
Jennie Garst is a mom living in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband Jim and their two school-aged children. She will be the first to tell you that she was one of the least likely people to visit Malawi, but she and Jim did just that in the summer of 2017 when they felt called to join a friendship trip through their church, Christ Church of Oak Brook. The people of Malawi quickly cemented a place in Jennie’s heart with their strength, determination, and inspiring love of God. Jennie feels particularly devoted to the women of Malawi. She loves sharing the stories of the amazing women who have improved their lives, and the lives of other women in their village, by starting Village Savings and Loan associations (VSLs). Jennie is looking forward to the day she can lead a women’s friendship trip, hopefully one including her own daughter.