Seeing it in Perspective

It's been too long. It's good to be back. As the plane approaches Lilongwe my heart for this place swells again. From 1,000 feet you can see so much detail and all in slow motion. Small groups of simple dwellings linked by faint tracks and red-earthed "highways" are a world apart from the sophistication of home. Small holdings punctuate the slopes near to water. The occasional corrugated iron roof flashes under the brilliance of the mid day sun. Perhaps it's a school, a community centre, or even a farmer who has managed to make a half decent living from his land. But the norm in rural Malawi is a small, mud-walled home with a basic thatched roof. A man pedals along a track with his partner sitting side saddle on the back. It's probably his wife. I wonder if they're returning from church - they seemed to be wearing their Sunday best.

I can almost smell the smoke, sweat and dust already. I can't wait to meet more of these wonderful people. They have so much to teach us about community, respect for the weak and care for their neighbours. And it's so good to know that we have something to offer them which honours their spirit and hard work. A simple Hand Up from Opportunity International gives a poor family dignity and allows them to dream dreams for themselves and their children.

There may be times when they need a hand out but they want and deserve so much more. I'm so proud that Opportunity employs a methodology that gives people a working chance to take control of their own futures.