Moving to Malawi as a CorpsAfrica volunteer has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Leaving Kenya, my homeland, was not just a geographical shift—it was a cultural and emotional journey that tested my adaptability and resilience.
The first thing I noticed upon arriving in Malawi was the striking cultural differences. From the slow, unhurried pace of life to the warm smiles of the people, everything felt different yet familiar. One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. While in Kenya, Swahili is a unifying language that effortlessly connects people across the country; in Malawi, Chichewa is the dominant language. It felt strange to be in a place where Swahili was not widely spoken, and my initial attempts to communicate were met with amused smiles and patient corrections.
Learning Chichewa has been an adventure in itself. Words like “Zikomo” (thank you) and “Muli bwanji?” (how are you?) became my bridge to connecting with the local community. The Malawians’ kindness and willingness to teach me their language slowly eased my discomfort.
As much as the people here were welcoming, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of being far from home. The unfamiliarity of my surroundings often made me feel isolated. I missed the rhythm of Swahili conversations, the energy of my Kenyan culture, and the sense of belonging that came so effortlessly back home.
Just when I thought the loneliness would overwhelm me, I discovered something magical—Swahili speakers in Malawi! It was like finding a small piece of home in a foreign land. Meeting fellow Swahili speakers created an immediate bond, a shared sense of identity that words cannot fully capture.
We would talk for hours, weaving together stories of our respective journeys, laughing over shared idioms, and reminiscing about the familiar tastes and sounds of East Africa. With them, I could speak without hesitation, express myself fully, and revel in the comforting familiarity of my native language.
These connections have transformed my experience in Malawi. What started as a journey of solitude has now become a celebration of shared cultures and newfound friendships. I have come to appreciate the beauty of Malawian culture, from its language and customs to its gentle, community-centered way of life. Yet, I’ve also found solace in the Swahili I carry with me, a reminder that home is not just a place—it’s the people and connections that make us feel at ease.
Living in Malawi has taught me the true meaning of adaptability and belonging. While I may have started this journey feeling like a stranger, I am ending it with a sense of dual identity: proudly Kenyan and deeply connected to my new Malawian community.
In this small corner of the world, I’ve found my home away from home.