I will never forget my first day at the Infant Home, 20+ toddlers running toward me and wrapping themselves around my legs smiling up at me with their beautiful big eyes.
I fell in love with Open Arms and the children at that moment. During my month at Open Arms I forged real bonds with the babies and toddlers. I accompanied Neville & Jasmine to the Foster Homes, SOS (physiotherapy unit) and on routine hospital visits and it became apparent how structured and organised the charity is and how our donations really do make a difference.
I think the best way to describe the experience was that I felt every kind of emotion there is. Mostly, I felt admiration for the African women who work at the homes. Despite the level of poverty going on around them they maintain a contentment and happiness that an outsider can't understand,
Furthermore, instead of it being a sad place, I felt completely uplifted by the spirit of the place - especially when I learnt pay day literally meant singing and dancing at 9am!
Frustratingly I've realised that you can't help everyone.
However if you can do a small bit for a charity in which you know every penny counts then I feel that you've done something to help change the bigger picture.
As I write I have a lump in my throat thinking about the children with the beautiful eyes and big smiles.
I cannot wait to go back to Open Arms in the future.
Your donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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