SIAMA,
I first want to say a huge thank you to all at SIAMA who helped to make it possible for me to travel this summer. The work you did to find such good deals in so little time was amazing. I have attached a summary of my time in Malawi and some pictures.
Thanks Again!
Laura Bagwell
I want to start this letter by saying a huge thank you to everyone who provided support, through prayer and finances, towards my time of service at the Passion Center for Children in Zomba, Malawi. It would not have been possible without you!
It is difficult to summarize two months but I would like to share a little of the lessons I learned and the highlights of my experience. God taught me what it looks like to have to completely rely on His Strength and Power to get me through the difficult and exhausting days. 2 Corinthians 12:10 says, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” And Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do no fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I clung to these two verses as I lived out each day.
I am so thankful that I got to live in my own apartment on the compound with the resident children of the Passion Center. Each night I would spend time with the children, playing games, having dance parties, talking, and just getting to know them better. I fell in love with them and it was so hard to leave each of them. It was amazing getting to live amongst the people, learning the culture and the language. And although the country itself is one of the poorest in the world, the culture is so rich and the people are full of joy in what they do have.
I was also able to work with the Community Health Network that serves numerous villages in the surrounding area. I worked primarily with the head of the CHN, Johne, helping train the volunteer health workers. We visited several CHN patients and saw how it has impacted their lives. The CHN works hard to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the patients they serve. Through donations from the teams that come throughout the year they also distribute medications. It was great getting to meet the volunteer workers of 6 different support groups (divided by the different areas of villages) and work with them. They all are eager to give their time and energy for the good of others.
Again, thank you for all of the prayers and support during my trip. I am so thankful for the whole experience, God’s protection both spiritually and physically, and all that I got to see and learn. Although I am back in America please continue to pray for the Passion Center for Children and all of their different ministries as well as those in leadership positions.
God Bless!
Laura Bagwell
