During business training in Malawi, Country Director Douglas Kulaisi was teaching a session on reconciliation.
His question to group leaders: “Do Christian couples experience conflict?”
Women: No.
Men: Yes.
Women: It’s men that bring conflict.
Men: No, it’s not. We forgive first.
Women: Men never say “I’m sorry.”
Some things never change. Whether in the U.S. or rural Malawi, relationships are messy.
Sylvie Somerville, program advisor for HOPE’s Malawi savings and credit association program, recently wrote a reflection on her experience in Malawi for the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics blog. Reposted here with permission.
“Give me money! Give me money!”
I was on my first mountain bike ride through Malawi, high above the capital city of Lilongwe, traversing dry, dusty hills and a winter landscape dotted with villages.
I’ve been distressed by the absolute poverty of these villages many times, but this repeated cry from these children hit me particularly hard. They don’t speak English in these villages, so this is likely one of the only English phrases the kids know.
Cute, bright-eyed children. I wanted to find this moment endearing, being chased through Malawian villages by swarms of little children. This should have been a classic Instagram opportunity.
But it broke my heart.
Continue Reading…
Since launching in July of this year, HOPE’s newest savings program in Malawi has grown to serve over 500 members. Anna Haggard, executive writing assistant, is in Malawi gathering stories from the new program. For more from Anna, follow the @HOPEstaff Twitter account.
“Without education, no one goes far.” -Mary Moses, group member who saved to send her nine children to school
“I have learned to take life as it comes. I am guided and protected by God.” -Marita John, member of the savings group “Love”
