BENSON - by Nancy Chuang

The first thing that struck me about Benson was his desire for affection, but his simultaneous need to hide that desire. Rosemary warned us in advance that Malawi doesn't have a huggy culture, but immediately upon introduction Benson began leaning against me or putting his arm around my shoulders—all the while studiously avoiding eye contact. Unsmiling and serious most of the time, he would gamely chuckle when I made a joke—whether he understood it or not. And when the times to hug arose, he hugged so hard.

We arrived the first evening at Pastor Peter's in near-silence. Hoping to break the ice, I offered him the opportunity to play with my camera.

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HARRISON - by Andrew Longstreth

I knew about Harrison's reputation as a gifted but stubbornly independent student before we met. Rosemarie told me he had the respect of his classmates—adorably, they called him a "genius"—but that he routinely disobeyed his teachers. I was intrigued. Making things even more interesting: Harrison was a leading candidate for enrollment at Wukani, a well-regarded school in Mzuzu. There were two spots open to the We Are One boys who went to school in the village of Kande Beach. If the criteria were just academic performance, Harrison would be a lock for Wukani. He was tops in his class. But Harrison's behavior was a concern. A decision regarding Harrison's fate, I was told, was imminent.

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HAPPY & RAPHAEL - by Kip Myers

I was lucky enough to be buddies with two of the boys during our time in Malawi. At first, I was worried about being able to spend enough time with both boys equally. However, I soon found out that they balance each other. They fill each other's voids. When I couldn't quite hear or understand what Raphael was saying, Happy would repeat it to me with enthusiasm and clarity. When Happy was down or in an appearant funk, I would catch Raphael whispering in his ear to cheer him up.

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Back from Malawi


Handing out backpacks to my homeroom
I am still processing the trip to Malawi. Part of me still cannot believe that we actually pulled it off. It still is a memory that seems artificial — even with the photos, videos and stories. To have this idea of a camp in a small African country thousands of miles away and then to follow through is an accomplishment.

The friends who participated in Camp Malawi really blew me away. Without their dedication, this would have never happened. None of us are teachers and yet when we arrived each morning in the classroom and became just that.

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Camp Malawi - Thank you, EVERYONE!


In Lilongwe
Moffat and I are thrilled and awed at what has happened through Camp Malawi. Our friends from America have touched the lives of so many here and have impacted many children in a way they will never forget.

We are constantly getting positive feedback from the children, teachers and other adults about how grateful they are for everything that was done at Camp Malawi.

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HUMPHREY - by Ashley Huff

Upon meeting Humphrey you immediately recognize his sweet and genuine spirit. He has a concern and sensitivity for others that is expressed through his conversations and actions.

As Humphrey and I got to know one another it was amazing to me how much effort he put into better understanding me and my life in the United States. I was struck by how thoughtful his questions were as he asked about my job, what I like to do, and what I thought was the most different between Malawi and the U.S. He had clearly thought about how he could better know me and my life.

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