"I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" keeps playing on my epic Christmas playlist and it has me thinking a lot of home and the holidays. Although I have been listening to it since October, drinking hot cocoa in front of my fan (in defiance of the heat), wearing candy cane earrings :), and making Christmas plans, its just not the same without the people you call family. As America celebrated Thanksgiving this week, the crew here at ABC pulled off a feast of our own. It was fun to celebrate with pumpkin pie, stuffing, turkey, apple cider, and friends from all over the world taking time to give thanks together. I've been thinking a lot about why Christ came and how He spent Christmas (whatever day it actually was) leaving His family to come here for us. He sacrificed so much by becoming like us and I think that is what I am most grateful for today. He completely understands every joy, hardship, humor, sadness, and celebration that we have. The question is can I be grateful for the insignificant sacrifices we are called to give? Can I be consistent in my gratitude whether it has been a wonderful week or a difficult one? Can I remember His sacrifice through the good and bad? Its easy to ask God for things and for some reason its harder to give thanks. How would I be different if I continually praised Him for ALL things?
The past few weeks have been filled with the crazy build up to our end of year production entitled "What Child is This." Although there are many things that keep us busy, the performances really take most of our time, thought, and prayer. We put so much into these events because they are such wonderful opportunities to share what Christ sacrificed for us to the always diverse audience. I've said this a million times, but the arts really do open doors (and hearts) for the gospel more than anything I have ever experienced. Although I didn't know that I would end up in Malawi, I am so thankful for the years of ballet and training that made it possible to be here in this time using what I love to glorify the Lord. I love those moments when God lets you see WHY certain things happen and how it gives us a glimpse of His sovereignty and love.
As we head into our last two weeks (where did the time go???) before our final show, we are also taking our top level of girls to several performances throughout Lilongwe. Last week, they got to perform in a village called Chinsapo with our friends Krysti and Marco from a ministry called the Chisomo Idea. It was such a blessing to be able to take ballet into a place that has never seen it before. The cool thing is that dance is such a universal language that anyone and everyone can relate through it. Two of our girls who speak Chichewa shared the gospel with all of the kids and I was grateful to see them step out in their faith. We also got to take them to perform in a youth arts competition of Malawi. Not knowing what to expect, we found out that there are four rounds and people from all over the country competing. Afterwards we went out for ice cream which I enjoyed because we were able to spend time with them outside of class. Yesterday, they performed in the International Day performance here at school where many families of our students attended. Whether dancing in the dirt, a tiny space, a gym, or a theatre, these girls have gotten to dance and worship everywhere. The past two years have brought an overwhelming, but amazing amount of outreach opportunities. I wouldn't want it any other way.
As some of you may know, it was a hard decision on whether or not to come back to Malawi this year. I absolutely love my job, ministry, friends etc. but I also miss my family. However, I am so thankful that the Lord kept me here as I have gotten so much closer with my kids. There is such a high turn over with people coming and going and it has been special to have so many of my friends stay another year this time around. Its been a long time since our last break at school and there are days when I am so ready for Christmas break! Although there are moments of frustration, my students are overall a joy to teach. As much as I teach them about ballet and hopefully Christ, they teach me much about joy and how that looks day to day. Whether I am making them redo math homework, making them turn in cursive assignments, yelling at them to pointe their toes, or correcting their dances, they (usually) have good attitudes about it. Obviously there are bad moments, but I really think that they are (in general) so much more respectful than kids in the States. Like I said, in general, it seems that respect is not as much as an option and more of an understood courtesy. I hope that my kids someday are like some of my students and I think being a teacher is good preparation for parenting? Maybe?
I have a hard time saying no to things at work, chances to do outreach, hanging out with friends, and anything else that sounds like a good idea. Last year, Carrie and I were so busy that I honestly don't know how we managed it. There were many great things that came out of it, but we needed better time management and being here another year, we realized what is worth doing and what isn't. Taking time for yourself is so important and saying no is ok sometimes. Maybe its that, or just feeling at home here, everything being familiar, or a mixture, but this year is so much better than last year! Carrie and I have such a good friendship and the Lord has really blessed us with being able to work together well and push this ballet program to new things. I've gotten to spend time with my friends, enjoy growth groups, getting involved with other people's ministries, going to do village outreach, or just hanging out in general. We got to go to Blantyre which is a southern city of Malawi this past weekend with some friends and see a national Malawi VS Mali football game. I love the city and they have wonderful food! Its always fun to do something different. Later in the week, a few of us got tattoos which I had to promise my mother was safe. I think I have to work at convincing my family that I haven't gone crazy, but after having dreads and a few tattoos, I'm not sure if they believe me. To me, the ones that I have are a constant reminder of what the Lord has done for me and how faithful He has been in my life. This may sound like a silly spiritual example, but its true. I easily forget how great our God is (like the Israelites) and need a reminder (like an Ebeneezer). Anyways I'm done for a while so don't worry. :) As great as the year has been and as excited as I am for our upcoming Christmas show, please pray for the next two weeks! They will be insanely busy. Thanks:)
Part of living in transitions is always planning the next step as well as what's happening right in front of you. As much as I have learned to let the Lord plan and follow His call, there is practical planning that has to be done. Some of it is scary (like the fact that I want to head back to nursing school next year in Indiana- and get a puppy) and some of it is exciting (like the fact that I get to spend Christmas not by myself but with my best friend in Europe!!!!!!!!) If you know me at all, you know that I am obsessed with anything and everything Christmas. I start celebrating in October and would probably be friends with Buddy the Elf... So, being able to spend it with people I love is very exciting. I am so looking forward to seeing Caitlin and catching up on all that life is doing to us as well as spend Christmas with her family in Venice, Italy. It has been a dream of ours since we became friends years ago to see Italy, France, and England together. Now its actually happening and our 9th grade dreams are coming true. I didn't think I would be able to do this trip until I was older and had a real job, but it is happening and I could go on and on about how excited I am. When I get back to Africa, the plan is to head to Tanzania (which is right next to Malawi) with a few of my friends here for New Years. We have a month long break so it will be great to fill it with adventure as it is my last year on this side of the world (for a while at least). Its hard to believe that we are heading towards 2015 and how quickly the past few years have gone but also how much has happened. I truly have so much to be thankful for.
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas Season! I will try to write again before I leave, but just in case, I am trying to get a Christmas letter out so if you would like one, please send me your address! I mean who doesn't like getting international mail? :) I also just made an awesomely epic video to send back to some people in the states about what we do here in Malawi (it was actually really hard as I am not good at talking to cameras). If you would like a copy, please let me know as soon as possible! Thank you all for your support, prayers, thoughts, and encouragement. Getting an email/letter/call from home is like getting a care package. :) It is always a blessing to hear from you. I hope you have a wonderful weekend eating leftover turkey, going black friday shopping, and decorating for Christmas. I believe that's all for now...
Emilie
