Experiences shape our perspective and reality. A larva living in a cocoon will never know the reality of a butterfly until it spreads its wings and lives the life of a butterfly. This is true to the human experiences, different people live different lives across the globe and within the same countries. Urban and rural areas have a lot of similarities yet they are so far apart in their day-to-day activities, customs, world views, needs, problems as well as assets.
As people, we are always of the view that life in the Urban setting is ideal compared to living in a remote area. I shared the same sentiment until 6 months ago when I arrived at my site to serve as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer. I left everything known to me and embarked on a journey unbeknownst from the comforts of Lilongwe City to the scorching heat of the lower Shire in Chikwawa. The first month was unbearable as I integrated into the culture and environment of my new home for the next 10 months.
I came here for one extended mission: Infiltrate the community, become one with the locals, know their local challenges whilst teaching them the ways of CorpsAfrica and lastly implement a project of their choice according to their tailored strengths and assets in that order. With that in mind, I started my service and tried to rush time to have our project done and to be gone. Challenges such as unfamiliar climate, poor telecommunication network, being off-grid from the main electricity supply, and difficulties in sourcing food stuff settled in. As for the climate, I have never been in any place as excruciatingly hot as Chikwawa.
On one crispy morning as I indulged in my chores I surprisingly came to an odd realization; I am going to miss this place after my service. At least some parts of the experience. I will miss the simplicity of this place, benign and subtle. There are nights this place feels like therapy, watching the full moon as bright as the sun on some occasions. The people are friendly, well-connected, and warm-hearted, blossoming in the natural ambiance of the universe devoid of the disturbances of urbanization and away from the troubles of civilization.
I have reaped some benefits from this lifestyle, it comes with a sense of joy and happiness surviving on only those things you need. You realize that we don’t need all the things we think are necessary. One can be happier without owning so much. I have become more contented and thoughtful over the past few months as I have unlocked new levels of patience and resilience. I am kinder learning how to give from people who have so little. I have learned integration and adaptability, humility, and more hard work as well as self-reliance. This experience will surely shape a new perspective and reality that will impact both my personal and professional life.
