A New Day in Malawi: Meeting the Need, One Step at a Time

Our first full day in Malawi was one we’ll never forget.

Breakfast and Bible Study

Breakfast at our lodging was simple but meaningful as we did our daily devotions. You could order one egg, rice or potatoes, toast or porridge—

But in true Malawian fashion, you get what’s available.

A cup of instant coffee or hot chocolate warmed our hands and hearts as we started the day.

There’s something humbling about being served with joy when there’s only just enough to go around.

Nursery School

While the men and Mama Amy headed to the Mzimba Education Department (a meeting that went better than expected—praise God!—with leaders truly passionate about change), us moms and kids stayed back at the mill. 

That’s where we met two amazing women: Presca and Chisomo (whose name means Grace). We now call them friends.

The teens and pre-teens were getting stir-crazy (as kids do), so they loaded up with “sweeties” (dum-dums) and bracelets with Bible verses, ready to explore. Presca and Chisomo gently encouraged us to follow—and I’m so glad they did.

That’s when we found the local nursery school. (In America, this would be equivalent to Kindergarten.)

The building was bare- no furniture, no books, no supplies, no bathroom, no playground. The faded teaching aids painted on the wall had seen better days.

A couple of old swings stood outside and a bell of sorts. It was quiet—but it spoke volumes.

Nursery school is now required in Mzimba because kids were entering primary school too far behind.

But “required” doesn’t mean accessible or free—and that’s where so many children fall through the cracks.

Mama Jen had a heart to paint the inside and brighten it up, but without government approval, that dream stalled.

Mama Dorothy's

We ended the afternoon at Mama Dorothy’s—our favorite place to eat.

She made fresh chicken (yes, fresh), rice, potatoes, and noodles. No part of the meal—or the bird—goes to waste. She’s an incredible cook and made us feel right at home.

She is like family to us, so supporting her restaurant was something we all agreed on as a team. 

Dream Big: Resource Center

Then we visited a piece of land that filled us with big hope—and even bigger dreams.

Giving Basics has purchased land in the heart of town for something desperately needed: a Resource Center. But this won’t be just a building. It’s going to be a game-changer.

Here’s why:

• Nursery education: It will serve as an accessible kindergarten with an actual playground—something kids in this area have never known. It will also be a much needed training center for kindergarten teachers
  
  

• Electricity and study support: Right now, kids go home, do their chores, and then can’t study because it’s dark. This center will provide light—through electricity and solar lanterns.
  
  

• Tutors: Vulnerable kids who’ve missed school due to hunger or abandonment will finally get the help they need to catch up.
  
  

• Library: Without books, kids copy everything from the board. If they copy it wrong, they fail. This center will change that.

• Health: Will provide health and hygiene education, supplies, and pharmaceuticals.

• Vocational Training: Welding, Carpentry, etc. for the unemployed youth.

I’m a homeschool mom. So yes, this wrecked me. I know how important a foundation is. I also know what a difference even small resources can make.

Personal Commitment

That’s why, after seeing it all firsthand, our team made a commitment.

We rallied together and are PERSONALLY MATCHING every donation up to $25,000 toward the Resource Center.

We’re not just asking—we’re giving too. Because we believe in this dream. Because we believe in these kids.

We need to raise $70,000. This match gets us a huge step closer.

So many of you have asked how you can help or what the greatest need is—this is it.

Thank You for Caring

I’m already humbled (and honestly a bit blown away) by your generosity. Knowing that you want to do even more gives me the motivation to keep going, even when the challenges feel huge.

• If you donate, just write "Resource Center Match" in the description. Every single dollar goes directly to the project.

• Giving Basics values transparency. As we partner with Shine Malawi, every receipt is accounted for, with pictures of each purchase and project to go with it.

• If you can't give financially, PRAYING and SHARING is a huge help!
  
  
  
  
  
  

God is moving in Mzimba. He is lifting up these kids—the future of Malawi. And I’m so honored to be a witness to it.

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing more about the villages, the customs, the schools, and the incredible people we’ve met.

But today, I just had to share about the lack of resources for school aged children—because it changed me.

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Mark 9:37

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.”

Prayer

Lord, break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Help us to be Your hands and feet. Stir our hearts to give, to go, to pray—to step in where there is need. May every child in Mzimba know they are seen, loved, and never forgotten. In Jesus name Amen.

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Let’s make this dream a reality.
For the kids. For the future. For His glory.

To give, visit GivingBasics.org and write "Resource Center Match" in the note.

And stay tuned… There's so much more to share...

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I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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