks - and, I was able to see what life was like for many Malawians.  As we were invited into their home, we were greeted by his wife, two of their children, and another child (a nephew?) staying with them for the day.  John asked about their family and schools...and about the effects of the famine....it's not good.  The price of maize (a staple in Malawi) has tripled in price and is being rationed equally to all households, no matter the size of your family......not great news-- in fact it broke my heart wide open.  People here are having to make very difficult choices and unfortunately important things like education must be sacrificed to afford food.

We explored the surrounding area, and were invited to see the mill where maize is usually ground into flour...usually....the mill is completely empty...nothing....and John mentioned that in all the visits he's ever had here, this is the first time it has been empty.  And there are still four more months until they can try to plant for the next growing season....if it rains....

But you wouldn't know there is scarcity here when you meet the people...smiles, gratitude, and hospitality come LONG before fear.  Some families in the area are growing crops during the winter season - it's onions for Chicco - some have gardens with tomatoes, and others small gardens with corn....the trouble is trying to get water to them when it's not the rainy season - bucket after bucket from the creek to the garden....it takes nearly 3 hours a day to water the growing plants in that area!   I was honored to meet Chicco's family, and will remember their soft smiles, and their genuine kindness - they will be in my prayers for many months to come.

Wednesday and Thursday was mostly spent prepping and teaching, interspersed with lots of conversations about church, Holy Spirit, geography, families, companion congregations, exchanging email addresses, and tea breaks.  What a delightful gathering of pastors!   Thursday, I snuck away from John's afternoon session (shh!) to take some pictures of the ELCM compound.  The grounds are meticulously maintained and there is a lot more to see than I realized!  Of course, perfect strangers on the road stopped by to say hello and see how my day was going :)  I  also had the chance to witness a field of children playing a game of soccer.  It made me think of my own kids...I miss them.....

Teaching this week has been amazing - what an honor to be among these pastors from Malawi, Zambia, and Germany, too.  It didn't take long to notice that there were pastors who have had a great deal of theological education here - hopefully more and more can be encouraged and supported each year!  It was great to see such lively interaction during class times - we teachers often posed discussion topics and invited conversation among the pastors - good choice, as they were ON FIRE with thoughts and questions.  Sometimes the conversation got loud and rambunctious - there were several friendly disputes about theology.  And, holy cow, these pastors know how to use their Bibles - quoting, or at least knowing exactly where to find scripture verses as the foundation for their answer/interpretation. They were incredible.

Friday came too soon and I realized this was the last time I would see these pastors for a long time.  As I looked at their faces today, I prayed that I could keep myself together!....After some good, final, theological conversations, Abusa Kathy lead a short healing service.  All the pastors lined up and received anointing oil on their foreheads- a first for them.  It was awesome to see them so eager and excited - many even asked me to take their pictures as they were being blessed.  To top it off, they were singing the entire time!  Not just everyday "nice"singing- rather, is was, I'm-gonna-sing-at-the-top-of-my-lungs-in-harmony-while-dancing-around-the-room-and-clapping-and-holding-a-chair-above-my-head singing! It. was. AWESOME.  We thanked the group for their hospitality and for the opportunity to be with them this week.  And, during the official closing of the academy by Bishop Bvumbwe, the three of us were gifted with a beautiful piece of Malawian fabric -a thoughtful gesture of thanks that I will certainly cherish.  Afterward, we said goodbye to many pastors between Luther Hall and our car - I'm sure gonna miss these guys...and this place.

After we all packed into the truck, we headed back to the lodge to change into casual clothing - Derrick then drove us to Four Seasons to meet Mphatso and his wife Chipi, for dinner.  DELICIOUS!  It was fun to wind down after the week of teaching.

Now I'm comfortably back in my room at the lodge.  I'm playing with my new, beautifully, hand-carved Noah's ark as I sit on my bed...I know each time I look at it, I will remember these incredible people......yep, there are some tears....although it's difficult to explain exactly what I am feeling, I can say this - my life has changed.  My perspectives have changed.  My expectations have changed.  And my heart has changed.  Before I left for this trip a good friend told me that I would never be the same after visiting Malawi - I'm so glad she was right.

Tomorrow, our good friend Mabel Madinga's son will be married at the ELCM cathedral and we have been invited to the wedding.  It will be fun to go, see friends, and celebrate this JOYFUL event with their family.  I promise to share the next chapter of this story tomorrow night after the festivities are done!

Zikomo for listening, my friends.

~Laura

                     

Teaching, Pastors, & Struggles

July 25, 2016

After a lovely weekend, our team woke early this morning to eat breakfast before heading to the ELCM compound for our first teaching day at the Pastor’s Academy.   We met in the cathedral just before 8:00 a.m. for a time of devotions (and SINGING!.....honestly,…… I can’t get enough!)  Bishop Bvumbwe (Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi) was there to officially open the academy, welcome the 60+ pastors who are present this week (the largest number of participants who have attended the academy so far!), and to give some announcements.  His words included gratitude to the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin for the generosity through continued companionships, and for the gifts that were collected for famine relief.   Again, I am proud to be a part of a synod that embraces this companionship and responds to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Malawi through such generosity.  I challenge us to double these efforts in the months to come - the struggle is significant here. 

Morning sessions included introductions (It was fun to share pictures of my family, church and colleagues) and overviews of our academy topics - Abusa Kathy is teaching the Healing Stories of Jesus, Abusa John is teaching about the Reformation and the Creeds, and I am teaching about the Holy Spirit.  We ate lunch together with the pastors and I was introduced to many new friends. 

One special introduction was to Abusa John – the pastor from the Mkhota Parish (Gethsemane’s companion congregation) – he is so thankful for the partnership and is excited for future communication.  He and I will be sharing information throughout this week so that we can be a consistent presence in one another’s prayers and mission.   

We also had the chance to meet a pastor from Germany, Michael, who is in Malawi to learn the language and continue his studies in ministry – he works in and around the ELCM compound, and has been attending some of our sessions.  It’s been fun to visit with him. 

After teaching in the afternoon, my Synod Communicator friend, Mphatso and I traveled into Lilongwe to run an errand – it was fun to ask him questions about his experiences in Ethopia, Switzerland, and Germany, his trips to the US, his studies at the university, and his love for both the church and his work in the church.  He’s a wealth of knowledge, and loves to learn.  It has been a privilege getting to know him. 

After the day of teaching was complete we headed back to our lodge to eat dinner and continue preparing for Tuesday’s classes.  In the evening, the power went out (a very common occurrence here), while trying to prep…..which means I got to use the candles I packed! 

 

I do believe it was a great first teaching day for our team.  Although I had no idea what teaching in Malawi would be like (language barriers?....technology issues?.....questions I cannot clarify, …etc….)  I felt good about the lessons I taught (that’s ok to say, right?!?), and was excited about where these pastors’ hearts were – great questions were asked, fruitful conversation happened among the Abusas, and more singing was heard before tea times and meals (I was one happy girl!)

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here, and honored to be teaching  - although I’m fairly certain that I am learning just as much from these Malawian, Lutheran Abusas as they are from me…….probably even more…..

Through our conversations, it’s becoming evident that there is a variety of suffering and fear that is resting in the hearts of the communities here.  The famine is one major issue…for good reason. And the Abusas seem to be seeking tools that will help them address these concerns in their parishes – although I am unacquainted with their specific contexts, I hope the messages we are teaching will be effective with the help of the Spirit. 

But, it must be said that the Malawians have a joy and peace about them that often overshadows whatever troubles they might have – what a gift to have faith like that…..

I look forward to another day of teaching tomorrow. 

My prayer for today: That we can put ourselves aside long enough to see the suffering in the world and hear the Spirit’s call to help; that we be fearless in standing up for those who cannot defend themselves; and…that we remember to take a break from our electronic devices from time to time so that we can talk to people.    Amen.