We reached the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg around 9:00 AM. After checking in, we made our way to the gate for our South Africa Airways flight to Lilongwe, Malawi. For many in the group, this is their first trip to Malawi. Others have been here before, including group members who are part of the Malawi Mission Network.
After checking in to our hotel, we met with Dr. Mary Shawa, the Principal Secretary for Nutrition, HIV & AIDS in the Office of the President and Cabinet of Malawi. Dr. Shawa spoke about the situation in the country.
A visit to the Ministry of Hope Crisis Nursery followed. The nursery has the capacity to care for approximately 40 infants at a time. There were 27 infants in the nursery when we visited. Infants come to the nursery because of a crisis such as a mother’s death. The staff of the nursery provides love and care for the infants during their crisis period while arrangements are made to place them with relatives or adoptive families.
We are unclear how frequently we may have email access while in Malawi. We will write stories as we travel and post them when we are able.
Please continue to hold us and those whom we visit in your prayers.