From Malawi to Massachusetts

It was a long and winding route from a small village in Africa to Grapevine Road, but this fall Elton Chingapa made it, and he brought his soccer ball with him.

 It took Chingapa, a striker for the Fighting Scots, more time to find Gordon than most of his teammates.  The 23-year-old freshman grew up in a Christian household within a remote village located in Malawi, a landlocked country in southeast Africa.  His father holds the title of “church order,” equal to the American evangelical pastor, and his mother taught Sunday schools. Much of his youth was spent in the church. Outside of that building, rarely did a soccer ball leave his feet.

Chingapa dreamed of coming to the States for college, but it seemed to be impossible for him after he was denied a visa twice.  His third and final chance finally proved fruitful.

Transitioning to life in America brought about difficulties for Chingapa.  When asked to compare Africa with America, he laughed and said, “It was different.  I grew up in a village with no running water, electricity or anything like that…Here they have everything!” 

Interactions between the men and women’s teams were surprising for Chingapa since the sexes don’t mix much in Malawi.  He spoke of the positive aspect of the African culture: the modesty and the close friendships that are developed between friends of the same gender.  The negative side is that people don’t interact nor do they work things out.  

“You can’t approach the situation or talk about it,” said Chingapa.

Shortly upon his arrival to the States, Chingapa put aside his soccer cleats and began his college education at Southern New Hampshire University, where he experienced severe cultural shock.  The lack of community and secular lifestyles of the students were unlike anything he had experienced. However, In Concord, New Hampshire, his “American parents,” Steve and Cindy Chartier, took him into their family.

“I am proud to be his American Mom,” said Cindy Chartier.

The Chartiers immediately got Chingapa involved in their church, CenterPoint Church.

“The thing that solved everything,” said Chingapa, “was the introduction to the church.”

Looking for a change for his college career, he applied to Gordon, where he is now an Economics and International Relations double-major.  According to Chingapa, the difference between the people, culture and atmosphere at the two schools was night and day. 

“After a whole semester (at SNHU),” he said, “I couldn’t say about anyone ‘this is my friend.’ After the first week here (at Gordon) I had lots of friends.” 

Chingapa was placed in Rider Hall with another international freshman, Yufu “Peter” Huang, an Art major from Guizhou, China. The two bonded immediately.

“He’s like my brother,” said Chingapa. 

The community found in the Gordon Men’s Soccer Team has been instrumental for Chingapa. He earned a spot despite the abundance of new students competing for a position and quickly made a name for himself.  The team has become a “family” for him at Gordon.

“There are similar stories,” said Chingapa, “not only from people from Africa, but all over the world.” 

Former Gordon soccer player (graduate of ’86) and coach, Chuck Breton introduced Coach Jake DeClute and Chingapa in the winter of 2011.  Breton, a member of Concord New Hampshire’s CenterPoint Church, first met Elton through his host family.  DeClute recognized Chingapa’s passion and talent for the game right away.

“When we met and talked, two things became clear:” said DeClute, “One, Elton is a really special person, and two, Elton really wanted to come to Gordon to play with our team.”

After watching many talented incoming freshmen try out for the team, DeClute realized that Chingapa stood out.  His speed and ball-handling skills went unmatched. 

“We needed another striker,” said DeClute, “when I saw him play, it was a perfect match.”

Unfortunately, a few weeks into the season, Chingapa tore his ACL and fractured his tibia, bringing his season to an end.  However, his commitment to the team remained unchanged. Chingapa continued to attend practices and games, cheering his team on from the sideline.

The team realized their need for Chingapa matched his need for them.  Captain Micah Linn ‘12, spoke of how Chingapa’s presence on the team, both on and off the field, has been a great asset this year.

“Elton is one of the most genuine guys I've ever met,” Linn said.  “He always has a positive attitude, no matter what. Anytime someone joins our team we try our best to make him feel welcome. We didn't have to try with Elton. He was instantly loved.”

Although he is over 7,000 miles away from his family and friends, Chingapa has loved his time with the Scots.

“Elton is one of the most genuine guys I've ever met,” Linn said.

Cindy Chartier expressed her gratitude for the way the Gordon community, especially DeClute, has welcomed Chingapa.

“We are extremely grateful for Elton being at Gordon,” she said. “He has made many friends and loves all his classes. We are thankful to those that have gotten him to Gordon and know they will be proud of his accomplishments.”