Hands Together, Hearts Changed: A Malawi Mission Experience
Reflections from Southern Irrigation’s Malawi Mission Team
This was truly an experience like no other. I was deeply humbled and moved by what I witnessed and experienced in Malawi. Seeing firsthand the struggles these people face really put into perspective the significance of the work we were doing. It became clear just how much it meant to them. Over the course of a week, we worked side by side, learning together how to grow more food and become more self-sufficient. I genuinely believe that the efforts we contributed have paved the way for greater opportunities, not just for the employees of the farm but also for the children and the surrounding community. I am incredibly grateful and feel truly blessed to have had the chance to visit Malawi this past year. The experience and relationships that were formed will stay with me forever. – Susan Hoogeveen
One thing that particularly struck me was the children at the Child Care Centers. Their enthusiasm for life, even though they have so little, was amazing. The infectious singing, dancing, and laughing made me rethink what I valued back home. I saw how little it takes to make a difference in their lives, and how much they appreciate the smallest gestures of kindness. Malawi. "The Warm Heart of Africa". I came to the understanding on this trip, that joy doesn’t come from only material wealth but also from human connection, love, and community. Tikulandirani, we welcome you! – Stephanie Oostenbrink
This trip was an experience I will never forget. I am deeply thankful for the chance to serve and engage with people from a different culture. The experience was both humbling and enlightening, as I saw firsthand the challenges that many face and the strength they display. It served as a powerful reminder of the value of community, compassion, and the difference we can make when we unite to support others. The lessons, memories, and challenges from this trip will remain with me and I am forever grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of the team this year! – Krystal Goudzwaard
Going into this trip for the second time, I already knew what to expect. But seeing the same people and places again with the knowledge I had from last year was eye opening. Seeing the same children with the same eagerness to learn, having lived another year in the conditions they live in, seeing the teachers’ eagerness to give the children opportunities in this world, seeing the farmhands eager to keep up the crops even though many had failed from the previous year, it really gives you a whole other perspective on life. These things will always stay with me, and I will always be so grateful for the experiences granted to me through these trips. – Autumn Klaassen
Looking back on my time in Malawi, I appreciate how slow time moves, as though someone hit pause on the remote for two weeks. I have come to value my relationship with friends and family out here and maximize my time with them as I find myself missing all my friends across the world. I often think about how many kids I saw crammed shoulder to shoulder in a classroom, yet they were so happy to sing us a song. Coming back home I have a sense of guilt as I don't have enough fingers to count the blessings that I have here, and yet I feel the biggest one was getting to go on this trip. – Colton Wiebe
I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this trip. To be able to work side by side with the local people and try to improve their quality of live and doing it at their pace was quit humbling. To see firsthand that to work in an impoverished community as a community is very powerful. Knowing that the work we did will be beneficial to the center, all the children and community is very rewarding. Because of this trip I’m looking at things a little different now and I’m very grateful for that. I’ll cherish the memories forever. – Ard Hoogeveen
It was absolutely amazing to return to Malawi. For me, going back to the Timotheos center was like visiting family--and that is what they are. They are my brothers and sisters in Christ, doing the Fathers work where it is needed most. – Caleb Feijen
It was an absolute pleasure to return to Malawi and work with the Timotheos team for a second year in a row. Working alongside the team in Malawi is an incredibly rewarding experience, and I would encourage anyone with the opportunity to take part. It was also encouraging to see the growth of relationships between the Timotheos team and Southern. We can both learn lots from each other. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the projects and the continued partnership with Southern Irrigation and Timotheos in Malawi – Derek Taekema
Going to Africa was a trip of a lifetime for me. I was able to go with HFL and the Southern Irrigation team. It was an amazing experience working alongside the Southern team. Being with the team and the people at the childcare centre was really interesting, being able to work alongside them in the field, and seeing the smiley faces of the kids in the schoolyard and in classrooms was fun and a lifetime of memories. I would recommend if someone were thinking about doing a service project would be to go with an organization, such as HFL. It was an amazing experience. – Lloyd Taekema
