Malawian National Basketball

“Look at the nations and watch—and be UTTERLY AMAZED. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5

Utter amazement is all that can describe this past month in Malawi. I wish I had more pictures and a better vocabulary to depict all that has happened so far because there have been so many incredible moments but I wanted to share one in particular. Three weeks ago I had the honor and privilege of playing for the Malawian National Women’s Basketball team. At first I didn’t understand how big of an honor it was to be asked to play in this tournament, but I soon realized that this was no ordinary competition. This was a countrywide multisport tournament between Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Athletes competed in netball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball. The tournament was held here at ABC which made the experience that much sweeter because the other staff members and families were able to come and show their support. It was such a rich experience for me because for those four days I wasn’t an American, rather a Malawian playing in honor of her country. There was one moment in particular that I will cherish forever. We had just lost to Zambia and instead of the traditional “shake hands/give high fives to the other team” we all gathered together and prayed. We thanked God for the game of basketball and how it had brought our two nations together that weekend. After that prayer we all put our hands in and shouted “one team – AFRICA!” I don’t know what it was about that moment but words cannot describe how happy my heart was. Physically I was surrounded by hundreds of people, but at that moment I felt like it was just me...standing in awe of God. I was utterly amazed with His provision, His plan, and just the fact that He called me here…He called me here to AFRICA and here I am playing on the National Malawian team and how undeserving yet grateful I am for this entire experience. So thank you to all of you who played a part in getting me here. Thank you to those of you that are keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. This is an amazing place full of amazing people and I am beyond grateful to be here.

Hello from Africa!

Muli Bwanji! ("How are you?" in Chichewa)

I can’t believe I have only been in Malawi for a week! It already feels like I have been here for months. It blows me away to think I have finally arrived and feel so privileged to be apart of this amazing opportunity here in Lilongwe.

The fam bam at Brian's Wedding

I was blessed to have spent my last week before arriving in Africa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Most of you know that I was down there with almost my entire family celebrating my brothers wedding. We had an awesome time together and it was especially sweet for me to spend some quality time with the ones I love the most before hopping on a plane to Malawi. 

Cousin Carly and I in Cabo

The journey began last Sunday morning when I left my precious family and friends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It was a bitter-sweet breakfast full of laughter, tears, and prayer, but I was excited and ready to experience the unknown. The 36 hours of traveling that I had before me ended up being better than I could have hoped for. Don’t get me wrong, I was tired of sitting, for sure, but the time went by quicker than I expected. Four flights and three layovers later, my bags and I had made it to Malawi!

I wasn’t surprised when I stepped off the plane, it was exactly as I had pictured. Tall grasses, acacia trees, and bright smiles but unfortunately no elephants, at least not yet. Africa also has a distinct smell- it constantly smells like a fire, well Malawi does.

First African Sunset

When I found my bags and walked out of the airport I was met with open arms and smiling faces from the Academy. The ABC staff is so friendly and welcoming, it was as if we were old friends. This feeling has continued all week and I can now say we are like a little family. There are 22 of us that are new singles and it is like college all over again. I have yet to cook a meal for myself, as all the families are having us over for dinner. We have had game nights, potlucks, shopping trips, and workout sessions. People are so relational here, you can’t walk down the street without saying hi to everyone and stopping to have multiple conversations.

School here starts tomorrow and I have been swamped in the accounting office. God is definitely stretching me this year and I have felt overwhelmed and unqualified multiple times. Fortunately, everyone here is full of grace and confident that I will figure things out in no time. As a first year there is a lot to adjust to and so many details to work out.

Overall I am so blessed to be here at ABC. It has only been a week and I already have so many stories and a great support system here. I am excited to announce that I will be PLAYING on the women’s college basketball team here. Guess its not time to hang up the shoes just yet :) For those of you who know me you know how excited I am! Especially since our first game is next Friday!

Some of the ABC staff

Thank you to everyone who has supported me prayerfully and financially. I know I am exactly where God wants me to be in this moment and I cant thank you enough for your support. It wouldn’t have been possible for me to be here if it wasn’t for you and all of your love and encouragement. I seems surreal to me that I am finally here.

1 Corinthians 7:17 - "And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there."

I hope to write you all again soon!

Tionana ("until next time"),

Amy

Hello friends and family!
Here is where I will be keeping you up to date on my journey to Africa.
Thank you all for your prayers and support!