Malawi is probably one of the greatest places in the world—not because it is perfect, but because it teaches you the meaning of joy and gives you a new perspective on the things we take for granted in America. This trip not only taught me to appreciate the things I have, but also to give to the people around me. We spend so much time focused on ourselves that we often forget about all of God’s amazing creations, including the people around us.

I met so many amazing people on this trip, from the kids in the villages, to the Malawian college interns who helped us every day, to the people from my church who sacrificed so much time and money to come alongside the people of Malawi in creating new opportunities and helping villages grow.

Most importantly, this trip showed me what it truly means to be grateful for what we have and how much of a difference it can make when we choose to give to others. I am so thankful for everyone I met and everything I was able to be a part of, and I hope I can continue building on what I learned to make the world, even if only in a small way, a better place.