In Malawi

moving on...

2009-08-26T19:55:00.001-07:00

I suppose it's been time for a while now to make a new blog. "In Malawi" doesn't seem to quite fit my current situation. Seeing as I'm very far from Malawi right now. Thanks for journeying with me through the last two years. I made a new blog, for those of you who would like to keep up with me.
Here it is:

Take A Moment And...

Megan meets the South

2009-08-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I traveled almost 3,000 miles to visit a special person. We had lots of adventures. Here are a few pictures:

We went to New Orleans. It rained. We had to buy ponchos. Cool souvenirs, huh?

Before it rained it was a beautiful (but hot) day. That is the cathedral behind us.

This is at the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama!

Spanish moss and an oak tree.

Andy standing on the top of the shrimp boat. Cool picture, huh?

Andy meets Oregon

2009-08-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Andy was in the Great Northwest for a couple of weeks. Seeing the sights, meeting the family, you know, things like that. Here are a few pictures.

Umm, wow. Sunset over the Wallowa mountains.

Our traditional picture spot. Now things are really official.

Me and my daddy!!

Boys will be boys. They rolled this stump down the canyon. Why? Because it was there.

Listening to a concert at the Grand Lodge. Good times.

Now I'm in Alabama. Pictures coming soon.

working hard

2009-07-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have the best summer job in the world. I get to hang out with kids and do fun things. Like rock climb. Here's the little guy I'm working with this summer!

That's his innocent look. Don't be fooled.

Candid shot! He's so loving. Most of the time.

No limits! Rock climbing is for everyone!

The program I work for is part of Adventures Without Limits. Click here for the mission statement. And a picture of me that I didn't even know existed. Much less that it was on the internet. Cool.

you say goodbye...

2009-07-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

...and I say hello.

After all of my sad (and some tearful) goodbyes were said in Malawi I had a lot of hello's to look forward to here in Oregon. My family teases me about how I like to stay busy and get bored after a couple hours of not doing something. It's pretty true. Here's a few pictures of what I've been up to in the past few weeks.

SNOW! In June!

Kristy's getting married!

Carol, Em, me...I love them!

Carol and I at the late night food carts. Yummy crepes!

Sagina and I on the way to the rodeo. Yeehaw!

The girls going to the rodeo. Laura and I missed the memo about wearing pink and purple....

an "f" crisis

2009-07-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

Since moving back to the states I have been overwhelmed by the media attention, and the anxiety that is the reality of the economy in the United States (and the world). There really is a feeling of constant anxiety here that I'm assuming I am not the only one feeling. The past couple days have been particularly stressful. As I have been thinking about it, journaling about it, and praying about it, I have come to the realization that I am indeed in the middle of a crisis. It's not the financial crisis that I hear so much about, but it is an f-word crisis (no, not that word, silly). It's a faith crisis.

Sometimes it is so easy to trust that God's plan is best, and that he's got it all worked out and has since the beginning of time. Sometimes it seems impossible. Right now, it seems impossible! I feel like I have big decisions to make that affect more than just me, and I don't know the right answer. I feel like the problems I have are too big to have a happy solution. I'm sure many, if not all, of you can relate. But do you know how ridiculous that is? The notion that something is too big for the God of all Creation? I clearly don't actually KNOW how ridiculous it is. I just know.

Why can't I just sit back and trust that he is in control? Why do I make decision making so hard on myself?

Oh, Lord, refine my faith. Make it real, make it true. Remind me that it's not about me. It's all about YOU.

Psalm 19

2009-06-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

still blogging!

2009-06-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite ready to let go of my Malawi blog. So, I'm going to keep blogging. Plus, it's a lot more fun when the internet works so fast!

Continuing on with the things I miss about Malawi....I'm sure most of you have heard from me or through the grapevine, that there is someone special in Malawi. He obviously makes the list of things I miss! Here are some pictures from the past two years.

Just friends (no, really, just friends) at Claudes, September 2007

Just friends (for real!) in Cape Town, March 2008

Just friends (maybe??) in Zanzibar, March 2009

More than friends (and already matching- scary!), May 2009

Oh so cute at Lake Malawi, May 2009

At the Stauffacher's the day I left (:-(), June 2009

He is a pretty special guy, I'm quite fond of him. We would definitely appreciate your prayers as we move forward in our relationship and away from Malawi.

home again home again

2009-06-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am not quite recovered from the long flight (26 hours, just in the air!). America is very different than Malawi, which I think goes without saying. Please pray for me as I adjust back into life here. For now, I'll continue with my things I love about Malawi posts. Life got a little too crazy before I left for me to finish. Today's most loved item: The McDonalds!

I spent two Christmases with this family, countless Saturday, evenings and potluck. LeAnne has been a wonderful friend, Sam a great teacher, and the girls like nieces to me. At least this goodbye was made slightly easier, since I know I will see them again. In hopefully not too long (*wink*).

Closure 2

2009-05-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Another thing I will miss about Malawi- the crisis nursery. I go every Friday to hold and feed and love on the babies. It has been a great way for me to end my week for the past two years. It reminds me that there are bigger things going on in the world than the stress of my own life. Such as- babies who don't have parents and who are sick and who are one of 25 in an orphanage and who don't get as much love as a baby needs. Plus, I love babies and cuddling these little Malawian babies makes my heart happy! I hope you enjoy the pictures of my little lovelies!

One of the new twins. He/she (not sure which one this is) is about 4 weeks old.

Aww.

This is Rachel.

She was born at the end of January. That makes her 4 months old and her arm looks like this:

My room mate Vicki goes with me. She likes the babies too.

This is the little guy I captured a great smile on a couple weeks ago. This is the room where they all play and eat.

What's up?

Hanging in the laundry basket.

Closure

2009-05-23T02:50:00.000-07:00

Two weeks. That's sad. As is natural during times of transition I have been spending a lot of time walking down memory lane. I thought I'd take you with me on a few of those adventures. Today's feature that I will miss about Malawi: my students!! Teaching such a diverse group of kids has been such a wonderful experience. And they're pretty darn cute, too.

First Grade 2008-2009

First Grade 2007-2008

Charlotte (USA), Lisa, Tiwonge (Malawi)

Trent (S. Africa) and William (Malawi)- best buds!

Mina, the Pharoah (Egypt, just in case you forgot where Pharoahs are)

Tawile (Malawi), Hannah (S. Africa), Tayamika (Malawi)

Keith and Zizwa looking like babies- they are almost in 3rd grade now!

a little of this and a little of that

2009-05-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've been up to for the past few days- in pictures.

Lake Malawi on a beautiful day.

With Andy. :-)

Loving on babies at the crisis nursery.
Finally captured his beautiful smile!

As a side note: Please pray for Malawi as they hold election on Tuesday, May 19th. There is no reason to expect a problem, but this is Africa and anything can happen. We have the day off of school to allow everyone to cast their vote. Pray that the election will be free and fair.

quotes from kids!

2009-05-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

Some quotes are just plain hilarious. Like these ones:

Martina: I think I'm going to marry a penguin.
Tiwonge: Good idea, they don't talk so much.
James: Not me! I'm going to marry a wo-man!

Alexandra: Be nice to me or you can't have any cake.
Lisa: You can't buy me with your cake. I don't need your cake.

Some excite me because I can see that they are learning. Like these:

"I just can't stop thinking about this book! I dream about it and I want to read it all day long!"
"Hey, that's just like in The BFG!" (My whole class was rolling in laughter at this book yesterday. Wow!)

Some show wisdom beyond their years:
Me: Poetry is exciting because it can be so many different things. It's really different than reading a book, or telling someone as story. It can just do more. (I was struggling to explain it to them so that it would make sense).
Mina: Yeah. It can really show emotion.

Pray for us as we attempt to finish strong this year. Pray that I can continue to show love to my students.

worship

2009-04-26T03:21:00.000-07:00

The soft and steady shuffle begins. Knees bend and feet tap; bodies rock, right to left; arms and hands follow along setting the mood for what will follow. My heart is quiet in anticipation. A clear and pointed solitary voice carries through the air, causing my heart to quicken. She begins the song. The rest are signaled by some silent clue to join in -- their voices in perfect harmony, filling the space with the power of their song. The sound bounces from wall to wall and penetrates straight to the center. Bumps break out across my flesh and tears prick my eyes. This is African worship.

Now it’s my turn to join. My feet begin to keep time involuntarily. My hands follow along. Soon I am mimicking the movement of the choir, allowing my whole body to be involved in this experience of worship. My voice is often the last part of me to join. Somehow, moving as one with the friends and strangers around me seems more important than the words of the song. As the words become familiar I lift my voice as well. This is worship. African worship. Kingdom worship.

I almost forgot!

2009-04-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

After about 4 months of waiting for the machine to be fixed I have reached the end of the driving license saga. Just in time, really. Might as well be legal for the last two months! Here's the proof- wow, that's exciting! :-D

And we're off!

2009-04-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

You know you live in Malawi when....you are eating at a restaurant and a little baby roach scurries across the table and you casually brush it aside and contine eating. Such is life.

Spring break has come to a close. I have mixed emotions about that. I am excited to see my kids and teach the "continents" unit. I am anxious because I know how much needs to be accomplished between now and the end of the year. I am mournful, as I know that this is the beginning of the end. It's all downhill from here, as the saying goes. I have coveted opportunities to hang out with my Malawi family in the past week. From tea with Vicki, cuddles with Sarah Rose, "shopping" with LeAnne, cookout with the McDonalds, to watching and appreciating the sunset every night, I am learning to live in the moment and appreciate it for what it is. How great is the love that the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called His children? That he not only gives us the things that we need, but things that we don't need to bring us joy.

I have some specific ways that you can pray for me in the coming weeks. Here they come:

That I would be profoundly effective, to the glory of God, in my classroom. This is it, the last weeks to make an impact on my kids. Not to mention making sure they are ready for second grade. Pray that I would speak love to them with my words and my actions.
That my relationships in Malawi would be 1. honoring to God, 2. strengthened
I need a job when I get home. It is an exercise of faith to not be worried about it, with the state of the economy and the shaky school budgets. Pray for opportunities to present themselves, as well as wisdom and discernment about where to look and apply.

Thank you for your prayers! I'll leave you with my favorite (do you ever get tired of these?)- a sunset picture!

Hakuna Matata

2009-04-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the link for the rest of my Zanzibar pictures, if you're interested in looking at them!

Zanzibar Pictures

Now the rest of them. And I'm done, I promise. :-)

More Zanzibar Pictures!

Tropical Paradise

2009-04-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I just got back from Zanzibar. That's an island off of the coast of Tanzania. The northern tip (where we stayed for the first part of our trip) is 5 degrees south of the equator. That means that it was HOT and humid. But so beautiful. Here are some highlights:

1. The Ocean. Just in general. I have never seen anything like it. Nor have I ever swam in salt water that warm.
2. Snorkeling. I saw fish with more colors that I've ever seen. I also got a nasty sunburn. Yes, I was wearing sunscreen. The sun is just too strong. It was worth it though.
3. Hanging out talking and enjoying the sky and the sea with friends.
4. Shrimp- heads and all.

The dock from prison island:

School girls enjoying lunch break on the beach.

Coke and the ocean. Ahh.

it's been a long time...

2009-04-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry for all of you who routinely blogstalk me...I mean stay updated on my life via my blog. In the craziness of not having a computer, and then the business of the last few weeks of life, my blog has been pushed to the way back burner.

My visitors have come and gone in a whirlwind of a week. They were so kind to carry tons of stuff over for me and my fellow missionaries. Including my new computer which actually works. I'm so thankful! We made it to just about everything that is a must see in Malawi and even saw some monkeys while we were at it. It was really refreshing to see Malawi through their fresh eyes, rather than my "been there, done that eyes."

Tomorrow is our last day of school before Easter Holiday. A much needed, much deserved holiday, I would say. My kids are so done with school and with each other, and with me. And if we're being honest- so am I. I'm afraid I've turned into a broken record sometimes. I even get annoyed with myself, and I know they must be feeling it too. Like I said, a holiday is needed.

I am leaving on Saturday to go to Zanzibar with a couple friends. That is an island off the coast of Tanzania (the country that borders Malawi to the North). I'm really excited to rest and relax in on the tropical beaches. We'll be gone for a week, and then I have a week to catch up in my classroom. I'll post pictures when I get back!

Until then- Happy Easter!

zomba holiday!

2009-01-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

On Monday I took off down south to go to Zomba (pronounced with a long o sound). It has offically made my list of most beautiful places on earth. It looked a lot like the coastal range in Oregon, but with many waterfalls and the occasional palm tree.

This is butterfly falls. I walked barefoot up it. It's really smooth rock that the water flows over.

This one is called William's Falls.

This is Vicki and I. She is going to be my new roomate. Please note that I am wearing my jacket only because it had just poured rain. Not really because I was cold. It did get cold at night- which was wonderful, but day time was pretty warm.

This is the view as we were driving down. So pretty. Look at the clouds!

This is Vicki buying mangos on the side of the road. Awesome.

The big daddy baboon. At this point we were all carrying rocks in our hands just in case. But he stopped just a few feet off the road and posed for a picture. I couldn't resist. They're pretty ugly creatures.

It was a great holiday. I feel refreshed and as ready for school as I ever will be, I suppose. We start on Monday after a whole month off. I'm excited to see my kiddos, but not really for the marathon days to start back up again. Thanks for the blog comments, emails and of course your prayers. Missing and loving you all!

a licensed driver....

2009-01-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

On Friday some friends and I decided that the time has come to obtain our Malawi driver's licenses. I know that I've been here for a year and a half, but after reading this post you will know why I've been procrastinating this chore.

Here is how our day went.

9:30- leave campus
9:50- arrive at the ministry of transportation and other motor vehicle issues (that's not the name, but it's something long and crazy that begins with ministry)
9:50-10:10- wait in line, get annoyed at the people who join the line in front instead of in the back. one trick is to stand inches from the person in front of you so that there is no room for a cutter.
10:15- we are escorted to the front of line (probably because we are mzungu [white people] and clearly do not know what we are doing). we are told to go to room 9. and we're off!
10:17- arrive at room 9 and are promptly told to go to room 6 (it's a scavenger hunt!)
10:17:30- we turn around and arrive at room 6. the man talks on his cell phone for a few minutes while we wait for him to help us. Andy says, we are here to get our driving license. Here are my documents. The man graciously takes Andy's documents and stares at them for a good three minutes before saying, "you must make copies and bring them here." "Can we make copies in the office here?" "No, the manager is on holiday. The office is locked." "Ok, we'll be back with copies, you will be here?" "Yes, until 12 I will be here"
10:20-10:50- drive back to campus, go to school, make copies, drive back and go straight to room 6
11:00- our papers are finally processed and we are told, once again, to head back to room 9
11:00-11:30 we are cut in front of about 5 times (there are only about 5 other people there besides us) and finally we begin the process to get a license. We sign the machine, they take each one of our fingerprints, they take a picture of us and send us down to the cashier.
11:30- the most heroic act of the day- Andy queing like a Malawian! I wish I had a picture of Andy standing at the front of the line agressively holding his place. The guys in the line were so gross and slimy and to say it politely, smelly. Andy waited for a while with all of our papers to pay (about $45). Then, the time came where it was someone's turn. Andy decided it was his and grabbed onto the bars and used them to pull himself to the front, knocking everyone else out of the way. It was amazing! We would have been there all day if we waited like we were in a normal line.
11:45- back up to our friend in room 6 who does some more computer work, gives a printed out copy of our license and tells us to come back in a month to pick up the licenses. Mission accomplished!

Oh, Malawi.

outside these walls

2008-12-29T11:40:00.000-08:00

I live on the campus of African Bible College and I am very thankful for that. I am surrounded by walls that make me feel safe. I like to feel safe. That is good and right when we're talking about a physical absence of danger kind of safety. The problem that the walls create for me is that I start to feel safe in them, and scared outside of them. Not literally. I mean that I feel safe in my community and my ministry and nowhere else. I shut my eyes and my heart to other things that God may want to use to grow me and use me for His kingdom.

Today I traveled with my friend Lisa and an ABC graduate named Frackson (go ahead say it outloud with a bit of enthusiasm, it's a great name!) to a place a little south of here. She is organizing a team from San Diego to come run a camp for orphans so we went to check out a place. I was struck by the beauty of the country that I've called home for the last year and a half. The sky is so blue, the clouds so white, and the landscape so green. Everything in Malawi is exaggerated. It was a good reminder to get outside the walls. Physically and spiritually.

God takes us out of our comfort zones so that we learn to find comfort in him alone. Please pray for this lesson to take root in my heart.

Merry Christmas from Malawi

2008-12-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone yet again. Even though it's 80 degrees and I'm not related to anyone within a few thousand miles, I feel "home for the holidays" as the saying goes. I spent Christmas with the McDonalds again which was a huge blessing and so much fun! I love that family! Here's the run down of Malawi Christmas traditions (it's been more than one year so it counts as tradition).

Christmas Eve: Fried chicken, mashed potatos and corn casserole with the McDonald family, the Jones family and me. Here are the kids getting ready to get their food.

Molly Grace, Sam, Amber Elizabeth, Ford

Sarah Rose, Alice Ann

After dinner we went next door to the Dehnert's house for Christmas carols and wassail. Here is the Robbins family singing away!

Here is the new little guy who has stolen my heart. He was brought to the clinic here on campus when he was about 10 days old. He was born at 32 weeks, they think. He weighed 1 kg (that's about 2 pounds). He is now about 7 weeks old. His name is Clever and is up for adoption. Too bad it's so hard to adopt in Malawi. Please pray that we find him a home and that he doesn't end up being sent to his home village- even though his grandmother already said that she can't take care of him.

unbelievable

2008-12-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

I came across this article on my google home page. The question is: How much worse will it get? What a great example of the depravity of man, and the need for a Savior. Please pray for Zim this Christmas season. They need a miracle.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1867645,00.html?xid=rss-world

Happy Christmas!

2008-12-18T07:31:00.000-08:00

We have safely arrived to Christmas holiday. As I look back on the last four months I am so thankful for the way that my class has bonded together and the ways that we have grown to love one another. Here are a few quotes that made me smile.

“Miss Miller, your sound is all gone!” (when I lost my voice)

“God likes all the colors, even pink,” says Michael

“Oh no, my braids will start to stink any minute!” says Lisa after her braids (fake hair) got wet in the rain.

Our memory verse a couple of weeks ago was “The Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is His name” from Mary’s song. The conversation went like this:
Me: Who do you think is talking in our memory verse? It’s someone who is grateful that God has done a miracle for her. It’s someone who is really important in the Christmas story.
Student: Santa!

One of the songs we sang for our Christmas program has a line that says, “without the holy savior’s birth there would be no peace on earth.” One little girl sings it like this, “without the holy savior’s birth there would be a piece of earth.”

Smiles and loves,
Megan

thanksgiving festivities

2008-11-29T03:39:00.000-08:00

On Thursday Annie and I made a non-traditional (but delicious) meal to enjoy together. That's homemade pizza, in case you couldn't tell. We also lit pumpkin and apple scented candles to make us feel like it's actually Thanksgiving.

On Friday we opted out of the Thanksgiving dinner with all the other American's on campus to go to "Carols by Candlelight" with a family that we have grown very close to in the past year. This event is put on by a local church. The kids make lanterns and the band plays Christmas carols. Everyone bring blankets and picnics and we enjoy the music. It is such a special time to enjoy living in a truly international community. I spend the evening with a South African family, an American family, and Zimbabwean family.

This is Nya and Kiara. Aren't they beautiful?This is Annie (my roomate) and Kiara.

This is Hannah and I. Hannah was in my class this year. Her family is leaving Malawi in a few weeks. I'm going to miss them so much! They have really taken me under their wing since I got here last year.

Lisa even made a pumpkin pie (from a real pumpkin!) and brought it with her for us to enjoy. From left to right: Lisa (6th grade teacher), Annie, Me, Andy (english teacher).

So, even though I didn't have a traditional Thanksgiving, it was definitely a time to be thankful. I am so blessed by the people here in Malawi.

Happy Rainy Season!

2008-11-23T02:59:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here listening to rain pounding on my tin roof and huge claps of thunder. The rainy season is officially here! Nikita made me this card to celebrate the beginning of a new season. The bugs she is talking about are ngumbi (flying termites). They "attack" after the first rain. Malawians fry ngumbi and eat them. I hear they taste like bacon bits. The bottom picture is from the window in my living room.

Irony

2008-11-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

I love myself a toasted bagel with cream cheese. You can get bagels here in Malawi. You can get cream cheese here in Malawi. I've been buying bagels almost every week since I got here in August, but have not been able to find any normal cream cheese. Smoked salmon just doesn't do it for me. So, I stopped buying bagels. Today at the grocery store they finally had cream cheese. I get all excited and go to get bagels. Guess what? No bagels. Neat.

In other news, it is HOT here. The response I normally get to that is, "How hot is it?" The answer to that question is somewhat misleading. I don't think it gets too much above 93-95 degrees which doesn't seem too horrible. The thing about heat here is that it is everywhere. If it is 95 outside, it's 95+ inside the house and probably about 100 in my classroom. It's like the heat gets inside of you and won't get out. Today we rode in the air conditioned car and my skin was freezing cold by the time we got there but it felt like my insides were still sweating. I don't think your insides can actually sweat, but they sure can feel like it.

Enjoy your nice cool fall days and the drizzly Oregon rain. Think of me roasting here in Africa when you get annoyed because it is raining- again.

Mercy in Malawi

2008-11-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

We are commanded to be merciful, as our Father is merciful. Everywhere that I go there are people asking me for money. The little boy leading the blind man standing at the window of your car. The little girl with no legs in the wheelchair. The mentally handicapped woman. The vendor who just wants me to buy his strawberries. The list goes on and on. What does it mean to show mercy?

Mr. Dehnert talked to our women's Bible study about this. All the good ideas are his, all the questions and confusions are mine.

How is our Father merciful? In his mercy, God came to earth for us. He shed his blood that we could be forgiven and spend eternity with him. That is the way that God had mercy on us- mercy that leads to salvation. That is not the only way that God has shown mercy to us. He extends mercy to all mankind daily. Every breath and every step are God's mercy toward us, in a way that is separate from our salvation. God extendes this mercy to all mankind so that they may come to a saving knowledge of Him. (It is not his will that any should perish).

Now, we are obviously not called be merciful in a saving sense. Only God can do that. So we are called to be merciful to everyone in a way that will lead them closer to a saving knowledge of him. Or, in other words, in a way that draws them into community. Leviticus 25:35-36 speaks of supporting people so that they may continue to live among you. As you show mercy it should be in a way that allows them to be part of a community.

Giving to a beggar does not really draw them into the community. I have decided that my mercy needs to be extended to those who are in my sphere of influence- the woman who cleans my classroom, the woman who cleans my house, those whom I have a relationship with. But, doesn't that sound like I am casting judgement about who is "deserving" of my mercy? Doesn't that show that I don't fully understand the mercy that has been extended to me?

This whole issue is spinning around in my mind. There are so many questions. I think it's good though. I think that God is pleased when we wrestle with the hard issues.

Let me know your thoughts.

one thing after another

2008-10-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Please pray for me and the community that I live in. It seems like there has been trauma after trauma for the last month or so. I know that the enemy is most active where the work of God is being accomplished.

First, pray for Nuala and her husband Ben. He is in serious condition in a hospital in South Africa for a brain trauma. We aren't really sure of the exact situation, but they need a huge amount of prayer. Pray for Nuala's strength, their 4 children who are here in Malawi, and of course, for Ben's healing. God is a God of miracles, let's pray for one.

Second, there appears to be an outbreak of German Measles or Rubella at the Academy. From what I understand the sickness isn't too harmful. Except for an unborn child in the first trimester. I know of at least one person in that category on campus and I'm sure many more at the academy.

Just pray in general for God's hand of protection to be over the Academy as we seek to do his work and share his love.

Zikomo Kwambile (Thank you very much)!!!

I lied...

2008-10-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

This is the last one. I forgot to post my favorite pictures from this year so far. Reading Day is an annual tradition at the academy. The kids dress up as a character from a book. I dressed up as Aslan, obviously from my awesome costume.

Last year I had three spidermen. This Tinkerbell was the costume of choice. The Tinkerbell in the middle is Lisa (the one who lost her father in a car accident a couple of weeks ago).

one more...

2008-10-25T05:58:00.001-07:00

I think 4 blog posts in one day must be some kind of record. I know that most people like to look at the pictures more than they like to read the words, but I felt like I should give you more of an update on how things are going.

Our first term of school is officially finished. I've been here for three months already! I just finished my report cards a couple of hours ago. The time is really flying by. My theory is because it still feels like summer outside, so I don't comprehend the fact that it's acutally almost November. I'm glad the first term is over, it seems like it's one of the harder ones to make it through because it's so busy. And so hot.

I'm teaching swimming lessons to 4 year olds. It's fun because the kids are really cute and I get a tan, but stressful because there are 14 of them and only two of us. Also, for those of you who know me, I don't really like to swim. Don't ask me how I got myself into that one.

The little time left of my week is spent hanging out with Annie (my wonderful roomate), baking things that aren't healthy for me to eat, watching a lot of movies, and reading.

As always, your support of my is essential to my work here. I couldn't do it without you! Keep me updated on how you are doing as well!

Love and prayers to you.

First Grade One

2008-10-25T05:49:00.001-07:00

This is my classroom. It's the same one as last year, it just looks a lot better. Do you see any of the things that you send on the container? The alphabet did. And so did most of the books in the reading corner.
The reading corner.

My name is on the door this year. That is exciting. Ms. Stephens is apparently my assistant. She hasn't come to my class yet. I think she starts in January.

my kiddos

2008-10-25T05:35:00.001-07:00

The first grade classes got together to do some baking. We were learning about community helpers so we made scones. Brenda Burg's famous scones, in fact!

We all worked together!

My little darlings. Don't be fooled by their innocent looks.

This picture is a much better visual of what it's REALLY like to teach first grade.

a power cord!

2008-10-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

Safari Pictures and thoughts:

1. I love the African sky.

2. Giraffes are still my favorite animal.

3. Monkeys can entertain one for hours. Literally. It was so hot that I could not focus on anything except how hot I was. Until the monkeys came along. This was the tree right outside of our chalet. The tiny baby monkeys were so cute.

4. Giraffes are my favorite, but lions are pretty amazing. They are the king of the African plain. You can also see the Luangwa river in the background. All that is brown and sand is filled with water in the rainy season (all the way to the trees).

5. I like this picture because it is symmetrical. I like zebras because their stripes are all different, but still orderly. They sound like a donkey, in case you were wondering.

6. This picture says safari to me. This is our guide, looking for the lions.

a quick post...

2008-08-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I've made it safely to Malawi and am currently exhausted. Jet lag is doing a number on me this time. Just wanted to give you a few specific things to pray for in the coming week.

Praises:

1. The container arrived and all of my stuff on it. Thank you SOOO much for everything that you sent. It has been such a blessing to go through it all.

2. My classroom is coming together much quicker than last year.

3. It's been really wonderful to be back. It really feels like coming home.

Prayer requests:

1. The teachers at the Academy who all have so much to do this week before school starts- including myself.

2. Students returning to school.

Here's a couple pics from my last few days in America.

Friends for 18 years....She's all married now!

The Miller girls. "You said we were taking a serious one!" says Alaura.

Ways to help...

2008-08-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I am technically a missionary. I raise all my support for the year from people like you who believe in what I'm doing in Malawi. I really can not express the amount of gratitude that I have every month when I see the money that comes into my account.

The good news for this year is that I have already purchased my plane ticket. That is a huge chunk of money that does not need to be raised. The bad news is the cost of living has been steadily increasing in Malawi (that's bad for me, and the people of Malawi...). I need to raise the full $800/month to be able to support myself there. I also need to raise enough money to cover things like taxes, student loan payments, and household necessities. I trust that God will provide for every one of my needs, as He always has.

If you would like to support me financially there are a few ways for you to do so.

You can snail mail a check to:
African Bible College
PO Box 103
Clinton, MS 39060

You can go online, see a picture of me, and click "Here for Miller" under donate:
http://africanbiblecolleges.org/missionaries/missionary.php?last=Miller&first=Megan&campus=

As always, the most important way for you to support me is in prayer. I can not stress enough to you how much of a difference your prayers make in my life. Stay tuned to this blog for more specific prayer requests as the year goes on.

...in limbo...

2008-08-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

CBAP (my summer job) is finished now. I'm really glad, because I was getting really worn out, but that means it's really time to start getting ready to go. This is the worst part though, just waiting and anticipating. I have a lot of things to do and there are a lot of details that need to work themselves out before I'll be fully ready to go. Here are a few things you can pray about:

1. Support- please pray that my support will continue to be sufficient for my living needs.
2. Taxes- I need to get last year's taxes squared away and according to the government I am self employed which means that I pay a lot of taxes.
3. Emotions- Pray that I will be emotionally prepared for leaving home again.
4. Wedding- I am the maid of honor in Chauntelle's wedding on August 11 (that's two days before I leave). Pray for Chauntelle and Geoff, that things will work out and their life together will be blessed.
5. Students- pray for my students as they get ready to transition back to school and start first grade. I've got 21 sweethearts in my class this year!

summer time

2008-07-27T16:39:00.001-07:00

My time at home is flying by. I'm trying to prepare for my return to Malawi little by little so that when it's time to go I'll feel like I'm ready to go. It is with many, many mixed emotions that I'll be returning. I know that Malawi is where I'm supposed to be, and I really do love it there. At the same time, home will always be Oregon, and like Dorothy taught us, "there's no place like home."

Here's a few pictures to show you what I've been up to.

Kristina and I camping. This was before she was done with nature.

Kodiak Bear. The newest member of our family.
Duncan Canyon. Family property in Eastern Oregon.
Oregon coast on a rare blue sky day.
Hiking down to the beach.

New York, New York

2008-06-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, hey!

I made it home and have been busy ever since. I started work the day after I got back to Oregon. I might be crazy, but it's ok. Things are going good so far. Please continue to pray for my transition to the states. It's been pretty crazy to get used to American culture, and all the changes that have taken place in my town, my house, and my family. Just pray that I would allow God to be the center of my life and my heart.

Here are a few pictures from my New York adventure. My favorite was the the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Shopping was also a plus. H & M is my new favorite store. And I liked seeing Kristy. She's the best.

Boat to Statue of Liberty-

Lady Liberty herself...
At the Creperie (MMM)
About to see Rent!

Zim Elections, take two

2008-06-18T01:51:00.001-07:00

Please remember to pray for Zimbabwe. They are having their run off election on the 26th or 27th- three months after the original elections. The situation has gone from horrible to horrific in the time since the first election. The governement has now cut of all help from outside meaning the little food that was coming in is no longer allowed. The children who were getting one meal every three days are now getting no meals. The situtation is heartbreaking, and seemingly hopeless. We just have to keep praying and trusting that God has his hand in this situation somehow.

My friends, the Saywoods, are traveling by car through Zim in just a few days. They are from Zim but have lived in Malawi for the last 5 years. They have been planning for weeks what to say at the borders and police stops. They are planning on bringing as many groceries as possible to their relatives, but they have a 70% chance of getting them taken away at a police stop. Please keep them in your prayers in the next few weeks.

Other things to pray for:
1. traveling mercies for myself and others who are traveling (I'm leaving Malawi tomorrow and will be in New York City for 4 days)

2. peace of mind, heart, and body as I travel (believe it or not, I really don't like it!)

3. academy preparations for next year (new staff, supplies and materials coming, etc.)

Psalm 103

2008-06-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

For the last few days I've had the words to Psalm 103 going around in my head.
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name."

You know those times when you just feel so full of life, joy, peace, love? I think my student, Florence, said it best at Thanksgiving time when she told me she was "enoughed." That is the best word to describe how I've felt wrapping up my first year here in Malawi. Enoughed. God has provided for me in just the right ways at just the right times.

Today I woke up with all kinds of butterflies about traveling and seeing Annie off. I know I'll see her again in a couple of months, but it just means the end of yet another season. After going to the airport I went to the Mackay's for lunch. I had their daughter in my class (did you notice the past tense in that sentence?). It was so wonderful. I left amazed at how God designed us so that we could see him in each other. We are his workmanship, and the work of his hands is so evident in others. The funny thing is, most of the people there are not Christians- and I can still see reflections of who God is by the way he made them.

"Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion, Praise the Lord, O my soul."

Congratulations, First Grade 2!

2008-06-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was our award assembly. I was so nervous. I found out about 1 hour before it that I was supposed to have a little speech for each one of my kids, explaining why I chose the award. Plus, the parents of 6 classes of children were there. But, all went well. And I was so relieved once it was over. Once it was finished it really felt like the end. Today we worked on memory books and had a party and watched a movie. Tomorrow is final classroom clean up, field games, and home by 10:00 a.m. I can't believe it's almost over!

I'm leaving Malawi a week from today. Sometime in the next week I have to find time to pack my house, my classroom, and get as organized as possible for the first week of school. Not to mention say goodbye to people who have become very dear to me. School is ending, but the work is most definately not!

I just wanted to share a class picture with you. I'm willing to bet that you've never seen a more precious group of 7 year olds.

I can't wait to see you all in about a week and a half! Love and blessings to you!

Friday in Malawi

2008-05-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

There's a few things I love about Friday (besides the obvious).

1. Chapel. Reception thru 1st grades have chapel together every Friday. One class sings a song, one class recites a memory verse, and one class presents the lesson. Mrs. Mpata leads songs and it is such a priveledge to see the little ones lift their praises to the Lord.

2. Art. My class gets really excited about the art projects that I give them. They do really well when I give them freedom. And not so well when I try to restrict them.

3. Crisis nursery. I go every Friday to hold babies at the nursery. It's something I look forward to all week. I have seen miracles happen there, and it's a blessing to be part of it. My latest love is a little girl named Juliette. Her twin brother's name is Julius. Most of the babies there don't really smile or coo. Juliette does. She tells story after story, and has the most beautiful smile. I'm going in a little while, and I'm going to remember my camera this time.

4. Potluck. Every Friday all the ABC missionaries are invited to potluck. I know that you have an idea of what a potluck is like from all the ones you've been to at your local church. Let me tell you, this is not like that at all. Jack and Nell open their home to us, there is a theme every week (Mexican, soup and salad, KFC, etc.). There can be as many as 70 people on any given Friday (including the kids, who make up about half of that number).

5. Scrapbooking. LeAnne and I have started scrapbooking on Friday's after potluck. I started one of my classroom to show to you all when I get back. It's turning out really cute. Although it is picturless at the moment. It costs about $1.00 to print a picture here. No thanks, I'll wait for 14 cents and Costco this summer.

I really need prayer for the next two weeks- there is so much to do!! Here are some specific things:

Field Trip- Crocodile farm. Safe travel there and back
Packing up my classroom, organizing and trying to be ready for next year
One particular student who is really struggling with math, and one with reading
Wrapping up my first year in Malawi. It's full of emotions and so am I!
Safe travel back to the states
Praise: Selah Grace Leboffe has joined us, and so has Elijah Forrest Goodnight Robbins

Walking on the wild side

2008-05-03T03:06:00.000-07:00

For social studies this term we have been studying the continents. It's been a lot of fun to teach, and my kids have enjoyed it as well. Every Tuesday when they come back from PE they pretend that they have gone to the continent we are studying. They tell me all about the animals that they saw, and the places that they went. It's pretty cute. Here are some pictures of the mural that we painted together. They did a really great job!

That's Mr. Guise in the background- he's my assistant. He wanted to wear an apron too.

Putting on the finishing touches. They each got to choose rainforest animals to draw and glue into the rainforest.
The finished product. Sure, bats live in the canopy layer of the rainforest and tocans are as big as trees! Not too bad for 19 first graders though!

Please pray that I can focus on the things I have to do for the rest of the year. I really need to be able to be productive in the time that I devote to working in my classroom. I also have conferneces coming up in a couple of weeks and I'm nervous! Pray also for my students- that they would stay focused and the few who are really struggling would made some significant progress in the next 6 weeks.

monthly support and breakfast

2008-04-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

I don't think that I tell you (my supporters) often enough how blessed by you I am. Right now, I mean financially, but you bless me in other ways too. We recieve our financial statement at the beginnning of every month and this month's was very encouraging, humbling, and full of blessing. Not only was it a larger amount that usual, but it is so fun to see the ways that God is working in the lives of people at home to support me here in Malawi. It is an incredibly humbling experience to rely on the generousity of other people as my only means of income. Anyway, thank you for believing in and supporting my work here in Malawi.

A story about my breakfast. I woke up at about 7 a.m. feeling like I'd had a good night of sleep. I had to get out of bed because my mosquito net was touching my face, which is about the worst feeling ever. I was also really hungry. Now, breakfast in Malawi is a little bit tricky. I have been trying not to buy cereal because it costs about $6.00 for 1 weeks worth, plus milk, which costs upwards of $6.00 per gallon (and tastes disgusting). So, that means I spend close to $12 a week on breakfast, seems a little high to me. Anyway yesterday I bought a new hot cereal to try. We had this really yummy cream of wheat type stuff in Cape Town so I thought this might be it.

I went out into the kitchen and started making this new stuff. It's called Mealie Meal. (I guess that should have been my first clue). It smells not so good. I cook it anyway. I see black things in it. I cook it anyway. It starts to thicken, looks gross, and smells gross. I keep cooking. It's done cooking, I put it in the bowl. Taste it. Gross. I'm about to eat it anyway because 1. I'm hungry, and 2. I feel like I haven't given it a fair chance. Upon closer inspection of the black things they are found to be bugs. I start to pick them out and eat it anyway. But I just can't do it. Not today. Sorry Mealie Meal, the South African favourite of families, not for me.

Zimbabwe Elections

2008-04-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Please join me in praying for the country of Zimbabwe. They have had their elections, and as far as I know the results have not been released. The current leader, Mugabe, is nothing short of a tyrant. "Africa's Hitler" is how I've heard him described by people I know. Perhaps a dramatic comparison, but when 80% of people are unemployed, inflation is at 100,000%, electricity, petrol, and food are scarce you really start to wonder. Especially when he throws a million dollar birthday party for himself.

I know a lot of people from Zim, and I can't even imagine what it's like to be completely displaced from your country, and to know that it's in shambles. Please pray for Shelley, Glenda, and Owen, fellow staff at the academy who are from Zimbabwe.

For more information:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/02/world/africa/02zimbabwe.html?ex=1304222400&en=e4f95916b4e5d098&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1726790,00.html?xid=rss-world (this one's good)

Cape Town diaries

2008-03-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

We stayed in Fish Hoek, a small beach town about 45 mintues from down town Cape Town. It was so nice. It felt like Cannon Beach- cute shops, ocean smell, cool breeze. Wonderful.

Day One: Table Mountain. You take the cable car up (well, we did. it's possible to hike, but no thanks). It rotates 360 degrees as you are going up. A little freaky. One of the most beautiful places I've been. The first pic is the cable car. The second is Cape Town proper from the mountain. The last is Andy at the top.

Day Two: Boulder Beach, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Words can not describe how beautiful. Seriously.

If I continue day by day this will be the longest blog ever. So here's the rest of the pictures I want to show you. We ate a lot of good food, enjoyed the scenery at the wineries, and of course, did some shopping. And saw wild animals- penguins, baboons, dolphins, creepy birds, ostriches. This baboon was trying to break into these people's car. He even took a swat at the girl. Or as Annie said, the gorilla beat up a woman.

Annie and Andy are eating delicious food. Andy is eating crocodile, springbok, ostrich and warthog. Annie's just eating a hamburger. The bottom picture is the three of us enjoying an Easter picnic at one of the oldest wineries in Stellenbosh.

Easter in Cape Town!

2008-03-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks for praying for us. Our trip was wonderful! Cape Town is quite possibly the most beautiful place in the world. Here are a few pictures to satisfy your curiousity until I have more energy to tell you more:
The Atlantic Ocean (at least, I'm pretty sure, could be the Indian, but I think it's the Atlantic). My first time in it. I was excited. It was COLD.I
Beautiful sunset on the Atlantic Ocean. This time I know it's the Atlantic because the sun sets in the West.
A highlight of the trip for me- penguins! They were just so stinkin' cute.
Another highlight- beautiful views everywhere you look. This should be the Indian Ocean on our way to Cape Point (which I'll put up pictures of later).
Ways you can pray:
1. A smooth re-entry to a third world country. Please pray that I will remember my calling and my passion and be focused on what God called me here to do.
2. Smooth start to the fourth and final term. I have a lot of things to do to get ready for "Writing Week" the first week of school.
3. General peace, freedom, and contentment in my life and the lives of other missionaries serving at ABC

just in the nick of time....

2008-03-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update to let you know that our TEP reciepts just showed up at our door- praise the Lord! I am not nearly so nervous about traveling now...

Weather forecast for Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday, March 18: 30 degrees celsius (86 fahrenheit), clear skies.

This is where we're going. This is the Victoria and Albert Waterfront with Table Mountain in the background. Thanks for praying

peace, and i'm outta here!

2008-03-16T23:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter, a few days early. We are officially on Easter holiday until the 31st of March (people around here are serious about their holiday time, 2 weeks for Easter break!). We made it through the third term in First Grade, but not without a few rocky days toward the end. Just when I thought I couldn't take any more, God blessed me with really sweet kids, and a good last couple of days. On Friday when we were ending our day I was telling my kiddos to have a good break and safe travels and whatnot and Mzati raised his hand (which is a miracle in itself) and says, "I'm gunna miss you." It was so sweet, especially considering he's been the source of much of my grief.

Well, Annie, Andy and I are off to Cape Town today. The flight leaves at 3:20 today and I would appreciate your prayers about this. There are a lot of details that need to work out, such as getting our Temporary Employment Permits so that they will let us out of the country. We've had our paperwork turned in since September and still no reciept- that's Malawi time if I've ever seen it. We also have a somewhat short connection to go through customs and whatnot- please just pray for safety and smooth travels. We'll be there for a week. It's going to be so nice! Thank you for your prayers.

I pray that you would be blessed, this Holy Week, in remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

When our mortal bodies have been transformed into immortal bodies this Scripture will be fufilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58

He is risen. He is risen indeed! (I taught my kids to say that this week- precious!)

a day in the life...

2008-03-07T06:50:00.001-08:00

One of the questions I get asked most often is, "What do you eat there?" I'll attempt to answer.

One of the favorite past times among the mzungu (white person) population is to fantasize about food that you can't get in Malawi. But, when it's all said and done, you can get a lot of things here. And if you have the time and energy (or a cook) you can make some really decent food. Here's a pretty normal menu:

Breakfast: bran cereal with raisins (you might think that's called raisin bran, but here you have to buy the bran and raisins separately and the bran is very plain, no sugar at all), or oatmeal, or an apple and peanutbutter.

Snack: piece of fruit (apples and bananas are the cheapest, mango was delicious when it was in season, now is plum season and they are delicious!), raisins

Lunch: some kind of avacado creation is always a favorite (with tomatoes, feta, balsamic vinegar, perhaps?), leftovers from dinner the night before, or if I'm really desperate I'll have tuna with crackers (I really overdid the tuna when I first got here and now it never sounds appealing)

Dinner: saute whatever veggies are in the fridge (peppers, eggplant, zuchinni, onion) and put them over cous cous or pasta, rice if I have an extra long time

Everything here is from scratch, fresh, and homemade. I don't have a lot of time or energy so I end up eating the same thing a lot, but I eat pretty healthy meals. Everything here is also seasonal. Right now is eggplant and plum season from what I can tell about what's available. It's definately not zuchinni season because that's been really hard to find.

I hope you feel just a little closer to me now that you know what I eat. :-)

Blessings to you!

Remember to pray for my students and I through this last week of our term. I've got assessments and report cards to do- again! Ahh! Pray that I can quickly get healthy again (I've had a fever and cough and sore throat).

my thoughts on this beautiful sunday

2008-03-02T04:12:00.000-08:00

There is a lot about Malawi that makes you appreciate the incredible creativity of our Creator. As you probably have figured out, I love the sky here. It is almost always 100% beautiful. Although it does occasionaly completely cloud over for a grey and drizzly day- which makes me feel right at home. There are birds and all kinds of creatures that make me appreciate being just one small part of the world. It's also really amazing to live in a community with such diverse cultures, and see how different and how alike we all are.

I've also been thinking a lot about being content. I wish I could be more content, but I find myself thinking more and more about "what's next." Even though I'm here for another year and a half I want to know what life will be like in 5 years, 10 years. But focusing on the future will cause me to miss the blessing that is the present.

Well, that's about the end of my reflections for the day.

Here are somethings you can pray about-
Praises:
1. beautiful weather and great friends to enjoy it with
2. an encouraged spirit

Prayers:
1. a strong finish to term 3
2. safe travel over the break (many of my students and friends will be traveling, and so will I- to Cape Town, South Africa!)
3. the McDonald family- they are in the states because LeAnne had surgery, please pray for her continued recovery, and for them as they return to Malawi at the end of March. And pray for me because I miss them!
4. Babies being born- my neighbors, Dan and Beth, will be traveling back to the states to welcome their son, Elijah, into the world; my teaching partner, Jenny, and her husband, Nate, will be traveling to South Africa to welcome their daughter, Selah, into the world.

Thanks for being you and who you are to me! Loves from Malawi.

art, rats and other things

2008-02-29T03:57:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you a story about why teaching in Malawi is fun. Before I begin you need to know a little history. I have had rats in my classroom for who knows how long- forever probably. Disgusting, but we just continue on with life. (We tried setting traps but it is either too big or too smart).

So, on Monday morning I open my door and a strong odor wafts out. I will admit that my classroom normally smells a little weird, but this was unusually strong. So, I open the windows and turn on the fans to get the smell out. I figured that Mr. Rat (as my students have come to call him) had been up to his usual, disgusting antics. The students comment on the smell, but we continue on with our day. When it was time for reading groups we had to move our group from our normal table because it smelled so bad. By this time, I realized that something was definately not right with my room.

During recess I asked some of the cleaning staff to check things out in my room so about 4 ladies head in and start investigating. Pretty soon one of them comes out and gets the biggest thickest gloves she can find and as she's putting them on says, "We need you." Now, I've seen these ladies clean some pretty gross things up without gloves on, so at this point, I know it's bad.

The smell was so strong that I could smell it at the next building over. When I walked into my room they had my entire desk torn apart and they were all holding their noses. Did I mention that it smelled worse than anything I've ever smelled? One of the ladies took the top drawer of my desk and RAN out of the room with it- screaming and gagging. Mr. Rat had found his way into my drawer, but couldn't find his way out. He tried to chew his way out, but to no avail. At long last, he died a peacful death among the pens, pencils, markers, and other teacher like supplies brought from America. But, he couldn't leave us without one last memory of a vile smell, that continues to pervade our classroom to this day.

As my headmaster said when I told him about it, "Just think of the stories you'll have to tell your grandchildren." Or my students for years and years to come.

I'll leave you with some pictures of my favorite 6 and 7 year olds painting with watercolors- a great Friday afternoon activity. Tyraan and Shaydon. Evi and Hannah.

ok, ok, ok

2008-02-15T04:12:00.000-08:00

Enough people have commented about my lack of updates that I figure it's time. Even if it's not filled with exciting news and pictures. I have been trying to put up a video of my students singing the song they sang in chapel last week, but the ridiculous internet won't let me. So, you'll have to wait until I come home to see it, I guess.

Speaking of home, I'll be in Oregon on June 24th and I'm so excited to see all of you. I really do love Malawi (most of the time) but it's been so weird to be away from everything I know for so long.

Here are some cute things from my students recently:

Me: Why did the author say 'Nothing can run faster than a cheetah?'

Zizwa: Because nothing is faster than a cheetah. Except Jesus. Jesus is the fastest.

A conversation I overheard from my "I'm too cool" boys:

"Some people are evil. I hate evil people."

"But we have to love them anyway and hate the evil. Because God loves people even when they are evil. He forgives them."

They are so cute. What an incredible opportunity it is to be a part of their lives! Even when they drive me crazy.

Here's the only exciting picture I have taken recently. They skies here are more beautiful than anything you've ever seen before.

Malawi in the News

2008-01-20T05:30:00.000-08:00

"Malawi has given Taiwanese officials 30 days to leave the country after it cut diplomatic ties with the island nation in favour of China, a local newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The impoverished southern African nation cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan two days ago after 41 years and established links with China, which has become a major economic power in Africa and regards Taiwan as a renegade breakaway province.

The number of countries that recognise Taiwan has dwindled since the United States, once Taiwan's biggest backer, formally recognised China in the wake of former U.S. President Richard Nixon's 1972 trip to China."

See http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL16665682.html for the full story. Or search google news for "Malawi + China + Taiwan"

There is always a face, a family, a human being behind the story in the news. I think it's especially hard for Americans to understand that because we are inundated with news. But here, it is not uncommon to see the faces and hear the first had stories of people whose lives are in the news. A family who has kids that go to the Academy that I teach at is Taiwaneese. Their youngest is in third grade and their girls are 9th grade or so. I heard them talking to our headmaster about their withdrawal and they were heartbroken. I don't fully understand the politics of this situation, but I know that it is changing the lives of these kids and goodbyes are never easy.

Just thought I'd share. Please pray for this country that I have grown to love.

Matapila and Christmas

2008-01-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

I've been lazy about blogging this break, sorry. I was waiting to get some more pictures from the village, but I haven't done that yet. So, here's a few pictures. To see some really great videos of the children's choir singing (when we were stuck in a room with 200 Malawians) go to Dan and Beth's blog. There is a link on the left hand side of my page.

In the yellow dress is Tawile. It means we have won. The little boy is Takonda (which means love).

This is Earnest(i) in May 2005. And Earnest in December 2007.

This is at the new center. They still eat A LOT of nsima!

Ok, moving on to Christmas in Lilongwe. This is me with Nya (5) and Analise (2), the Stauffacher girls. I think Nya will be in my class next year!

Me with each of the McDonald girls. Amber Elizabeth (10), Molly Grace (7), Sarah Rose (3).

I'll leave you with my favorite Christmas picture ever. Gift giving in Malawi requires either extreme preparation or extreme creativity. Mr. McDonald went the creativity route and Sarah Rose was excited!

School starts on Wednesday and I have A LOT to do before then. Please pray for me as I prepare for another term of first grade. It's going to be a lot of adjusting to get back into the routine, and remind myself that these first graders are my priority and the reason I was called to Malawi. Also, I just found out one of my students is not coming back- she moved to Canada. Please pray for her as she adjusts to life in a a new country and a new family situation.

I hope that your new year has started off well. Be blessed by God's never ending grace and mercy.

Gloria in excelsis deo

2007-12-16T23:06:00.000-08:00

Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Jesus, the babe in the manger, is Peace come to earth. Jesus is God's goodwill toward us. Peace on earth and goodwill toward men- me, you, us. Amen.

Please pray for me as I head out to the village in a few hours. I will be there with Dan and Beth Robbins (my neighbors and friends). We will have a chance to hang out with the kids there, as well as talk with some local teachers sharing ideas and whatnot. I am really excited to be doing the kind of minisry that originally brought me to Malawi and made me fall in love with it. If you could just pray for our safetly and health while we are there we would appreciate it!

I pray that you are being blessed this Christmas season!

beauty

2007-11-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

Scenery is beautiful.... (this is about 3 hours north of where I live)

But the true beauty of Malawi is right here:

questions

2007-11-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

I talked to a man today who just spewed forth statistics and information about the state of this country. He said that about 70% of the population is infected with HIV, and it just keeps spreading because of the widespread belief that sleeping with a virgin will cure you. The middle generation (ages 24-35) is nearly wiped out because of this disease. He said that the country has plenty of food, but the government takes their crops to export and pockets the money. I'm not sure how much of this is true, but it was a good reminder that there is extreme suffering all around me. As weird as it may seem, it's easy to forget that. I live on a compound with other Americans and it is almost necessary to desensitize myself to the beggars and the desperation of the people here so that I can go on with the work that God has called me to. But I don't want to be desensitized, I want to see Jesus in those people, I want to know how to help them.

Things that make me smile...

2007-11-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

I have 7 boys in my class. They are very anti-affection. I can barely get them to give me a high five on their way out the door and they walk like a duck in the morning so that I won't touch their shoulder as they enter the classroom. On Wednesday, though, Mzati had a sudden and spontaneous change of heart. As he walked into the classroom he threw his arms around me really quick, to make sure no one noticed. At the end of the day he gave me a high five, took two steps out of the room, turned around and gave me a great big hug. How sweet is that?

Also on Wednesday I was doing some grocery shopping at a store that I very rarely go to. I was taking my time, debating on which shampoo and conditioner I wanted to spend tons of money on. I finally decided none of them and walked to the counter. Walking through the front door was my friend Rachel- from America! She was on my team last time I came to Malawi, and I knew she was planning on moving to the southern part of Malawi with her husband. However, things did not work out for them here and they were just getting ready to fly to Uganda. Praise the Lord for his providence in arranging for us to be in the same spot at the same time. It was so wonderful to see her!

Today in chapel went something like this:
Chapel speaker: Don't you love the time of day when you get to go home? Don't you love getting to go home and see your parents?
Reception-1st grade students: Yes!
Speaker: What if you had done something bad at school and your teacher was going to walk with you to meet your parents? Would you be excited then?
Students: No!
Speaker: Why not?
Kindergarten boy: Because you know your just going to get a smackin'!

a rainbow is a promise

2007-11-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Life has been "foggy" this week. Foggy is a word used by the Stauffachers to describe a variety of situations. For example, when you are so hungry that you can't think about anything else- foggy. I have been stressed, and tired, and grouchy. HOWEVER, today was a great day and I got a lot of stuff done throughout the day. I came home feeling much better. It's funny because life is really extreme here. Things are either going really great, or really awful. I either feel on top of the world, or in the bottom of a pit. I'm not sure why that is.

Words and thoughts that have been encouraging me lately:

"Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today...The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." Exodus 14:13-14

"Those who trust in me will never be put to shame." Isaiah 49:23

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldy enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him." Hebrews 10:19-22

It is impossible to ignore my need for God here. In America, I can go about my daily life and make it on my own fairly well. Here, the minute I try to do it on my own I am quickly reminded that I need my Savior.

I'll leave you with some examples of why I teach first grade.
Today in Bible we were talking about the rainbow and other promises that God makes to us some of my responses:
"God promised that Jesus would come back to earth."
"God promised to send Jesus to earth to die for us."
"And he also promised that he would rise again after he died on the cross."
"Jesus promised to look after us." (Imagine the accent)
"When I am naughty and I talk to God about it he makes it better."

Things to pray for:
Unity among the staff at ABC
Organization and productivy in my classroom

Things to praise for:
Britt had her baby girl, she's healthy and beautiful, so I hear
I have not seen a huge ugly spider INSIDE the house yet, just in the carport

daily life

2007-10-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

It occured to me that maybe I should blog about what it's like from day to day here. Today was a good example of what a typical day living here is like. Although it would be a typical Saturday since I didn't have to teach today.

1. I woke up and make breakfast. I slept in until 7:45. That's about as late as I sleep in these days.

2. Annie (my roomate) and I went grocery shopping. We went to two different grocery stores and bought some fruit from the vendors (I did it all by myself!). It took us about an hour and half and I have two different stores to go to tomorrow to get the rest of the stuff I need. Grocery shopping is definately a chore here, although it is growing on me.

3. This part is not typical of life here, but was a reward for Annie and I making it through first term...We got pedicures and went out to lunch. It was a great treat, and even getting a pedicure is a chance to build relationships which is something I appreciate about this culture. It is very people driven and relationship driven.

4. Got home and started the process of cleaning the vegetables and fruit that I bought. Every produce item that I purchase has to be soaked for 15 minutes in a sink full of water with a capful of bleach, then soaked in a sink full of plain water for another 15 minutes. Some people don't soak their vegetables, but the doctor and his family do, so I figure I will too.

5. Alinane, our work study student, came over to clean. She does our dishes, cleans the bathroom, and sweeps and mops the floors. She works about 10 hours per week and what we pay her helps pay for her school fees. It is really weird to have someone in your house like that, but I have been really blessed in getting to know her, and it is so helpful to have her.

6. I made banana bran muffins which are delicious! I'm learning to cook from scratch, and make my own snack food. It's too expensive to buy, and too hard to live without for my busy schedule. The power went off, but came back on in enough time to keep cooking them.

7. I went to the Stauffacher's house for dinner. Played with the girls, chatted with Amy, ate good food and enjoyed the feeling of being part of a family.

8. All staff Bible study on the Ten Commandments. The power went off twice, but the generator quickly sprang to action to provide us with light.

Such is life in Malawi. Tomorrow holds: babysitting the Stauffacher girls, another trip to the grocery stores, a visit to the nursery, dinner with Dr. Boersma and his family, games with the young teacher crew. Good times all around. I am definately enjoying my break. Hopefully I manage to get some work done tomorrow too.

Pray for-
1. another good day of productive classroom time
2. Britt Boersma- she is due to have a baby in the next week. It's her third and she has chosen to have the baby here in Lilongwe. Pray for safety for her and the baby as there are no medical facilities to deal with any complications.

Praise for-
1. the ability to be thankful in all circumstances
2. rest and relaxation over the last few days

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. Amen.

the lake...

2007-10-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

Lake Malawi is moving up on my list of favorite places in the world. I hope these pictures will help show you why. Before you look try to imagine living in a city where everything is surrounded by brick walls with wire on top, bars on the windows, and dirt and dust everywhere. Then you take a drive. The road has more potholes than cement and all kinds of animals walk...no, mosey...across the road whenever they want. The drive is long and stressful, but then you get there and you see this:

It's so beautiful. I love it. I spent the entire weekend staring at this and listening to the waves. Oh, and playing with my new friend Annika, who is 4. It was a great time for reflecting and thinking and praying and processing. I'll leave you with a picture of the "scenery" here, taken from the back seat of the car.

From what I hear this will all turn green when it starts raining. Speaking of rain, I can't wait for it to rain! When all you Oregonians get tired of the rain, remember me over here, sweating like crazy from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the hottest month of the year!

Well, I'm signing off for now. Tionana (see you later)!

end of term!

2007-10-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

I made it to the end of first term. I can hardly believe it. I just finished up my report cards. I can't believe that either. It's so weird to be giving kids grades. I mean, these things are going to be forever scrapbooked or boxed up (if you're like my family) to be preserved forever. I mean, seriously...this is big stuff!

I am on break now...no school next week. I'm pretty excited about that. I'm off to the lake for this weekend (no more bad food though, don't worry). It's going to be so nice. This time I really will post pictures when I get back.

Things to pray for:
1. safe travel to the lake and back
2. rest and relaxation combined with productivity over the break
3. parent teacher conferences the week after break

Thanks for all you do to encourage and support me. Many blessings to you!

Loves.

Reading Day

2007-10-06T00:56:00.001-07:00

I decided that since I am so long overdue for updates I'd post two today. Yesterday was Reading Day for the lower grades at the Academy. Talk about stress for the teachers and parents...I had no idea. But talk about fun for the kids. My kids are adorable!

Ok, there's a lot of pictures, but it's so hard to choose! The whole class. Sort of. It's hard to get 19 six year olds to smile and look in one place for more than few second.

My favorite paper bag puppet EVER. And it matches her costume. I didn't even help her either.

Can't have a costume day without a few spidermen.
Here's my tin man. So hilarious. Also, check out Thomas the Train (I thought of you, Mudpuddles gals). Thomas and the Tin Man tied for best dressed.

The final result of "here's a bag, there's the stuff, make a puppet." Not my finest moment of teaching, but they turned out, and it wasn't even THAT chaotic.

Chesire cat. Frog puppet.

No costume, but still quite the ham...

"I'm so cool." All the little girls in my class have a crush on him. Smart, cute, nice, what more can you ask for?

And my last comments about life in Malawi: it's HOT here. I hear that October is the hottest month, but I've also heard that it's pretty hot all the way through January. My body is so confused about why it is getting hotter at this time of year. I love to hear your stories about fall from the Northwest- I'm going to miss it! Carve a pumpkin and step on a few crunchy leaves for me!

Also, I have been posting all of (well, most of) my pictures on facebook. It seems to be the fastest way for me to do get lots of pictures onto the internet. I believe that everyone should be able to view the album by going to this link:

http://georgefox.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011332&l=b5ba5&id=98300908

Alright, I'm off to enjoy my Saturday.

God's blessings to you!

Crisis Nursery

2007-10-06T00:25:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I went to an open house for the crisis nursery. Here is my story, in pictures.

Meet Madalitso (Mad-uh-leet-so).

She is the sweetest and cuddliest baby you will ever meet. She loves music. As soon as she hears it she starts dancing and clapping and laughing. She is content, even though love and affection don't always come her way regularly.

Her mother died of AIDS. Madalitso is also HIV positive.

Remember her in your prayers.

I think it would be amazing to organize a team to come out here and help out with the nursery (that's a hint to YOU...start praying...). So much work needs to be done there, and short term teams are so effective for bringing supplies, too. I took a picture of the sign so you can see what kinds of things need to be done. Hopefully you can read it. If not, the point is, there's lots of stuff.

Ministry of Hope website: www.ministryofhope.org

healthy....or....healthier

2007-09-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you for praying for me. I got up Wednesday morning expecting to be in bed all day again but discovered that I felt much better. I ended up going to school. I planned to be there for part of the day and ended up staying the whole day. I was very exhausted by the end of the day, but so glad that I could move again I didn't care.

Being sick caused a lot of emotions that I hadn't experienced yet. For example: culture shock. I was so frustrated with all of the workers who kept coming into my house and walking around my house I wanted to scream! I also got pretty homesick. I really miss all of YOU! Anyone want to come to Africa? Anyone? :-)

I am feeling much better now. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

Well, I just wanted to let you all know that I am feeling better! I'll put up pictures from the lake tomorrow, hopefully.

I'll leave you with a quote from our Bible study book. The study is on grace.

Let grace be the beginning, let grace be the consummation, grace the crown. Bede

i need your prayers...thanks!

2007-09-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I had a great time at the lake, it was beautiful and relaxing. But now I'm really sick! About half of us that went are sick with some kind of bacterial infection in our stomach. I spent yesterday at the clinic (hospital type thing on campus) hooked up to an IV and really out of it from the anti-vomit medicaion (which did not help). I've been in bed all day today, but I'm not really feeling any better. Please pray for me (and my friends) to get healthy soon!

Thank you!

Update on my Classroom

2007-09-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Thanks for your prayers and encouraging emails and comments. I really appreciate it! It is Friday and I am so happy! Here is my story to prove to you that I teach in Africa (with a picture for a visual aid).

Mecha (pronounced Meesha): Miss Miller, can Shaun get the roach out of my desk?

Me: The what? From where? What are you talking about?

Mecha: There is a cockroach in my desk and Shaun wants to get it.

Me: Let me see....oh, yes, yes there is a big bug in your desk.

*At this point I'm wondering if it is ok to let a student get it out, because I certainly am not going to touch it. Then, I remembered that I have an aide.*

Me: Mr. Joel, will you please get the big bug out?

Now, talk about a distraction! Haha. It doesn't help when the teacher is freaking out way more than the students, and taking pictures for the blog! We had a long talk about how I am afraid of many kinds of bugs. Here's the pic:

My favorite pic of the day: Keith and Zizwa, they are friends. And the two biggest trouble makers in my class! Keith is also my little singer. I am going to teach my kids "Oh Happy Day" to sing in chapel and Keith already knows all the words! I'm thinking soloist! Please pray for these two little guys as you think about it.

I'm off to the lake for a relaxing weekend. Pray that I can actually relax, without worrying too much or thinking too much about school.

Big praise of the day: The containter is fianlly here and it (hopefully) has my classroom library, math manipulatives, and some organizational stuff in it! Yay! I'm so excited!

Thanks for all of your support! I miss and love you all!

an honest update

2007-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Some advice that I got from other missionaries is to be honest with people at home, supporters, friends and family. That way they know how to pray for you. So, here's my honesty:

I'm tired and emotional right now! I have been working almost non stop on my classroom. There is so much to do it's hard to get caught up to where I feel like I can relax. I did take a good day of Sabbath rest today though, and I am feeling better. I've been missing home- my friends and my family. Also, I seem to have caught a cold, which is annoying. Please pray for my health- physical and emotional!

And here's some more honesty: even though I don't feel the best I have in my life, I am very thankful to God for the provisions he has given. I got my monthly support report and I have a very decent amount to live on, for sure. There are some really amazing people here and I am really enjoying spending time with them. Little Analise has even decided that we can be friends, which makes my heart happy. God is definately good. Above all else, I know that He is taking care of me, and providing for me.

Please continue to pray for me, I don't think you can possibly realize what it means to me and for me. God hears you!

Thank you for support, I love you all!

PS: Sorry that there aren't any pictures yet. Soon and very soon.

things I have learned (or relearned) so far...

2007-08-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

The internet may or may not work. There may or may not be power. There may or may not be water. The refigerator freezes everything, including apples. Frozen apples look weird, but taste fine once they have thawed.

English words that mean something different when a Malawian says them:

Thank you- means anything from okay to nice to meet you to you're welcome
*Example: "Hello. What is your name?" "I'm Megan." "Thank you."

Tomorrow- perhaps it means tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day, or maybe the day after that.
*Example: "Your desks will be in your room tomorrow [Tuesday]." It is Thursday. I have no desks.

:-)

Praise: I feel good about the way my classroom is looking. I am starting to feel comfortable here.

Prayer: That planning and organizing lessons and classroom stuff will go well next week before the students come.

my classroom!

2007-08-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

My classroom: bright colors and very bare! I'm working on it though! Do you notice anything missing? Perhaps, the place where the children will sit??

These are the before pictures. I'll put up after pictures in a couple of weeks when school starts and there are things up on the walls. Hopefully you'll barely recognize the place. I've met three of my students so far. They are adorable. I am excited to get to teach them.

I'm HERE!

2007-08-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

My new friends Amber and Molly. I am holding the hedgehog they found.

My house:

Muli Bwanje! (How are you?)

I have arrived safely in Malawi. Praise God. Thank you to all of you who were praying for my travels. God really took care of me. Everything went really smoothly and I had complete peace and security the whole time I was traveling. JFK airport is not my favorite place in the world though. Here's an example of how God took care of me: I was really worried about finding the shuttle in Jo'burg. Once I found it there was a couple there from Texas and we started talking. They took me under their wing and ended up buying my dinner for me at the hotel. They were both Christians and it was so encouraging to have someone to talk with and fellowship with over a good meal. Another example: I have been sleeping so well! Even in Jo'burgh. And sleep is definitely what I need to get ready for school!

So far things at African Bible College (ABC) have been wonderful. There are so many sweet people who have taken me in and loved on me the last few days. I am so grateful for their love and friendship!

Please pray for me as I start getting my classroom in order and preparing my lessons. I miss you all and love you all!

Praises

2007-07-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

The last month has been incredible! God has been so faithful to provide for my needs.

First, my tickets were stuck in Malawi. My teaching partner contacted someone who was able to pick them up and get them to someone who was returning to the US. I got them in the mail today and I feel a huge amount of stress lifted. I also don't have to stay the night in two hotels anymore either. Just one in Jo'burg. I looked it up on the internet and it looks really nice and it's only 5 minutes from the airport. Now I just have to make sure to get on the right shuttle!

Second, my support has been pouring in. I am pretty sure that I have all of my support raised, and maybe even a little bit extra. I can't even believe how wonderful my friends, family, and church family have been. "All the money in the world belongs to God. He will release some of it so that I can do the work he has called me to do." That's what Jenny (my teaching partner) told me a few weeks ago. She was right.

20 more days until I leave!

Praise: 1. my tickets are here! 2. my support is mostly here!

Prayer: 1. peace and comfort during travel 2. that I can make the most out of the next three weeks with friends and family (and still find time to pack)

Thanks for being awesome. Be blessed.

Time marches on

2007-06-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

Less than two months before I depart for Malawi. My excitment is growing daily. I can't wait to meet my students and start our learning adventure together. I'm also really excited to meet the other missionaries that I've been talking to. We are going to have so much fun together.

Yesterday we sang "Here I am Lord." I've always liked that song, but being in the process of being "sent" makes it even more powerful. Knowing that God is sharing his radical love through me and in me is such an amazing thought.

Another thought that has been frequenting my mind: I need to learn to be radically trusting and radically obedient for this whole thing to work out. I am a long way from trusting and obidient, and even farther from radically so.

Prayer requests: 1. that funding would continue to come in 2. that i would learn trust and obedience

praises: 1. some funding has come in 2. my excitement is growing everyday

support letters

2007-05-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

My support letters went out with my graduation announcements last week. I have already been so blessed by the people in my life who want to support me. Sometimes I don't even have to ask, people just volunteer to support me. When I was deciding if I should go to Africa I talked to Andrea (she led my trip two years ago) and she said that she was excited for me to go through the support raising process. Now I see why. :-)

Praises: 1. support is starting to come in 2. I can see God's hand in this preparation process.

Concerns: 1. I am really nervous to travel alone to Malawi. I will be staying the night in two different airports (Minneapolis and Johannesburg). Pray for peace and comfort.

In the beginning...

2007-03-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

In December I began thinking and praying about returning to Malawi. I sent my application a few weeks ago, and within a week I had accepted a position teaching first grade at African Bible College Christian Academy (ABCCA). I am confident that this is the direction that the Lord is leading me, and I am excited to see what he has in store for me in Malawi.

The position is a volunteer/mission one, therfore I will be raising support. About $800/month that I am there, plus airfare. So that makes about $10,000 total. I have been asked to pray about staying for a second year, but I think I will put off making that decision until later down the road.

I decided to create this blog as a way to keep all of my friends and family updated on this process. I will continue to update when I reach Malawi. Thank you for your prayers and support during this process!