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Keep the Spark Alive 2025: Rediscovering Balance at the Lake
The shoreline was alive long before the games began. Bright chatter, spontaneous laughter, and the soft rush of Lake Malawi set the tone as TIH staff arrived in Salima on 21 November for this year’s Keep the Spark Alive retreat, a day made possible through the generous support of Imago Dei Fund. What started as a simple get-together quickly became a day full of rediscovery of energy, of colleagues, and of the quiet need to step back from everyday routines.
One of the day’s highlights was a lively and down-to-earth session led by psychologist Julie Soko, whose approach instantly broke the ice. Instead of a formal lecture, she turned the gathering into an honest conversation about the realities of balancing personal life with demanding work.
She challenged the team to rethink how they define “balance,” encouraging them to listen more carefully to their own limits and to protect time that restores their focus. Staff shared experiences, laughed at the things they all struggle with, and walked away with practical ideas that felt realistic, small shifts, healthier habits, and more intentional rest.
The moment the learning paused, the games exploded into life.
The beach became a full arena, shouts from sports matches, dance-offs that attracted instant attention, and games that had people running, competing, teasing, cheering, and forgetting entirely that they were colleagues from an office. Even those who usually stay on the sidelines found themselves dragged into the fun.
The dancing competitions stole the show. Moves no one had ever seen from certain departments suddenly came to light, causing uproar and endless replay-worthy moments. It wasn’t about who won; it was the collective energy that made the day unforgettable.
By afternoon, with the lake glistening behind them and the team resting after hours of movement, one thing was clear: the retreat had done something simple but powerful. It gave everyone room to laugh freely, to connect without titles or deadlines, and to pause long enough to breathe.
There was no single lesson or big takeaway. Instead, the day offered a reminder that people perform better when they feel human, and supported. And that sometimes, the spark isn’t something you search for, it is something that returns naturally when you make space for it.
As the sun stretched across the lake and staff packed up to leave, the atmosphere was noticeably lighter. Conversations were warmer, steps were slower, and spirits were lifted in ways no meeting room could achieve.
This year’s Keep the Spark Alive retreat was not designed to impress. It was designed to reconnect. And it did, beautifully. Thanks to the continued support of Imago Dei Fund, whose commitment to staff wellbeing makes days like this possible.