Giving Thanks in Malawi

My thanksgiving this year was not the typical American Thanksgiving. I didn’t go to Grandma’s house to eat turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. I didn’t take a nap after OVER eating that turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. I didn’t watch the Packers beat the Lions. And I wasn’t able to be with all my family members on my mom’s side of the family.

My Thanksgiving instead was the best possible Thanksgiving one could have in Malawi. I wasn’t at Grandma’s house, but I was on the top of a beautiful mountain at an Eco Lodge overlooking Lake Malawi. I didn’t eat turkey, but I did eat a vegetarian meal with veg meatballs, mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans. I didn’t watch the Packers, but I heard about the embarrassing loss they had against the Bears (I could’ve gone without this part). And I wasn’t able to see my blood relatives face to face, but because of technology (and luck that network was available that day) I was able to talk to each of them on Whatsapp calling.

Our Thanksgiving dinner made for us by the lodge.

Plus, on top of all of that I realized AGAIN how blessed I am to have friends here in Malawi that I truly can call family. For my first Thanksgiving in Malawi I spent it in good company of my friends, in the north, at an Eco Lodge, that I absolutely fell in love with, called Mushroom Farm. The view was beautiful and like nothing I have ever seen before. Just south of the district of Karonga, and on the border of northern Rumphi district, up the mountain, and on your way towards Livingstonia is where you can find this magical place. A place that shows the beautiful mountains of the north and how they roll do an escarpment to connect with Lake Malawi. A place just a short walk away from beautiful views of waterfalls, and trails that take you to these waterfalls. A place full of good vibes and positive energy. And definitely an amazing place to help you remember all that you are thankful for.

The beautiful Mushroom Farm. A lodge that is completely off the grid, with compost toilets, solar power, water from the mountains, and a locally grown food.

Look at that amazing view...

Camping on the side of a mountain.

The lodge invited locals to perform one night at the lodge. These kids are orphans in the village with locally made instruments, playing for tips. It was magical.

One day we took at hike to some nearby waterfalls. When we got there we decided, "why wouldn't we jump in?" This was a blast with some great company.

This year’s Thanksgiving, because I’ve been living in Malawi for the past 8 months, has really made me realize all of the things I am thankful for, even more than I did in the United States. Things like clean water, and electricity, a really delicious meal, and good company. My family and friends, near and far. Fast transportation. The list could really go on and on. These are things that in the States I often didn’t think about too much, but when you come to a place where these things are limited, it really puts it into perspective on how grateful we really should be on a daily basis, and not just once a year, “when we’re supposed to be.”

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving (and every other day of the year) I wanted to share a few things that I am thankful for:

Let’s start with food…because who doesn’t love a good meal. I am thankful for the good Thanksgiving Meal that Mushroom Farm made us (A “Vegetarian” Meal…It’s an ECO Lodge):

Vegetarian Meatballs

Mashed Potatoes and Bean Gravy

Green Beans

Carrots

Home Baked Bread

And a side of Sciratcha (I brought this myself)

For My Friends and Family, Near and Far. I cannot explain how thankful I am for the people I have in my life, the support that I am given, and the love that I feel. To my family and friends living in the United States: Thank you for the endless unconditional love and support that I feel from 9000+ miles away. For the letters, care packages, emails, Facebook messages, Whatsapp phone calls, and more. Without you this experience in Malawi would feel as though something was seriously missing. To my new PC friends, who are now also people who I consider my family: Thank you for your love, chats, visits, adventures, memories, and snuggles. That lack of physical human contact in village is real, and without you I may go back to the United States needing serious hug therapy.

For My Village and Community. Also, thank you for the love and continual support. Thank you for welcoming me into such a beautiful country, and village. Thank you for your smiles, and awkward hugs, cooking my meals, and mostly being my friends. Thank you for your dedication, and motivation to make a positive change in our community. Without you, my service would not be possible, and Chipoka wouldn’t feel like home.

For the small moments that bring me joy, and remind me what is important in life. Sometimes we focus too much on the big things. However, for me, it is the small memories that have given me the most joy. The most smiles. The most love. Some of the best conversations. I am thankful for the simple things.

For This Experience In Malawi. And For God Who Made It All Possible. My greatest thanks go to You. For sending your son to die on the cross for all of our sins so that I can these opportunities and experiences here, during my life on earth, and then an eternal life in Heaven. Sometimes I wonder how I have become so blessed and then I remember it is because of You. Thank you for your forever love, your sovereignty, grace, and mercy. This is all for You.

#peacecorps