Kathy and I were invited to speak to the Mkundi UMW. They wanted to hear what words of wisdom we had for them. How humbling to think that we might be able to speak to their problems when we can't imagine the life they live. Several of the women's husbands had left them with several small children to raise on their own.  They have no means to provide for their families but they have dreams of starting small businesses - one knows how to knit, another would like to sell donuts.  They also dream of going to a UMW meeting in Lilongwe, about 115 kilometers away in August. They were trying to figure out how to come up with the funds needed for the 3 day trip.  The price for each person is about $4.  They will sleep on the church floor and bring their own food,  

It was easy to see that this group of women cared for one another and supported each other.  They also prayed together and laughed together. Like every UMW they were the cooks for the days we were there.

After hearing their stories, I didn't feel like I could leave without doing something. It would be like the passage from James that talks about giving a person in need a warm greeting but ignoring their need.  The next day we gave them the money to send the 10 women to the conference and they were elated.  We also gave a little money to help them start ways to support themselves and the UMW will monitor the use of the funds.  The president, who is a very young woman, pledged that they will work very hard. I know they will. They already do. In just a short amount of time, language barrier and all, I fell in love with these women. I pray that God will bless them, provide for them, make their lives and that of their children easier and give them confidence to know that they are valued and loved.

Wouldn't it be great if our UMW could partner with them?!