A Helping Hand – by Allie Schumacher

This medical mission trip has proved to be one incredible journey. This is my first time in Africa, first time doing a mission trip, and my first time being a part of the Villages in Partnership. To say I was overwhelmed, at first, is an understatement. I had moments of pure doubt in myself, but knowing that I am doing all that I can for the Malawians truly is something special. The team has been such an incredible group of people all coming together to do something bigger than ourselves. Being in the clinics truly put everything in full circle of how we are helping these people. I am so thankful to be a part of trip, to be here with the team, and to help in any way I can. The clinics can be overwhelming with so many people who need relief and are in pain, and to be able to help these people is nothing short of amazing. To be a part of a group that is doing all that they can for others with nothing in return is phenomenal. In the clinic, today, I met this young girl with a deep wound on her leg. The entire time we were washing, cleaning, and bandaging this wound, the girl made no sound. However, you can see it in her face that she was in extreme pain. It is this kind of bravery and courage that kept me going throughout the day. The Malawians are such strong and incredible people, and I am so blessed to be able to give them my time and energy in order to give them better outcomes. What a trip so far!