Anne's Blog 2

Monire mose

Every day is a busy one here in Malawi. We managed to go to Nhkata Bay at the Lake. The weather is quite different from Mzuzu. It is much warmer, which I am sure the group will remember. For a couple of days, Bernadette, Paul and I chilled out in the bright warm sunshine. We even managed a long lie in and a leisurely breakfast just after 7.00a.m. Believe it or not we missed attending the daily 6.30a.m. Mass and the Malawian food: nsima and beans were nowhere to be seen in Mayoka Village. We did, however, sample pizza, pancakes and toasties. We managed to shop at the stalls for various gifts. Taking tips from the group, Paul has traded his yak boots for a wooden chair (it is currently being carved). The exchange will take place in Lilongwe on Wednesday as we prepare to fly home. I managed to buy a drum, so I hope Celia, you will give me some lessons.

On Friday morning, there was a farewell gathering with St. Peter’s Primary staff and committee members. Bernadette and I were both presented with a chetenje – you should be able to see the photos later. We all enjoyed the samosas made by Sylvia who is one of the secondary school teachers. Unfortunately, Mr Shabwa, head teacher was unable to be present because his mother was still very ill. Sadly this morning after Mass, we were informed that she had passed away. May I ask you to remember his family in your prayers?

I watched the netball match which took place at the end of the school day. The girls were delighted with their new blue bibs and navy skirts. Having purchased the desks and the netball gear we were able to use the rest of the fund to top up money the school had set aside for looking at electricity to be put into a building. Everyone is delighted that now the school is in a position to get electricity for the library and the Head Teacher’s office. This is a great step forward. Establishing a good library for pupils will be the big development for the coming year.

On Friday afternoon we had a great time with the Secondary school staff. They were very happy to show us the different dances relating to the various tribes. We also attended the school disco where many of the pupils were keen to try and help us learn some new steps.

We have attended parties at the Women’s Development Centre and Mary Martha. At both places the volunteers were responsible for getting the food for the parties. The party food is quite different from ours. Here the food for the celebration is meat and rice. For the orphans this is a treat. Roderick explained that the orphans would tend to eat nsima and they may if they are fortunate get meat and rice at Christmas. We enjoyed hearing the children sing and watching them dance at the parties. At Mary Martha I shared with the children the simple rhyme “I know cheeky, cheeky chin. Cheeky, cheeky chin nose eye.” When we left, there were plenty of “cheeky, cheeky chins” waving us off. It was an honour to be able to join both celebrations and to become friends with the children and the grown ups who give so much of their time and love to them.

It is sad to be leaving but it is exciting to know that everyone is committed to developing a partnership with St. Mary’s staff and pupils. I can see the difference that the partnership with St. Matthew’s is making in the schools and the community. Bernadette is very modest but I have to say that it is truly amazing how she has managed to get everyone’s support at home to help make a difference to lives of the children here, yet ensure that the people from Malawi are still in charge of their own destiny. I am grateful to Bernadette for giving Paul and I the opportunity to be here in Mzuzu and to become more directly involved. For us it has been a rollercoaster of emotions and a life changing experience.

Anne