My sister Andrea invited me to go with her on her fourth trip to Malawi last October and I could not have been more excited and thrilled if I had won the lottery.
I had always loved seeing her photos and hearing her stories and had always hoped that I could go one day.
So October 2012 arrived and we were on our way.
I was feeling excited, but I was also nervous and a little anxious about how I would fit in.
Would I cope with the different emotions I knew there would be, as well as the heat and bugs?
Would Andrea and I cope with being together for 3 weeks?
We arrived at Open Arms and though we had travelled for over 24 hours and were obviously tired, I couldn’t refuse when Andrea asked if I wanted to have a quick look round before we settled in – I could see she was itching to see everyone.We walked in to the infant home and I will never forget the children running up, grabbing our legs and holding out their arms to be picked up. I was immediately hooked and knew exactly why Andrea had wanted to return year after year. The housemothers all introduced themselves and Andrea recognised many and they greeted her like a long lost friend.
The next 3 weeks flew by – and I have to say, it was the most rewarding but humbling experience of my life. The housemothers, other staff members and many other people we met on the streets and in the markets, had so little themselves, but were always so happy, friendly and caring and made us welcome at all times. The children were just so happy and excited to be played with and there was nothing more rewarding than a baby smiling at you, or the children blowing kisses when we left them for our breaks. I will never ever forget Hamix jumping on my knee and saying E-I-E-I-O when he wanted me to sing “Old McDonald” or Hanif trying to say ‘Andrea’ and ‘Isabel’ and the giggles when we pulled them all round the floor on a blanket.
I could go on and on about the other joys, emotions and experiences I had during my time in Malawi but there just isn’t room here.
All I can say to all the staff and of course my sister is thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me be a part of your wonderful work.
If I ever do have a big lottery win you will definitely be getting a share. By the way, though it was very hot I was able to cope with the heat and the bugs due to Andrea’s good advice and I think we both ended up closer than we were before.
Thank you again Andrea, Neville, Jasmine, Mrs Phiri and all the staff at Open Arms Blantyre and a big “Mwah” kiss to all those children.
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