Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Hope Mawerenga

Today has been a very interesting day. I got to do things I am passionate about and had so much fun. Several weeks ago, I was invited by a Peace Corps Volunteer in my community, Fiona, to make a Perma garden and paint a mural.  With nothing planned for this date, I agreed of course. I had no idea at the time that it was a memorial event for a late Peace Corps Volunteer who passed away while serving here in my community. When I realized this, I wasn’t so sure whether it was right for me to attend the event since I didn’t know her personally. However, I decided to attend, and the day was a great one celebrating a remembered Peace Corps Volunteer.
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We started the day by working on the Perma garden. We couldn’t finish the whole garden today because it’s a very big piece of land, but we will continue until we’re done.

We also painted the Children’s ward and brightened it up with some flowers! The beauty in painting was wonderful, and painting was so much fun. The kids and all Volunteers (Peace Corps and CorpsAfrica) really enjoyed it.

Reflecting on a full day, I have seen a fellow Volunteer’s passion live on even though she’s no longer here. I have seen how a smile can make all the difference in a child’s life. It’s amazing how much a Volunteer’s service to a community can impact lives. Even though I will leave my community someday, knowing that someone somewhere is a better version of themselves, because of my service with CorpsAfrica, makes me happy.