Mini-bus Miracle

Happy Election Week Everyone! That also means that starting today at 4 we're on lock down until further notice. At least tomorrow and Wednesday, and most likely Thursday. Have I ever mentioned Malawi has a female president? There is potential things could get a little crazy around here, but the weather is stormy so we're hoping that means it will scare people from doing.. things. Let Operation Study Your Guts Out begin!

Amongst other things, it's been a crazy and exhausting week. We were blessed to have Elder Hamiliton of the Area 70 here to address us. And for the occassion we were able to combine with the Lilongwe Zone! Do you know what that meant- I WAS IN THE SAME ROOM WITH 44 OTHER MISSIONARIES. That hasn't happened for about 9 months for me, it was so strange. Mostly because some where white. There was about 45 of us, which is more than double what Botswana has. Last I heard Bots had about 11 missionaries. Prayers to my homeland! But the conference was great-exactly what I was thirsting for. Elder Hamilton claimed Blantyre as the prettiest area in the whole South East area. And I totally agree! It was such a great opportunity to gather as all the missionaries in Malawi (even if everyone was stressing like we were going to prom) and to share our insights, concerns, and issues with the work and have them spiritually enlightened by a General Authority. 

I. Love. Being. A. Missionary.

On another note- I found out that giant rats (like the Rodents of Unusual Size) exist in the swamps of Ghana, and are commonly eaten. That made me grateful to be in Malawi.

My companion and I don't have a car, making us rely on public transport. Public transport in Malawi comes in the form of Mini-Buses. Usually when I enter into these mini-buses I repent because I know there is a likely chance of death, especially when you see where the floor has been welded, then re-welded, then welded together again. And most of the drivers don't have licenses. After being in Africa for 13 months, it finally happened. I was hit by a mini-bus. Full speed, almost straight on. They swerved to miss my companion, and swerved back not knowing I was there- hitting my whole left side with the corner of the bus. But guess what?! MY NAMETAG SAVED ME. My tag blocked the mirror of the bus from hitting my shoulder and color bone- so instead of having a broken clavicle I just have a bruise from the side of it digging into me. Other than that, I just have a sore wrist, a bruised thigh, whiplash, and a tense upperback. The bus just kept driving, and all I could do was yell 'EXCUSE ME?!" after them. It's amazing how many times Elder Holland's talk has had to come to my mind since I heard it.

But the miracle just doesn't stop there. After evaluating and deciding that I wasn't injured, we continued on with our plans and went to our Co-ordination meeting. Luckily we had just bought cucumber at the market, so we iced my wrist with that. Once at the meeting house we found that Elder Merrill was there. He has been the Area Medical Advisor in Africa three times. So obviously that was a tender mercy. After looking at everything he declared me 'blessed' and went on to his meeting. After his meeting, he came back to look again and demanded that I get a blessing of prevention from the Elders. And this is probably the biggest miracle of all- I was in need of a blessing for so many things. I was just too prideful to ask the Elders for one. The Lord knew that I had to be hit by a mini-bus, place Elder Merrill there, and to make the Elders to hear in order for me to have the blessing and receive the revelation I was so desperately needing. The Lord works in mysterious ways my friend. The best part of all this? I was actually able to say 'Man- I feel like I've been hit by a bus' in context.

The Lord knows us. He knows our needs. He knows our concerns. Sometimes we are just too stubborn or humble or prideful to come to where he needs us to be. I learned that lesson the hard way. Literally- that bus was hard.

Sala Bweno!

Sister Clifford

CONFERENCE! Just look at all the missionaries! If anyone can spot all my items of clothing being worn by other sisters I'll send you a virtual high five.

MTC group reunion! SHOUT OUT TO SIS NTULI!

How I ended my week- in the hospital with my companion. Nurse Clifford on duty once again.