Reflecting on Malawi - Bruce Reeve

Wow, it's been two months now since we came back from Malawi! It's amazing how fast you fall back into your old routines after being away. But even after getting back to the hustle and stress of our normal lives, I do notice something different. Not a day goes by when I don't think at least once about my experiences in Malawi. I remember feeling guilty when we were there about being so concerned with buying keepsakes to bring home. But now I find that I cherish them not for what they are, but for the memories they trigger of the people we met and the things that we witnessed.

There's the village print Sarah bought that is hung on our wall, and my coffee cup at work with a village scene. Both remind me of the church services we attended in small villages out in the countryside. Since they drew so many villagers, most of the services took place outdoors in beautiful natural surroundings. Those surroundings however were no match for the beauty of the faith held by the people we met. These are people who have very few material possessions, but their wealth goes far beyond material things. Though they have so little, they give everything they have to their faith and to those who have even less than them. I see Violet, the young lady who was teaching orphans at two villages. Without any other means of transportation, she was walking for hours each day to get to her kids. We could see on her face how proud she was just to have the opportunity for God to work through her to provide that service. We could also see the pride in her students as they show us their math and English skills. I think of Aaron, the carpenter who used his skills with rudimentary tools, to pour a new cement floor for the church in his village church. We were there to help, but Aaron and his helpers from the village provided all the skill. I think of the village women carrying large containers of water and laundry many miles to and from the borehole several time each day. Wouldn't their lives be improved if safe drinking water was more readily available?

I see the cloth bag we bought in support of the church women's group, which reminds me of all the important land breaking work that group is doing to raise the status of women in the church, and to provide ministry aimed at improving the lives of the less fortunate.

I see the small wood carvings we brought back. Some of animals and fish which reminds me of the natural beauty we witnessed on our trips to Liwonde National Park and Lake Malawi. Others of angels, which were presented to us as gifts at one of the villages. At another village we were presented with clocks, with scenes depicting Africa, that were made for us by the villagers.

Most importantly, every day I put on a small wooden cross that I bought to remind me of the incredible faith I witnessed in the people of Malawi. I find just putting it on causes me to be more reflective about not only the trip, but also other things going on in my life. It feels very comforting just to wear it. The cross reminds me of the many amazing people I met on this trip including church leaders like Rev. Mhone and Rev. Steve who have a fantastic vision for growth in the Malawi Methodist Church, and projects that will improve the lives of Malawians. It also reminds me of two brothers Steve and Kelly, young men with uncommon leadership skills who are dedicating themselves to make a difference in Malawi. All of these leaders are very inspirational to me. Everyday when I put on that cross it brings back memories of the the things I was able to witness in Malawi. I feel privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to experience Malawi as I have. With that privilege God has provided comes a responsibility and a challenge to stay committed towards helping the people I met there. They've given me much more than they'll ever know, just by sharing their faith. That in turn has allowed me to grow in my faith. I know I'll always be indebted to them for that, and that I have a responsibility to pay back that debt by continuing to provide help.