July 25th 2009
The African Bible College campus is beautiful; lots of vegetation, and even some wildlife running around. On the drive back from Madisi, I was thinking to myself that I bet the landscape looks much different during rainy season. Currently, Malawi is at its end of winter. The landscape, therefore, has been rain deprived for months and is dry, dusty and brown. I can only imagine the rich greens and wild flower aromas that fill the air during other times in the year. Malawians speak of how there are so many mangoes in December and February that they just fall from the trees in excess. Yum! Avocados, guava, oranges, and other delectable fruits abound when the rain comes. If/When we return, there may have to be an alteration to the time of year we do.
Cohorts 2 and 3 have gathered for an evening and morning of orientation. It is fascinating to observe the characteristics of the two groups. Cohort 3 is anxious, nervous, excited, and eager to embark on their journey to America; where most of them cite their enthusiasm to absorb as much as they can and continually learn throughout their time. Naturally, they have many fears; mostly surrounding the cultural differences between themselves and the children they will be working with in the afterschool programs. Yet, there is also great exhilaration in the thought of flying for the first time, or walking through snow. Although, Peter from cohort two advised that yes, it is fun to witness snow, but after that, they will just want it to go away and get warm again.
Cohort 2 has definitely come a long way since first stepping off that plane one year ago. They have shared incredible wisdom and insight about their year at UrbanPromise and it is clear that they all matured in many ways. The opportunity and experience that these fellows receive at UrbanPromise truly is unprecedented.