Another volunteer story. Sara was kind enough to share some of her experience for the blog. She was a wonderful addition to the team last year. Sara went through some amazing changes during the trip. I think she ended up learning quite a bit about herself through the process and really discovered what she was capable of. It was awesome to see her grow and change over just 2-weeks. Thank you Sara for sharing this story with me.It feels like just yesterday that I was preparing for my trip for Malawi. Last minute packing, rushing to get ready.  I was so nervous, not knowing what to expect. I still remember that uneasy feeling in my stomach on the plane to meet the group in Indianapolis. I set forward on this trip with the goal to do something good. I had no idea what was ahead of me.

There are many beautiful memories that are forever imprinted in my head from my trip to Malawi, but there are a few that will always stand out. Everyday, walking to work on the kitchen at Adziwa and have these huge smiling faces in front of me, was something I never expected. Little children of all ages, bolting up to me, and wanting to squeeze my hand, or give me a high five, or just say “haaalloooo.”

They were so excited just to see all of us. And it never got old. Everyday was the same routine of saying hello in the most excited manor. One night at Kumbali Village, where we stayed, I met the guitar player who played music for the village, James. He had had just been recovering from Malaria. He had been so sick with it that it affected his legs to the point where he couldn’t walk very well. We talked and he asked about our reason for staying there, and his face lit up with joy to know that people wanted to come to his country to help. By the end of our trip he had gotten a little bit better. He was a wonderful musician.

Another memory that stands out in my head was on the last day at Adziwa, we served a celebratory meal to the kids at their lunch break, and then we did something of a celebratory dance. I can still remember vividly a young girl of the age of maybe 5 holding my hand the whole time.

I went to Malawi with the hope of making a difference in peoples lives, but the people of Malawi touched mine. These individuals live in hard conditions but you would never be able to tell when you meet them. You can see that there is strength, love, and joy there. They brought joy to my life, and I will never forget my experience there.