Malawi in Our Hearts: More Than a Trip, a Week of Purpose, People, and Praise
This morning bright and early we once again found ourselves on the hard little seats in the back of the Land Rovers, bouncing along on our way to the Timotheos Foundation office for the end of the week closing. Once the staff arrived and we were all seated, we sang a song in the Chichewa language. We read together from Isaiah 53. Mr. Chakhaloma, Timotheos' manager of evangelism, led a short meditation on the suffering of Jesus Christ because of us and for us. We all turn our backs away from Him and yet He is so willing to save us.
After singing and prayer we had a tour of the offices and the storage rooms where extra supplies are kept. We had an opportunity to have conversations with the fieldworkers and ask questions. We shared with them how much we appreciate all that they do. What we saw at the office reinforced what we had all seen and noticed already as we toured the child care centres - Timotheos Foundation is an excellent and well-run organization. All the staff, whether it was behind the scenes at the office, or the hands-on staff at the centres are amazing people!!.
Soon it was time to say our good-byes here and we were on the way back to Protea Hotel to pack up and say farewell to our group members and team leaders.
And now to wrap up an amazing week in a few sentences! A week full of adventures and new experiences. A week to immerse ourselves in a culture that is so different then ours. The sights and sounds of Malawi are truly something that needs to be experienced to be believed. A week in which we all had to step out of our comfort zones a time or two (think of eating Nsima and beans Malawian style). A week in which we got to know our group members at a more personal level. We had our share of laughs but also many in-depth conversations. A week in which we got to know the fieldworkers who we now consider our friends. They so willingly opened their hearts and homes for us. A week to visit the centres and watch the children who were so unbelievably excited to see us, and so eager to hold our hands and walk just a little way alongside us.
Malawi has touched our hearts and this trip has made a lasting impression on each one of us and the memories will linger. We pray that the work being done in Malawi may be a blessing to the many children at the centres, and that the fieldworkers may continue to be encouraged as they go about their daily labours.
Finally, many heartfelt thanks to our awesome team leaders, Jason and Ron! None of us probably appreciate enough all of the effort and time it took to plan this trip and get all the details in order!
Written by Henry & Jane
