August 8

So, I just got done with training in Spring Arbor, MI. I learned a ton! In fact, I was totally overwhelmed by the amount of information I got. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to learn from people who had been on the mission feild for so long. I also got to meet all the people at VISA (a branch of Free Methodist World Missions that specializes in short term missions) who have been helping me so much with organizing my trip. I was so happy to finally meet them face to face after emailing them so much. I was also quite thrilled to meet Henry and Bonnie Church who were the area directors in Africa for many years and Amai Chimimba and Abusa Banda who are the two delegates from Malawi. It was amazing to talk to people who had spent so much time in Malawi.

Before I went to Michigan, I spent four days camping in Havasupi (it's near the Grand Canyon) with six of my dearest friends. We hiked 12 miles down into a canyon with everything we needed for four days on our backs. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. At the end of the hike we came to three gorgeous waterfalls. The trip reminded me of God's awesome imagination that we can see through His glorious creation. I am so in awe of God so often. It also reminded me of my need for other people. I can be extremely stubborn sometimes and insist on doing things by myself, but the Houtzes showed me that sometimes I need to just let people help me. Thank you guys for saving my life so many times.

Right now I am in Muskegon, MI with a friend from youth group. Olivia is amazing and it has been so much fun spending time with her at Lake Michigan. I will be flying back home on Thursday, July 19.

I bought plane tickets to Malawi last week. I found out that I will be leaving on August 8. I will arrive in Malawi on the 10th. I can't believe it is so soon!! I can't wait to finally be in Malawi serving God with the Bartletts.