Mimi McPherson goes Wild

Aussie star Mimi McPherson [pictured right with some of the amazing children she met in Malawi – you can read all about her experiences in the current edition of New Idea] – joined Bornwild Director Andrew Gray on a visit to Malawi recently to try out some of Bornwild’s amazing product and meet the people and in particular the children of Malawi.

Andrew took the opportunity after the trip to chat with Mimi to ask her some questions about her experiences in Malawi, her involvement in Bornwild and why she wanted to visit Malawi – this is what she said: –

Q:  Did the Bornwild experience meet your expectations?

A:  Without question, I was amazed, with the Bornwild experience far exceeding my expectations.  I am so glad I took the time to do this and really very grateful to Bornwild for the opportunity.  It is always hard to take time out from busy schedules to do things like this, but this is the most worthwhile thing I have done in my life.

Q:  What were some of the “rewarding” surprises?

A:  What surprised me was that the people of Malawi are so beautiful and giving, yet they have so little.

It was a real lesson for me, especially when I think of how much we have in our lives in Australia and we just take it all for granted.

I was also very surprised how beautiful Malawi is as a country, the scenery is stunning.

Q:  What age and type of person would you recommend the type of experience?

A:  Quite frankly anyone of any age can experience and appreciate a trip with Bornwild to Malawi, engage with the people, experience the country side and wildlife.  Anyone who wants to give and put something back into humanity and appreciate how generous life has been to us should take a Bornwild trip, but go ready to be surprised and affected by the experience – it will move you more than you would ever imagine.

I also think that for kids and in particular teenagers who think they have a hard time, visiting Malawi would be a real eye opening and life changing experience.

Q:  What were some your personal highlights?

A:  Without question, my trip into the villages to meet the orphans and the families that look after them, was a highlight of my trip. 

The villages are just amazing and they welcomed me with open arms into their lives so peacefully.  On my arrival they had orchestrated a song personally for me.  They don’t want pity, but they do need our help.

It was very hard for me to tear myself away from some of the beautiful children I met.

The encounter with a herd of elephants in Luangwa Valley is also etched in my memory.  I just could not believe how graceful they were yet they were huge. 

A truly amazing experience. 

Q:  Would you do it again?

A:  Absolutely, I can’t wait to do it again and do what I can to help the people and in particular the children of Malawi and anyone reading this interview should do the same.  It will change your life and put your life in Australia in real perspective.

Q:  How would you describe the safety in Malawi

A:  Malawi, is a very safe country and the people are Malawi’s biggest asset. 

They are so honest and kind and always smiling, although, the poverty should mean they don’t have much to smile about, but they do! 

They are just wonderful and welcoming and could not get over my white skin and blonde hair!

Q:  How did you find communicating with the local Malawians?

A:  Malawians have a good, strong grasp of English and I always felt right at ease when chatting with them and they laugh and smile so much that it is a part of the amazing experience of being there. 

English is taught at all schools and the local language “Chi-chewa”, is a beautiful language to listen to as a foreigner.

Q:  How would you describe the accommodation and meals that Bornwild offers?

A:  I was really impressed at the level of comfort of the accommodation in Malawi, rather similar to Fijian bures but I think better and always very peaceful and spotlessly clean.  The meals were great too and it is a great must do tourist experience.

Q:  How would you describe the Bornwild experience?

A:  Look, there is no question at all, you just have to do it and without question it is been the best thing I have ever done in my life and I will do it again. 

I keep thinking now in my wonderful Aussie life of all those beautiful chidren back in Malawi and what I can do for them and what they would think if they were here with me!  The contrast is quite surreal.

My visit to Malawi with Andrew and Bornwild is quite simply the experience of a lifetime and most certainly the experience of my life.

I can’t wait to go back and do what I can here and in Malawi to help the amazing people of Malawi. 

I thank Bornwild from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity of discovering Malawi and in particular the country’s people and also giving me the opportunity of doing something to help them.

Andrew and Scott Grey are brothers with Andrew running Bornwild here in Australia and Scott on the ground in Malawi and as Malawians they are so passionate about doing something about and for their country, they really deserve all our support – thank you guys.

Mimi’s story and photographs can be seen in the current edition of New Idea and information on Bornwild and programmes to Malawi can be seen at: –www.bornwild.com.au

A Special Report by The Mole with on location information from Bornwild and New Idea.