Words can’t begin to explain the bond and friendship that I have made with Cydney. I am going to attempt to explain how much he has impacted me this past 10 days as well as our team. Cydney has a dynamic and impactful personality. He is well respected among his village. He comes from humble beginnings and does not take anything for granted. Cydney has such a big heart and is loving and caring towards his people as well as the Americans.
As my translator this past week, Cydney has taken me under his wing. He has taught me many words in Chichewa which has allowed me to see more into the lives of the villagers we have interacted with. He has also introduced me to foods that are favorites of the Malawian people. I have had the opportunity to try sugar cane, sweet potatoes, papaya, nsima, and cassava. I was also blessed with the opportunity to be welcomed into Cydney’s home which helped shine light into Cydney’s life. He grew up as an orphan living with his uncle and cousins, whom he refers to as his father and brothers and sisters. Through the help of his family and VIP, he is now in his second year of university. He is studying communication with a minor in theology at African Bible College.
He has aspirations to join the ministry because of the love and care that VIP has provided him. Cydney also takes a big role in his church and can be heard singing aloud on Sunday’s. Cydney has shown me the reason we need to break down the walls that may be dividing us, and I am happy to say I now have a friend and brother who lives across the world from me. I know that he is going to continue to inspire and help his people. I can’t wait to come back and see the positive impact that Cydney has made on his village and the Malawian people. Zikomo kwam biri my mchimwene Cydney.
I agree. Cydney is one-of-a-kind. He was supposed to be visiting the States this year and staying at my home, but his Visa did not come through. I didn’t realize how much I was looking forward to having him here until they told me he couldn’t come. I wonder what God is up to. Something good, I suspect.