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August 2, 2009

Beautiful Smile

The more one travels the more apparent it becomes; the world is big, cultures do vary, but people will always be people.  The aura of Africa entices many, and the West has succeeded in sensationalizing the continent.  Yet, as you walk through the markets, sit in the classrooms, or drive down the roads, the mysticism disappears and life, as it has been, and will be, emerges; natural, normal, ordinary.  To step into peoples lives and immerse in their reality for a while is a unifying experience.  It congeals the notion that we are all God’s children, sharing our joys and hardships with those around us.  And it underscores that we are all in need of love and grace.

Several planes and a day later we are back in America.  We saw and did so much that our trip felt long, yet saddened that it is now over.  There were a lot of highlights that will be cherished, yet the pervading remembrance centers around the demands UrbanPromise International and its ministries are fulfilling.  The Malawian children and their communities are so eager to embrace the programs.  It is hard to understand, born and raised in America (the land of opportunity).  We are indoctrinated from an early age that if you want it bad enough, it can be achieved.  In Malawi, there are obstacles, hindrances, and circumstances that if your lot is not right, your future is set, and it doesn’t matter what your dreams may be; unattainable is a reality.  That is why each Malawian fellow that comes to UrbanPromise to train and learn has a remarkable testimony.  Each has a story of God’s hand directly in their lives lifting them up to the one percent of Malawian citizens who earn a degree.  And that is why each fellow has a desire to give back, to be God’s instrument in removing those obstacles and changing the circumstances of Malawi’s next generation.  Undoubtedly the difficulties run deep and wide, yet in less than a year, since the introduction of these ministries, hundreds of children and several communities have been influenced.  The opportunity for growth and the impact on Malawi remains vast and immeasurable.  The appreciation for what is being done, however, is well understood. 

It truly was a spectacular journey.

August 1, 2009
Cohorts 1 and 2 around the table

Cohorts 1 and 2 around the table

The retreat with cohorts 1 and 2 at Lake Malawi was a success.  A lot of good information was shared as well as a refocusing on how these ministries can most effectively raise funds and reach as many children as possible.  As mentioned earlier, the demand for what these ministries are doing is so high in Malawi that it really comes down to the monetary support they get from UrbanPromise International, and individual supporters like you. 

The lodge that we stayed at was relatively nice, although no internet available.  A moment of concern resulted from its “cash only” policy (not uncommon).  Malawi’s biggest bill is the 500 Kwacha = $4 US, therefore, a retreat for 15 people, food and drinks, conference room and extras was going to cost a decent amount.  Getting all that cash together was literally going to take a suitcase to hold it all.  Luckily, the manager was accommodating and we worked out a wire transfer payment.  Nevertheless, a cash based society with its biggest bill equaling 4 bucks is a hassle. 

Its winter in Malawi, but the temperatures remained in the 70s.  The lake was a little chilly, yet, we jumped in anyway.  All last year, the fellows talked about how beautiful Lake Malawi is, and they were right.  So, it was necessary to take the plunge.  It didn’t feel right to have traveled so many miles and not to.

July 30, 2009

Milton

Every morning at 6:15am, seven year old Milton begins his 45 minute walk down a steep rocky path toward the small mountain city of Copan Ruinas.  Copan Ruinas—famous for its Myan ruins that provided the foundation of a dynamic civilization built over 2000 years ago—is now famous for its tourism and small coffee plantations.  Milton is a descendant of the Myan people.

At 7:30am our little friend catches a bus at the foot of his mountain that winds through the city’s cobble stone streets and drops him at Camp Joy—UrbanPromise’s first summer day Camp in the country of Honduras

Some of you have been watching the political situation in Honduras, which is currently unstable.  Citizens of this wonderful country are nervously watching their televisions.  Although the protests have not reached the city of Copan Ruinas, the impact of the political unrest is devastating.  Tourism, the life blood of this city, has slowed to a mere trickle.  Hotels and restaurants, usually filled during this time of year, are vacant.  People have lost their jobs.  “If it continues much longer,” shared the owner of one coffee shop, “we’ll all be out of business.”  This will drive the area into deeper poverty….which will impact the lives of children.

That’s why programs like UrbanPromise are critical.

Camp Joy has been created by three former UrbanPromise interns—Blair, Matt, and Rachel.  These committed young leaders have a passion to create an UrbanPromise-type ministry for the children and teens of this small city—a city where poverty is high and opportunities for children to engage in life changing, Christian-based programs are non-existent. 

Children like Milton would typically spend their summer sleeping, hanging out in the streets, or doing odd jobs to help support the family.  Now they get a chance to improve their English, learn about the Bible, play games, cook food, sing songs and watch skits.  Their joy is palpable.  Their smiles intoxicating. 

“The potential for this kind of ministry is incredible,” shares director Blair Quinius.  “There is nothing like it for the children in this community.  Parents and community leaders are excited.”

They are not the only people excited.

Otherwise, why would a seven year old named Milton get up before dawn, walk  for 45 minutes to catch a bus, just to come to camp?  Why: because he loves it!

July 25, 2009

Three post in the last 24 hours . . . That's right, I have wireless access!  Oh, the joys of being connected.

Orientation with Cohorts 2 and 3 in a nutshell

Orientation with Cohorts 2 and 3 in a nutshell

Cohort 3 from left to right: Moveti, Promise, John, Doren, Malason, (not pictured: Charity from Uganda)

Cohort 3 from left to right: Moveti, Promise, John, Doren, Malason, (not pictured: Charity from Uganda)

July 25, 2009

ABC CampusThe 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.

OrientationCohorts 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. 

Orientation2Cohort 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.

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