We started the day downtown in Lilongwe, where we shopped for last minute supplies to finish the electrical work and gifts for another home visit today, as well as cashing in some additional US funds for local Malawi currency. While in the city, some of us took the opportunity to browse nearby displays from local wood artists who make gorgeous statues and other carvings before piling back into the van and heading up to the feeding center.
Remembering there was the local equivalent of a tailor near the center who offered to make a new, Malawi national style dress for Lisa if she supplied the cloth, we stopped off to see him again and dropped material off. The dress would be custom made for her for only the equivalent of $3.50 US and take less than the time we'd be visiting the center today to finish it.
Again, like the past few days, the arrival at the Center was joyous, with hundreds of children running up to the van thrilled to see us arrive. It was quite a sight to behold! (Video of the arrival forthcoming, once we return stateside and have faster internet access. It's a big video file.)
Once we pulled in and unloaded the van, Keith and Paul got back to work finishing the solar lighting project. There was great pressure to complete the project today since it was our last day in the area and we'd not be back on this trip.
While the guys worked on the electrification work, Lisa and Marc played with the kids again, entertaining the littlest ones tickling them and chasing them around the property and practicing reading English with the older ones.
Then, it was time for another home visit at another nearby village. This village, like the past two was about a 20 minute walk from the center up a small dirt road to a village populated by modest clay or brick homes. We were welcomed by a wonderful woman and her children who allowed us into her home and we sat inside getting to know one another and answering questions about each other and our lives. At one point during the conversation the subject of food came up and the woman and her family found it puzzling and funny that we, as Americans didn't find Nsema at home as our 'staple food' as it is theirs, here. The woman said, "If you don't have Nsema, what do you eat?" and expressed concern that perhaps we didn't have food if we didn't have that.
We presented the woman the same cooking supplies and food, Colgate toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss, soaps, and a local language bible which, while she can't read, said her eldest son who lived nearby would help read it to her and her kids.
She also shared sad news, that her health was not good and that she likely needed medical care which wasn't sufficient, locally. She needs to get to a good health clinic which may involve travel back and forth into the city, almost two hours away by fast car, each way.
Again, like with the other home visits the family was very gracious and grateful for our visit and agreed to allow us to take a photo of her an her family outside, as well. She was obviously quite proud of her home, even if modest and without a finished floor.
When we said goodbye to the family and walked back to the Center, we saw the most beautiful view of the center, in the distance as we approached. It was quite a pretty vista!
On the walk back, we encountered more of those scary Nyau tribesmen with knives and machetes along the path, but we were able to pass without incident.
Once we got back we were thrilled to see the solar work was done and the lights able to be lit! It was such a sight to see the center, previously without power to have enough light inside to allow it to service the villagers long after dark, something previous impossible to do! The panel installed also even has electrical plugs on it especially designed to help local villagers charge mobile phones. It was such an exciting moment and quite an accomplishment for those on the team who made it possible!
As the day wound down, David led today's Bible lesson with the center full of children. He talked about God's word and how if we make mistakes or do something wrong, God will help make us right again. It was a great lesson for everyone and delivered very excitingly!
David also led a discussion about dental hygiene, teaching the kids how to brush, use only a small amount of toothpaste as not to waste it or make someone ill, and being sure to brush twice a day. The kids showed they understood and were excited to learn.
Finally, just before leaving, we mounted a commemorative plaque on the wall with a bible quote from John 8:12 about Jesus being the light of the world, and thanking those of you back home who were generous with your donations making the project possible.
Just before leaving for the day I tried something fun. I gave my camera to a 10 year old boy and asked him to take photographs of what was important or interesting to him. While we wound up with a lot of headless shots due to his rookie photographer status, I was flattered he decided to take one of me, with some of his friends.
Again, it was quite an exciting and exhausting day.
Tomorrow will be a bit easier than the past few days as we'll be closer to "home" and doing some preparation for the balance of the week while also visiting a local crisis nursery and seeing those babies. More on this tomorrow, after the visit.
Love to all,
Marc
PS: Lisa got her dress today. It was gorgeous on her. I'm sure she'll want to model it for everyone when she's back home.
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