“What you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him to learn.“

African proverb

Taking Emma to Malawi was better than I could ever have imagined. I loved watching her fall in love with people and a new culture. It was sometimes a little overwhelming for her to be looking different than others, but it was a transformational experience for her. She learned that after a few minutes, she was the same. She met new friends everywhere we went. My usually shy, timid child, was making friends at the lake, football games, villages and while shopping. Her experience in Malawi and Zambia will shape her perspective and help foster the kinds of healthy relationships she wants to build with others…even if she looks different. She learned that simple acts of kindness destroyed her anxiety.

They mothered her, taught her to sort beans and rice, carry water, wear a chitenge, plant trees, cook outside and learn words in Chichewa. She learned that happiness and joy are universal and smiles are easily shared.

She didn’t want to leave and continues to count the days when she can return to see her friends. Looking forward to the time when it is safe to travel without the fear of spreading the germs of a pandemic.