I thought I would post a picture of the kids we brought to the lake. This is a very patient group - this was assembling took about 30 minutes and it was sweltering hot. The kids waited and waited and waited for photos and this was one of the candid shots. Do you remember when you would stop at the hotel or park and the kids just want to get in the pool? Well these kids stood at the waters edge and didn't get in.
More later.....
Our Team at Lake Malawi
Oh what a great time for one and all at the lake
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Finally rested up
I think I have finally gotten my rest. I wake up at about 3:30 AM and have checked with the other ladies and they are waking between 3 and 4 as well. Then falling right to sleep between 9 and 10.
I have been messing with my pictures to try and figure out the best way to display them. There are so many to share and so many to share with. Also, different people are interested in different facets of the journey. There isn't one part I don't relive when I review the pictures. There are great pictures of the kids as well as the safari and all of Malawi. Some are pretty special and I hope you enjoy the slide shows as well.
More later....
I have been messing with my pictures to try and figure out the best way to display them. There are so many to share and so many to share with. Also, different people are interested in different facets of the journey. There isn't one part I don't relive when I review the pictures. There are great pictures of the kids as well as the safari and all of Malawi. Some are pretty special and I hope you enjoy the slide shows as well.
More later....
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
We are back!
Back in the USA! We got into Detroit and had a short wait before catching our trip to KC. We went through customs where they asked us if we had any animal products, fruits, vegetables, seeds, plants etc... Sherry had claimed she had an elephant (wooden figurine) and that was the attraction for her - and my customs sheet claimed material and other wood carvings etc... but unclaimed was the orange in my backpack I had forgotten. Because of that special distinction I got to go through additional screening with the agriculture department as they safely disposed of my orange from Zambia I had carried with me.
I made it through the additional screening and met back up with the team as we rechecked our bags to KC and got our boarding passes to come home. We were all a bit tired and bedraggled. You know the tired when everything gets "silly" and you laugh at stupid, insignificant things. But I am pretty sure that in the past 3 days I had slept a total of 6 hours. I couldn't sleep on any of the planes - others found no problem with cramped seats where they are in one position for such a long period of time. The plane trips are not for the restless - the seats don't fit me correctly. Even if we have unlimited music and movies, sitting there is not my favorite thing. I also always got to sit with the lady in the cocoon, wrapped up in blankets, coats, minks and spilling over into my seat or the 6'5" Nigerian basketball player with knees up to the tray table. My comfort was insignificant in comparision. I am amazed at home many people can sit in that position for 9 hours with barely moving!!! Next time, I have to figure out a way to get into business class. We pass through those aisles where there two seats in the row and most of the trip they are laying down. When you are going over to Malawi, I think you forget how uncomfortable it is as you are on an adventure. But when you are returning you are tired and cranky and it isn't as fun....
I slept from the moment we got on the plane to KC - I didn't even see us waiting in line for the de-icing. I had gotten on line in Amsterdam and noticed there were rows with no one sitting on that flight so I moved myself to row 22 in the back of plane by the engines and fell to sleep. When I woke up we were descending into KC and my hubby was waiting for us to take us home. By the grace of God, all 8 of our checked bags and tubs arrived and appeared to be unscathed. Each of the tubs had at least three of their zip ties still on so we didn't have them opened.
We made our first stop at Taco Bell and had our "American food" - the wait was about 10 minutes which was long for the US but short for any of the restaurants we went to when we were gone. We headed home, I got to talk to my mom, one of my daughters and text with others that we were back on our way home.
We said our goodbyes at the church and went on our way. I don't know about updates in the future. I have been encouraged by all the comments, FB messages etc.... thank you for reading and encouraging me along the way. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. Now that I am home, I will pictures, slide shows and other things that I can post on here. So keep tuned in.
More later......
I made it through the additional screening and met back up with the team as we rechecked our bags to KC and got our boarding passes to come home. We were all a bit tired and bedraggled. You know the tired when everything gets "silly" and you laugh at stupid, insignificant things. But I am pretty sure that in the past 3 days I had slept a total of 6 hours. I couldn't sleep on any of the planes - others found no problem with cramped seats where they are in one position for such a long period of time. The plane trips are not for the restless - the seats don't fit me correctly. Even if we have unlimited music and movies, sitting there is not my favorite thing. I also always got to sit with the lady in the cocoon, wrapped up in blankets, coats, minks and spilling over into my seat or the 6'5" Nigerian basketball player with knees up to the tray table. My comfort was insignificant in comparision. I am amazed at home many people can sit in that position for 9 hours with barely moving!!! Next time, I have to figure out a way to get into business class. We pass through those aisles where there two seats in the row and most of the trip they are laying down. When you are going over to Malawi, I think you forget how uncomfortable it is as you are on an adventure. But when you are returning you are tired and cranky and it isn't as fun....
I slept from the moment we got on the plane to KC - I didn't even see us waiting in line for the de-icing. I had gotten on line in Amsterdam and noticed there were rows with no one sitting on that flight so I moved myself to row 22 in the back of plane by the engines and fell to sleep. When I woke up we were descending into KC and my hubby was waiting for us to take us home. By the grace of God, all 8 of our checked bags and tubs arrived and appeared to be unscathed. Each of the tubs had at least three of their zip ties still on so we didn't have them opened.
We made our first stop at Taco Bell and had our "American food" - the wait was about 10 minutes which was long for the US but short for any of the restaurants we went to when we were gone. We headed home, I got to talk to my mom, one of my daughters and text with others that we were back on our way home.
We said our goodbyes at the church and went on our way. I don't know about updates in the future. I have been encouraged by all the comments, FB messages etc.... thank you for reading and encouraging me along the way. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. Now that I am home, I will pictures, slide shows and other things that I can post on here. So keep tuned in.
More later......
Monday, January 25, 2010
Farewell Dinner with the Team
We had a farewell dinner last night with our ABC interpreters and Makalani village team including Gracian and Timothy. We have new interpreters, John, Mary and Aninafe. They have been such a blessing to me. They worked tirelessly with me as I talked with the kids. I had taken a book with each of the kids names and their sponsors' name of which I shared with them. Everyone wanted to see their face in my book (photos taken by the team last year) -and they swarmed me. It really gave me an opportunity to get to know the kids a little better each day as I recognized them, said their name and found out about them. It also allowed me time to find out their interests, what they want to do when they grow up and what their favorite subject is in school.
They have the same interests as our children - policeman, teachers, President, pilots, surgeons etc....They had "hope" as we have a black President that they also could be President some day. Their biggest interest is soccer (football) with the World Cup or whatever being held in Africa this year the interest is peaked even higher. I was amazed that there wasn't any explaining that game. However, we had a few issues when I taught them kickball. They "thought" I said that they ALL had to run around the bases when one kicked the ball. I know I don't remember all the rules, but think I lost something in translation when explaining the game to John. I was surprised when everyone ran around the bases 4 times when the ball was kicked. Well, maybe next year they will catch on? They also learned volleyball. I wasn't good at that either - but at least I tried. We had to play in the sand and they made me remove my shoes as well - there is no restriction of glass on the beach or anything else, so you can imagine what it looked like. There are goats that run down the beach with the little goat hearder and I can only imagine what else was on the beach along with the lizards and chameleons.
One evening we broke after our devotions and it was dark and there were lights. The kids RAN towards the lights which had swarming flying bugs and started to catch them. I thought - oh, just like lightening bugs as we did at home?! But, no, these are giant termites that come out at night with a wingspan of 2-3 inches. They were catching them to eat - ALIVE! Oh, yes it was a treat to see.
Then there was the "fishing" for small minnow-like fish in the lake. They would catch them by hand, string them on a long reed and take them to the firepit where the cooks made dinner and roast them. Eating them head and all. This was also a treat to see.
Now, you would think, we weren't feeding them enough? But no, we fed them three meals a day and they were large meals with fish, chicken, beans, rice, Nsima, etc.... and this is more than they typically get in a day - it is just that these were their delicacies. I talked with a couple of the village elders (Gracian and Lawrence) and they said it was fine and common and quite a treat for them. They weren't hungry - just something they like to do.
It was fun to see them happy, full and satisfied.
More later....
They have the same interests as our children - policeman, teachers, President, pilots, surgeons etc....They had "hope" as we have a black President that they also could be President some day. Their biggest interest is soccer (football) with the World Cup or whatever being held in Africa this year the interest is peaked even higher. I was amazed that there wasn't any explaining that game. However, we had a few issues when I taught them kickball. They "thought" I said that they ALL had to run around the bases when one kicked the ball. I know I don't remember all the rules, but think I lost something in translation when explaining the game to John. I was surprised when everyone ran around the bases 4 times when the ball was kicked. Well, maybe next year they will catch on? They also learned volleyball. I wasn't good at that either - but at least I tried. We had to play in the sand and they made me remove my shoes as well - there is no restriction of glass on the beach or anything else, so you can imagine what it looked like. There are goats that run down the beach with the little goat hearder and I can only imagine what else was on the beach along with the lizards and chameleons.
One evening we broke after our devotions and it was dark and there were lights. The kids RAN towards the lights which had swarming flying bugs and started to catch them. I thought - oh, just like lightening bugs as we did at home?! But, no, these are giant termites that come out at night with a wingspan of 2-3 inches. They were catching them to eat - ALIVE! Oh, yes it was a treat to see.
Then there was the "fishing" for small minnow-like fish in the lake. They would catch them by hand, string them on a long reed and take them to the firepit where the cooks made dinner and roast them. Eating them head and all. This was also a treat to see.
Now, you would think, we weren't feeding them enough? But no, we fed them three meals a day and they were large meals with fish, chicken, beans, rice, Nsima, etc.... and this is more than they typically get in a day - it is just that these were their delicacies. I talked with a couple of the village elders (Gracian and Lawrence) and they said it was fine and common and quite a treat for them. They weren't hungry - just something they like to do.
It was fun to see them happy, full and satisfied.
More later....
Nairobi flight home
We have made it two of the legs home. From Malawi to Zimbabwe and then to Nairobi (otherwise known as Nai-Robby) as it isn't a safe airport to be in as a tourist. We followed a Scot named Scott into the Executive lounge where we are enjoying drinks and snacks and internet and AC for 20 dollars US. Quite the bargain as the alternative is expensive airport crappy food and heat, sweat and masses of people sitting on the ground. For 6 hours we are in the safety of a small room with others willing to pay the premium.
We get on a 10 PM flight and head to Amsterdam for an 8 hr flight, then 3 hrs in Amsterdam and 8 hr flight to Detroit tomorrow morning and then a 4 hr flight to KC. Quite the trip to get over here, but part of the fun is the trip we think. We have such a great group of people on this trip and I love them dearly in their unique way. We will always have a connection from this trip forward. I am sure you remember a trip that you have been on where you have bonded in unique ways as you have discovered the idiosyncrasies about each person. My favorite is Caleb - he is a character, has an infectious laugh and makes me smile as he discovers each new thing. His mom Sherry and his dad |ason have raised a good man in him. He misses Ranch dressing and will bring Ranch next trip, he beats me at gin rummy, he will try anything as far as food or dares and he isn't afraid to be scared as an elephant is charging our jeep.
Then there is Sherry - she has an innocent concern and care for everyone and just has such an optimism and love. She is the athletic one of our bunch - always wanting to go for a walk, a walking safari, a swim or just being active. I am amazed as she has biked the MS150 6 times, one organization very close to my heart as well. I love her dearly and can't wait to continue getting to know her as the semester goes on.
And who doesn't love Debbie? Debbie is the best - she knows the ropes and is willing to share anything and everything to make it easier for the rest of us. For all you people who decide to go to |Malawi in the future, you have to have a Debbie as your roommate. She has highlighters, safety pins, duct tape, TP, paper towels. two cameras, envelopes, fans, extra glasses, kwacha (that's money) scissors, etc... you get what I mean. A regular McGyver. Yet, she is real with all the same ups and downs, strengths and weaknesses and never ever makes you feel anything but your best. I love you Debbie!!!
Back to home ---- it comes so quickly, but not quick enough. Hard to believe we have been on the road for 15 days. We have missed so much, but gained so much in this adventure. I hope you have enjoyed the blog along the way as it will be ending very soon. If you want me, or any of our team to come to your group, your church, your meeting place, please let me know and we will gladly show our prized possesions - our pictures and experiences of a lifetime.
More later.....
We get on a 10 PM flight and head to Amsterdam for an 8 hr flight, then 3 hrs in Amsterdam and 8 hr flight to Detroit tomorrow morning and then a 4 hr flight to KC. Quite the trip to get over here, but part of the fun is the trip we think. We have such a great group of people on this trip and I love them dearly in their unique way. We will always have a connection from this trip forward. I am sure you remember a trip that you have been on where you have bonded in unique ways as you have discovered the idiosyncrasies about each person. My favorite is Caleb - he is a character, has an infectious laugh and makes me smile as he discovers each new thing. His mom Sherry and his dad |ason have raised a good man in him. He misses Ranch dressing and will bring Ranch next trip, he beats me at gin rummy, he will try anything as far as food or dares and he isn't afraid to be scared as an elephant is charging our jeep.
Then there is Sherry - she has an innocent concern and care for everyone and just has such an optimism and love. She is the athletic one of our bunch - always wanting to go for a walk, a walking safari, a swim or just being active. I am amazed as she has biked the MS150 6 times, one organization very close to my heart as well. I love her dearly and can't wait to continue getting to know her as the semester goes on.
And who doesn't love Debbie? Debbie is the best - she knows the ropes and is willing to share anything and everything to make it easier for the rest of us. For all you people who decide to go to |Malawi in the future, you have to have a Debbie as your roommate. She has highlighters, safety pins, duct tape, TP, paper towels. two cameras, envelopes, fans, extra glasses, kwacha (that's money) scissors, etc... you get what I mean. A regular McGyver. Yet, she is real with all the same ups and downs, strengths and weaknesses and never ever makes you feel anything but your best. I love you Debbie!!!
Back to home ---- it comes so quickly, but not quick enough. Hard to believe we have been on the road for 15 days. We have missed so much, but gained so much in this adventure. I hope you have enjoyed the blog along the way as it will be ending very soon. If you want me, or any of our team to come to your group, your church, your meeting place, please let me know and we will gladly show our prized possesions - our pictures and experiences of a lifetime.
More later.....
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Lions, Giraffes, Hippos and Elephants!
Yes, we have seen them all! It is hard to believe we were able to observe a lion's pride hunting last night (and escaped being eaten). They crossed our path and were just a few feet away from me as we sat in an open jeep. Yes, I was scared. I can hardly believe that we didn't get stuck, necessitating a push or pull out and thus being eaten by the maneating creatures! We had seen this pride of 10 earlier in the day laying on the road conserving energy for the night hunt. The younger ones looked hungry and at least one female was pregnant. We knew they would be hunting last night. I guess it is a treat to catch up with them at night when they are on the prowl.
We also see lots of elephants with their babies, pukus, kudzu, baboons, giraffes, zebra etc.... I didn't realize a safari took place several times over the course of a few days. We have already experience 2 evening rides and 2 early am to mid morning rides and we have 2 left to go. Each ride consists of tracking by our guide and spotting after darkness falls and a short sunset viewing and snack along the way. We come back to either a brunch at mid morning or a dinner at 8 PM. We are treated well and this is a dichotomy to what we experienced on the first portion of our trip. But, just as necessary. The replenishment after so much being given out during the time with the kids, in the village and the travel aspects. This was a nice treat.
Our accommodations are similar to an outdoor room withth ability to see the walking wildlife from our room. The lagoon is in view and we see hippos, crocs and baboons and monkeys everywhere. They escort us in the evening as there are only 20 guests that can be accommodated at one time and we do not go out at night without escort.
There is wireless internet at the office, so I travel some wooded paths to get the updates - and since we are pretty busy, I don't spend much time by myself outside.
We head back to Malawi my mid morning and should be there in the early evening to pack and return to the states. I know it is a long trip back, but we will all be glad to be back to normal-ness of home and with our families.
More later.....
We also see lots of elephants with their babies, pukus, kudzu, baboons, giraffes, zebra etc.... I didn't realize a safari took place several times over the course of a few days. We have already experience 2 evening rides and 2 early am to mid morning rides and we have 2 left to go. Each ride consists of tracking by our guide and spotting after darkness falls and a short sunset viewing and snack along the way. We come back to either a brunch at mid morning or a dinner at 8 PM. We are treated well and this is a dichotomy to what we experienced on the first portion of our trip. But, just as necessary. The replenishment after so much being given out during the time with the kids, in the village and the travel aspects. This was a nice treat.
Our accommodations are similar to an outdoor room withth ability to see the walking wildlife from our room. The lagoon is in view and we see hippos, crocs and baboons and monkeys everywhere. They escort us in the evening as there are only 20 guests that can be accommodated at one time and we do not go out at night without escort.
There is wireless internet at the office, so I travel some wooded paths to get the updates - and since we are pretty busy, I don't spend much time by myself outside.
We head back to Malawi my mid morning and should be there in the early evening to pack and return to the states. I know it is a long trip back, but we will all be glad to be back to normal-ness of home and with our families.
More later.....
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Back from Camp
We are back from camp and getting ready to go on the safari in the morning. We have to drive to Zambia into a preserve where we will be staying. It will take about 6 hours. I am excited about this part of the trip - not the driving on bad roads - but the trip once we get there. We were able to see Mozambique from across the lake and I understand the lake is a transportation avenue into the Indian Ocean so saw some freighters today in the distance.
It was hard to leave the kids today. I was still practicing names and faces and hoping to remember them the next time I come. They are all so precious and the simplest things make them happy. The ladies and Debbie and I worked on bead necklaces, bracelets and earrings as we had brought most of the items you need to make some pretty neat stuff. They had a great time sorting through and fixing up what they wanted to make. We will do that again next year. It made them feel special to have that little extra adornment.
We took group photos - had devotions and our counseling time together today before we packed up to leave. We also stopped by an artisan's shop to get some pieces of his work to bring home so we can sell at the Mustard Seed and set him up as a vendor. Mr. Phillip remembered the group from last year and had some items they had left saved for us. Even after a year - he remembered and pulled them out. He takes in orphaned boys and teaches them the craft of building drums, carvings and other interesting African artwork. You should drop in the Mustard Seed after we return to see the items.
Bethany downloaded all our pics from camp and so far so she can make sure she has good pictures from all the kids. I haven't had a chance to sort through them - so I am hoping that I have some good ones to share as well. I was amazed at how well these kids do without the resources we think nothing of having. When we had counseling some of the older girls would like a Bible (they have the NT) and would like to have an English dictionary as they are learning Chichewa and English. Many of the kids are eager to learn English as well because at the college level it is taught in English.
I am not sure our connections at the lodge on safari or if I will be able to update - but if I can, I will.
More later.... we are home on Tuesday.
It was hard to leave the kids today. I was still practicing names and faces and hoping to remember them the next time I come. They are all so precious and the simplest things make them happy. The ladies and Debbie and I worked on bead necklaces, bracelets and earrings as we had brought most of the items you need to make some pretty neat stuff. They had a great time sorting through and fixing up what they wanted to make. We will do that again next year. It made them feel special to have that little extra adornment.
We took group photos - had devotions and our counseling time together today before we packed up to leave. We also stopped by an artisan's shop to get some pieces of his work to bring home so we can sell at the Mustard Seed and set him up as a vendor. Mr. Phillip remembered the group from last year and had some items they had left saved for us. Even after a year - he remembered and pulled them out. He takes in orphaned boys and teaches them the craft of building drums, carvings and other interesting African artwork. You should drop in the Mustard Seed after we return to see the items.
Bethany downloaded all our pics from camp and so far so she can make sure she has good pictures from all the kids. I haven't had a chance to sort through them - so I am hoping that I have some good ones to share as well. I was amazed at how well these kids do without the resources we think nothing of having. When we had counseling some of the older girls would like a Bible (they have the NT) and would like to have an English dictionary as they are learning Chichewa and English. Many of the kids are eager to learn English as well because at the college level it is taught in English.
I am not sure our connections at the lodge on safari or if I will be able to update - but if I can, I will.
More later.... we are home on Tuesday.
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