Welcome to "Through a Glass Darkly" - my blog about my service trip to Malawi, Africa.
I left Canada on December 30th for Blantyre, Malawi, AFRICA. I worked with Friends of Malawi Fellowship (FOMF), the organization headed by my aunt Phyllis Labrentz. I taught English language and literature, helping secondary high school students learn to read and write English well enough to pass the government exams. During that time I was also kept busy teaching guitar, singing, and assisting my aunt. I left Malawi on July 19th and returned to Canada on July 20th.
I was not able to upload video while in Malawi, so I've now started to go WAY back in my computer files, to the beginning of my journey. Now that I've been back home for a month and a bit, it's time to see it anew: absorb it, think on it, and try to make meaning where I can. *Note This is raw footage--no editing--so please, look/listen past the moments of poor audio/visual to share my experience. Thank you.
About a dozen or so of the Form 4 students came for tea and bannock on my last day in Blantyre. I have never seen that much bannock disappear so fast. Teenage boys/young men are the same wherever you go--bottomless stomachs!
I gave this speech at the closing day assembly this morning (Friday ) at 9 a.m. (12 a.m. BC time). Form 1 and Form 3 students received their final report cards. Form 2 and Form 4 students are finishing their government exams. -------------------------------------- Good morning. I would like to recognize the presence of the Directress, the Principal; staff members of Kings Victory Academy; parents, guardians and friends; and students.
As we come to the end of the 2011-2012 school year, I have also come to the end of my time here in Malawi. I will be leaving Lilongwe on July 19th and returning to my family in Canada after 6 1/2 months' absence. I have some thoughts that I want to leave with you.
I would first like to read a few verses from the 2nd book of Timothy--chapter 2 and verses 6-8: (2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)) 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
The apostle Paul wrote this as he was facing death by execution. No one is being executed here today! However, both the students and I have reached the end of a chapter in our lives.
Paul said he had finished his race; we have finished this school year, and I hope that you students can look back and say that you have done your best. That's what it mean to fight the good fight. To keep the faith means that you have worked on your relationship with God and your relationships with others. You have grown. You have matured. I hope you have matured!
Many of you also have a reward here for your hard work--promotion to the next form. That's a temporary reward, but there is also the heavenly reward that Paul spoke of--a reward that God had waiting for Paul in heaven. There is a reward in heaven for you too, if you follow God and you don't give up or quit.
So--good bye. I will think of you often. And whenever I think of you, I will pray for you, that you stay faithful to God. And whenever you think of me, remember that if we don't see one another again here on this earth, I will EXPECT to see you in heaven!
And we will tell each other:
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Thank you.
The King's Victory Academy graduation celebration was held on June 26th. What a wonderful time it was, seeing the joy in these students' faces! The students DANCED in! Like line dancing, but so much better. I'll post video once I get back home (where the bandwidth will allow me to). And guess what: some girls were upset about not having pretty dresses to wear, so a group of the more well-off girls called a meeting---and they all decided to wear their school uniforms to the ceremony. What a kind, thoughtful thing for them to do. Harry looked fantastic in his new suit. His sister came in from her home village to attend the ceremony. She was absolutely beaming! A great day.
Principal with MP for Blantyre (guest speaker)
He liked my guitar!
Harry, me, and Audess
English award winner
Harry and his sister
Head Girl
Head Boy giving his speech
Art award winner
Music award winner
"Smartest boy" (best dressed) award winner (I think that's an accomplishment when EVERY student wears a uniform!)
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