The boys help dislodge our van.

Only a few of us had made time for swimming at Nkhotakhota, and the women felt that stripping to our swimsuits in front of We Are One orphanage might be inappropriate. So the pull of the brilliant lake at Makuzi Beach was made even stronger with anticipation.

I wasn't sure how I felt about this excursion; I couldn't understand where the money came from to treat us to the rather nice lodge, complete with delicious dinner and breakfast. Hadn't our friends and families contributed towards Camp Malawi? Rosemary assured us the money for Camp had been carefully kept separate, but something about the night in Makuzi didn't sit right with me. Yet I can't claim I didn't dive into Lake Malawi at the first opportunity and float in the sweet, fresh water until the sun went down.

Rubina explores Makuzi.

The original plan had been to stay at the orphanage a second night, something that interested me despite the basic accommodations; it was a chance to get to know our boys better, and to more clearly understand their environment. Once again, Rosemary seemed to believe we couldn't "handle" it. Perhaps she wasn't wrong; I was disappointed but Stephen and Tim found Makuzi absolutely necessary. Camp had been overwhelming, busy, more difficult than I expected due to the kids' lack of English skills...but plenty of volunteers out there put up with much more.

Andrew, Heather & Rubina.

Kip & Meegan.

It was strange to not be told until arrival in Kande Beach that the next evening we'd spend the night at Kip's favorite beach lodge instead. Especially considering it necessitated a rather abrupt departure after camp, and we'd had only one day without running water thus far...we weren't exactly hurting.

None of the other volunteers were budget travelers as I am. No one else questioned the need for a touch of luxury. I couldn't help asking, but Rosemary's flustered reaction—that this was part of their general budget, it wasn't taken out of the scholarship fund or the camp fund that we'd raised—discomfited me from inquiring further.

I can't say it wasn't enjoyable. The huts were beautiful and the water crystal clear. Makuzi was isolated, with no extended beach for walking or any trace of village children. The bar was a warm, welcoming place for our crew to down nearly a whole box of South African wine, and both dinner and breakfast featured delectable Western dishes. It was also nice to see Moffat and Rosemary, generally so busy helping the community, get a little relaxation for themselves. Necessary or not, it was an appealing little break in the warm heart of Africa.

To find out more, please visit the We Are One Malawi website.

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