Visit to Malawi
An update from Wendy Hayhoe, FVM Board Member
In February 2025, I had the joy of visiting Malawi in person. The people and the environment truly lived up to the description of “the warm heart of Africa.”
On our first full day, we spent several hours touring the Health Facility. The progress that has been made is amazing, and we are so grateful (see above photo for progress). It was timely to connect with the contractor and his team, as well as the engineer representing FVM. Many men and women from the local community are working on-site, and it is encouraging to see how this paid work is positively impacting their quality of life, extending into the local markets and community.
I have walked through some of the top hospitals in the world and have received care from world-renowned medical personnel during both life and death with my loved ones. Yet, I found myself awestruck as I approached the semi-finished gray cement entrance, wandered through the rooms, and stood in the ambulance bay looking out toward the beautiful green fields and lush mountains created by the rainy season. Tucked away at the end of a dirt road, this facility may not soar with glass towers or gain world renown, but it offers just as much hope. In a country faced with economic challenges, such as the wildly fluctuating kwacha and extreme poverty, this building taking shape serves as a beacon of hope. We believe that lives will be transformed within its walls through the grace of God, restoring spirit, soul, and body, providing care for those who are hurting, and offering guidance in both life and death.
Local government offices have taken notice. The Health Administrator position, supported by FVM, is crucial to the facility’s success. This initiative has never been attempted before, and everyone is hopeful that it will become a thriving model for others.
Navigating deeply rutted and sometimes flooded roads, we visited two preschools supported by FVM. Chinangwa in Taulo is surrounded by maize fields and flat land, while Chifundo in Nandolo is nestled among tea plantations on a hillside. Both places are filled with care, learning, fun, and laughter. We encountered so many precious little souls, with mischievous sparkling eyes and others who were serious and watchful.
The generosity we experienced has left us with tender hearts. So much was given out of so little, and our vehicle was filled to overflowing. Enjoying fresh passion fruit and pineapples bursting with flavor, and reflecting on the heart-warming welcome, we knew we had received far more than we had given.
I have come to understand that life’s deepest experiences intertwine heart-wrenching joy and sorrow. There is the joy of welcoming a new baby born through deep pain, the excitement of scanning the arrivals lane at the airport for a loved one’s face, and the bittersweet feeling of a departure. The way death and life, grief and joy twist together on our journeys is profound. During these two weeks in Malawi, witnessing the work of the FVM team, seeing what your contributions help provide, and feeling the weight of deep poverty—while sharing tender moments of tiny hands slipping into mine—has shown me once again this intertwining of joy and sorrow.
I assure you that if you have donated, or are considering donating, to the Health Facility, we carefully consider each decision and every dollar spent. Everyone is working together to make this a well-constructed and well-managed place of hope and healing. If you have contributed toward wells, I personally witnessed children drinking fresh water on a very hot day, and I thanked God for your kindness. If you are giving toward general programs, know that small lives and entire communities are benefiting in life-changing ways. You are making a difference; it is felt and expressed in countless ways.
Zikomo kwambiri from the bottom of our hearts.
