We all joined in the main house around 9:30am for our regular breakfast of Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, bananas, bread and peanut butter. We then made our way over to the residence center to work on the new kitchen and dining hall for a while.

Around 11am, we began the process of shuttling our team, some of the Passion Center staff and about 15 of the teens over to the hospital on the other side of town. We were told ahead of time a little of what to expect. The conditions are not what we are used to in a US hospital. Family members of the patients are expected to provide the basic care for the patients including changing their linens, bathing them and cleaning their clothes. This can be an extraordinary burden since most are single parents or other family members who are struggling to survive themselves. We were told that many of the children were terminal and would never receive the treatments that could possibly save their lives.

The pediatric ward was so busy that most children had to share a bed with another child patient. This was true both in the orthopedic section and the infectious disease section. This means a child with TB could be sharing a bed with a child with malaria.

At the hospital our team divided and paired up with teens from the Passion Center. They made their way through the wards praying for the children and their caregivers. We also gave each caregiver a care package to assist them in providing basic care for the child. About 135 care packages were given. In many cases our team did the praying for the child and the Passion Center teens helped to interpret. In several cases, the teens took charge; praying and offering hope and encouragement themselves. What an amazing thing to see teens—who are orphans themselves—praying and witnessing to other children and families in need. Everyone involved was blessed by the experience, but continuing prayers are necessary for all.

I believe that when you are doing God's most important work is when Satan tries his hardest to disrupt your plans. This was certainly the case today. Three of our four drivers, including myself, were pulled over by the Zomba police while making trips to and from the hospital. They randomly pull people over and look for ways to fine the driver. When they see an American driving alone, they think dollars. Two drivers received fines, which must be paid in cash on the spot or they will confiscate your driver's license. I did not have any kwacha (the Malawian currency) with me, but was fortunate to be the one not to be fined. The other two drivers paid their fines and got back our important work.

We then took a quick break for lunch before heading over to the Passion Center to say our goodbyes. Even though we are only here for 10 days, we all formed wonderful bonds with the children. Many of us sponsor a child or children, so saying goodbye is difficult.

We played a lot of games and had a lot of smiles. There were lots of hugs and a few tears, although we tried not to let the kids see that we were sad. It's just too hard for them.

The girl my family sponsors is Annie Sumo. She is 12 years old, bright, funny and full of smiles. I learned how to say, "Jesus loves you." in Chichewa so I could tell her. It's "Yesus amawacondu". She returned the blessing. Then I said, "Dave amawacondu". She replied, "Annie amawacondu". Priceless. We hugged and said goodbye. With all my heart, I hope to get to see her again someday and pray that the Lord will bless and protect her and all the other kids at the Passion Center.

—Dave