Lilongwe, Malawi

So a day before leaving the country...it has finally hit me. What in the world have I gotten myself into?!? Is this craziness really happening? I didn't think this would actually come to be. BAH

For the next 3 months...6 months..1 year... who knows?.. I will be calling Lilongwe, Malawi home. 

So where exactly is Malawi?

This is my future home, Nature's Gift permaculture centre

I will be working and learning all about permaculture which is basically

sustainable agriculture and the sustainable design for human settlements. Permaculture encompasses three principles... care of the earth, care of people and fair share. 

So a day before I step on the plane, I am freaking out, wondering what I got myself into...doubting why I am even going. Nervous because I don't know anyone, scared because I am not going with anyone I know, doubting if I can make it for several months taking bucket showers and living with no electricity.

Despite the fear and nerves I can find peace in one thing. I know the same God that I read about in the Bible that rescued the Israelites from Egypt, fed 5,000 and raised people from the dead is the same God that is going with me, walking with me as I arrive in Malawi and find my way 14 km out of the city to my new home. There is a beauty in life when stepping out of your comfort zone and instead trusting and relying on God for all your needs. 

Hopefully I will have enough internet to update about the craziness of life in Malawi. 

Lake Malawi

 Okay seriously who wants to visit me?

Take my heart and let it be all for you and for your glory

solar oven

One of the highlights of the summer has been building a solar oven at home with my dad. So although it looks a little sketchy and homemade, it was a lot of fun to make. All you really need is cardboard, aluminum foil, mason jar spray painted black, newspaper, glass and duct tape! 

1st attempt: We decided to try cooking beans first, didn't want to die from cooking any sort of meat, plus we didn't want for it to take 12 weeks to cook. so first attempt left it outside for five + hours..

1st lesson learned: Welp turns out you have to plan ahead when using a solar oven..not too much sun the day we tested so five hours later still didn't have enough confidence slash desire to try it. so decided we would try again tomorrow with a sunnier day predicted! 

2nd attempt: Left it outside on wonderfully sunny day. end of story

2nd lesson learned: Homemade solar ovens don't have built in timers to remind you... out of sight out of mind. remembered the oven three days later. =/

Determined to try again this weekend. Third times a charm right?

Looking back on the past 6 months, I am in awe of the journey that God has brought me on. I cant help but give thanks to God for all the wonderful memories and lifelong friends that I have made during the last semester of college... here is a reflection on just 20.

1. Living in a refugee community...Willow Branch, my home. 

2. the beauty of the little things in life...clothes drying outside

3. Volcano boarding-CNN #2 thing to do before you die

 4. Jonna surviving Nicaragua

5. neighborhood girls bonding nights

 6. weekly outings to the Yogurt tap...especially with sweet Halima =]

 7. spontaneously beginning a garden in the backyard. end result= pile of dirt... but totally worth the memories made.

 8. the joys of staying up throughout the night taking care of the stray kitten- pistol pete
** those who know me during this time, know that this is a complete lie and I am not very thankful at all for little petey, clearly I am not ready to be a mother

 9. the reckless, adventurous spirt of the neighborhood kids

 10. the beauty of friendships, in which you can hardly speak the same language

 11. spending time with friends new and old

12. exchange buddies!

 13. BIRTHDAY PARTIES

 14. spontaneous model shoots 

 15. KELLY! 

 16. eating so much candy, your ILL...don't miss Nischal on the ground 

 

 17. the experience of living with 2 Iranian refugees, and not being able to speak the same language

 

 18. who needs to speak the same language?...dance parties with the roommates

19. the burst of energy from roommates who speak english! JENNA!

 20. picnic's in the park

21. trip with the parents to St. Martins- Graduation celebration!!

 22. dinner dates in Decatur

23. modern technology aka skype so I can talk to my BFF and sitter

24. newfound love for FARMING!

25. laughter and unforgettable memories with friends

26. kids using our window as a door

27. spending time with Bailey reminiscing on college adventures

28. my mothers visit to Clarkston

29. hiking with the family

Okay so I did more than 20...but who likes even numbers anyways!