Monire
Back in Mzuzu, the first full day after our jaunt to Nkhata bay, it was back to business as usual for us. In the morning we visited the schools: Bernadette to the secondary school, Anne and Paul to the primary school. At the primary the Head Teacher held a school assembly. In front of the teachers and pupils Anne gave Mr Shawa a cheque from St Mary's Primary in Largs for 1,000 pounds. The gift was gratefully received and will be used to purchase more books for their new school library.
In the afternoon it was off to the Women's Institute for the party with the orphans. Money had been donated from individual staff members and friends from St Matthew's to pay for the party. We enjoyed ourselves playing various games with the orphans: rounders, frisbee throwing, skipping and yoyos. After the activities the orphans were fed a meal of rice, nsima, greens, a meat stew with potatoes, finished off with a either of a bottle of Fanta or Coca Cola. This was a real treat for the youngsters. Bernadette and Anne helped the ladies dish out the food to the youngsters. Each child also received a gift of a lollipop, a small toy animal, a balloon and a party hooter. The children were extremely delighted to receive the small presents, especially the party hooters which they blew continually. Some of the neighbours from the surrounding area thought it was the world cup all over again with the sound of the vuvuzelas. Bernadette also handed over to the women at the Institute various gifts from St Matthew's Academy and several private donors and sponsors: a lap top computer, a couple of footballs, a sum of money (100, 000 Kwachas)and tee shirts. Again the money will be put to very good use such as buying blankets for certain needy orphans and funding their orphan feeding programme.
It is very difficult not to get emotional at seeing the great joy in the childrens' faces at receiving what most people back home would regard as trifling. So after an emotional charged afternoon it was time for some light relief; off we went to the house of Sister Ann and Lesley for some drinks and a takeaway pizza; yes, even in Mzuzu there is a takeaway pizza place. Then, to finish the evening it was off to the Sunbird Hotel to sample the famous Safari disco for a couple of hours.
Paweme
Paul, Bernadette, Anne & Celia
It's stating the obvious to say that poverty is relative and also that every country has a rich/poor divide, but I wonder from your blogs over the years howwide is the divide in Malawi? Also does it depend on geography, is the North much different from the South or is it more a city?rural divide?
ReplyDeleteJust got the chance to read about your adventures now that I've returned from my hols. It looks like you're having a fabulous time although I'm exhausted just reading about all you've done - thought the schedule would have been a bit less hectic this time.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice that Harris and Thumbiko came to see you so soon after your arrival but that's very sad news about Lillian's mother's death. Tell her she (and her family) are in our thoughts and prayers.
The pics are great and the children look so happy, as they always do, and grateful for all they receive no matter how small. Their smiling faces brighten up the day. I remember the sunsets outside the house last year althought the ones in Livingstonia do top that I must admit. I'm with Fr Chunda and Celia, I might add, when it comes to travelling downhill in a vehicle risking life and limb - I'd walk every time (but you knew that didn't you). Nkhata bay and all the places you've been look wonderfully relaxing - enjoy.
Theresa and Joe are busy fundraising for their forthcoming visit and i've told them the blog address so they'll be followers now. Thanks to Paul and Anne for the donation (I've got the tickets but I don't think she realised you wouldn't be back on time).
Anyway, tell Fr Chunda and all my friends who visited Scotland that they are never far from my thoughts. Tell the pupils good luck with their exams. A special hello to Harris (O'Neill) Khembo - hope all is well with Elliness and the rest of the family. Craig says, 'How's it gaun' and the entire clan says 'Hello' - we love to hear how he's getting on and wish him well in his exams.
Keep up the good work; I'll look forward to reading about your next adventure - keep blogging!
Best wishes to all.
Frances