We had an amazing day with the church today. The surrounding congregations that we have worked with all met together today. It was so wonderful to see everyone and to hear the beautiful singing.
Bible Class
Lawrence taught the adult Bible class and led a song or two. I helped with the children’s class today. Wanangwa did the lesson of the lost sheep. I helped the kids make sheep. (Thank you, Pat, for cutting out 100+ sheep for these kids!). It’s so wonderful to have Christian sisters who help out! The kids do not have many opportunities to do crafts or papers that go with the lesson. This was a special treat for them.
Usually, when we arrive the classroom is already full of kids. I have seen as many as 60 kids fit in a small room not much bigger than my little kitchen! The kids are eager to learn. They are so well-behaved.
The building is packed this morning. As is customary visiting brothers help out in the service. Bless Soko does the sermon on rejoicing. Some other men we have met during our time here are sharing in the service. The gardener from the vocational school does a great job song leading! Who knew he had such a voice? A visiting elder gives the longest lesson at the Lord’s supper I have ever heard! I look over and see a familiar face of a young man we worked with a couple of years ago. Surprise!
After church some of the women prepare lunch. When churches have area-wide meetings the host church provides lunch for the visitors. The church presented us with gifts and thanks us for coming to Malawi. The church sent a gift for my mom and all of her gifts she made for the trip. We enjoyed a great time visiting with everyone after church. We have been so blessed to work with these people!
Esther has her last class with the youth and I meet with young moms and share the extra baby bags we have left from the maternity clinic. We have already shared them with the expectant moms in the congregation. They are very excited to receive these. My mom has been a blessing to so many through her sewing.
Three Baptisms!
Three young ladies have decided to be baptized. Tomaida, Alinafe, and Kate. Lawrence stays at the building with Esther while I go with the three young ladies. We have a car full. We go to the usual stream where we see animals and people occasionally and the closest place for baptisms.
Lunchtime! What a full day. Raphael has prepared our lunch while we were away.
Our time is nearing the end of this trip. So many things to do and so many goodbyes. There are so many people coming to say goodbye that I can hardly keep up or get packed. I am so sad to leave these people.
The sewing workshop continues all day today. The group is having a great time learning and their excitement continues as they learn more. They are very excited to show me what they are working on each day and how much progress they are making.
Lawrence continues his constant work on World Bible School. He will be meeting with one of the elders today and making some final plans for our WBS workers. It’s hard to believe our two months are almost over.
I am packing and distributing leftover items that I have not given away. I am leaving some of my clothes behind too.
Day 54
Our Last WBS Meeting
Early this morning our WBS workers are already gathering outside for their final meeting with Lawrence. They are always excited to talk about their work. This morning they are discussing their study groups. A green car pulls up in the driveway.
A Special Gift
Neema and Matthew Phiri are here with a few other people. They have a seat in the yard and explain that they are on their way to a funeral and have come to say their goodbyes. Matthew asks if he might have a word with Lawrence. So the WBS workers take a short break from their meeting.
Neema is very excited to get her graded lesson. 100%. Matthew and Neema introduce us to their companions. Matthew has brought his brother Kings to meet us. Then Matthew surprises us by presenting Lawrence with a beautiful hand-carved cane with our names and the date of our trip carved into it, as well as the name of his village.
Large Print Bible
Matthew has admired Lawrence’s large print Bible several times and I had secretly planned to bring him one on our next trip. Lawrence decides to go ahead and give him the Bible. He is thrilled and praising God!
We are sad to say goodbye to these sweet people. Lawrence returns to his meeting. I greet another visitor who has shown up to meet us. Victor grew up in this area and is back for a visit from South Africa. He is planning to come back and make his home here. Victor is very interesting to talk with. He is full of questions about the United States. We try to satisfy his curiosity.
A New Sister
When Lawrence finishes his meeting it is time to go pick up a young lady who has asked to be baptized. Victor accompanies us. We pick up Thandiwi and drive to the stream. She looks like a teenager. I find out that she is actually married and her husband is already a member. Thandiwi Makamo is one of the WBS students our team is working with. This is very exciting for us all.
Day 55
Market Day!
Today is market day! I love all of the sights and sounds. Colorful chitenge’s hang from displays in the market. It seems everyone is here selling something. Beans, tomatoes, fish, maize, chitenges, buckets, etc. There is a van with a loudspeaker which is attracting a lot of attention. People go upfront and dance. There is a large crowd. It is intended to draw a crowd and sell more of its products. Everyone is having a good time.
Maize
Esther and I wanted to do a little shopping. I feel bad that I have almost nothing to take home. We are on a mission to drop off more maize. Wanangwa has already sold several bags of maize today that were delivered this morning and people are asking for more. She sets up the maize a little ways away from her shop. I run the shop with some help from Tomaida (Wanangwa’s sister).
While I am at the market I meet with Bertha, the tailoring teacher from the vocational school. I give her the fabric for the skirt she is going to make for me.
Malawi Snacks
Esther bought some snacks she wants to take home to share with the grandchildren. The car is leaving for home. I see our friend Bless! When we get home we see the students are still working on their sewing projects. They are supposed to have a short day today because of the market day!
We find out one of the boys in the village has been drinking. Esther and I are so sad for him. He seems to be heading on the wrong path for a young man his age. There have been several incidents that we have suspected he was responsible for. He does not have a dad in the home. We pray for him but do not know a real way to help.
Old Socks – New Toys
Esther has been having fun making toys for the kids out of old socks. The kids and parents are thrilled. There are not many toys to be seen.
I got up early this morning and got ready for the day. Wanangwa is headed to the shop and Mbwenu to check on the progress of the car. We are so hoping they have been able to fix it.
Flora and I go and pick beans. I pick some turnip greens and turnips for dinner. This is a new food for everyone here. Seeds sent from America. I am not sure that they like them yet. When we get back we sit on the mat and shell the beans. I really enjoy these times of sitting with the ladies doing everyday things and I know that I am going to miss them. That was a quick job and I set them on the propane stove to slow cook for lunch.
WBS
I helped Lawrence put together almost 100 packets for students who have been waiting on lesson two! Then I joined the sewing group while he continued to work on WBS, an all-day job.
A Sewing Workshop
A sewing workshop. Lawrence met a couple of weeks ago and talked with the elders about the possibility of setting up a sewing workshop in this area. They talked about how many men and women leave their homeland and go to South Africa for work. (In fact, two local young men have died while working in South Africa recently).
Men and Women
The decision was made to open it to men and women. First to members of the church and then to others. There was a lot of interest from men and women wanting to learn to sew. The elders took on the responsibility of talking with the people and compiling a list of those interested and working out the logistics.
Day 2
Today was day two of the sewing workshop. The students arrived in the morning and stayed all day. Our teacher is doing a great job getting the students used to the machines. I was surprised at how hard it is to do the treadle. It takes a while to get the right rhythm down to be able to make it sew.
The more advanced students were measuring and being instructed in cutting out shirt sleeves. This is done without a pattern, just with measurements! They also worked on collars and the trim on sleeves. They did a lot of observing but also some measuring and sewing. Three school shirts were completed today. There is still a lot of excitement in the group.
Hand Sewing
While all of this was going on I had a group of ladies hand sewing cloth sanitary pads. This might seem silly but this gives access to everyone whether they have a machine or not. Some are more skilled than others but all of the pads are useable.
Beans
I periodically check on my beans and when they are done I add some leftover ground beef with peppers and onions. They smell wonderful. Lawrence, Esther, and I have lunch in the house. I wish I had enough for everyone.
The students stay all day learning and no one eats or drinks anything. The boy next door has been looking for ways to make money. So after he finishes taking care of the livestock, I ask if he wants to go to Manyamula and buy snacks for everyone. He is very happy to do this.
Nsima and Greens and Snacks
Meanwhile, two of the ladies prepare some nsima and greens to share with the group. I give everyone a slice of a peeled turnip. The turnips receive mixed reviews. Some like them and some do not. Soon the boy returns with some kid’s snacks and cookies for everyone. They are all happy and appreciative.
Our workshop teacher brings the news that three school shirts are finished. Everyone gets ready to go home and the clean-up begins.
I start washing the turnip greens and chopping a turnip. Esther will cook the chicken and rice tonight. We get dinner ready just before we hear a car pull up! We are so excited the car has been repaired and is running well!
Someone is on the porch and has come to talk to our host family about a family problem. We finish dinner and then head to our room to give them some space to talk.
Lawrence and I make one last trip out to the toilet and stand and look at the massive sky. We enjoy finding constellations we can recognize. Esther comes out and stargazes with us for a few minutes. We head to our rooms for a second time. Esther sends me a text that Lawrence and I are talking too loud. I tell her I will try to control myself. Goodnight everyone!
What a wonderful day today has been! This morning Wanangwa told me she was going to the shop and would meet me at the church building. So Esther and I got ready for class. Mbwenu didn’t want us to leave without having our tea so he encouraged me to wait a few more minutes for the fresh cow’s milk.
Ladies’ Class
While I was boiling the milk I got distracted and then I had a mess to clean up. After I got that done. Esther enjoyed her tea and Lawrence his coffee. I was content to grab a doughnut and head out the door for class. We arrived about 30 minutes late, but of course, this is Africa. Soon Flora arrived. She lives next door and I didn’t realize she was coming. Flora hasn’t come very often so I am very happy she came today. Her husband is one of the new Christians in the church here.
Scripture Coloring Sheets
Because no one is there for class I begin to wonder if anyone is coming. We sat and chatted with Flora and I decide to go ahead and give her a scripture coloring sheet while we wait for the others. Soon three more ladies arrive and in the end, we have a dozen ladies, 2 babies, and me and Esther. All of the ladies start coloring their scripture sheets as each one arrives and then we take a break from that and start our class when everyone shows up.
Prayer
We usually start class with a song and prayer. Today we are finishing our discussion on service and faithfulness. Afterward, we share prayer requests. I was really touched as the ladies shared their needs. An alcoholic husband, lack of peace in the home, sick relatives, one child has lost his tuition sponsor, business is slow, etc. Praying for these ladies I realize how much I am going to miss their sweet spirits.
I announce to the class that we can do the cloth sanitary pad sewing class this afternoon. Then I distribute the baby bags we have saved for our ladies at church who are having babies. Esther and I wave bye and start the walk home with Flora and Loveness. We say bye to Loveness first and continue on our journey. Some kids come out to greet us and follow us for a bit.
Lunch
When I got home I heated the leftover beef soup from last night. We ate a quick lunch. Lawrence is working tirelessly on WBS. I help him package up some of the lessons that are ready to return to the students. Another one has earned a Bible. We usually give them a Bible when they complete course # 5 out of the 7 courses. If you want to see happy people just hang around when someone gets a Bible! I love this. It may be the only book in their home and of course the best one!
Sewing
At 1:30 I start setting up for the class. I am not sure where to do the sewing. I clear the table and lay out the supplies. Soon I glance outside and realize the ladies have arrived and are sitting on the mats under the trees. They want to sew outside and the light is better for my old eyes. I collect the kits I have prepared and take them outside. I start with three ladies and soon there are 8 ladies. Three more ladies come by when we are almost finished and say they want to learn too.
Ladies hand sewing sanitary pads.
New Sewing Machines
The new sewing machines are assembled there under the trees too. New students show up. Chiwemwe is going to be a great teacher I can tell! Excitement is in the air! Everyone is excited about the opportunity to learn to sew.
The tailor’s two-year-old got the tape measure and started measuring the three-year-old neighbor for a dress! So cute!New machines, New students
Empowerment
One of the neighbors who is a businessman stopped by and said this is empowerment! These people will do well. You just have to get them started. More people have heard about the sewing workshop and have stopped to ask if they can learn too. We have a full class at the moment.
Charles, the young man next door came by on his bicycle. I asked him where he was going. He told me he was going to Manyamula. I gave him some kwatcha and a note to give to Wanangwa at her shop. He brings snacks back for all the students and a Diet Coke for me! I give him a tip. I am so spoiled!
Dinner
It’s getting dark now and everyone is leaving. Esther and I start the dinner preparations. I cook ground beef with green peppers and onions and rice. Esther cooks pumpkin leaves and soup. Our family returns and we all eat and share the happenings of the day.
Thirteen-year-old, Bless has malaria! So many around are getting malaria! Our new WBS lessons have been printed and delivered and we really need them. We have almost 100 students waiting for these lessons. And the last news is the car is still not fixed.
Lawrence and I spend some time on the computer and then we get ready for bed.
This morning we got ready for a big day in Mzimba. Several weeks ago we met Aaron who suffers almost daily seizures. We have been trying to figure out a way to get Aaron to the right doctor. We’ve messaged people, called a hospital, etc. No information. Finally, we decided to take him to the private doctor in Mzimba and get their advice.
First, we pick up Aaron and Christina, his mom and baby sister. Babies go everywhere with their moms because all babies are breastfed. We drop Wanangwa off at the shop and then drive to Mzimba. Our first stop is the clinic.
Private Clinic
There are more people at the clinic than I usually see there. I know we will have a wait. Mbwenu goes off to do his errands and I stay with Christina. I expected to see the receptionist that I saw last time but he is nowhere to be seen.
Soon we are motioned into the pharmacy. Because I am accustomed to the American medical system, I thought we must be speaking with the nurse. He turned out to be the doctor. In Malawi, everyone has a small medical book which they take to all medical visits. The doctor reads Aaron’s history and talks with the mother. Aaron doesn’t seem to like having his temperature taken. He checks his lungs. He’s a bit concerned with his cough but says his lungs are clear. There is some more discussion in Tumbuka, Chichewa, and English. I am so glad we came. I now have a better understanding of what has happened.
Help Found
Aaron was on one medication originally given by some visiting American doctors. When that medicine ran out he went back to the local doctor and they gave him a different medicine that did not control the seizures. So he has been suffering from almost daily seizures for months with no help.
The doctor has the original medicine and has agreed to call after one week and see how he is doing. If all is well he will continue this medicine for three months and have another check-up. The doctor gives me the bill. 9000K or about $11 US. This included the medicine which was actually handed to us by the doctor. I cannot believe that people have to suffer so long for so little. I am glad we decided to try this clinic first. As we are getting in the car Mbwenu chats with some neighbors who are also at the clinic. They are going to travel home with us.
Shopping List
I have a list of stops we need to make before we head home. We stop at my favorite meat store and I get meat and hot sauce. The shopkeeper hands me a candy.
Victoria is the place we exchange American funds because we get the best rates with them. That’s our next stop. They do not have enough cash for our exchange. The teller is not happy with her co-worker who did not go and get cash earlier when he was supposed to so she is shaking her finger at him. She tells us to come back in a bit.
Big Mart
I go ahead and do my Big Mart shopping which is next door then continue on down my list. All the while our friends wait in the car with the doors open. I bring them a snack. The open market is across the street and I visit my favorite stand and purchase green beans, carrots, onions, and tomatoes. He is out of green peas. Next, I go to the farmers under the tree in the back of the market. I found wonderful beans there last time but now we are eating beans from the garden. A lady shows me a huge cabbage and I purchase it for 400 K which is about .40 US. Unbelievable!
Fakani’s Print Shop
Fakani’s print shop is our next stop. We are out of World Bible School lessons again. We have 100 students waiting for Lesson 2! This printer got a new cartridge so we are able to get clear copies until our new lessons arrive. I drop off the order and head to the fabric store.
Today I am purchasing rolls of fabric in the local school colors. The new sewing workshop is hoping to specialize in school uniforms. Mbwenu lets me go by myself to the fabric store. He knows I love chitenge and I might be a while. As I am walking to the fabric store a man crosses the road and says sit. He does his fingers together like he wants me to give him money. I say NO! and keep walking. I make my purchases quickly this time and try not to look at all the varieties of chitenge.
Last stop the Wholesalers for water and more sweeties. I have learned not to call the little children sweeties! They think I am calling them candy or offering them candy.
We drop all of our passengers off and go home. Dinner tonight will be beef soup. Another American recipe to test on the family. I start the beef for dinner. It will take a long time to cook.
I decide to take a walk to the bakery to get buns to go with the beef soup I am cooking and I want to stop at Christina’s house. I have some clothes to give to Christina’s baby girl. As I walk all the kids along the way come to greet me and wave at me. I smile and wave and continue on my journey.
At one point I turn around and there are several children following me down the road. I stop and sing If You Are Happy and You Know It with the kids. They seem to enjoy this and then I continue on my journey. The crowd grows. When I am almost to the bakery I meet one of the bakers. She tells me there will be no bread until tomorrow. I turn around and sing The Lord’s Army with the kids and head to Christina’s house out of breath from walking and singing so much. The family all comes to thank me and accept the clothes. We say our goodbyes.
Back on the main road, the kids are waiting on me laughing and talking and asking me my name. We have to sing a song and then I continue home. When I arrive home there are a lot of kids with me. I call Esther to come to say hi to the children and I have them sing with her. She is surprised that all the kids followed me home. This was so fun! I wave goodbye and the kids wave and turn around laughing and running home.
Today is a cloudy day so there is no electricity from the solar panels to be had. In the mornings I usually check for messages from my kids and send them too. I have a nice chat with Isaac before I start the day. Today I am so thankful for the family God has blessed me with and amazed at the talents and gifts God has bestowed on them. Even though they are grown I want to be the best example and encouragement of faith that I can be. One day I want us to all walk together in heaven.
Church Family
I am thankful for the Christian family, the church and so thankful I am not in this world alone without them. I regret the times in my life I have missed sharing God’s glory being stuck in my own survival mode of living each day. May I use the opportunities as God brings them my way!
Our family back home is getting ready for bed while we are beginning our day. We are 8 hours ahead of Tennessee. Time to get ready for the day and preserve my battery power until the sun comes out and I can recharge.
Field Day
This is going to be an exciting day! Today is National Field Day. I have been told about this day but have no idea what to expect. Matthew is coming to drive us to the events because our car is still being repaired.
One of the 10 Preacher’s Trained by Raphael Chirwa
Before we were ready to go one of the area preachers stopped by to greet us. His name is Kings Mumba, Washington’s dad ( a WBS worker we work with). He was one of Raphael Chirwa’s 10 preachers he trained when he moved back to the area from Tanzania. These men were part of the foundation which helped the church to spread and grow in this area. These guys were all supported out of Fort Worth, Texas and so well worth it!
Matthew shows up to take us and it is an amazing journey. Lawrence did not sleep well and decides he must stay home. We stop at area farms and see how well they are doing. Certain fields have been selected as examples of how this deep bed gardening works. A natural gardening method is encouraged. There are lots of people. Cameramen, truckloads of people, area farmers, dignitaries, etc. At each stop, a speech is given and cheering and clapping and we move on to the next one. There are some amazing fields that will soon have a great harvest.
National Field Day becomes International Field Day
The grand finale is held under a big tent on the soccer field. One speech after another is given. People from the Federal Agriculture Department, local agriculture leaders, etc. They come and get us to seat us under the tent with the special guests. We are embarrassed but not surprised. We must stand and greet them and introduce ourselves so they can welcome us. They say from the microphone that National Field Day has now become International Field Day.
Drama a Common Language
After the speeches, a drama group performs. Everyone is ready for a change after so many speeches. Even though I could not understand every word I got the message. The crowd loved the performance. Finally, we can go home!
I prepare our lunch at 3 pm and then Esther, Lawrence and I work on WBS lessons. We are not hungry when dinner time comes around.
Day 47 Stay at Home Day
Today appears to be a stay home day. I heat water for baths. After our bath, I mop the bathhouse as well as the floor of the toilet. I am feeling productive this morning.
More WBS Work
One of our WBS workers came by to pick up some more lessons. Lawrence and I work on getting our WBS caught up and make great progress until our cartridge runs out. We contact Mbwenu to help us order another one which should arrive tomorrow.
Charles is Baptized
Finally, today Charles will be baptized. It is a very hot day. One preacher walks with us down the road to a small body of water where we meet up with one of the elders of the church. ( I find out later that one of the men is a bit afraid of water) so that is why we have two. Urgent, our elder, uses a stick to check the depth of the water and decides it is too deep. The water appears to be about 4 feet deep. I ask if children swim here and they say no they will not come back out. So far I have not discovered anyone who swims.
We walk further to another small body of water and use this one. We pass where our car got stuck last week. Deep ruts are still visible. This is the one we will use. We sing and have a lesson and baptize Charles and he rises a new brother. We are very happy that we were finally able to make this happen. Rejoice! We usually have baptisms immediately but several things prevented that from happening the night Charles asked to be baptized.
Charles Speaks Chichewa
While getting ready for the baptism I made a discovery! Charles’s first language is not Tumbuka but Chichewa! This makes a lot of sense. He is very quiet and doesn’t always understand what we are saying. He also gets someone to help him interpret the English in his WBS lessons. We happen to have a Chichewa Bible for the family,
Pork and Gravy Over Rice
Esther and I prepare a lunch of pork and gravy over rice. After lunch, Lawrence and I work on our WBS lessons. It is hard to keep up at times. We are thankful to have several teachers in the states who help us grade the lessons. We now have over 400 students.
Cleaning Lawrence’s Shoes – an act of kindness
The kids came over to jump rope. It was a lot of fun watching them. They are really enjoying this. I went outside to deliver some WBS lessons and I noticed that our neighbor was cleaning Lawrence’s shoes. We have had so much rain this week and although the ground dries quickly there are still some slippy spots. I didn’t know that Lawrence had fallen earlier so his shoes were a bit muddy. This young man apparently witnessed this and had taken Lawrence’s shoes from the porch to clean them. This reduced me to tears. I went and told Lawrence what was happening and we were both choked up. He put the shoes back nice and clean after he spent some time brushing and cleaning them. This young man is one of our WBS students and a new brother in Christ.
Roasted Corn
Later the same young man brought us some corn he had roasted over charcoal and it was wonderful! I am so touched by his kindness today to me and my husband.
Some of the kids are jumping rope and some are playing cards. There is a lot of laughter ringing through the neighborhood as they all play. I love the sounds!
A car stops and drops off a bag of food. I usually know what is for dinner and start the preparations but today I am not sure. Dinner will contain chopped veggies I am sure so that is where I begin. Wanangwa gets home and quickly finishes our dinner.
Tonight we sing Send the Light in Tumbuka and English! What joy!
I am planning to visit the area school in the next few days. I want to make sure I have enough supplies for the students. Tonight Wanagwa brings us the numbers! Unbelievable how many students are in these classes. Form 3 has 200 students, Form 5 has 176, and Form 7 has 116. Crazy numbers. My supplies will not go very far. I will make a plan.
Day 48
Esther and I start peeling potatoes for breakfast. Today’s breakfast will consist of fried eggs and chips. We try to hurry while Lawrence gets his bath.
The weekly WBS meeting is supposed to be at 9 am. While the workers show up a car pulls up. Gabriel is the driver. He is a local worker for the agriculture department in this district. He also owns a car and makes extra money transporting people. Today he is taking us to Manyamula to do some shopping. I thought I could walk but my host family said no! I am glad I didn’t walk it is certainly further than I remembered.
Transport
Gabriel is a good driver. I found out he ordered his car in December and received it about a month later. Cars are usually shipped from Japan. He told me that he was able to pay for his car with the proceeds from his maize field! That’s a great profit. He told me where he would be and I went to the small shops. I purchased tissue, fabric for a school uniform, sweets, diet Coke, etc. I looked for a bucket and could not find one. Gabriel took us home and charged me 4000K. About $6 US.
Our First School Shirt
I gave the fabric to the tailor to make a school uniform shirt for a young man in our village area. He seems to need some encouragement. Esther wants to take him home! Soon the tailor was back with a nice shirt. I paid him 1500 K (2.25 US).
The Soccer Jerseys Have Arrived
Exciting news. Our printer cartridge has arrived and the soccer jerseys. They are beautiful. The team will be so excited. We are to present them on Sunday. I know that it is a strange thing for missionaries to buy soccer jerseys…There is a reason though. The task force (community group started by the church) I have mentioned them before is working with this soccer team. They will be doing halftime shows at the games teaching about HIV prevention using drama and music. Every team in the district will participate in a class about HIV prevention and have the opportunity to take WBS lessons! This is a HUGE thing! The logo on the front of their shirts is our WBS logo!
We have had a full day. We make scrambled egg sandwiches for dinner.
One exciting thing I forgot to mention is that our great WBS student Kondwani wants to become a preacher. He has already been helping others understand their lessons. We think he will do great.
Day 49 – Portable Toilet
For breakfast, we have chips and avocado with our milk and tea today. Today is market day so Wanangwa will be at the shop today and Mbwenu is dealing with the car.
Raphael is going to take me by motorcycle to the market to look for another bucket for the portable toilet we are trying to make. One of our elders has been having a huge burden. His dad has been ill and apparently has dementia. This brother has been in such distress at how his dad is deteriorating. He cannot walk and so this elder has been carrying him on his back outside to the toilet and back. We are not even sure how that is possible.
Anyway, we decided to try to make a portable toilet. We have a plastic chair and we have one of the men cut a circular hole in the middle of it by heating a large knife in the fire. It works great. We put a bucket beneath it. Later we decide maybe we can insert the bucket in the top. I hope this is a help. This brother certainly needs some assistance.
I also make a stop at the printer and of course, buy some more chitenge and diet Coke. Raphael drives me home. Esther has cooked lunch for us. Rice, soup, and eggs but there are none left. Esther fed some to the neighbor kids which I suspect are often hungry.
Young Moms
Two of the young moms sat on our porch for a while chatting today. I love hanging out with these moms who are nursing their babies and chatting as moms do everywhere. One of the young men, 10-year-old Owen is carrying the less than the 2-month-old baby on his back and she wakes up hungry. Her mom takes her and feeds her. I love that all the moms nurse their babies here!
One of the young moms earns her Bible today for completing her 5th WBS course!
The boys played soccer for a while with a homemade ball. While the older kids were playing soccer I sat with the moms with babies and their toddlers. I gave the toddlers some little plastic dinosaurs I had brought from home. They really like these.
Lawrence and I work on WBS and soon one of our workers comes by with a mistake I had made. One of the students received the wrong lesson! I hope there are no more mistakes! Ugg!
My favorite day. Our car is still being repaired (we hope). Matthew Phiri has volunteered to drive us today. I’ve shared about Matthew before. He is the village headman over 16 villages. Matthew arrives at 8 am but we do not leave for the church until 9:30. We have a great time visiting with Matthew and sharing a breakfast of fried eggs, chips, and a very good pumpkin.
No-Bake Cookies
I saved some no-bake cookies, especially for Matthew. He goes immediately to the car with them so that he will not forget. He asked for the recipe so I printed it out for him. Measurements are different so that is going to be an issue. And there are no measuring cups to be found in this area.
Late for Church
Church started late because of a funeral in the area. Wanangwa has a short class and Lawrence does a shorter adult class today too. We have our regular worship assembly.
Comforting the Family
After church, we all go as a group to comfort Daniel’sfamily who has lost a loved one. Daniel is one of our WBS workers. Apparently, when a member passes away the church goes to comfort the family on several occasions as well as neighbors and families surrounding them. This time a collection of mealy meal has been made and we take a huge container of meal to the family as well as a collection of 5200 kwatcha. We sing songs, Lawrence gives a short lesson and someone prays for the family, We say our goodbyes.
Lunch
When we get home we finish the lunch preparations that were begun before church. While lunch is being prepared I walk with Matthew around the farm. He is very interested in Mbwenu’s animals and gardens. I show him the new baby goat. Mbwenu comes and shows him the fields of maize. Then we have lunch. I introduce Matthew to the chow chow I made and he likes it. Most people like it much better than the sauerkraut.
One Day Old Baby Goat
Matthew and Mbwenu leave to check on the car repair. Esther and Raphael start the dishes. After this Raphael takes Wanangwa to the shop for a while.
Hedgehog
Lawrence does some work on WBS and I do some writing. I feel very lazy today so I don’t do much. Esther has her usual crowd with a few extras today. They bring her a surprise. At first, we thought it was a porcupine but it is very little. They laugh a lot at how intrigued we are with what turns out to be a hedgehog. It curls into a ball with its head inside. Esther holds it.
A nice day!
Day 44
Funeral
This morning there are a lot of people walking by the house. Today is the funeral for the 86 year old woman who fell into the latrine they were digging. So sad. For one thing, it is uncommon to live to this age and so sad for her to die by an accident.
I do my laundry by hand today and I hope it stays sunny enough to dry in one day.
Scanning lessons
I help Lawrence scan in his backlog of WBS lessons. We make pretty good progress and then we take a short walk together. Some people come by for WBS lessons and I look out the door to see two young men studying the Bible and WBS under the tree together.
Jump Rope
Today is one of those calm quiet days. Everyone is hanging around and almost seems bored by my American eyes. I give them a jump rope and they spend a long time jumping. Young and young adults. They have some amazing tricks they can do while jumping rope. They are crazy. talented.
Mbwenu has business in Mzimba so he picks up a money transfer for us. Esther goes to the soccer games with the kids.
Turnip Greens
We pick some turnips and greens for dinner. I helped pick beans. After dinner, we sing with the family. We love this! Our singing is a mixture of Tumbuka songs and English ones.
Another nice day.
Day 45
Breakfast doughnuts and eggs. One interesting thing I have forgotten to write about is how they do their boiled eggs. After the eggs are boiled, they fry them so they have a crisp coating on them. I am not sure if there is a special reason they are done this way or not but it is interesting and they taste good too!
There is an elder’s meeting this morning so I shell beans while they meet. Everyone wants to help me so they are finished up quickly.
Jonah
Since we will be home most if not all of the day I want to do a Bible story with all of the kids hanging around. Esther and I make a giant fish out of a sheet of my flip chart paper. I make the flap so that I can move it to show Jonah in the belly of the fish. I also printed coloring sheets for Jonah. It was a great idea but it didn’t work very well. Our fish was good and everyone like it. They just had a hard time following the story. The kids and adults all participated and enjoyed coloring their pages. Kondwoni, our prize WBS student, decided to read the story after I told it. So maybe all is not lost.
Beans and Fried Okra
I cooked beans and fried okra for lunch. Mbwenu had to leave (probably to check on the car progress). He grabbed some fried okra and left. Daniel, one of our WBS workers came by to check on his WBS lessons. Lawrence is overwhelmed with so many lessons. Our students are so eager to have their lessons. We probably need to teach them some patience.
Lunch Guest
We invited Daniel to stay for lunch. He seemed to enjoy having lunch with us. Daniel had never tried turnips or fried okra. He was very intrigued about the turnips. After lunch, I took Daniel to see the turnip green patch. He thought they reminded him of beetroot.
WBS
Lawrence and I worked much of the afternoon on scanning WBS lessons. We are having a hard time keeping up with all of the incoming lessons. Part of the issue is that we had to come up with the system from the Malawi side when we are only used to the US side of the project. I think Lawrence has created a pretty good system now.
Fresh Chicken
For dinner we are to kill the chicken and have instructions to cook more fried okra. Fried okra is becoming a family favorite! Esther heads out to kill the chicken and the neighbor sees her and says no. He takes the chicken and kills it for her. (He doesn’t know she has done this before).
Meanwhile, I boil the water and Esther uses it to pluck and clean the chicken for dinner. Talumba, a 9-year-old from next door helps her with it. Talumba cleans the intestines and wraps them around the feet to fry for dinner. This girl has great survival skills. Soon Flora comes over and helps Esther cut up the chicken for frying. I wish I was not so squeamish. I really feel like I need to know how to do this. Maybe someday.
While preparing dinner I discovered there is no cooking oil and I get a little too frustrated with this. Wanangwa brings oil and we finally finish dinner and head to bed. Tonight there is a GIANT spider and a lizard beside my bed. Lawrence tried to kill the spider but it disappeared. I am sure I cannot sleep. We look under the bed and find it dead. Whew! I am not worried. about the lizard.
I woke up with a bad headache today and some of the same symptoms as the others with malaria. I take the meds I brought with my breakfast. Today we have buns from the Mtendere Bakery and bananas for breakfast.
We have a lot to do today so it will be hard to stay on schedule especially since the car is still not working. We have ladies’ class, baptism, and life group on the schedule today.
Ladies’ Class
I make copies for my ladies’ class and walk to the church building. When I arrive there are only two ladies there. This is puzzling as there are usually many. The ladies start their shading while we wait for everyone else to arrive. Some more ladies arrive and soon there is a room full. The ladies young and old all enjoy the scripture coloring sheets. This can last a long time so when everyone arrives, I usually have them put aside their coloring while we do our lesson and complete the coloring after class. We continue our class on Proverbs and I decide to only do part of the lesson and finish next time because of the baptism.
Ladies’ Class at Tombolombo Church of Christ
Samuel is Baptized
Ela Soko shows up to transport us to the baptism. She was to pick up Lawrence and Esther first and then come to the building. Unfortunately, they just looked at each other and could not communicate. So we go to the house and pick them up. She is a great driver and manages the big van and the roads remarkably. There are very few women drivers and these roads are unbelievable to travel.
Samuel Makamo’s baptism
We pick some others up and Samuel who wants to be baptized. Laurent from the vocational school goes with us and does the baptizing. We have our usual devotional and welcome time for the new Christian.
We drop everyone off and head home for a lunch of leftovers and a few other things thrown into the mix. Ela visits with us for a bit and shares lunch before we get ready for life group.
Life Group
Justin, one of our elders stopped by and says he will escort us to the life group meeting today. Ela is our driver and seems to know the area well. We make a couple of stops along the way and pick up a few people. She drives us down a narrow path between the maize, to the house where we will meet today. Lawrence is the teacher on Romans 6 today. We shift seats a bit and the men laugh that I choose to sit on the mat instead of on a chair as the men. ( I think the women love that I am one of them). We have a great time together and the ladies ask me to stay.
Our roadLife Group
Eager Student
Kondwoni comes by when we get home with another completed lesson. Most likely he will be our first student to complete all 7 courses and beg for more. We borrow one of his lessons to duplicate. Ela agrees to drop it off at the printers in town on her way.
Harrison dropped by with a gift of cucumbers in the afternoon. The people here are so generous. I am amazed and humbled. He is one of the young men considering going to South Africa for work so he is eager to practice his English and learn how to ask for a job.
My head is still hurting so I do not help with dinner preparation tonight.
Day 40
Early this morning one of our WBS workers came by and dropped off some completed lessons. I offered him coffee. I am not sure he liked it. He did add sugar.
Our neighbor Cadamanja came by to check on Esther. He is the friend who took us to the doctor when she got malaria. She is feeling a lot better.
Every day we have a lot of kids and adults who come by to practice their English skills with Esther. After the 5th year of school, it is all in English. So being able to speak and understand is a very important skill for school and work and even helps with getting a job.
Esther, Esther
Shortly, after six a.m. I hear a tiny voice calling Estaa! Estaaa! Mutende 3-year-old little girl from next door is up early and wants to see Esther. The preschoolers are even picking up a lot of English words. They are adorable and all of the adults get excited when they learn some new word.
I printed some pictures for them to color. I discovered that some of my crayons are missing. This is the huge pack I was considering giving to the school. I hope it turns up. (They are returned by morning).
Ten Mile Bike Ride
One of our friends Washington rode his bike from Mzimba (probably ten miles one way) to bring us 96 completed WBS lessons from the Mzimba prison where we have worked before. The Chaplain is the transfer person because of Covid. Washington brings new lessons and picks up the completed ones from Peter, the Chaplain. We ask him about needs in the prison and he shows us pictures where he has given soap to the prisoners recently through the guards. A gift from David Harper of Concord Rd. Church of Christ. I know how much they appreciate this gift! They have told us that it let’s them know they are not forgotten. Washington gets on his bike and rides back to Mzimba!
Washington Mumba
Day 41
This morning I took my malaria meds on an empty stomach and this was a big mistake! I threw up and felt sick most of the morning. Esther cooked for us but I couldn’t eat much.
Several people stopped by to chat with Lawrence, neighbors, students, and elders. Esther had her usual crowd surrounding her practicing English, (and Esther her Tumbuka), playing games, coloring pictures, listening to music and hanging out.
We had heavy rain today. Today was mostly a lost day for me.
Day 42
Lead Farmer Training
Faith from Namikango will be at the Tombolombo Church of Christ today for a workshop! I am excited to meet him. I was hoping to get to visit the mission on this trip but all the car trouble has prevented it. Today should be a good day!
Certificates
The purpose of the workshop is to present certificates to those who have completed a 3-year Lead Farmer program taught by Namikango. The program consists of classroom and hands-on training. and the trainer visits each farm. They periodically have meetings with extra training. Lead farmers have traveled a great distance to participate today. Many arrived last night and slept in the building.
Lead Farmer WorkshopLead farmers all have cool shirts! I love them!
What Do You Have in Your Hand?
Today we discuss what do you have in your hand to invest and give back to God. A great lesson. Even though Faith is a young married man he presents a great lesson on Marriage. We take a break with cookies and soft drinks and enjoy the nice day outside. People are spread out all around the building. Someone is preparing lunch for the group. We have a nice lunch and then resume our meeting.
Faith Lewis from Namikango
No Hunger
One quote I found interesting today was from one of the women who is a lead farmer. She is obviously a good leader and encourager. “No hunger is found in any of our homes since we started Farming God’s Way.” She is speaking for the whole group of lead farmers. This is impressive! After the speeches are completed Lawrence helps with the presentation of the Certificates. The farmers are excited about their accomplishments. We say our goodbyes and congratulations and Faith drops us off at home.
Something Funny
Lawrence and I work on WBS. I chat with the neighbor for a while. She knew I was sick yesterday. While we were talking she asked me why I didn’t bathe yesterday. 🙂 (No I did not stink). I’m sure they find my bathing habits humorous or at least curious. I always go to the bath house with Lawrence and I am not sure what kind of rumors we have started but I do know they are watching.
Someone delivers a live chicken to us. I think it is supposed to be for dinner. Wanangwa comes home and kills and cooks the chicken for dinner. She makes this look so easy and fast! She is so amazing! We are very close to our food source here in so many ways.
I woke up with an upset stomach this morning which is very unusual. Nothing I ate should have caused this. When I travel to other countries I have never gotten sick. (other than the time many years ago when I got chickenpox in Malaysia.)
Mbwenu leaves to deal with the car which broke down yesterday while Wanangwa goes to the shop. Today is market day! Today will certainly be a stay-at-home day for us.
I heated our bath water and had my Bible reading. Today is a good day to work with Lawrence on World Bible School. He has gotten so many students so fast that he is a little overwhelmed. I spend some time helping and then some time writing on my blog. We stay so busy and we do not always have internet so I try to make use of this downtime to do some writing. I write in my paper journal every day and then try to write and schedule posts when time allows. So the posts are actually behind schedule.
For lunch, I make stir-fried rice with our leftovers and pumpkin and sardines. I skipped the sardines.
Kids
Khwema is home for the day so we are babysitting if you can call it that. There are always kids around and they are so creative. Most of the morning though they beg me for coloring sheets which they call shading. So I happily give the crayons and papers to color. The boys make a maze from some Jenga blocks we brought and catch some bugs to let run through the maze. Water is a big deal around here and that even shows up in their playtime. This is the second day the kids have gathered containers and a very small hose and build a “borehole”. We call them wells. So they play with this for hours. They show me how it really works. I love their creativity. They have homemade toys and they have a great time with them. On the other hand, they are fast and mean soccer players!
Bore Hole (Well)A Maze complete with crawling bugs
Mushrooms
A lady comes by selling mushrooms. She sells them by the bowl. Which she says 100K. My mouth drops open that is certainly too little. I pay her 150K. Esther really loves mushrooms and wants to cook these. They are a different variety than what we find in the grocery store.
Walking
Lawrence and I take a walk in the afternoon to the vegetable garden that we eat out of most days. It has really grown since our last visit. Today Lawrence is really struggling with his walking. I am not sure what has happened but he is having a lot more trouble with one of his feet. A podiatrist visit is on the list for when we get home.
Senior Pictures
Esther and I take a walk to take some potential senior pictures. All the children follow us and our plan doesn’t work very well because the kids always want to be in every picture. We go back to the house and Esther changes clothes and we try again. I have been wanting to walk the perimeter of the family farm here to see all the houses. It really doesn’t go back as far as I thought. There are 8 houses all relatives because this is their family land. The fields are all around the houses. I enjoy the walk and we laugh and take some silly pictures as well as some good ones.
Lovely kidsEveryone wants in the pictureLovely EstherEsther in the flowers which grow along all the roadsEsther
No Electricity
When we get back it’s time to start dinner. Just as we get started our lights go out. The solar is depleted from the cloudy day. I turned on the stove to discover we are out of propane. I head outside for the small charcoal stove. Tulumba, the 9-year-old next door runs and gets some hot coals for me from the neighbor and she helps me start cooking over the charcoal. Tulumba has better survival skills than I do.
After dark Wanangwa gets home and with Rapha’s help we get the propane stove working and finish cooking dinner. Wanangwa brought some LED lights home which help a little. We eat and all go to bed early. I think it is probably good to have a slow day occasionally!
Day 36 Two Funerals
Last night we had the heaviest rain I have ever heard. I had trouble sleeping so I got up early. My stomach is still upset so I head to the outhouse and hope that today there is not a line. There really is never a line but it seems that is the only time of day I have competition for the toilet. Malawians have the best hearing. If anyone is occupying the toilet they will knock from the inside before you ever get near. They hear you coming.
Sunday Doughnuts
Raphael cooks our usual doughnuts for Sunday morning breakfast. He also cooks some sweet potatoes. We eat breakfast and get ready for the day.
There are two funerals in the neighborhood. When someone dies everything stops. There will be no church today because of the funerals. Being without a car again means we will stay home for another day.
Wanangwa and Mbwenu leave early for the funerals. The funeral starts at 8 am and they are walking. One of the funerals is for a man we worked with during 2018, Peskani (approximately 40) died from a heart attack, and the other for Wanangwa’s 27-year-old cousin (death by suicide).
Both have been working in South Africa and died there. This is heart-wrenching to the families. Their bodies have finally made it home to the final resting place. So many men and some women go to South Africa to try to make a living and send money home to their families. Some never return, remarry and start new families. We so wish the families could stay together and have more opportunities right here in Malawi to make a living.
For lunch, we have either goat or beef. I can’t tell the difference. We have rice and Esther prepares her mushrooms. We still have no electricity today and all the rain and clouds will not help the situation.
Young and Old Love to Color
Lots of people young and old are here coloring turtles, bringing WBS lessons, and just hanging around practicing English with Esther. We found out today that one of the teens will not be going back to school. She had to come home because she got malaria so she will finish her schooling at the local school.
Mbwenu and Wanangwa arrive home. We find out that they actually went to two different funerals. In the afternoon Wanangwa goes to her shop with Mbwenu on the motorcycle. I tease them about being two young lovebirds going off on the motorcycle.
My stomach is still not good. I feel guilty for not cooking dinner. Wanangwa cooks meat, rice, avocado, soup, and cabbage. I can’t eat. We sing some and discuss the plan for tomorrow before we head to bed.
Day 37
I slept really well last night but my stomach is still not right. Today Esther will go to the shop to work with Wanangwa. Motorcycles come to drive them. Esther loves this!
Motorcycle taxiEsther and Wanangwa travel to the shop
All three of the boys left for school at about 6:30 am. Matthew Phiri is coming around 9 to take the three of us to Mzimba to do some shopping and work on the car repair. We also need more WBS lessons copied. Always running out!
I told Wanangwa I would cook dinner tonight so I am hoping we get back in time. We stop at the print shop first and leave our copy order. Then we check on the car. The mechanics are behind some shops just out in the open. There is a shed that appears to house their tools. They are still checking out possibilities for our car problem.
Auto mechanic
Mini Microscope
I keep a mini pocket microscope in my backpack. I take it out and we play with it while we wait. We show it to Matthew and he enjoys seeing the fibers on his close and a hair under the microscope. Lawrence and I take a short walk and I buy a Coke and a chitenge and we walk back and wait some more. Matthew says waiting is boring. He wants to take us to a nicer place to sit. As we are driving we see the Chipku store and remember we need water. We make our purchase and then he takes us to The Grace Kitchen.
Grace Kitchen
The Grace Kitchen is a nice place to eat. We ate here last Monday. The owner greets us and tells us she has birds today. We are not sure what she means. We sit for a while and drink water. The restaurants are really nice about letting visitors wait at their tables even if they are not eating. We were not ready for lunch and decide we will wait on Matthew and Mbwenu for lunch, they are off doing errands. Soon they stop back by and say they will be right back for lunch. They tell me the restaurant owner is a village princess!
I decide to walk to the Private clinic around the corner to see if I can purchase some antibiotic ointment for Esther. She has a spot that looks like a spider bite and it is infected and a toe she hurt playing soccer. I wait a few minutes and the receptionist comes out and helps me. He takes me to the pharmacy and gets the ointment. He speaks great English by the way. 2000K for the ointment. When I get back we order lunch.
I get the grilled chicken, rice, greens, soup, and salsa are to share with Lawrence who orders the same thing. Mbwenu and Matthew come a little later and Mbwenu orders the same grilled chicken. It is delicious. Matthew orders the birds with nsima. (Quail) He says it is so tender.
Best grilled chicken
After lunch, we go to do our shopping. I buy some beans for 900K from the outdoor market. It starts to rain. I run for the car. Next, I stop at my favorite place for meat. I buy some ground meat and some sausages to go with our sauerkraut for dinner. The ground meat will go in the freezer. I pick up some seasoning for Wanangwa. The heavy rain continues and it is decided that Matthew will take us home and Mbwenu will bring the rest of the shopping list. They are probably concerned about the roads getting worse.
Diet Coke
On the way out of town, we stop to pick up Matthew’s license plate which is newly painted. I run next door to Big Mart and notice for the first time that they have Coke with no sugar which tastes like Coke Zero. When I bring it to the car Lawrence wants one and also some peanuts and cookies. Matthew stops out of town for a ginger soda for himself.
Diet Coke
Esther is Malawian
Mbwenu calls on our way home and suggests we pick up Esther. When we get there we can see she has been to the beauty shop and has her hair done in tiny braids and beads all over her head. They say she is a Malawian now.
Esther visits the beauty shopEsther is Malawian
Matthew drops us all at home. Tawonga Chomene! Thank you very much! I cook sausages to go with our sauerkraut for dinner. First, we all have to sample the sauerkraut. Matthew likes it very much and I make a small jar for him to take home to Neema. We make rice and soup and cucumbers in vinegar to go with our sausages and sauerkraut.
Sauerkraut
The electricity is still out so we cook with an led flashlight. Wanangwa and Mbwenu are very late and I message and ask if I can feed the boys. We feed everyone but only Raphael likes the sauerkraut. We gave Charles a taste of the sauerkraut and he does not like it at all.
Mbwenu and Wanangwa arrive and eat dinner. Wanangwa does not like the sauerkraut either. Mbwenu eats his with mayonnaise as Lawrence does sometimes. He makes a phone call and gets the lights to work. We sing for a while and head to bed. I wake up in the night and hear noises. I assume Mbwenu is leaving for a workshop.
Day 38 Malaria comes to the house.
When I wake up I find out that Khwima is sick. That was the noise I heard in the night. He was throwing up and has a fever. Wanangwa takes him to the doctor to test for malaria and he tests positive.
People People Everywhere
The morning is very busy as everyone seems to be stopping by for WBS lessons. One person brings us a lesson to copy because we have run out of lessons. Kondwani comes by with a completed lesson. Next, Charles comes by and wants his graded lesson. Chimwemwe comes by for hot water to take to milk the cow. Then one of our workers Daniel comes by he has run out of the 20 WBS lessons we gave him at the last meeting. We give him some more as well as some graded lessons.
Rocky Mountains
Daniel tells us he has been thinking about the Rocky Mountains. I show him pictures on google of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Then we talk about birds. Daniel is so smart and has studied so many things. I loan him a book on animals of the high mountains. He has such a thirst for knowledge.
Wishing for a Library
My heart longs to have an amazing library for this area. Did I really write that? Books have been such a huge part of my whole life and there are so few books here.
Today my main goal is to make Chow Chow! I have most of the ingredients but none of the spices. I am looking for some green peppers everywhere I go.
Esther Has Malaria
Esther isn’t feeling well. I check her temperature and she has a 101°. I walk to Cadamanja’s house to ask for a ride to the doctor. He is not home. I go back home and soon I get a message that he is on his way to take us to the doctor. We meet up with Wanangwa in Manyamula. First, we try the Private Clinic but the doctor is out of malaria test kits.
Government Hospital
We go to the government hospital and no one is around. Wanangwa walks to the houses nearby and comes back with a doctor who gives Esther the test. She jokes with us that she is not going to give Esther the test because we don’t have her health record. She tells Esther to take two pills a day for 5 days and ibuprofen for three days.
We go home and start dinner. Raphael brings meat for dinner. I cook beans, cabbage, tomatoes, and onions which I later blend with the ground meat to serve over rice.
Beautiful beans
I can’t find the peppers I need for the Chow Chow and I have asked around. A young man shows up at the door with a bag full of peppers. I am thrilled to pay him 1000K. His uncle grows them on his farm.
I make the Chow Chow for dinner and we all eat.
Before I go to bed my stomach is upset again and finally settles down and I sleep.
