“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.
