a rough sketch

Africa is going really well. After the initial swells of homesickness, third-world shock, and lots of prayer, I think I'm finally settling into Malawi. I like it here, though it's a lot more westernized than I would have expected. (Malawi was a British protectorate, and they still hold onto the old British ways-tea time, round abouts, dressing nicely, saying "fish and chips", speaking proper English, etc. I've apparently found myself in a poorer, younger, African-version of Britain). The city itself is quite luxurious, by African standards, having many internet cafes, restaurants, hospitals, banks, etc. You can find anything you need, for a very, very low price.

I don't know how self-sustainable the country is. Probably not very much. The people don't seem to wish for change to happen in Africa. (Side note: almost every African I've met has never heard of Invisible Children. That's so wild for me to comprehend!). They're all very laid back, and practice a get-it-done-when-I-feel-like-it sort of style. A lot of the internal work that goes on here is done by foreign NGO's, mostly from America and Europe. I've met Germans, Italians, English, Americans, Scottish, students from Harvard, etc all working on constructing and/or working at orphanages, digging wells, doing evangelism, lecturing on AIDS.. It's a very international environment-which is cool. We all have common ground, and it's a source of support. I've especially made friends with the people working with ADRA and Maranatha. It's sweet to see our church at work over here.

The Blantyre Adventist hospital is one of the nicest in the country. It's also one of the most expensive. But it's clean and has quality doctors and nurses all the way from Brazil to the Philippines.

And I teach their kids. The doctor's kids, I mean. My students are mostly missionary kids, ex-pats, and a few locals. They range from 6 to 16, and represent a combination of countries, including: Zimbabwe, Malawi, Egypt, Mexico, Philippines, and Brazil. They're quite a diverse group, and also a very exhaustive one. I love them, but I have to say that I'm learning the virtue of patience over here.

I've met a lot of strange people over here, and have made many interesting memories. I have found that things are a lot alike anywhere that you go. In a way, I don't mind being away at all. But, I have to say, I'm also very eager to get back to school and be the student again.

For now, however, things are good. God is teaching me a LOT about myself and also about life. It's nice :)