Moments in Malawi

When I first got to my village, Manyenje, I could make a fire, but it took me a while. I didn't know how to cook popcorn, my staple food here in Malawi. What a sad few weeks. One day as I attempted with my trusty Neuton at my side (one of my matwinsies), I popped about 100 pieces. I was picking them out of the pot because they kept burning. So I am spooning popcorn out of a pot, over a fire and finally, the remaining kernals are just burnt. Nothing I can do. Burnt. I am frustrated and annoyed and 100 sounds like a lot, but really...it's not. I stood up and kicked the popcorn I just meticulously popped off and it fell on the ground. I saved about 30 pieces. I almost burst into tears. Neuton went home. He apparently told his mother because she came over later with a giant bowl filled with popped popcorn (they just roast the kernals and eat them unpopped). Julia, the mother of my favorite Malawian children, has become one of my best friends in village.

Last week, I was walking to the market when I passed my friend Hanifa. She is the mother of 4 boys, the youngest being twins who are about 5 months old now. She has Hamsa on her back as she is washing clothes while a little girl is walking around with Hamdani on her back. I greet Hanifa and we chat for a few moments. I had originally been walking around, looking for AmayiEdah (the mother of Edah), my neighbor, who had told me previously about a quietly-kept Malawian women's tradition, nkhande. I'm not going to tell you what it is, but I asked Hanifa where I could buy nkhande (Mom, I am buying you some!). Hanifa slaps my hand and starts laughing at me. She asks me why? I start to tell her, "I'm Malawian now! I need them!" but she keeps laughing. Hanifa was so happy though that I have no "shy" with her (meaning shame). We are going together to buy nkhande on Tuesday. I will carry Hamdani on my back and she will have Hamsa and laughs will be had as the azungu buys nkhande for the first time!

I am currently working on getting small gifts before I visit home in March. I am visiting the curios market and will have some awesome things...nifty gifties :)

My form three students have been working hard on literature. I haven't assigned any grammar work yet, but LOTS of literature work. Master, one of the brightest students, was beaming when he handed me his homework and recieved a 41/39 (he got extra credit for expanding on most of the answers). It was a great moment to see one of my students REALLY get it!

Last night, we had a meeting about Camp SKY, which will be held in July or August. I am the Programming Director. We are planning and planning. Next time I update, I will include more information on it!

On February 1st, Eliza and I are beginning our reusable pads project! We are so stoked, and I will post pictures as soon as I have access to good internet!

Keep safe! Send your best thoughts and wishes to my momma, who is recovering from surgery right now. Mom, I love you and all my good vibes are flowing your way!

As for the rest of you, keep it up, work it out, everything is just okay. :)

peace, love, and happiness,
cait