I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to visit our partnership school, St Patrick’s, in Malawi. From the moment I arrived, I was touched by the warm hospitality and kindnessshown to us by Fr. Edmond, Sophie, the staff and the students. The entire school community has created a truly caring, welcoming and nurturing environment where young people are encouraged to grow in confidence, embrace learning and flourish.

It was a privilege to meet the pupils, hear about their experiences and witness their enthusiasm, kindness and commitment to one another. I was especially moved by the strong sense of community and the generosity of spirit that was evident throughout the school. It was also a joy to share a little of our own culture by delivering lessons on Scottish traditions to each form, teaching songs and introducing pupils to ceilidh dancing. The laughter, energy and enthusiasm shown by everyone made these moments particularly memorable and highlighted the value of learning from one another’s cultures.

I loved participating in the celebrations of Mass at 6am each morning and being a witness to the pupils’ living faith. Their joyful participation, prayerfulness and sense of belonging were inspiring and a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in daily life.

Our visits to St Magdalena Boarding School for Disabled Children and the local primary school were inspiring and deeply affecting. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, sharing moments of laughter and witnessing their resilience, kindness and enthusiasm was deeply moving. We were delighted to bring toys and teddy bears for the children at St Magdalena’s, and watching their faces light up with excitement and joy was a truly heartwarming experience. The warmth, affection and happiness they shared with us touched our hearts and reminded us of the importance of compassion, inclusion and human connection. These precious moments left a lasting impression on all of us and will be cherished memories for years to come.

We were also privileged to visit the maternity hospital and children’s hospital, where we donated baby clothes, teddy bears and essential medical supplies to support patients, families and healthcare staff. Meeting newborn babies, brave children and the dedicated professionals who care for them every day was both humbling and inspiring. Seeing children embrace their new teddy bears, knowing that families would benefit from the donated items and contributing supplies that help support vital care made the experience especially meaningful. The gratitude, strength and hope we witnessed throughout our visit touched us all deeply.

It has been a delight to experience such rich connections and friendships. The memories we have made will remain with us for a very long time. This has truly been the trip of a lifetime, bringing blessings not only to those we met but also to all of us who had the privilege of visiting. Every conversation, shared experience and act of kindness has been a precious part of this journey.

As our visit comes to an end, we know we will miss the breathtaking Malawian sunsets, the joyful spirit of the people and the friendships we have formed. Above all, we leave knowing that we have experienced the Warm Heart of Malawi in abundance. My visit has been uplifting, enriching and unforgettable and I return home feeling deeply grateful for the welcome I received and for the faith, friendship, generosity and love that I encountered throughout this remarkable journey.