Psalm 103:17 "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children."
Jessie Maclean reflects: “Whenever I am asked about my childhood, I always add, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” As a missionary kid growing up in Malawi from the age of three until I was 15, all I really knew was Malawi. Sometimes missionary kids don’t grow up fond of their upbringing. It can be hard to navigate the confusion when people ask you “where are you from” and you don’t know how to answer that question because half of your heart is in another country. Yet, when I reflect on my years growing up in Malawi as an EI missionary kid, I truly have the most amazing memories that I will forever be grateful to God for blessing me with.
Growing up in Malawi taught me the importance of relationships. It was the people of Malawi that demonstrated this to me. They were the first to offer a helping hand, even if it was an inconvenience to them – it was worth the delay in their schedule in order to serve and help their fellow neighbour, family member, friend, or stranger. Now as a wife and mom of two, living in Windsor, Ontario, my heart's desire is to be able to demonstrate this to my own family and those around us.
Though it looks different, when our son Jack was 10 months old we took him to Malawi for his first Christmas to spend time with Papa and Nana (Scott & Lorilee MacLean) and visit dear friends who are more like “family” because of how close we became after 12 years in Malawi. This was such a special trip as it allowed me to share my childhood and help make connections for my husband, Caleb, and show him a part of me that he had only heard stories about. We are already planning our next trip to Malawi, to make more memories, connect with family and friends, and to show our sweet daughter, Georgia, a part of the world that will always have a piece of my heart.”
