We finally made it to Madagascar this past Friday (the 24th) after quite a journey. It took 36 hours of travel, including two rough nights on planes and a SPRINT through the South Africa airport to catch our last flight to Madagascar. We made it, but our baggage didn't :( But it didn't matter - we were together, we were safe, and we made it to Madagascar!
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| This was what we looked like when we first arrived... a bit smelly, but SO excited! |
Because we were in Chicago, I was able to see my dear Aunt Kate and Uncle Al whom I hadn't seen in five years. They have been so supportive of this process and it was such a blessing to delight over Chicago style pizza with them! Thanks Aunt Kate and Uncle Al for being so great!
There is something special about YAGM volunteers, staff, and alumni. There was an incredible bond which manifested through things like exploring Chicago, trips to the local bar, and spontaneous spooning on the lawn and/or concrete. Saying goodbye to these beautiful people was particularly difficult because although we were dispersing throughout the world to do great things, so many of them held a piece of my heart.
But this journey isn't about me... It's about what God will do with me and through me (and all of us). Which brings me to my next point.
Two days before we left to our perspective countries, I was told that my placement in Madagascar had been changed. That instead of living on the coast in the beautiful city of Fort Dauphin, I would now be living in the busy capitol, Antananarivo (aka "Tana"). There are several reasons why my placement was changed, one being that they just weren't ready for me in the F.D., but it doesn't really matter to me anymore. At first it was difficult for me to accept - everything I was so excited for was suddenly taken from me. But God's grace is amazing and I was reassured the importance of trusting. And that's all I could do. But now that I know what I'll be apart of in Tana, I am THRILLED!
First off, Antananrivo is where another YAGM volunteer is located (Lee), as well as the coordinators (Austin and Tanya). This gave my mother a lot of comfort, knowing I won't be alone :)
I also found out I'll be living in a women's center with women who come from all over the country to learn a trade for a year and bring it back to their home community. This includes cooking, bible study, sewing, textiles, and even learning English. I will work with these women, learning with them and growing in relationship. There is also a nearby Toby which is a healing house for the mentally, physically and/or spiritually sick which I could work at as well.
One thing that I'm particularly excited for is the opportunity to sing in a MALAGASY CHURCH CHOIR!!!! JIGGA WHAAAAATTT??!?!?! I have NO idea what that will entail, but it sounds FASCINATING!
I won't know for sure what my schedule will look like until I get there, but I so look forward to my new life in Madagascar.
For now, I am enjoying these three weeks in Antsirabe (a city south of Antananarivo), bonding with my fellow Mada YAGMs (Luke, Lee, Jane, Kate, and Hannah) and our super hip coordinators (Austin & Tanya), as well as eating delicious Malagasy meals, struggling through/loving language class, getting orientated, jumping on the trampoline, and adjusting to the Malagasy culture.
I apologize in advance for any inconsistent blogging. But if you have any questions or want to communicate with me, you can email me at sarah.r.adam@gmail.com
I will let y'all know my address as soon as I get it - in case you feel like sending something :)
"A word to my sponsors" :) if you have dates you want me to pray for you and/or give a blog shout out, you can e-mail them to me too.
Thank you for taking time to read this. I'm so excited to see what lies ahead.
Love ya, mean it!
Veloma! (goodbye)
~Sarah
