Update

Sorry y'all, I haven't been posted in like forever! Better late than never :) So you know how you have to update your phones, laptops, and tablets a lot to keep them functioning properly.  Well we need to do that in our lives all the time too.  Lately I've been noticing some malfunctions in my life and just ignoring them thinking, oh, it's just a one time deal.  WELL news flash, that's 99.9% never the case.  Africa has changed me a lot, but has also just brought out some stuff that wasn't that noticeable in the states.  Notice the small things, because they can grow until it's almost out of control before you even notice.  My update consists of more time reading my bible every single day, no matter what, praying more to God and thanking him even in the bad times, and putting my best effort in all things I do.  I also am going to put more effort into my teenage attitude :) Approximate time until complete: three weeks.  My update is going to take some time, and getting into the habit of it.  Some peoples update may be immediate, some may take half a year.  However long it takes, stay with it, you will feel so much better about yourself.

Just some advice, before I left the U.S. 324 days ago, I was working out at G-Fit 2 days a week.  I felt great and wasn't so moody.  When I got here I started to loose the self-motivation and eventually wasn't doing anything.  Not only did I loose my flat stomach, but I was much more emotional.  I always felt sluggish and hungry.  Lately I've been running with Mrs. Catherine in the village (just 2 miles) and I'm feeling so much better.  So take it from me, STAY ACTIVE! Your life will feel so much better.

Some people have said oh you must have it so hard living in Africa, and ya sure its hard sometimes, but all I have to do is look outside our window and see how hard the people of Malawi have it.  They wake up every day at the butt crack of dawn (5 am) and work all day.  And by work I mean WORK.  One of our Esther's House staff, Stanley, rides his bike up hills and rocky roads for 3 hours everyday to get to Esther's House.  And I'm sitting here complaining about not having a large roast beef sandwich with a route 44 grape slushy with my friends.  I was at the gas station the other day and I was talking to one of the managers about America and Malawi.  He was trying to describe America from his point of view; our government, accessibility, health, education.  He was trying to describe the people and couldn't find the right word.  I suggested spoiled and he said,"Oh yes, you have very good English."  He was 100% RIGHT! We are spoiled, even the homeless and poor in the U.S.

So there is a college in the big city up north that is run by Americans.  There are 3 guys my age that are all leaving next year.  Sam is leaving for furlough and will be back next year, Levi is leaving for good, and I don't know about Joash.  These guys have gotten me through so much here, from being separated from my friends, the hardships from moving here, etc.  I don't know what I'm going to do for a whole year, but I know God has a plan.  Please pray that he will provide some guys my age to hang out with and talk to!!!

News:
Esther's House is growing!!! We now have 70 orphans enrolled in our Esther's House programs(old #: 49).  We also have 70 widows (old #: 48).  We are starting many new projects at Esther's House.  We got a new well dug a couple weeks ago, and is almost finished to where everyone can take showers every day :) We are also starting to build a house for my family to move onto the Esther's House compound (we currently live 20 min away in a house in town).  Stanley, Tadala, and I will be starting a new sports ministry at Esther's House(EH) for EH children and children in the village.  We will be playing Volleyball, Dodge ball, and Football(soccer).  We will also evangelise at the practices and games.  Mia had Malaria for a second time, but is doing much better!  Ethan has had malaria once, with hypothermia, but is also doing better.  The thing about Malaria is that once you have it, It can remain in your system ("hibernating") for up to a year.  Your also more susceptible to get it again.  We have our second intern Azlee staying with us for 2 months, as well as Mrs. Catherine's mom for 1 month.  Our first medical team has just arrived in Malawi today and will be hosting medical clinics at Esther's House and in the village(s) surrounding Esther's House.  One of the jobs I'm thinking about is being a doctor or nurse so I'm excited to get some hands on experience.  

The thing about Africa is that it has a special feeling to it.  It grabs your heart and changes you differently than other places, like Guatemala, Mexico, etc.  Mission trips, Internships, missionary trips will completely change your life!! I highly recommend coming.  Don't look at the cost!!!!!!!!! God will provide.  I know so many people say that, but it's 100% true! If anyone wants a fundraising letter to send out to their friends and family just email me at carneyhog@yahoo.com.  If anyone want to come on a mission trip or become an intern contact my dad at jason.carney@puremission.org

Thanks Everyone for reading!  Miss all of y'all back home :( But I'll be able to see everyone when we come back in December for a visit (don't have the fundraiser raised yet so I don't know the dates).  
If anyone wants to donate please visit: purecharity.com/carneys

P.S. I'll be posting more often, so check often :)