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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

April '09 Malawi Trip with My Dad

Back Home with a Different Perspective


We are back from Malawi!

Hey everyone! My dad and I made it back from 66.5 hours of traveling by airplane, boat, bus, van, train, car, and on foot. We had an amazing trip. God really worked in our lives and in the lives of the people we met throughout the trip.

Malawi, Africa April 2009

Recently my small group at church has been going through this book about the power of prayer and God has been really challenging me with it. Praying out loud and in front of people has always been something that has been hard for me, so it has been a real challenge and growing experience. While in Malawi I got the chance to go to a church out in a village called The African Abraham Church. My dad had warned our team that we would all be most likely asked to share at the church service and to have something prepared. This made me very nervous and I had no idea what I was going to share if I was asked, so I prayed and God showed me some verses in the Bible that for some reason really stood out to me that day, more than usual. God showed me though that His plan isn't always what we expect or are prepared for. During the church service I wasn't asked to share in the way I thought. The pastor of the church asked me to stand and pray for the offering. He asked about two minutes before he wanted me to stand, so I didn't even have time to think about what I was agreeing to. :) God tested me in Malawi in a way I least expected. I never thought I would be coming back to California and telling you that I stood up in front of a church of maybe a hundred people or so and prayed.

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and support while we were gone. We wouldn't have made it without you.

Some of the Highlights of Our TripWhen we arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Amos, Louise and part of the FTS Mission's Team were waiting to greet us!

I loved the Children


I loved singing and playing games with the children


We played tag


I played goalie after giving the "big" boys a new soccer ball


Here I am with our sponsored child's family

Our meals were cooked over an open fire


Dad trying to carry laundry on his
head like the Malawian people





Thokozani & Rodn
ey
our World Vision Partners



Here I am with Newsong Irvine's Pastors/Leaders on the dock leaving for safari and debrief sessions before we head back home



Dad took us out on the town on a 12-hour layover...
guess where?

10 comments:

  1. Gracie

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is encouraging to read about the transformation that you experienced while being God's feet and voice in Malawi.

    I hope you realize how much both dads (Carlos and God) love you. Your photo and written journal have been a blessing.

    Dave Garcia
    Country Gospel Pastor/Worship Director...and cookie baker

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  2. How wonderful to travel with our kids and show them the reality of what you have been talking about all this time - I know it will change her life for the better - making missionaries one child at a time :) Glad it was fruitful and safe - that flying time was a killer huh - praying for you all - enjoy being kept in touch
    Susan VanderWal

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  3. Gracie,
    You are the BOMB girl! Praise your heart for those in Malawi. Africa is infectious! Blessings for stepping out when called.
    Stan

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  4. So thankful you have been pierced by the warm heart of Africa!! What a gift from our gracious God to go with your Dad and truly experience God in an amazing way. Glad you are back safe Gracie, great pictures and stories of your trip.

    Lori Gash

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  5. Thanks for sharing your time in Africa. What a blessing you guys are to these people.As an African I appreciate your stepping out in faith and helping these people.

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  6. very nice gracie, i bet that was a trip you will never forget, i love the pictures and love how He stretched you and helped open your eyes to an amazing world.... and unlimited opportunities to serve Him, Uncle Jay

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  7. Gracie,
    Thank you for sharing your pictures of your trip to Africa. You have the same wonderful look on your face that your father has each time he goes. God has blessed you with the opportunity to see what is being done for the children and families in Africa. It must have been the experience of a life time. I hope you continue to work with your dad. You guys are changes lives.

    Love, Gary

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  8. Gracie,

    Wow!
    Your trip sounds like it was a wonderful time. I am guessing you have a new appreciation for how big our God is and what He is doing around this little planet. Maybe we'll join you on your next journey.

    Love to all the Sales's,
    Jimmy

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  9. Woohoo! What a hoot to see and hear the faith, joy, and change growing out of your obedience to Christ's command to "Go and make disciples of all the nations"! You and your story are an inspiration! - Johno

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  10. It is truly a blessing to hear about your experiences in Malawi, Gracie, and to see the pictures that give us a glimpse of that experience. I'm sure God will continue to stretch and grow you as you continue to serve Him through this ministry. With blessings and aloha to you and your family, Vyrna

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Thank you for your words of encouragement. The Sales Family