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11月10日 the end...This is it, my last post on this site and then I will be closing it down. Thank you for walking through this with me and all my adventures in Africa. It is with sadness that I close this down and that chapter of my life, but I also open a new blog and with it a new chapter. So please check out http://megsplethora.blogspot.com/ see you there!
megs 6月29日 Mac-tasticOh the job that filled my heart when I came home from work and my new Macbook Laptop was sitting on the kitchen table waiting for me. I was almost crying as I ripped open the box to see my new baby for the first time. So now that all of you realize how big of a geek I am, I can stop going on about my Mac. But just to warn you, I may be putting up posts letting you know about all the cute things my baby has done, haha!!!
So the good news is that I will be much better at keeping things up to date, and the first thing on my list of things to do is to put some recent pictures up on my blog. So you can keep your eyes open for that in the very near future. And I will also be letting you know about all the exciting things that happen to me day to day, which really will take about thirty seconds cause nothing really happens here, but maybe if I start looking for exciting stuff in my days that I will notice things that I can write about. Who knows!
Anyways, life is good, the sun is shinning, I got money in my bank acount and I'm driving around in a sweet convertable (that's my other baby and will put pictures of here up as well, her name is Bernice). Life is good, God loves me and I'm loving life! What's up with Meighan AllenA couple of weeks ago I sat down and had a meeting with Darcy McAlister. I've been home for a month now and it has been good so far being home, but I wanted to debrief about the last couple of years of this Missions Apprenticeship and see what is going to happen next. We talked about a lot of things and we let God speak and lead us as to what comes next for me. So I am just going to give you the end result of our conversations. Two things have jumped out at me as to where I feel God is leading me for this next stage in my life. Number One: For awhile now I have really felt a pull to go back to school to get my nursing. I have been thinking about it for some time now but was usually quick to disregard it as I didn't feel ready for school. But this time when I thought about it, I got really excited and felt like going back to get my Bachelors Degree in Nursing would be something that I REALLY want to do. And so I am going to begin the process of contacting both UVic and Malaspina to see what needs to happen to get into the nursing program. However, the chance that there is a waiting list is high, and therefore I am also working on a second option. Number Two: While I was in Africa, my path crossed with a young lady who works in the Human Resources Department of World Vision Canada in Toronto. We had a great couple of days together in South Africa doing the tourist thing, but at the end of it all she suggested to me that there could be possibilities of working with World Vision and since she knows what positions are available and does the hiring, it would seem that God was bringing the two of us together. So I am also going to contact her to look into positions with them. Lately God has laid on my heart to do work in countries like Chad, Niger, Sudan and Somalia. Places that have been destroyed by draught, famine, war and extreme poverty. My heart is and always will be kids, but to be really hand in, doing relief work, rebuilding communities and caring for the starving and dying is something that I am passionate about and World Vision really feels like a place for me to step into those dreams that God has placed on my heart. So, where does that leave me with the PAOC? Well this was discussed with Darcy and both of us felt like it was time for me to resign from the PAOC. I have loved being a part of this body and I am not leaving on bad terms or because of anything negative. I just feel like God is leading me in another direction right now, for which I am SO excited and so I am going to go full on for it. The internship was amazing and I learned so much. And obviously it has really helped me to realize my dreams and what God is really calling me to and so I am going to go for it. So as of July 1/2006 I will have completely resigned and will no longer be needing support from all of you. You have no idea how much the money you gave blessed me. Thank you for believing in me and being behind me financial as God has led me around the world. May you be as richly blessed as you have blessed me. Each of you who have already committed money to me until the end of the year needs to contact National Office and let them know that you want your support for Meighan Allen to end at the end of June. You can email Victoria Ninaber at vninaber@paoc.org or phone her at (905) 542-7400. Again I just want to say thank you for your willingness to give and if you are still interested in supporting missionaries through the PAOC I can give you a few suggestions of some amazing people who could use your support. As of now, I am living back at my mom’s place in Lake Cowichan and working with a couple of special needs kids. God has blessed me with these jobs that are exactly what I need. Thank you all for your continued prayers and I look forward to seeing you all in person in the near future so I can really say thank you. Quesnel...Had such a great time in Quesnel. Of course it was SO amazing to see me friend Sara. I love being with her, feel like the best version of myself when we are together. We had so much fun, laughing, being dorks, talking, love her!!! Was hard to leave her after a few days, but I hope we get to see each other again soon.
Was also great to see my friend Ang. Got to see her rock out with her band three nights in a row. They are awesome!!! Keep rocking hard in the free world Ang. Got some good time with her too, but again it was way too short.
And of course being with Ang's family, the Hehr's was so much fun. Love them SO much. I feel like I am with my own family when I am with them. I hope that I can go up there and visit again cause I stinking love them.
Overall the 5 days were amazing but WAY too short. Maybe I'll get a chance to go and visit again over the summer. Love all you guys!!! 4月21日 in QuesnelSo I know I have posted in awhile and I apologize greatly. I have a big one planned to fill you in on my life (which some of you know) but I want you all to know what is going on. I just am waiting for all the details to be sorted out and then you will all know.
Anyways, I am up in Quesnel right now visiting with some friends and it is nice to be up here just relaxing a bit, which I haven't really had a huge chance to do yet. It is always wonderful to see friends that you have't seen in a long time and this is one of those cases and of course so far it has been amazing.
However, I woke up this morning and there was snow outside. I haven't seen snow in so long and quite frankly I haven't missed it. You won't see me out playing in the snow after I have enjoyed the comforts of hot days for awhile now. But nonetheless the snow is pretty I have to admit. While I was driving up to Quesnel I couldn't help but be in awe at the beautiful mountains, the snow capped peaks and the gorgeous scenery that we drove through. As much as I love traveling and seeing now places, Canada truly is one of the most beatiful countries by far and I am always glad to come back home.
So keep checking in to hear about the amazing stuff God is doing in my life.
3月29日 Spoke at Mal-USo my good friend Chris-ann asked me if I would come and speak at your University Christian Ministries group at Malaspina University, where she is the chaplin. Of course I agreed as the University/Young Adults age is something I am passionate about. But before I get into that I want to tell you about my amazing friend Chris-ann. We went to bible college together and of course met there and became friends. She is one of my closest friends and will continue to remain one of my closest friends for a long time. We have been through a lot together. Some of it was really hard, some was really sad, some was stinkin hilarious. But all through it our friendship has gotten stronger. Just within the last year I have seen something amazing happen in Chris-ann's life. She took that step of faith to walk in what God has been calling her to for a long time. She left her job and accepted the position of UCM Chaplin at Malaspina University College, a position that is perfect for her. Oh, and just so you know she also raises her own support like me, and so if you want to find out more about her you can check out her webpage at http://spaces.msn.com/verticalworship/ and I am sure she would love to talk to you. I am excited to see what God is doing in her life but also in the lives of the Christian students that she ministers on campus. Pray for her!
So back to my speaking. It was awesome! I started off by teaching them some African songs and they were so into it, it was funny. They were dancing, singing, clapping, and even doing the actions for the action song. It was awesome. I showed my pictures and then just shared a bit about what I have been doing the last couple of years and my heart for Africa. It really was a good time, sharing with people who are at such a pivotal point and who I pray will really do what God has called them to do cause they can see through my life that God can do awesome things through a willing heart. I got to speak with a couple students after and felt really encouraged by them. And then of course Chris-ann really encouraged me as she always does so well. I love you Chris-ann!
So it was a great time. Please continue to pray for me as I travel and speak. That my heart would touch the hearts of those listening and that people would not only support me through prayer but financially as well. Thank you all for everything you have done for me and continue to do. It's because of friends and family that I can really do what God has called. Much Love! 3月21日 Home, or something like itI apologize for not putting a post up sooner, but I do have a bit of an excuse. I just landed over two weeks ago and am just not settling, or as much as I can in that I am back in Canada after being in Africa for a year. I landed on the 3rd of March and on the 4th I was at a conference for Youth Leaders called Time Out, held in Vancouver. I made the mistake of running around Vancouver playing the Amazing Race, as part of the conference and the next day I paid for it. I got a really bad cough, lost my voice, and of course was naturally pretty tired and jetlagged. I spent two days at Time Out and then from Monday to Wednesday I was at the district conference for the PAOC. It was a good time but a little overwhelming, seeing a lot of people I knew, being sick and jetlagged, and sitting in conference stuff, seminars and sermons. After those three days I was pretty worn out and was needing a rest. But it was amazing to see friends. I look forward to more time with everyone as I didn't get much time during the conference to really sit down and talk to people.
Then on Tuesday the14th I came to my mom's and will be here till into April. I am taking care of her foster kid, who has been so excited to see me. So now for anything she needs help with or if she wants someone to play with she will say, "No Linda (which is my mom), just Meighan." It is really cute. I love seeing Jamie and it has been nice to see my mom as well. It is also very relaxing being here just getting settled back into Canadian weather, being around people, and getting used to life here.
So many of you may be asking what's next, how long am I here, what is my plan? Well those are very valid question, but I don't even have answers yet. I know that I am going to be in Canada for awhile. I have just finished the overseas and final part of my missions apprentiship, so now it is a matter of wrapping that up and then beginning the process of getting a full time missions placement overseas. I am not totally sure where I will be going, but I know God knows and I trust in Him. I do need to sit down and chat with some people from the National Office and after that I will have a better idea of what comes next. But while I am home I will be speaking in churches, youth groups, college groups, bible studies, pretty much anyone who wants me to come and speak, I'll be there. I need to raise more support as well. For those of you who don't know, I raise all my support. And now that I am going into a full time position with the PAOC my budget will go up, becuase now I not only have to raise my personal budget, which is salary, rent, utilities, etc., but I also have to raise a ministry budget as well. Please pray and consider partnering with me as I take the next steps into what God has for me. And if you would like me to speak at your church, at a bible study you run out of your house, to come over for coffee with you and a few friends, just let me know, I would love to!!
I am excited about what God has. I definitely am open to whatever he has in store. Africa has found a special place into my heart and I have no doubt that he will bring me back there one day. But I have also been to Asia and Europe and would love to go there if that is where God wants me. Please join in me with prayer that God would walk with me during my transition back into Canadian culture. That my reverse culture shock wouldn't be too bad, that my health would remain strong, and that my support could be raised to 100%. Also pray that God would prepare me for what's to come next. My life is in his hands and that is the perfect place for it to be. But for now I am here, and I am going to make the most of my time here and I know it will be amazing.
For all of you that have supported me, thank you SO much. I am able to do what God has called me to because you chose to partner with me. You are part of what God has done through me in Africa. Thank you!! And the prayers, keep them coming. Your prayers and my strength. Without them I would be lost. Please don't stop prayer or supporting me even while I am home cause this is still part of the path God is leading me on. I am going back overseas, but while I am here raising support, I still need support coming in to be here. So please keep giving. Again, thank you!!!
I look forward to actually seeing you all. It has been a long time. I have changed, I'm sure you have changed, so we will have LOTS to talk about. I'm praying for all of you too. Much Love!!! 2月28日 Coming HomeI can hardly believe that in two days I will be flying back to Canada. I don't think the reality of that has really set in yet, as my time in South Africa has been so good seeing everyone and being involved again down here, that I have sort of forgotten that I am leaving. But now as I sit here and type this entry I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Excited to be coming home, sad to be leaving home. It is really a difficult mix of emotions. But nonetheless in a few days I will be back in Canada, WOW!!
I will be seeing friends, enjoying amazing coffee, laughing, crying, sleeping, I can imagine I will be instantly overwhelmed, but it will be good. God has been so good to me that knowing where to begin is difficult. I want to just tell one quick story that has happened in the few days that I have been in SA.
I went to church on Sunday night, the church I went to every Sunday when I was here. It felt so wonderful to be back with my church family again. I love Elim and I pray that God will bring me back here one day to work. Anyways, the Pastor had spoken, and he just happened to have spoken on dreams and so I felt the Lord leading me to get up and just share a word. It had been so long since I had done anything like that but I knew it was God cause I got that feeling I get when it's him. I felt sick, my stomach was churning, I was shaking and I could feel His confirming presence. So when the Pastor sat down for the announcement I told him I had to share. And so he let me and I just told a bit about my life. I grew up in a single parent family, not a lot of money, but a dream for Africa, and I was standing there in front of them in fulfillment of that dream. I sat down and after the service a few came up to me and said it was like I was speaking to them. I knew it was God all along, but the confirmation always helps.
God has done something in me here and I know I am changed for the better. Can't wait to sit down with all of you and just show you that change. So see you very very soon!!! 2月19日 Final FarewellsSaturday was my last day at the Village of Hope and it was hard. I knew it would be.
The day started out well, but even as I drove out to the Village I was realizing that this was my last drive out there, this would be my last time in the Village of Hope mini bus with James, and this would be the last time I would drive through the gate and be greeted with smiles and waves.
I met with the kids that would do the compound program with me. We went to do the program that last week had 40 kids and this week had almost 80. I stood back and watched as the Resident Kids from VOH led these little kids in songs, games, and lessons. It was amazing to stand back and watch some of my mentorship at work. And to see the smiling faces of kids enjoying themselves, kids who have seen way more than kids their age should see. Kids who have gone through hardship that we will never know. Kids who are so beautiful but may never have heard the words "love" unless we came. I watched as one little girl, no older than 10, was holding a baby on her back. I am pretty sure this was a younger sister and not her own child. The baby was crying, searching for a breast with milk, only to be pushed away as there wasn't one. She was rocked to sleep with an empty stomach. A few kids came with shirts and trousers that we practically see-through. Some had cuts and growths on their bodies. And yet each child was beautiful, a creation of God. And he has a plan for each one. And so I pray that even as I leave that the program would continue to touch their lives and they might know Jesus because of it.
We went back to the Village and began to take some final pictures and to say the final goodbyes. It was so hard as these kids obviously did not want to see me go. They hugged me, told me how much they loved me and was glad I came and of course were asking when I would be back. My prayer is that God would bring me back soon as I will miss Zambia, my new home. As I walked to the gate to leave, tears began to fill my eyes. This was it, I was leaving Village of Hope, and my heart was breaking.
I went to Enala's house for lunch, she is one of the teachers at VOH. I felt so welcomed into their home as we ate together, chatted, laughed, it was a great time of fellowship. It was nice to spend one last day with her as I have grown quite close to Enala since being here. I will miss her and all the other staff at VOH immensely. They have become my friends.
When I finally came home it hit me and I sat in my room and just cryed. I cried because these last 6 months in Zambia have been amazing and I am not ready to leave that yet. I cried because of the so many hurting kids in Africa that I still want to touch, that I want to love with the overflowing love of God that is in me. I cried because I am saying goodbye to friends and family here and I don't know when I will see them next. My heart was aching, and as they rain was falling outside, I knew God was right there with me, feeling the pain that I am feeling.
I went to church one last time today. I led worship again and it was wonderful. I was prayed for and given a gift at the end of the service and it really touched me. And then the Pastor took me and another church member out for lunch and it was an amazing time of fellowship together. They were so encouraging to me, pouring into me and reassuring me in the call God has placed on me. They have been amazing to see God in my life and encouraged me that greater things than these will be before me. I also had the opportunity to speak words into their lives and into the lives of the church. What an amazing church family, and even though I have only known them a short time, they have already become part of my life. I know they will continue to pray for me and I them.
And so now this is my last night in Zambia. I am finishing up packing, spending time with my roommate and just soaking up as much of Zambia as I can. I have no doubt that once I get on that plane and finally leave, the tears will come again. Saying goodbye never gets easier. But I have family here that will always be part of my heart and they will not be forgotten.
I'll be seeing you all soon! 2月17日 Final School DaySo today was my last school day at the Village. I am still going in tomorrow, which is a Saturday, but none of the teachers or non-resident children will be around, so I knew today would be a hard day of goodbyes. Since it was a Friday, and every Friday there is chapel, I was asked if I would speak. However, I had some transport problems in the morning and so I missed the morning one at 7:30. But when I arrived aroun 9, we assembled the kids and I was able to say a final goodbye to them. The morning tends to be the smaller kids, kids that I love but I haven't been able to form a relationships with since they are so young. But they know me and love me nonetheless and so I definitely wanted to take the time to show them how much I love them. I told them that Zambia really has become my second home and I am blessed to have been able to spend some time here with them. I pray too that God would bring me back soon as I will miss them all and will look forward to seeing them again.
I then spent a few hours just wondering around spening time with teachers, staff and kids, taking pictures, talking, just taking in as much as I could. It was just amazing being with my family here. That is truly what they have become to me.
Then at 1pm it was time for chapel. The afternoone classes tended to be the older kids, kids who I have grown really close to and kids that I am going to miss seeing everyday. They have made me feel so welcomed and I will miss them more than words can express. The chapel was started with a few songs. Nothing beats hearing African children singing. Beautiful! Those who have been here know. Then I was introduced and was excited to share the word the Lord had given me. I read from Psalms 139 and started off by saying, "What I love most about being a Christian is that God will use anyone." I then gave examples of people in the Bible. Moses, murderer, bad speaker, made lots of excuses. God wanted to use him anyways. Abraham, had an affair, tried to speed up God's plan. God didn't care, wanted to use him anyways. Paul was killing Christians, but God wanted to use him anyways." I then went about to share about my life, having my father die young, not having much money growing up, but God wanted to use me anyways." I just encouraged all of them that it doesn't matter what they have been through, God knew them in their mother's womb, he picked them and he has a plan for each of them. That they should seek him, asking him to fulfill the desires of their hearts. They were getting it, some of the older kids in the highschool were nodding in agreement, saying amen, smiling. I knew that the words, with translation, was really sinking in. They may be poor, orphaned, weak, but God will use those seeming hardships to glorify his name. Just seek him with everything!
I knew that it wasn't me speaking, which was my goal all along. I wanted it to be God's words and I know it truly was. At the end when I prayed, it got hard. The reality that I am leaving really sunk in. And as my day at the Village came to an end, that pain got stronger as I hugged teachers and could see the saddness in their eyes to see me go. I have found amazing frienships here and I am not ready to leave them behind. But I must take the next step trusting that God has a plan for me. My time at the Village of Hope has been so amazing and who knows what God has next, he may even bring me back sooner than I expected. But I walk knowing that I am within his grasp and that is the best place to be.
Today was such an encouraging day. I was encouraged, seeing the fruit of what I have done here, seeing the faces of the kids and teachers who I know have been blessed to know me, but I too have been blessed and encouraged to know them. Zambia has taught me so much about myself and really solidified my heart for Africa. I may be leaving in body, but I know that a piece of me remains in Zambia and I know I will not too quickly be forgotten. 2月12日 Wow!So wow really is the only word that can be used to describe this week. And now after having this amazing week and only having one week left, leaving is the last thing I want to do. So for all of those who like long blogs (Simone & Dawn) enjoy.
So of course you all read about my denial to extend my visa and so I now only have 2 weeks left (well now it is only one from now). Anyways, at first I was obviously a little disappointed, but I was not going to let this little glitch bring me down. So I decided right away that I was going to have an amazing two weeks and that I was going to make the most out of the short time I had left, cause I wanted to leave anticipating more and ready for what God has for me next.
So I spent the last week at the Village of Hope just giving my everything. I'm not going to sit inside reading, or doing admin stuff when I can be outside with all the kids. That is exactly where I want to be, spending as much time with those I came here for. So every spare second I had I was out playing baseball, basketball, or even just talking. Anytime the kids were in school I was spending time with teachers, I even visited a few classes and had fun teaching some of the kids and just laughing and playing with them. I also was out doing a bit of gardening as well. I had that hoe and I was givin' er. It sure made my tan great being out in that sun, haha! But it really was so amazing to be working side by side with these kids. I got a few giggles but at the same time I could see that it really touched them that I was out there with them and that I wasn't just someone who they knew from a distance but I was someone who was right there on their level with them, and that is exactly where I want to be.
So then on Friday night I went out for dinner with my Canadian friend Maggie. We have actually been living together for a month now, and so it was a nice chance to go out and just chat, to get to know each other a bit more. It was such a nice night and I have really found a friend in here. So now I don't want to have to leave this amazing roommate I have. And I know she doesn't want me to go either as she has loved having me as a roommate as well. Please pray for her as she is remaining here in Zambia. She is teaching AIDS awarness in the schools here and doing a great job. Also pray that she might find another roommate otherwise she has to live alone until September, and having a roommate is so much better.
Then on Saturday I went back out to the Village. I don't usually go on Saturdays, but I went this week. One, because I had a new program I wanted to start. But two, because I want to spend as much time out there as I can before I have to leave. It was such an amazing day. The sun was shining, kids were everywhere as they didn't have school. And to be greeted by staff that have become my friends just brought a huge smile to my face. I really do love it here! So I got my gang of Village of Hope resident kids that were going to help me with the program that we are going to do in the compound, and off we went. It was our first day of doing the program. This program was one of the things that was in my job description, to start a program that we would do out in the neighboring compounds for kids that are either too young to go to school or can't afford it. So we weren't sure what kind of numbers we would have since it was our first week. But we went anyways, praying that it would be God's program. Well we started with only 6 but as we began singing, and one of the leaders went looking for kids, it wasn't long before we had 37 sitting there singing, smiling, and loving what we were doing. So we did some songs, some games, and a bit of teaching of numbers and letters. It was so awesome and I have no doubt that this will be a progam that is going to do some great things in the compound. And the leaders I have selected seem really excited about it. Sam (one of the leaders) said that he is sure that next week our numbers will be doubled. So exciting! So I just pray that these kids that are leading will just take ownership of this program and will keep doing it even after I am gone. They are so good at it and really connect with the kids that came. So please pray for them as they touch the lives of these children in the compounds.
Then Saturday afternoon I went to visit the home of Fridah, who is the administrative assistant at the Village of Hope. She is the most amazing woman. She always has a smile on her face. I love her! So I went over to her place for what I just thought would be tea, but she had cooked a whole meal for me. She had actually overheard me talking about how I wanted to eat Catipillars, which is something they eat over here. She had heard me and actually made them for me. I was so excited. And they were delicious. I am planning on bringing some home with me and making them for you all when I come home. Yummy! But it was such a good time to be in her home with her and her family. We talked about everything, laughed, etc. It was so great and now I am wishing that I had more time so I could go visit all the staff members from the Village. They have a great team there and I would really love to see them all in their homes.
Saturday night I went back home and Maggie and I had plans to go to the movie theatre in town. We had heard a bit about it but we didn't want to believe the rumours we had heard. Although when we got there it seemed that the theatre did unfortunately live up to all the rumors. So there were cats in the theatre, presumably to keep away rats and mice. The seats were really not up to par with what we would consider comfortable theatre seats. The seat I had, had barely any padding and the arm rests were all worn down to metal. And to top it all off, the theatre had this stench of cat pee, old musty furniture smell, and body order. Although it sounds worse than it was, as being here for the time that I have been, I have grown acoustemd to these smells and so I don't notice them that much. We watch The Longest Yard which is a funny movie, but when you have cuts of sound and the movie stopping half way in to change the tape, the movie loses a bit of it's flow. But overall it was a good time and one that we actually enjoyed.
And now we finally get to today, Sunday. I hope you are all still reading. Please let me know that you read through this whole blog with a comment. Then I will give you a little prize when I come back as you have endured, you have finished the race, you have run the path...ok that's enough of that. I still need to talk about Sunday. I went to my church this morning. Last week the had asked me to lead worship so I was looking forward to church today. What an AMAZING time of worship. I forget how much I love worship leading until I am up there and doing it. Wow, I am just in awe at how amazing a time it was. There is really nothing I can say. Thank you Lord! So at the end of the service I informed them that I would be leaving sooner than planned. So they want me to lead worship again next week since it is my last week, and after church they want to take me for lunch. It has been wonderful to find another church family that I feel apart of. It really is vital for missions work.
I came back home to celebrate Maggie's birthday. She had invited some people from her church over. It was a great time, meeting all these new people, laughing, even dancing. I have picked up some pretty sweet moves over here. So ask me when you see me back home, I'll break it down Africa style. Anyways, the group was also pretty impressed with my moves. It kind of sucked though cause I have just met all these amazing people and I am leaving in a week. But who knows, God could still bring me back here. But they really seemed so happy to have met me, they sang a song for me, asked for me to give a little speach and already want to know when I'll be back. I have no idea when I will be back, but I have no doubt that I will be back at some point to see all the amazing people I have met here. It was a great party, loads of fun.
So I will try not to wait a week to post a new blog as I am sure there are some of you that are sweating and couldn't read another line. I am sure there are some who haven't even started this blog as it is a long one. I probably wouldn't have made it. But I will try and keep this next week up to date so you only have short little entries. Thank you all for your prayers. Know that they are being answered as God is really giving me the most amazing week. Zambia will forever have a place in my heart. 2月8日 Change of PlansSo yesterday I went into immigration to extend my visa. Now me, along with the Bersaglios, were under the impression that visas went by calender year. So when the year ended your slate was wiped clean, so to speak, and your 90 days of visitors visa started afresh. So I had only used 30 days from January so thought it would be no problem to get another 30 days till my return home.
Well when I went to renew the immigration officer said that I had already used up my days and could no extend. I told him about the calender year thing and he said that visas start on the day you get your first one and that is your year, so therefore mine started in August when I first came here. So by those dates I have used up my 90 days and am actually over.
So I got ahold of Nancy and she came down to immigration and for almost 2 hours we tried to work out the best solution possible as I didn't want to pay almost $700 to get a temporary permit for just one month and I didn't want to be kicked out in 2-3 days. Finally the officer decided to give me 14 days. So this means that I will now be leaving Zambia on the 20th of February. I definitely do not feel ready to go, but who ever feels ready to leave a place that they love. I still feel like there is so much I can learn here, so much I can do here, and I can still build my relationships here more. I have loved being in Zambia so much and I just feel like I fit here. It really has become home. But if I must leave on the 20th, I leave knowing that God already knew about this and it is all part of his perfect plan. And so I leave trusting in Him knowing that he is in control and will work all things out.
Please pray for me for a few things.
1. That the time I have left here would be amazing. That I would take advantage of every minute I have and that it would be the best two weeks ever. 2. That I could finish strong. That the sports programs that I have set in place would be complete and that the teachers and staff at Village of Hope would take ownership of it so that it will continue after I leave. 3. When I do go to the airport on the 20th that I would have no problems with immigration there. That my visa would be fine and that they would allow me to leave the country with no problems. 4. And of course that I would be protected on my flight. It will take about 2 days with flights and layovers for me to get home so pray God's protection during that time. So I will be seeing you all a lot sooner than planned. I am excited to be home and see you all. Thanks so much again for all your prayers and support. See you soon! 2月3日 I've been calledI was sitting in the office at the school the other day. I have made it a regular thing to go and spend time with the teachers. They are such amazing people and I feel like I have really connected with them. I join them for tea, make jokes with them, go shopping with them. I love them.
Anyways, I was sitting chatting with Sharlene who is the head mistress there and we were talking about Africa, I was talking about how much I have loved it here, how it feels like home. And she just began to speak into my life encouraging me SO much. She said that she could see my heart for Africa as she has seen how much I have tried to really connect with the people here. It touches here that I come and have tea with them and connect with them as much as I can. She said that I don't treat them like Africans but I treat them like my friends. Even in the fact that I have taken a Zambian name, I eat Zambian food, I am trying to pick up Bemba phrazes (which is the language they speak). She said that I have really made the effort to really become a Zambian. And she can see that missions is definitely my calling as God has used me to touch the lives of the children and the staff here. And she could see God's hand of protection. I have never been sick, never had anything stolen, never been attacked. God is with me and therefore protects me in all things. She just encouraged me so much and I walked away feeling so blessed that a Zambian had noticed all these things. God truly is using me here and to have her say that was the encouragement I needed and the reminder that God truly has called me and I am here soley to reflect him in all I do.
I can't believe I only have a month left and the longer I stay the harder it is going to be to leave. This is home now and to leave this place is going to be hard. But I leave knowing that these people are a part of my heart now and no matter where I go they will remain with me. And I can only pray that God will bring me back to be with them again, but if not I know I will see them again in Heaven. Wow, I am speacheless, God has done so much and I just stand in awe! 1月27日 This is my life!!I was driving back from the Village today. The sun was shining, people were out and about, I had just had a great day at the Village. And as I drove, it hit me how soon I am leaving and how hard it is going to be to leave Zambia, a place that has truly become home to me. I had to smile, thinking about how amazing my time here has been. It is these last 6 months in Zambia that have really made me fall in love with Africa. It is here in Kitwe that I have felt the most at home, and have really found my place.
I wake up every morning excited to go out to the Village. I am picked up at 8am by the Village of Hope van and we drive out to VOH, with our window open, the sun and heat usually out, sunglasses on, looking forward to seeing the kids and staff at the village that I now would call friends. As soon as I pull in the gate I am greeted by waves, by "Hi Auntie Meighan or Auntie Mulenga (my Zambian name)." And as I take my stuff in the office I am greeted warmly by the ladies in the office whom I love. I then walk outside to see my friends, who come over quickly to walk around with me. At 10 I have tea with the teachers, we laugh, we talk, we are growing closer. Even tomorrow I am going shopping with Enala, one of the teachers whom I have really connected.
Then we play some sports, do some music, go for a walk. And as I go to leave I am again waved off the property. I walk through one of the compounds, and my heart breaks at the absolute poverty there. I can't believe the standard of living, the clothing or lack of clothing these children wear. And yet, as soon as they see me, smiles fill their faces as they yell out, "Hey Muzungu (white person)." Sometimes they follow me, most times they just laugh when I say hello back. It is a 10 minute walk, but is the best 10 minutes seeing all these glowing faces, faces of kids that may not have much, but they still smile.
I hop on public transport, a 14 passenger mini-van. We cram in and I drive to town. Some days I am next to a drunk man who is trying to hit on me, other days I am next to a mother and her baby. Sometimes the babies cry having never seen a white person. Others are intruiged by me and just want to touch me and see what this strange colored person feels like.
I then get into town and walk the 15 minutes to my house. Sometimes I sing, praising God that he has brought me here, to a place where I truly fit. Sometimes I pray thanking him for all that he has done, and asking him to bless the people back home and the people here. I come back home to emails from home that bring joy to my evening, I read, I relax, I am happy.
And the next day I get to wake up and do it again. And even after almost two years of this I still love it. It hasn't gotten boreing at all, and I can't imagine not doing it. Yes I am looking forward to coming home and seeing everyone, but my place is here now, and I will be looking forward to coming back. But I go where he leads and I am ready for whatever God has for me. I am not here without him. He has brought me this for and I will not walk if I am not walking with him. He is my all and so I live my life walking in his grasp. And I pray that my life would touch the lives of the people around me as Christ reflects from me. It is truly amazing to be living the life I was created for. I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store. 1月23日 Tea TimeSo I was at the office for the school just in time for tea time. I went into the Preschool classroom with all the teachers and had tea and bread. It was such a great time, one that I am planning on doing every morning with the teachers. They were mostly talking about the Africa Cup which is going on in Egypt right now. Zambia played their first match yesterday again Tunisa and lost and so they were critiquing the game. It was quite funny. I left tea time saying that I would be coming every day. I have no doubt they are glad to have me there.
Village of Hope school has some amazing teachers and I have become friends with some of them. Enala & Christabel are the two I have connected with most, but all of them are amazing and I am glad to know them.
Today in general was a good day. I just feel so at home here and just love going out to the Village to see all the kids that I love and who I know love me. I will be so sad to go and I know there will be some of them who won't want me to go. But for now I am going to take in as much as I can because Zambia is amazing. My heart is here! 1月21日 Feels Like HomeI knew the second I stepped off the plane in Africa that this would be a continent that I would call home. And now after spending almost 2 years over here it feels even more like home than ever. In one sense I love it here, I feel so comfortable here. I really know that this is where I am supposed to be. It really feels so right. It is such a great feeling to get up, drink my coffee and head out to the Village of Hope to spend time with kids all day. And the reward is so great. Seeing their smiling faces, hearing "Auntie Meighan" called from across the Village, these are things that bring a wholeness to my heart. But on the other hand, all I have to do is walk a few minutes outisde the walls of the Village of Hope and it's a completely different world that hurts me so bad. Why? Why does this third world have to exist? Why does AIDS have to kill so many people, everyday? Why do children have to experience things that children their ages should not have to deal with? What can I do to help? Yesterday I was out with some friends in town and as we were waiting for our ride to pick us up we were surrounded by kids, hungry kids, poor kids. And I didn't even know what to do. They all wanted money, or food, even just a handshack from a white person probably was the highlight of their day. These kids that live in town are too poor to buy food, so with the small amount of money that they do have, the purchase gasoline and huff gas. What can I do for these kids? I wish that I was a millionaire so I could at least give money to build homes or buy food or anything. But then there is this part of me that knows that money is not the answer. And so I'm here, giving my life, reflecting Christ, and hoping to just impact even one. I'm not here to win thousands of souls, to do open air meetings, to start a church. I work with kids, I love them, I pour into them, I pray for them, and my hope is that one day they will leave the Village of Hope and begin to impact their fellow Africans for Christ. My heart does break here. Everyday I see something even more terrible than the day before. But I have hope, the kids at the Village of Hope give me that. I see a joy and a love in their hearts that I have no doubt will change their nation. Please pray for them, you can even pray for them by name: Fatuma, Sam, Webby, Peter, Georgina, Noah, Mary, just to name a few. And prayer for me is great too. I'm here cause I know that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. And because of people like you walking with me, I can be here helping in any way I can. So thank you! You too are investing in the lives of the people here, and they know I can't be here without people back home in Canada who are behind me. 1月13日 New BeginningsWell it is the New Year, 2006, and with the New Year always comes New Year's Resolutions. Of course I made the typical few, lose weight and eat better. But I also made one that may also seem typical but one that I really want to be true, to be Full on for God. And with that comes a change in the way I do this blog. I think a lot of it has been just me, my day, what I did, maybe the odd funny thing or little story, but I have lost sight of the reason why I am here and have forgotten to really take the time to share my passion, my vision, my heart, for what God has called me to here in Africa. My heart is Africa and ever since I was a small girl I have wanted to live and breath here, and reflect Christ to an amazing continent of people that have been through things we will never imagine.
I feel complete here, I feel at home here. I know I stick out like a sore thumb and it is pretty much impossible for me to blend in here in a sea of black faces, but as I walk the streets here, amidst whistles, horn honkings, the odd proprosals and constant comments I can't help but be so content knowing that I am exactly where God wants me.
Everyday I get to go out to the Village of Hope and see kids with huges smiles on their faces, clothes on their backs, shoes on their feet and food in their stomach. Without the Village of Hope these kids would be on the streets, living in bad family situations, or even dead. But the Village of Hope has done just what it's name says, it has truly brought hope. And I get to be a part of that. I get to play with these kids, laugh with these kids, and in just being here, I am showing them the love of Christ by sacrificing being with my family and friends to be there with them helping in anyway I can. They recognize that and are amazed that I would give that up to be with them. But I am always quick to say, "Sure I miss my family, I miss my friends, but I feel more at home here with them now and more complete knowing that I am doing what God has called me to." And to see them light up even more that I want to be right there with them blows them away.
So as I start 2006 afresh I want to start every aspect of my life afresh. I want to put my all into everything I do, my relationship, the sports I organize, the office work I do, my music, my spiritual walk, and even my weight loss. Let me be honest, it hasn't been easy. There have been a lot of gliches along my path, obviously being labelled a spy and being put in jail (both completely seperate things) were not what I was expecting in coming to Africa, but I haven't let them defeat me. My vision is before me and I am not going to turn my back on it. I may lose sight of it sometimes when I am down in a valley and the hill is blocking my view, but I am always walking in the direction of it.
Just to remind myself once more, and to inform you just in case you didn't know, here is my vision:
To bring the love of Christ to hurting/vulnerable children and to pour into young people directing them to a more full life in Christ Jesus. That is why I am here and that is what God has laid on my heart to do over here.
Please pray for me as I continue to walk forward. I don't totally know what this next year has in store but I am excited about what is to come, as uncertain as it might be.
I appreciate all of you more than words can express. For those of you who pray, you are my spiritual partners through this. Your prayers are more than felt over here. They have gotten me through some pretty hard times and continue to be my armour through all I encounter. Those who support my financial make it phyiscally possible for me to be here. I couldn't be here without you who give so generously. I cannot thank you enough and I will not stop thanking you because there is nothing else to say but thank you.
I am here because of all of you, friends and family, who have continued to walk beside me. Don't stop! I pray for you and thank God that he has brought such amazing people into my life.
So I know this post is a little different than what I usually write but I think I am going to continue in this direction, I hope that's ok. Love you all!! 1月10日 Christmas: This is gonna be a long oneWell it has definitely been a long time since you have heard anything substancial from me, but I do have a good excuse. I have been away for the last month on holidays and at each place I stayed there was no internet access. On the odd chance that I did get to go online, I was only able to quickly check my email and respond to the urgent emails. It left no time to update my webpage. But now, after a month of being away, I am back in Zambia and am able to update you all in the life of Meighan Allen. So I apologize now as I suspect this will be quite the update as there is a lot to say. I left Zambia on the 9th of December and flew down to South Africa to be met by three of my friends. It was so great to see them and in a way it had felt like I had never left. I then spent the next week in Pretoria catching up with friends, visiting MET, doing a bit of shopping. I even got the chance to go to church one Sunday and it was great to see some of my church family, but a lot of people were away for the holidays so I didn't get to see everyone I would have liked, but it was good nonetheless. Then on the 19th I hoped on the bus with my friend Sayi and her mom to spend Christmas with Sayi's family in Venda, which is close to the Zimbabwean border. Sayi is a girl I met at church and we hit it off right away. In the pictures she is the one in the purple shirt. Anyways, her family is originally from Tanzania but both her parents are professors and so she has travelled a lot, living in Sweden and now South Africa. Her family consisted of her mom and dad, an older sister Magati, then Sayi and then two younger brothers Maleka and Sebastion. As soon as I got to the house I felt part of the family right away. I already knew Sayi and Magati and after meeting the rest of the family I felt right at home. It also didn't take long to realize that I was going to have a great time there as I noticed that they celebrated their holidays a lot like I would have had I been back home in Canada. They had Satellite TV, so we watched movies, shows, etc. We also played board games, ate a lot, and just had a great time together. It was such a great time and it was so relaxing. Being in Venda there wasn't much to do other then what we would do in the house, so I was just able to hang out and read, relax and socialize with the family. Being my first Christmas away from home I was worried that I would be really homesick, but being with such a great family made being away from home easy. I left Venda on the 28th to head back to Pretoria for a few days before leaving for Malawi for our annual Christmas Retreat for all the missionaries in the Southern Africa Region. I left on the 31st and was picked up at the airport by my fellow missionary and friend Sarah Gibson. We went to her place first to drop off my stuff and eat some dinner and then we went to Junior and Ivy Andrews place to watch Without a Trace on DVD. That was pretty much my unexciting New Years, but after flying up there I was tired anyways and enjoyed just chilling. The next day I left with another missionary couple, the Potters, to drive to the resort where we would be staying, about a 3 hours drive. It was the same resort I was at in March, so even though I don't have pictures you can look back and remember the amazing place. I was so excited to go remembering the great time I had there before. It is always so good to connect with all my fellow missionaries again, my family over here. It was such a great time. We had some great times of fellowship and lots of sports. We played Volleyball, soccer, and even American Football. It has been so long since I had played American Football so it was so amazing to play again. I had such a great time. I left Malawi with the Bersaglios on the 6th and we drove back to Zambia, arriving back on the 9th. It felt really good to be back in Zambia, I had really missed it. It has become home to me over the last few months and I know that these next two months are going to be really great. I really want to finish here strong before heading back to Canada in March. Please pray for me that these next few months would be really great. That the relationships I have built here would continue to be strengthened, that my finances would be met, and as I prepare to leave in March, that I can leave knowing that it is time to go and God has something new and exciting for me. I am looking forward to seeing you all in a few months. I also look forward to hearing from you all now that I am back home. Much Love!!! 12月28日 ApologiesI know you have all been going crazy, wondering where the heck Meighan Allen has gone to.
No need to worry. I have not been kicked out of a country or thrown in jail. I am safe, was just cut off from a source of internet connection and therefore have been unable to communicate with my friends afar.
This post is not going to give you much into what has been happening with me, it is only to reassure you that I am not dead. I am just living in Africa and we don't have internet cafes on every street corner, especially when you drive outside of the city, which is where I was spending my holidays, away from the hustle and bustle of life. And even though I was going through major internet withdrawls, I am still alive and back in action. I will attempt to post pictures, stories, and funny adventures of my life within the next few days so you must wait in anticipation some more.
Love you all!!!
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