Simply Being With Others – by Linley Yates

Linley Yates recently traveled to Malawi, Africa, with VIP on a Friendship Trip. Hear about her experience seeing firsthand what life is like in Malawi.

My name is Linley Yates and this past July I had the privilege of going on one of Villages In Partnership’s Friendship Trips. I just graduated from high school and this trip was a graduation gift from my aunt and uncle who are involved with VIP. I came home feeling really lucky and so thankful for the little bit of time that I spent in Malawi. Watching the way that VIP works to love, support and empower the villagers in Malawi to raise themselves from the most extreme levels of poverty is really something special. Psalm 127:1-2 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain…” I can truly say that there is such evidence of the fact that the Lord has established every step that VIP has taken. 

It was so humbling to see people who have so little, show the generosity that they do. The joy of the Lord shines bright through the people of Malawi, especially VIP’s staff. They are nothing short of incredible. Their passion to serve people, not only through their individual strengths but as a whole, made me feel a love I hadn’t yet experienced. They exemplify the body of Christ so well. 

There is such beauty in simply being with others. To sit, to laugh, to eat, to dance, to sing. All for the glory of God. We all serve the same King. God used the time I spent in Malawi to soften my heart, bring me sweet friends, and remind me that I have a role to play in loving all of His people. Your donations matter. Your prayers matter. Your willingness to go and see and rub shoulders with the people of Malawi matters. I left with my cup overflowing and can’t stop thinking about when and how I will make my way back!

To learn more about visiting Malawi yourself, checkout the latest Friendship Trip & Medical Trip dates here.