1 year!

What should we say?  It’s been more than 1 year since Malawi became home for the time being. March 22 marked my one year anniversary of being here in Malawi.  And it’s been a year! I find myself struggling for words.  What words will adequately express the range of emotions, the heights of joy and thankfulness and on the other side at times also the depths of loneliness and sickness?  What will express the beauty of living in a different culture while not giving the illusion that life is always rosy.  There are – as always and everywhere – both sides of the coin.

In the past year, I have done many things I would not have expected.  I now have my motorcycle license of all things.  (A separate blog post coming on that experience!)  I drive my car on dust or mud, mountain roads or flat ones.  I’ve washed clothes by hand and carried water on my head.  I’ve started teaching Sunday school in Chichewa!  I even crave nsima sometimes and cook Malawian foods at home.  I find ways to bake what I want even when certain ingredients or tools aren’t available.  I have learned that to stand when others are sitting is rude.  I have learned that directly saying what you mean is rude – communication is more indirect.  (for example, it’s better to say “not today/another day” at the market instead of an outright No.)   I have learned that while the Malawian police force doesn’t drive cars like we do, they have their own methods of catching speeders.  Oops.

I do need to apologize for not keeping up with the blogs since the new year started.  I have also experienced being sick here.  Most of the month of February was a battle.  For 2 weeks, I was sick with malaria.  If I had caught it earlier, it wouldn’t have taken so long most likely.  As soon as I started the medication it was over within 3 days.  Of course, then it took a few days to get over the residual weakness that is normal after a fever and not eating properly.  Shortly after that, I got a bad cold, lost of voice and was coughing – I’m assuming my immune system had taken a hit from the malaria.  All in all, it was some time before I felt back to normal again. 

Another first, was hosting my first visitor from home! My sister came for a 2 week visit to see my home, my work, my people here.  That was a very, very lovely treat!  We thoroughly enjoyed visiting a tea plantation, doing a safari, going to work together, etc. etc.

If I had to write everything about the past year it would be too much, but all in all, I look back over it with thankfulness.  Thankfulness to God for the times of strength He has given me in my weakness.  Thankfulness for the blessing of WhatsApp calls and connections home. 

Thankfulness for friends here who work together.  Thankfulness for good working relationships and a solid church, for good friends and people who have become like family.   Thankfulness for the support of others like you, who make it possible for me to live here.  Honestly, I can’t do with without you.  I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – it really takes a village.  But most of all, thankfulness to God above for His constant faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness.