Hope, Heartbreak, and New Beginnings: A Day of Impact and Inspiration in Malawi
What an incredible day. It's hard to put in words what we all experience! Our day started earlier than planned so we made an unscheduled stop at a local hospital. We live in such a privileged world and that hit us hard as we walked through. Harsh conditions with a lack of supplies, and a shortage of staff. Patients lining the hallways , sitting on concrete floors waiting to be seen. The smell in areas was indescribable (and may have caused a few group members to leave gagging). One heartbreaking moment we won't forget is the cries of a child receiving medical care with no anesthesia, being held down by 2 people. But amidst all this, there was new life seen in the maternity ward including a preemie baby and twins.
The trek to the Chigumakire Childcare Center was made and driving up to the center was pure joy; children running up to the vehicle, laughter and shouts filling the air. As we stepped out the children swarmed around us, eager to give us high fives and receive hugs.
After opening with the pastor, part of our group left to the Nyamithutu Childcare Centre. We went to the main hall and Mrs Chikabasa the head teacher managed the group of 374 children in a calm caring way. It was amazing to watch her and her love for the children was evident. During our introductions the children erupted into shouts of laughter and joy each time the married couples hugged. James taught them a Bible story about Paul, and following this the children went to their classrooms where we gave them a coloring page pertaining to the Bible story and crayons and could spend time with the children. We were able to have some very special moments meeting our sponsor children. Most of them were shy at first but when their smiles started flowing freely it melted our hearts!
Pastor Josiah closed with us and Mrs Chikabasa warmed all our hearts with her heartfelt thanks for freely showing the children love, as this, "shows the children that they matter and gives them all hope." She expressed how thankful they were for us also, for helping them, and how we are blessed for giving and how they try to teach the children as they grow up to give as they have been given. This lady has a heart as warm as the Malawian sun, and let me tell you, it's warm..like over 30 with high humidity warm :)
On our way home, we stopped at Hope Secondary school so one of our group could meet their sponsor child there and we were able to visit their on-site School for the Blind. Then back to Blantyre on a road full of potholes but, at last, an air-conditioned room. All in all such a great day to remember.
Written by Marian
