Day Two in Malawi

Nothing new here except I corrected the spelling of Chirombo village. I'm sure it's wrong in other posts also. 

I don't where to start or how to describe what we saw today. So I guess I'll start at the beginning. We woke very early, still on Cali time, and just enjoyed a beautiful African morning. Around 7:00 everyone started to stumble out of bed so we shared a breakfast of oatmeal with fruit and bread, had short devotional and hit the road. 

Today, Wednesday in Malawi, was cultural immersion day. Because of our packed schedule we only actually had a half day of immersion. The 10 team members were split into 5 teams of two for the morning. Ranie and I were on separate teams so our stories vary a little. We all started with a trip to the market. Trust me,we're not talking Walmart.  The market was a couple of acres of open air shops selling everything from live animals and raw meet and vegetables to fire wood, flour and clothing. We were given a list of items, the local language and 4,000 kwancha, the local currency.  We had to buy the items on the list so we could take it to a family in the village of Chirombo. We met our families and helped them with chores like watering they garden, more like a small farm, and help prepare the meal. 

So picture this. We have the same 17 people in our Toyota limo, plus 6 live chickens!  The chickens were the guests of honor at lunch. When we got to Chirombo I was stunned by the poverty. Most of the families lived in one room red brick homes with thatched roofs and no no plumbing or even windows. The walk to Daniel's, my host, crops was nearly a mile where he will work all day watering, weeding and tilling all by hand. His daughters walk 5 miles to school. And I'm not setting you up for a "when I was young story". They really do this every day because know one in Chirombo has a car and few have bicycles. 

After helping with the farming I returned to Daniels home and helped prepare the meal. First, that meant we had to slaughter the chicken. By we, I mean Daniel. My partner and I were spared from that task. Then we went into the "kitchen" which is a small area with a 48 inch ceiling. 

Really it is little more than a brick box attached to the back of the house with an open fire for cooking. My hosts got a good chuckle at how much I sweat. I couldn't tell exactly what they were saying but there was I lot of laughing and pointing at the "azungu" (white person) and mimicking me wiping my brow.

 

The morning trip was very humbling because for all the villagers didn't have, they did have joy. The children greeted us with hugs, smiles, songs and dance. They loved having their pictures taken ant looking at the photos on the camera playback. 

Our afternoon trip was to the Mtilisi home for widows and orphans. This program houses and feeds hundreds of children. Dozens of widowed women have have been taught how to sew and how to create their own small business. Without thieves programs these women and children would have nothing. When I say nothing I'm not be over dramatic. They would have no shoes, food, clean water, roof over ther head. They could try begging but would be begging from others who have next to nothing. At Mtilisi the children receive two meals a day six days a week and the women have learned a trade to support their families. 

Somehow, despite all they don't have, they have great joy. Everyehwere we went we were greeted with songs and dance. Some of it was choreographed for our visits, of course. But throughout the day the children would follow us around hold our hands, hugs the women spontaneously break into songs. They smile and laugh and praise God despite their circumstances. At times I felt overwhelmed by the poverty and need of these wonderful people. They have so much need. How do you help them? Where do you start?  I guess it doesn't matter where you start or what you do. Just start. They benefit and appreciate every bit of help and support they receive. Favor, one of the COTN students, when asked what Malawians think of Americans, said they think all Americans are rich and like to help other people. Compared to what people have here she is right about us being rich. 

Today was an emotionally draining day full of tears and joy. I feel so incredibly blessed by this the the people of Malawi. Funny I came over here hoping to be a blessing to them. It's true that God works in amazing ways.

Here are some pics from today adventure.