Reflections on Lent: Sacrificing Surrounding Scenerie

For those of you that know me personally, you know I left part of my heart back in Malawi in 2008. 

My Malawi Sisters

Mawali is a very small country in southeast Africa around Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. It's mainly known for it's lake - Lake Malawi - which is the only body of water naturally containing kampoyo (fish). What is not as well known is the fact that though it is the 16th poorest country in the world, it is the "heart of Africa". They truly gave me more than I could have ever given back, but I will continue to try every way I can.

The Cave - Mumford and Sons

It's empty in the valley of your heart

The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope

And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands

And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's hand

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

  Cause I need freedom now

And I need to know how

To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Mumford and Sons  "The Cave"

pictures from South Africa and Milawi