I’ve been home from my trip to Malawi with ONE and Heifer International for almost two days now, and my mind is still reeling from the experience. Every emotion you could feel, I felt. Sometimes all within the same 30 seconds. But it was as incredible as you’d expect, and I will be sharing stories and what I learned with you all in the coming weeks.
I will say that the main takeaway I have from the trip is this: the people of Malawi are wonderful. I know that sounds trite and cliched, and I know that’s just the first of many things I’m going to have trouble expressing in words, but it’s true. The warmth and joy we felt, the connection we felt, the sense that the world is so much smaller than we think and maybe that stupid Disney song is right, were truly authentic.
But since I can’t quite articulate that very well yet, I’m going to show you what I mean. Here’s a slide show of just some of the pictures I took during the week (all on my iPhone, so please to excuse the quality because I’m very bad at “buffering” and knowing how to download and upload and sideload and blah blah). The song you hear was recorded by traveling companion Heather Barmore. Every time we visited a village, the women would greet us with a jubilant song and dance that went straight into our hearts and maybe made a little blonde cynic from Texas tear up and whack her head on the bus because she couldn’t quite see where she was going.
Truly beautiful Malawi.
Wendi I have loved experiencing this trip vicariously! What a thrill it must have been. Post about it all you want!
Wendi, these photos are freaking awesome, iPhone or otherwise. It’s been very cool to follow along online on that trip. Looking forward to reading more about it.
Beautiful, Wendi. What a fantastic trip for you! I can tell by your words that it has changed you and you will never forget it.
You are an incredible photographer, and I love the way you gave the images authentic voice choosing to lend actual voices. So beautiful–you and your heart and all of this. Wow.
Beautiful! Can’t wait to hear it all.
These testimonials always touch my heart. So humbling and inspirational.
Trip of a lifetime.
And well, Madonna would be proud.
Gorgeous. Can’t wait to hear all about it! xo
Gorgeous, Wendi. Welcome home! And I look forward to as many updates as you feel like giving us. Don’t hold back!
A have so enjoyed following your trip and I cannot wait to hear more about it. Thank you for posting this slide show – the music is so great to hear as well!
Oh, Wendi! I loved following your experience in Malawi. I remember after my first trip to Haiti, I was so grateful for the pictures because I was too overwhelmed to put my experience into words. Thank you for sharing your trip with all of us.
I have been waiting for this. I know you’ll bring us their stories, all with heart.
Oh, Wendi! How wonderful! I can only imagine the emotions you had during this trip! Thanks for reminding us that there is more to life than our media, etc. There is REAL LIFE, joy and sorrow. Tell us more, please.
Beautiful
Life changing and motivation changing. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you. Xo
Having the audio with the photos gave me chills.
I loved following along online during your trip and can’t wait to hear more stories!
What an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing the photos. I was very moved.
Great, Wendi, now I’m crying at work…AGAIN. Thanks!
Amazing trip. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’ve had this post saved since you published it. I wanted time to absorb it. I think that any time someone says, “I can’t articulate it” is a sure sign that they experienced something transforming. I can’t wait to read and see more. I LOVED your pictures while you were gone. One day, I’d like to experience all of this, too. What an honor it must have been.