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Debrief in Malawi

A month ago I returned to the field and traveled to Malawi, Africa – where the sky is grand and magnificent and I played with adorable children while walking down the street.

Africa is possibly my favorite continent, so when I found out I was going to get to go to Malawi I was ecstatic. I was ecstatic to return to Africa and to FINALLY meet the incredible squad I’d been working with (they left before I started my job). I was finally going to be more than just the “person who emails them” and become someone who knows them. I was so excited to go and I eagerly counted down the days. What this debrief was going to look like was a mystery to me. We had them on my Race, so I knew how they worked from the participant sidebut I really had no clue what it’d look like from the staff side. I have learned, though, when you don’t know what to do, just dive all in and give it all you have. You’ll learn as you go and it will all work out.

When I got there, the squad was so incredibly loving and welcoming, it was easy to invest into these almost-strangers. Instead of being held back by fear, I dove into this community whole-heartedly. I had one-on-one time with many of the participants, which allowed me to hear their stories, challenges, celebrations, and dreams. I was able to give them encouragement, wisdom, and love. I was privileged to pray for and with them and I have continued to pray for them since being home. Some of them have invited me to reach out after returning home to continue to invest in them. I get to be an influence in their lives. I get to partner with God and encourage them to walk in the freedom and abundant life He has for them. I get to be part of what the Lord is doing in their hearts! I still can’t believe that the Lord chose to bless me with such an opportunity. It is one I never would have imagined. It is one I am deeply grateful for.

The Lord is so good – not only did He work through me as I poured into these racers but He poured right back into me. When I landed in Malawi I realized for the first time how exhausted I really was, and not because of travel. Emotionally and spiritually, I was on empty. In Malawi I was able to spend time with my Savior watching the sunset or stargazing. I was able to enjoy His glorious creation. This refreshed, re-energized, and re-filled me. I came back feeling lighter, and I was reminded of how sweet and precious resting in my Savior is. God is who keeps me going. He is my strength. If I’m not relying on Him, I’m not going to get very far.

I gained so much from my 10 days in Africa (not enough time, if you ask me) – a renewed spirit and a deep love for an incredible group of people who WILL change the lives of people around them. I cannot express how blessed I feel. I never would have guessed this is where I would be, but now that I am here I can’t imagine anything more perfect.

 

 

For those who are wondering why I went to Africa:

For about 3 months I have been working at Adventures in Missions – the organization I went on the World Race with. For my entire 11 months on the field I was able to serve by being a treasurer – which I LOVED!! Now I get to work as a Squad Administrator – helping the logistics leaders, financial coordinator, and treasurers successfully do their job on the field. What exactly does this mean?

  • I help the treasurers and financial coordinator manage the budget and with financial decisions on the field. I assist the logistics leaders in transporting the squad from country to country and with coordinating events on the field (such as debriefs and leadership development weekends).
  • I invest in the people on the field that I’m working with. I get to be part of their journey – through prayer, encouragement, discipleship, and loving on them.
  • I travel to the field to be with the squads I work with (which is the cherry on top of an already great job)!! While on the field I will train them, get some face-time with them, and get the opportunity to have a more personal role in their lives.

As part of my job, I am required to fundraise on behalf of Adventures in Missions. My fundraising goal is $7,000 a year. As of now I am at $2,475. Meaning I still have $4,625 (about $380 a month) to fundraise. I am looking for people to prayerfully consider partnering with me by becoming a monthly or one-time donor. If you’re interested you can click the “support me” button in this blog.

 

I would LOVE to talk more with you about all that’s happening. Feel free to leave your email in a comment and I will reach out to you!