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......

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.... 

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.....

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.....

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.

2nd day at camp

Today was our 2nd day at camp. We awoke to rain hitting our chalet. You know how it is when you are camping and it is raining outside your tent. Think of 28 tents with 3-4 children in each with nothing but wet blankets and gully washing rains. Yes, it can be miserable – but it wasn’t. We started our day with devotions as our cooks were preparing the meal to be served to the kids. Since it was Sunday, Nick determined that it was a day of church and rest and there would not be any physical activity besides swimming during the day. This was OK as the day before was a travel day and the kids hadn’t gotten to bed until late. Since it was raining we used the conference center which had tables and chairs to have church and be led by Timothy who is a preacher from ABC. Timothy is married and has a baby who also joined us on this trip. We separated the little ones under 6 and there was a children’s as well as big kid church. It was a nice experience and there was an interpreter (John) who assisted Timothy in the short sermon for our benefit. It was nice to hear the rain hit the ground as the kids were singing.

After church we had the task of peeling potatoes for the fish and chips lunch meal along with a local mango for dessert. It looked very good. The afternoon was spent resting and playing quiet games for the kids. Late afternoon a big game of soccer was played by most of the boys as the girls did hair, looked at our photos and chatted. Dinner was prepared by the cooks and it was a cabbage dish mixed with other vegetables, rice and chicken. It also looked very good. I was so encouraged by the meals these kids are getting as provided by the feeding program in the village and the cooks Invest has hired. Being here makes me realize the care Invest takes on for these children and all resources in order to manage the services they provide to the women and children of the Makalani and Kasiyafumbi villages. They also employ several people including in country such as cooks, a guard, village director, program directors not to mention Nick and Bethany. If you are without a cause to be a part of or haven’t inquired about Invest, please consider the good work being done on the ground here.

The kids went to bed quietly in their tents. The kids are separated by gender – or probably more by choice. These kids are not much different from our kids, at this age, they have no interest in mixing it up. However, one huge difference is the older ones look out for the younger ones. When they line up for dinner it is by age. So always in the front are Grace J. an HIV positive 3 year old and Tamandani who is about 5 or 6 followed by the two Violet’s. As the line progresses the older kids are at the end. There is no shortage of food here at camp, but at times, there is more dispensed earlier in the line and if anyone goes without it is the older kids. The younger siblings always share if that is the case. I have never seen anything like it and I adore seeing the young girls picking up the babies and swaddling them on their backs. They just know that the babies need to be close and they take care of their every needs. You rarely hear a baby cry.

Tomorrow we are hoping for no rain and a day of games, devotions and time with our small groups, then an opportunity to break away to get an update on the internet. We found a hotel down the road that you can pay 30 Kwacha a minute. I am hoping for a fast upload from the jump drive. No pics today.

For those of you that were wondering what I might eat – it has all been pretty normal. Bethany knows how to take care of us and make sure we are getting what we need. “Chips” are french fries, but you are lucky to have a namebrand catsup. “Crisps” are potato chips.
More later…..

Village and Dezda

Today was our “off” day as we have been so efficient so I will tell a little more about yesterday at the village.

After giving the ladies their fertilizer and clothes it was raining again, so we all ran inside the resource center to stay dry. The eldest lady gave a speech thanking us for our gifts and coming to their village and helping to pay for the children and their support of the seed, fertilizer and feeding program. It was quite eloquent to hear in the native dialect and then have it interpreted for us. Then they broke out into dance and song/chant and it was all us women in the resource center together, mingling, smiling and being one voice. It was amazing to be a part of this.

Then the weather broke and we were able to walk outside in the muddy village and put all our tubs out. The children have been through this several times so they knew what was coming. Debbie and Bethany positioned themselves near a beautiful bush to take photos of each of the kids as they were holding their clothes and shoes. Caleb, Sherry and I handed out the items to each of the kids. It was very organized and not what I expected. Gracian. Timothy, Lawrence and John who work with Invest in Malawi and know all the kids my name and sight called the kids one by one and they each came up and accepted their gifts. Then they headed over to Bethany to get their picture so we could send something to each sponsor. For smaller children, they also got a wooden car handcrafted by the Missouri Woodworkers in Columbia. After the program we prayed for the kids and had several words from Timothy and our ministry leader Nick.

One of the sweetest things I saw was Zione. She is the young lady that needed the pull-PET. One of her sponsors is Katie Sharland who is a 19 year old Mizzou freshman. She sponsors Zione with her own money and has for several years. She purchased Zione ruby red ballet slippers with sequins all over them. I know, you are thinking, that isn’t very practical when you live in a dirt village, but for her it is. Since she has no use of her feet and they are mostly tucked under her body her feet are mostly decorative – and what better way to show them off in her new pull-PET than with red shiny shoes. Katie who is also wheelchair-bound with a childhood sickness also knows no boundaries. I know about Katie through her sweet mother Dana. Katie went to college, moved into a dormitory and has been to all the MU football games and activities that the other students know – even in the rain. I love the connection that Zione has with the west and her Invest friends as Zione and her family knows we will continue to assist her, as this is what the church of Christ does; they take of their church family when they are unable. I observed Zione taking care of the smaller kids, braiding their hair and spreading her smiles and helping to interpret for me as I fumbled trying to meet the other kids gathered around her. She was the first person I talked to and met when I went to the village as I wanted a connection with her. Bethany has since filled me in about the disease, it is where her bones break because they are weak, and they fuse together getting shorter and shorter with each break. She is now to the point where her legs are unusable and her arms are shorter, but not as much as her legs. Zione knows the love of God and I understand that last year she wasn’t as open as she was when I met her. She was all smiles.

We went on an hour long car ride today out to Dedza which is a hilly country with mountain villages and we saw beautiful scenery along the way. It was beautiful to see the ladies along the riverfront washing their clothes against the rocky banks. The villages changed as we drove down the highway. Each little village had a little different way of building their homes. They had community grain areas in wicker round shaped bins, they had outdoor kitchens and round or square huts. Some with stucco outside, some with red brick and some with stick and most with thatch roofs or tin slant roofs. They are mostly one room and have a little overhang on the front so they can get in out of the rain. I believe they have dirt floors (at least in our village they were), no electricity, running water or other facilities. A very simple life – but they don’t look sad. They work, they sleep when the sun goes down and they are up with the sunrise. Many work an hour or more from their home and travel in to their job. Add that to the 9 or 10 hours they work and another hour walking or bike riding home it makes for a long day, many times in the rain or dark on unlit roads. It makes me wonder about the lights I saw this summer at a conference on safety – they would be perfect for our walkers and bikers.

I have befriended our cook Paul. He has 4 kids and rode over to our kitchen 25 km and arrived to a kitchen without electricity and improvised. He still was able to make coffee with the generator and a simple breakfast. This was after traveling for an hour in the dark to be here for us. He is a good cook who can make magic.

Last night we had a popcorn card party in our room which lasted until 3 AM. We wanted to be together and have fun – we did. Sherry and Caleb taught us rummy and we made popcorn on Paul’s stove and drank filtered water. We hung out, talked, and laughed. No music. No TV. No alcohol. I think it was good for a 16 year old to see you can be silly, have fun and not use drugs and alcohol. He calls me grandma or mean-mom, and I call him man-child. I think it was good for Caleb – what HS student spends their Christmas vacation going to a foreign country and give so much? It is very rare to see and experience. It is my wishes to have kids of Woodcrest have this experience. I guarantee they would come home and give more, want less and be happy in their life. What kid goes to 5 countries in one trip, drives in an African country, builds a wheelchair for a child (twice) and bonds with 4 women so deeply. I will always care and cherish this time. Not ever having boys, I know how blessed my mother-in-law was to have 4 and Sherry to have Caleb and his older brothers Justin and Dakota. It was a gift to have Caleb on our trip.

More tomorrow……another new experience for dinner now.