After completing my Pre-Service Training, which provided me with knowledge and skills, I was assigned to work in Chikwawa. From the day of my arrival until now, it has been a journey of treading new paths in life.

“Rome was not built in a day,” so they say, but I guess that never applied to me because I wanted to start doing things from the time that I arrived in my community. Although I had encouraged myself by saying that I would do it, honestly, I had so many fears, from the weather to meeting people with different ethics, cultures, and backgrounds, even though we are all Malawians.

All along, it has been about integration, getting to know and understand my community and their way of life. So far, everything has turned out to be both fun and fulfilling. Although I had so many fears, the day that I was welcomed by my host family gave me a sense of belonging, that indeed, people are hospitable and they are ready to leave things aside so they can be understanding.

Since the first few months are all about integration, I have been involved in so many activities, which include being part of sporting activities, volunteering to teach at school, establishing different youth clubs, meetings, and interacting with village bank savings clubs. Additionally, I also interacted with different farmers and the community at the household level. The interaction that I have had with different people has made it easier for me to get to know my community and the people who are there.

One thing that has truly stood out is that getting out of your comfort zone requires being part of the process, because awiri sayenda limodzi asanauzane (two people cannot walk together unless they agree). I know that at times it may be hard, but for the sake of growth and the life ahead, get up and face all your fears, because you never know, they might just bring out the best in you.