Wow, we have been home for two weeks, a whirlwind of activity catching up on things while we were away but I feel like it is important I close out our final days in Malawi with a “quick” blog post. These two weeks at home have seen me busy with the final preparations for the VBS team that is currently on route to Malawi and before they start blogging their experiences I thought I would finish sharing our final days in Malawi.

Monday, July 1st was a incredible meeting day.

We had some wonderful days with our family and the Oomens – special for Ben and Gretchen (cousins) to learn more about each other and spend time together! The children enjoy playing together too!

Saturday we went out for the day with the Oomens – they took us to the wood market, the Blantyre market, People of the Sun store and to get some groceries and we treated them to a little KFC! It was a great day spent together and we ended the day meeting with all the expats and visitors in town for a welcome dinner at a mall food court. This location was chosen so that all the children could join and enjoy as well!

guest blog written by Ranen Korporaal…

Yesterday morning, we went to the center for the last time this trip. As you know we have been working on collecting data for sponsorship updates so we returned to gather data from any children who were absent the previous two days. Most of the Standard 8 children also came yesterday as they have been on holidays while they wait for their exam results!

A day, so full of so many emotions! So much to say, but alas, we lack the words!

Let’s skip to the highlight of today - visiting the home of each of our sponsor children. Mbousa Laimu, the pastor from the Chigumukire Child Care Centre, took us for a walk through the village

I am feeling exceptionally blessed to be able to experience Malawi with both Ben and three of our children.

They have all been supporting a child since 2017 and today Katie got to meet hers! What an incredible experience. Beyond words. In 2018 I met Esnat for the first time, an incredibly timid preschooler sobbing on the nursery room floor, exhausted and clearly bothered by something. Today she ran to us, recognizing me from previous trips, with a large hug and incredibly warm smile. So, so special!

A guest post by Diane Slingerland on her emotional meeting of her sponsor student Isaac Jailosi.

Management in Malawi has begun implementing a new organizational structure which has opened up an expatriate position for Primary Education Consultant.

“Come on a safari with me.” After an intense week with so many conflicting emotions and mental gymnastics it was good to relax and just be a tourist. Our last organized group event was a safari experience at Mvuu Lodge. The facilities were amazing, the wildlife reserve setting was beautiful, and the creatures we encountered were unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.

In the few days that I’ve been here one thing that has come clearly into focus is that Malawi is a study of contrasts: wealth and materialism (in a small minority) on the one side, vs. abject poverty and despair(in a large majority) on the other. Wait! Did I say despair? That’s not true

Back on the road again! 8:00 start. A little later today. We certainly didn’t come to Malawi to catch up on our sleep. This morning we visited the central office and storehouse of Timotheos Foundation in Blantyre. After a warm welcome we toured the facilities by means of a well prepared scavenger hunt for information that had us interacting with all of the staff. It was super “leerzaam” and engaging. One thing we learned: Timotheos is blessed with passionate, dedicated, and talented staff. Thanks for all you do!

March 18, 2024

Another splendid day in southern Malawi: 30 degrees and sunny. Another day of flopping around like a fish in the back of a Land Rover on a bumpy road. And another day of stunning scenery, unforgettable moments, and lasting memories.