From Lilongwe With Love: Sophia's Journey Through Malawi

Day One: Patrick’s Farm & Agape Orphanage

Our journey began with long flights and a brief stop in Ethiopia before arriving at the Sunbird Hotel in Lilongwe. On our first full day, we visited Patrick Tembwe’s family farm, receiving a warm welcome and a hands-on introduction to rural Malawian life. We toured fields of bananas, beans, pumpkins, sunflowers, and a greenhouse irrigated with a homemade drip system. One of the most memorable parts was helping with chores—chasing, slaughtering, and plucking chickens alongside local women—who taught us how to prepare a communal meal.

While lunch was cooking, we visited the nearby Agape Orphanage, delivering donations and spending the afternoon jumping rope, singing, and drawing with the kids. Watching their faces light up was unforgettable. After enjoying our meal of pork, chicken, corn meal, and spinach dip, we ended the day with laughter, speeches, and a heartfelt farewell.

Day Two: Joyful Welcomes & Bumpy Roads

After breakfast, we headed to Nkhukwa School and were greeted by an explosion of energy—singing, dancing, and poetry celebrating the opening of two new boreholes. The children’s gratitude for clean water was deeply moving. I bonded with two girls, Annie and Trisha, who told me how the borehole allowed them to attend school and asked me never to forget them. We then drove to Mchitanjiru School, where we were again welcomed with songs and smiles. I met Blessing and Gloria, who taught me to say “good morning” and “goodnight” in Chichewa. After a long, bumpy eight-hour ride through winding mountain roads, we arrived at our next hotel late that night.

Day Three: Chimutu & Kayeramadzi Catholic

Our smaller Wash for Life team set out early to visit Chimutu School. As we stepped off the bus, singing children surrounded us. We were led to a shaded area where the chief, headmasters, and teachers welcomed us with speeches, poetry, and performances. The community thanked Papa Steve Hamer with a live chicken and a huge stalk of bananas. We visited their boreholes and learned about their maintenance systems. As we drove off, children chased our bus, and to our surprise, the gifted chicken was flapping inside with us.

At Kayeramadzi Catholic School, we received a vibrant welcome followed by music, poems, and drumming. My father and I were honored to open the well in a special ceremony. I tried carrying water on my head, experiencing firsthand a small part of the daily challenge many girls face. 

Later, Patrick brought us to meet a single mother of seven, living in hardship after her home was destroyed. I connected with her daughter, Talandria, who had suffered a serious injury but remained incredibly joyful. I gave her a bracelet that means a lot to me, and she hugged me tightly and said I was a gift from God. That moment will stay with me forever. Afterwards, we returned to the hotel and took a peaceful walk before dinner with the whole team.

Day Four: Schools & Safari Arrival

We packed up and visited Kalambo School, where we handed out tie-dye shirts made by Sheboygan Senior Community residents. The kids’ joy was infectious as they shouted thank you and danced around in their colorful shirts.

At Utwe School, I met Namia, a bright girl who became my instant shadow. We talked about school and math, and she showed me her workbook. As we left, she ran beside our bus, waving until she disappeared from view.

The day ended with a long, four-hour drive to the safari lodge. Along the way, we tossed soccer balls from the bus to children playing with plastic-bag balls. We arrived by boat at a breathtaking camp where our “rooms” were really canvas tents blending into the wild surroundings. After dinner and campfire stories, we fell asleep to the sounds of nature.

Day Five: Camp Mvuu Safari Adventures

We woke up at 5:00 AM for our first safari, escorted from our tents due to the risk of wild animals. Wrapped in ponchos, we set out into the bush. We saw elephants up close, monkeys swinging through trees, warthogs, and waterbucks. Midway, we stopped for tea and breakfast on the plains.

After lunch and a bit of rest, we headed out again at 3:30 PM for an evening ride. We saw zebras, hippos, and most thrilling of all, a cheetah resting just 50 meters away. We parked nearby to enjoy snacks and stories as the sun set, then returned to camp, spotting more hippos along the way.

That night, Timothy Tembwe taught us traditional drumming under the stars, the rhythm echoing into the night as we fell asleep in the wilderness.

Day Six: Safari Walk & Journey Back

Our final full day began with a 5:30 AM safari walk. Off the trucks and on foot, we saw termite mounds, yellow-fever trees, animal remains, and even fresh lion tracks. Our guide handed us dried rhino and elephant dung, both a survival tool and a strange symbol of connection to the land.

After returning to camp, we celebrated Nolan Hamer’s birthday with a surprise cake at breakfast. Mischievous monkeys stole food and added to the fun. We then boarded a boat for one last wildlife experience, spotting crocodiles, hippos, and elephants along the shore.

Just as we were ready to leave, a massive elephant blocked our exit, and even charged at one of the trucks. After a tense standoff, it finally moved along. The seven-hour ride back to Lilongwe gave us time to reflect on the rural beauty we were leaving behind. That evening at the Sunbird Hotel, we gathered for a final team dinner, speeches, and one last round of gratitude. I even filmed an interview with the Salesforce team, eager to share the experience.

Day Seven: Market Memories & Farewell

On our last day, we had one final breakfast as a group. Across the street, we explored a colorful market with the Tembwe family, buying handmade crafts and bracelets, one for each child whose story I wanted to carry home.

We said our goodbyes and began the 27-hour journey home. Though long, the trip back was filled with memories that kept my heart full. This was more than a visit, it was a life-changing experience. Every moment, every child’s smile, and every connection made has become a part of me.

As I boarded the plane, I knew this was not a goodbye, but rather the beginning of sharing Malawi’s spirit and the lessons I learned with the rest of the world.