Swingset Construction

This year we constructed two more swingsets for the Matapila and Khwamba feeding centers. (The first two are at Katondo and Chimwang'ombe).  Again we selected Bluegum wood for it's hardness and weight.  Purchasing wood at the open air wood market in oldtown Lilongwe is always an adventure!  MOH's carpenter and lorry driver Lamech again provided invaluable assistance, and of course Daniel as well.

There is nothing like the experience of watching the kids, who have never seen a swing before, when the frame is completed and the swing chains and seats are finally hung.   They literally have to be shown how to use the swings.  But once they quickly learn, the screams and laughter from the feeling of weightlessness makes the work so worthwhile!

The first step is purchasing the wood in the old Lilongwe lumber market.  Not exactly Home Depot . . .

Building without electricity.  Drilling into "rock hard" bluegum is always the biggest challenge. The solution is lots of madsi (Chichewa=water). Daniel is drilling; Lamech in the red hat.

Construction at Khwamba.  Frame is assembled on ground and then lifted onto it's feet.

Matapila swings in early morning before kids arrive

News travels fast

It's a great feeling when a new swing is completed.

Lisa commissioned these plaques:  each swingset was dedicated in prayer before "commissioning"

The Khwamba swings were built under a "spreading" fig tree . .  . a picturesque spot.

"Swing-training"  These swings will get a great deal of use.

The ultimate reward for us all.

Image from last year's project at Chimwang'ombe: the need is so great

Paul