Greetings from the airspace somewhere between Blantyre and San Francisco… I am returning from an amazing whirlwind trip visiting GAIA projects throughout Malawi. Even more than “exhausting”, the best adjective to describe these two weeks is “inspiring”. I can now say with certainty: I feel lucky to have landed with GAIA.

The purpose of the trip was twofold: 1) to acquaint me with GAIA’s work on the ground; and 2) to acquaint our Malawi staff, collaborators, beneficiaries, and donors with me. The former was accomplished via site visits to the GAIA Elizabeth Taylor Mobile Health Clinics, GAIA Villages, and Micro-Finance programs, as well as meeting home-based care patients, orphans, and sponsored nursing scholars. The heartbreaking need addressed by our programs was on full display, as were the tangible benefits of our interventions. One vivid example was the overflow crowd at each Mobile Health Clinic I visited. With one site being 30km from the nearest government clinic and even that one treating malaria with aspirin, the need and benefits were obvious.

For the latter purpose, I was joined on the trip with GAIA’s Founding President Bill Rankin. In his new emeritus role, Bill generously traveled halfway around the world to graciously introduce me over and over again. For his efforts, Bill was treated to a heartfelt Thank You party by GAIA Blantyre and Mulanje staff, complete with tributes and a hand-painted depiction of GAIA milestones over the years.

It was a great and productive trip. In closing, I leave you with a powerful image from our visit to the Mobile Health Clinics. During the counseling session to patients receiving HIV test results, I asked Alice Bvumbwe (Program Officer) whether it was painful to deliver the hard news of a positive result. Her answer? “Ten years ago, it was hard; we were telling the patient that they would die. Today, I’m happy to be telling them the steps that they can take to live.” Amen, Alice. Amen.

Sincerely,
Todd Schafer
CEO