My first day at Chigumukire CCC and I have a new appreciation for the complexities involved in a sponsor child update.

The past few days have been full of learning experiences. Yesterday at Mulinga Childcare Centre we had the privilege of teaching and helping at the agogo feeding (feeding the elderly Malawians) which is outside of our regular program. This is also a program through Timotheos which ensures the elderly are fed and taught from Gods Word during some of the dry months.

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!

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!

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

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.

It's hard to believe we have come to the last days at the Nyamithuthu Center which also means the last days of the Vacation Bible school. This week, we have had an increasing number of children attending every day. We find it very special that the older, mature boys really enjoy and focus on coloring the parable pictures. Our good-byes to the staff and children were brief, as there were many interviews and meetings at the center for cooking mothers, guards, and with the children being chosen for high school. Although it is exhausting to work in the heat with so many children that have an abundance of energy, we are all sad to be leaving behind the teachers and children we have built connections with!

Winter has arrived in Malawi! This brings on a new set of challenges for our beneficiaries and their families. Imagine not having a sweater to wear to help keep you warm? Imagine not being able to sleep at night because the house is just too cold…

How is the childcare centre currently operating? We have found a creative way to appease government regulations while still providing sustenance, education and Biblical meditations for our children…