Stephen Eng Reports on his 2014 Malawi Visit

Message from Stephen EngDear Friends and Supporters of Thrive Malawi,Thank you and thank your again for your financial support of Thrive Malawi this past year.I want to pass on to you a greeting from the children, families and staff of Children of Blessing Trust in Malawi.This past October, Jacki and I , along with 5 others including Vivien Berry, one of our Directors, traveled to Malawi to visit Kathy Bowler and her family and to see first-hand the “amazing” activities at Children of Blessing Trust (CoBT).  Our week quickly passed by as we spent time observing the many activities that went on including the Preschool, the Nutrition Clinic, the Speech Therapy Clinic, the Physio and OT sessions, the Epilepsy Clinic and so on …… Not only did we spend time at the Centre but we also went out of the city to the outlying districts where clinics are held for children that live too far away to attend regularly. Clinics are an important part of the outreach strategy of CoBT and as funds become available more clinics can be added. Imagine how much a blessing a clinic would be for a mom and child that normally would have to make a 4 hour walk, one way, several times a week to participate in treatment.  At CoBT, it is a cause for celebration when a child progresses to a stage where they can “ graduate” and attend the Integrated Preschool. On one of the mornings, Jacki and I were able to observe Kathy, at work, assessing whether or not a little boy could attend the Preschool. He had to show that he had some ability to walk with the assistance of a walker. At first, having not experienced the walker, he was very reluctant and did not want to leave his mother’s arms. Finally, after moving the mom away, but still in his sight, and with Kathy’s coaxing, he moved his legs and “walked”. At the moment that he realized that he was doing this on his own, the most wonderful smile of “hope come true” took over his entire face. What an amazing moment that we got to share with the little boy and his mom.I want to assure you that there is no doubt in my mind how much your gifts mean to the children and families associated with CoBT. To the patients, CoBT gives hope. To the staff, CoBT also provides them hope with a stable job and livelihood for their families.Yours sincerely,Stephen