A Very Hard Day

I knew from the very start of this adventure that there would be highs and lows. I knew there would be good days and not so good days. I knew there were going to be days here that I smile so much that the muscles in my face would ache, and there would be nights when my pillow would be covered with tear stains. I knew I would meet dozens of amazing new people, and I knew that I left scores of amazing people behind. I knew what coming here for a year meant, and I knew what leaving for a year would mean. 

Early Saturday morning I received word from my family that my Grandmother (Marge Brown, my mom’s mother) has passed away. This news did not come as a shock to our family; her health had been declining for some time now. Before I left in August my parents and I traveled to Nashville, TN so that I could see my grandma for what I knew could be the last time. Although not unexpected, this loss is challenging me here in Malawi. The distance from my family during this time makes this time of grief more difficult. Today has been a very hard day, even though I knew I might have to face it from Malawi. 

Although it is very difficult to be away from my family and loved ones, I can’t help but think about the past and smile a little. In 2005, during the year we spent here as a family, my Grandma and Grandpa came to visit. Their visit to Malawi provided me with memories that I will hold onto forever. Remembering playing charades as a whole family in a cottage on top of Zomba Plateau will always make me smile. Zomba Plateau was also where I stood with my Mom when we received word that my Grandfather had passed away in 2012. Malawi will always hold a special place in my heart because of these memories I shared here with my grandparents. So, if I can’t be with my family during this time, it seems like Malawi is right where I am supposed to be.  

I am so blessed to have had a Grandma that showed me nothing but unconditional love and support. She challenged me in my faith and set a great example to all those around her of what it means to be a faithful follower. She instilled in her children and then her grandchildren a passion and love for Mission Work which all of us have taken to heart. Each one has participated in Mission Work and will continue to do so.. Without her influence in my life, I would not be who or where I am today. In all the sadness I find joy in knowing we will meet again someday, so today through the tears and sadness I say from Malawi:

Tionana Agogo (see you later Grandma), I love you.