After burying her husband six years ago, Sara became the sole parent for her children and grandchildren. Five of her seven children have died of sickness leaving her with six orphaned grandchildren. Sara has no employment and struggles to find enough food for her household. Although at the time of this report her health is quite good, she is HIV positive and is therefore often very weak. This prevents her from working a field to grow maize and other food sources. When she can, she does piece work, helping in other people’s fields in order to glean a little food or Malawi Kwacha to purchase necessities for her family. She lives in her late daughter’s decrepit house in a village called Jambo which is in the centre of Bangula in southern Malawi. Two of her grandchildren would like to go to school but cannot because they do not have enough clothes. Each child has only the stained, rag-like, torn shorts and t-shirt or dress that they currently wear. Sara has cried out for help to one of Iris Africa’s pastors. Pastor Ali knows her well and has witnessed her pain. Ali helps Sara with food assistance through Iris Africa’s feeding program. Sara’s family is just one example of the 3,000 desperate families who are receiving ongoing assistance from Iris Africa. The situation is heart breaking but it inspires us to keep pressing on, bringing support and hope to many who are in distress.

So much more is needed for Sara and her family to rise up out of their state of poverty. They need clothes, school supplies, soap, mosquito nets, blankets, home repairs and more food. More importantly, they need a means to help themselves. Yet as poor as they are, Sara and her children can still smile and laugh. They know they do not have much, but they have each other, and with that they are content. Sara really loves her children. She daily sacrifices her own needs in order to help the little ones. What a great example.
We recently delivered food to assist Sara and the children. They received us warmly by quickly putting the grass mat in the shade beside their house for us to sit on. We talked, prayed, and witnessed their great appreciation and thankful hearts for our visit.