the drop

the drop

“The most sustainable means of justice is a small drop of water; causing a ripple and creating a wave.”

This small drop has been transformed from a human rights conference to an even more sustainable avenue: Malawian youth.

Many organizations have partnered to bring about the conference: A team of 13 of us, all trained in specific skill sets; a team of 19 Malawian university students-all eager to administer social justice; a couple within the Peace Corps (who happened to be placed in Malawi and members of the Flood); the Malawian Human Rights Resource Commission; and Flood Church. It was humbling to be able to sit in the room of a highly respected organization and discuss human rights with some of the most learned minds I have ever been exposed to. The most exciting part is, somehow, all of the minds involved are passionate about justice because of a deep-rooted love of the Lord and a longing to bring what is right.

As we have been meeting with students in University in Lilongwe, we have started to realize that these students, at first asked to be translators, are going to continue to be the ambassadors of change and justice. The goal of all of the organizations involved was sustainable means of bringing social change and social justice. We have shifted our focus and are now focusing most of our energy on empowering the youth students. These students will be returning to the village every Friday to offer support, guidance, and education to those within it, so training them on the skills is imperative.

So this is what is going on:

The conference planning has quickly become a space for partnership based on the foundation of doing what is best for the people. I have been sharpened by others and have seen the excitement of bringing great minds and big hearts together. God works in incredible ways. The conference begins Friday (PRAY!) and we have spent the past few days in training and are slowly piecing together the most effective way to offer education. We have one more full day of training to go in which we are setting up the schedule of events. When I say we, I mean, our small team, the Malawian youth (19 University students), George (brilliant sweet man with kind eyes), Sean (Flood Malawi Pastor), Tom (Another Flood pastor), and the MHRRC.  It has been powerful to partner all sorts of knowledge and see the passion rise within the eyes of the students.

The conference will begin with training the local village leaders (including the Chief, the TA, several government members, local law enforcement, counselors, etc.), which will be about 100 people. The training will be a bit more intensive and the US team has been asked to remain the point people for the lecture pieces. (the students didn’t feel quite comfortable with that)

The second part of the conference will be held for possibly over 500 people. We are prepared, and hoping, to empower the students to take ownership of the conference and teach wherever their passions lie. However, the students are concerned it will have more of a jump start coming from the US team. (we are working it out).

It has been overwhelming to see prayers answered. At first I was hesitant to be a part of this trip because I was not sure how sustainable the goal would be. Yet, seeing God work in the midst of all of this has been life-changing. I am reminded at how small my life is, and how unimportant I am, yet how dearly He loves me and has given me my passion for life and justice. He is molding in a direction I am completely unclear of. God HAS been affirming my direction of therapy! Praise the Lord!

Current prayers: Personally, sleep has been plagued by nightmares and painful reminders of things I want to steer clear of. It could be due to my medicine, but my very being needs rest. I also want to tangibly serve my team, so pray I find avenues to do so. (I am not as intuitive as you would believe.)

For the conference: Fuel is scarce, almost impossible to find. If we do not have fuel, we have no conference. Pray the Lord provides the fuel to send us. Also, pray that the teams continue to strive toward the goal of empowering and serving, both the US and Malawian teams.

I love you all.

Fun Note! We attended a traditional Malawian wedding! We danced for hours and threw money at the bride. (its tradition). We are celebrating Malawian independence day tomorrow after a wonderful 4^th of July!

life is worth living when you live in community.