One of the most memorable stories from our trip was that of Talandira, a bright, loving, and enthusiastic young girl. She had suffered an accident after falling off the back of a moving truck—Malawi’s version of public transportation. The fall left her severely injured, and in the weeks that followed, she struggled to walk. On her upper thigh, a black bruise developed into an infected scab, a dangerous sign that required urgent medical attention.
It felt as though God had guided us to her that day. Talandira’s family had already endured so much: their home had been destroyed by a cyclone during the previous rainy season, and her mother—a single mother raising seven children—was in an almost impossible position, unable to afford transportation to get her daughter the care she desperately needed.
With our own resources, separate from the donor funds we had raised for boreholes, we were able to provide both medical assistance and temporary support for their home. Sophia, a fellow volunteer on the trip, prayed with Talandira and encouraged her to stay positive, offering hope amidst the fear and uncertainty.
Talandira was eventually able to see a doctor. However, complications arose—she fainted a week later during treatment, and further testing revealed she had sepsis. Thankfully, with prompt medical care and the medication she needed, she began to recover. Today, Talandira is healing well and feeling much stronger.
If we hadn’t been there that day, it’s possible she might not have received the urgent care that saved her life. Through God’s grace, we were able to make a tangible difference for her and her family, a reminder of the profound impact even a small act of kindness can have
Malawi Trip 2025
Visiting Agape Orphanage was an incredible experience. The name Agape, meaning “love” in Greek, truly reflected the heart of the orphanage—a few remarkable women caring for over twenty children. When we arrived, we were greeted with joyous singing from the super happy kids, immediately setting a warm and lively tone.
Inside, we showed the children some of the donated gifts, which they received with delight. But the surprises didn’t end there—they performed a beautiful show for us using only their voices. To our astonishment, we were then expected to perform something in return. After an awkward pause, we attempted Row, Row, Row Your Boat, which surprisingly went well. I was fortunate to have brought my Irish flute, and what started as a one-way cultural showcase turned into a lively exchange of Irish and African music. Some of the children even tried Irish dancing, guided by Tricia, a dance teacher among us.
After the music, we played soccer and a variety of other games outside. Farone, one of our group members, ended up drenched in sweat from the fun and energetic play.
The children at Agape were so joyful, welcoming, and Christ-like. Despite having so little materially, they shared happiness, love, and laughter freely. Their spirit and warmth made the experience unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on all of us.
A young student explaining how the clean water has helped her:
