I am not alone

One thing that I have realized so abundantly since I have announced that I will be leaving, is that this is not just MY mission. It truly takes a village, as the saying goes. This opportunity would not be possible without all the people that have donated to my fundraising efforts, ordered shirts that will help support me, offered to pray for me while I prepare and while I am away, and taken a moment out of their lives to remind me that I am supported and loved. Without all of YOU reading this, this mission would not be possible. This is not just MY mission it is OUR mission. And I cannot thank each and every one of you enough for partnering with me in it.

Not only am I not alone in the love and passion for this ministry, I am happy to announce that I will not be physically alone during my year in Malawi! I have convinced someone from here in Pittsburgh to embark on this crazy adventure with me! Lauren Mack is a member of Crafton Heights Presbyterian Church where her family is very active. I first met Lauren at Camp Crestfield, and would eventually to go on to be her counselor, even though she is only 3 years younger than I am. She attended college and graduated with a degree in Outdoor Leadership, which she has been using while working at Crestfield as an Intern for the past 2 years. When I was at Crestfield on a retreat I asked Lauren what her plans for the following year were. When she told me she wasn’t exactly sure yet, I offered up the crazy idea that she join me in Malawi.

After many hours of thoughts and prayers and countless conversations with her parents, she heard God’s call for her loudly and clearly, and is Malawi bound! This will be Lauren’s first time to Malawi, and I am excited to share this experience with her. Lauren will also be teaching at St. Andrews Mission Secondary School along with me. I look forward to having someone to experience the wonders of Malawi with, but I also look forward to having someone there on the many tough days that I’m sure we will both have. I am very thankful God has called Lauren to Malawi, and I can’t wait to share all the stories of our time and missions throughout the year.