More rambling about Malawi

WORLD CAMP

Yet again,  I found myself searching for Malawi related things online late one night. I came across  a World Camp program based in Malawi.  There is a 5 week summer program based in Lilongwe were volunteers travel to different villages and set up camp. The camps include activities and classroom structure were HIV/AIDS curriculum is taught.  I would love to do back to Malawi but I don't want to do the exact same study abroad trip I already did. This program seems perfect.  I'm saving my money to try and go the summer after I graduate. 

Anyone reading this ever heard of World Camp? Does it have a good reputation? I need to find out more about this program before I set my heart on it.  If anyone has other suggestions of programs in Malawi, I'd love to hear from you! 

MALAWI NEWS

Krista sent me an article  about the Ex- Malawian president being accused of stealing $11 million worth of donor money.   Their government is very corrupt and Krista pointed out that this is a reason why privately funded programs like the Chibale Project are so much better for Malawi.  The poor villages will never see the money if you donate to the government.  I remember seeing Jaguar cars in the capital of Malawi. The money stays in the capital and those people get richer and the villages get poorer. 

24   

I'm a huge Jack Bauer fan, and in November they aired a special 2 hour "24 Redemption". The storyline relates to Africa and set up the plot for season 7. I haven't watched the 2 hour special yet, but I'd like to download it online sometime.  I'm am watching season 7 episodes now and it doesn't exactly put a positive image on Africa- since the terrorists trying to attack America are from Africa. However, it doesn't necessarily put a positive image of the US government either. I guess I shouldn't be so sensitive, its just good TV.  I can't imagine what my African Studies professor would have to say about this show relating to Africa. He would have a fit.  But I do love watching Jack Bauer save the world!  

MADONNA ADOPTING

This weekend Madonna will be in Malawi! She is going to adopt a 4 year old girl, Mercy (picture below).  This will be her second child she has adopted from Malawi.   Madonna has raised to much awareness about Malawi and done so many great things. Many people have never heard of Malawi, but after I tell them its the country Madonna adopted her child from, everyone goes "ohhh yeah!" 

I know Madonna has adopted two children from Malawi, set up an orphanage there, co-founded www.raisingmalawi.org, published a book and a documentary, hosted  hundreds of fundraisers and I'm sure she has done lots more.  I know it can have its risks and drawbacks, but I think its a good thing that Madonna is using her platform to raise awareness about Malawi. 

AFRICAN REFUGEE 

My friend told me about this African Refugee in Roanoke, VA. Here's the blurb about it: 

Pilot Street Project is a partnership with Refugee and Immigration Services. Together RIS and the Service-Learning Center rent an apartment at Maple Grove Apartments in Roanoke that serves as a community school for the families living there. The Pilot Street Project provides a range of programming for children and adults with the goal of building English language proficiency and assisting the families (90% of which are recent refugees, currently from various countries in Africa) in successfully resettling into their new culture.

Needless to say, I was very interested to learn more. The program arranges a van to come to campus every afternoon (Monday though Thursday)  around 4pm to pick up volunteers. The van drives us to Roanoke and we spend about 1.5 hours helping the kids with their homework. I've gone about 3 times so far and I've had a blast. Sometimes we work with the kids at a community center, other times we go to their home. Each family has a different story, but most of the children speak English, not necessarily the adults.  Although it is very different, just being with the kids reminds me so much of Malawi. My friend goes with me sometimes and we tell everyone we are going to "little Africa"! 

Back at School

SCHOOL PROJECTS

One of my sorority sisters was taking an International class and had to select a country for a project. She knew 3 friends who had been to Malawi, so we could provide her with a wealth of knowledge and even some props for her presentation.

At the end of our trip, Dr. Kelly talked about how we become ambassadors for the country of Malawi in our day to day lives. We are raising awareness and educating people about Malawi by simply talking about it. Many people have never heard of the country, and I know her class wouldn't have learned about Malawi if it wasn't for the connection to us. I feel like we are doing our part!

I'm in a media writing class that requires us to work with a client for the semester. The client can be any business or organization that needs Public Relations. Of course, I wanted to do The Chibale Project because of my passion for Malawi, but also because the project is so new, it would give me great experience starting from scratch. Throughout the semester I will have to write press releases, fact sheets, backgrounders, public service announcements, brochures and newsletters. I have already talked to Dr. Kelly and she has helped me get a head start.

MEETINGS-MALAWIAN STYLE

Our sorority has formal meetings once a month where we have to dress up instead of the normal sweatpants. Since Sarah, Krista and I are all in the same sorority, we wanted to formally dress up Malawian style! So the three of us wore our chitenjes (African outfits) to the formal meeting. haha Our sorority sisters thought we were ridiculous! We all got very sentimental wearing the outfits again, we really do miss Malawi!

This year I live in the sorority house with my roommate, Krista and Sarah just lives across the hall. Its so great living with them because we can talk about Malawi anytime we want and we actually understand one another. I couldn't imagine living without them, I need people who share the Malawi passion!

Our sorority house has a daily housekeeper. She is a delight but sometimes you could get caught up in a very long conversation and not be able to get out of it....she is very chatty! We have a bus schedule so if we knew our housekeeper was in the hallway we would leave a few minutes earlier to "chat" with her and still have time to catch the bus. Krista and I realized that it was just like in Malawi!! We left our rooms early each morning to have enough time to talk to Tenison!!

FACEBOOK IN MALAWI

Daniel Chinkhuntha from Freedom Gardens has joined facebook! During our visit, I remember him talking about getting internet at his home for emails, but I didn't know he even knew about facebook! All of us were surprised, but I just love reading his status updates about farming! Its a great way to keep in touch. We get tickled every time he writes on our walls and sends us messages!

Remember when we went to the bar with Annie and we met the police officer and her daughters? Well the two daughters joined facebook too! Sarah had given her information to them and they friended her!

I guess Africa isn't as technologically behind as most people would assume.

REUNIONS

The 7 VT girls wanted to have a reunion and reminisce about Malawi. One night we met for dinner! We talked about Peter, craving Malawian food (vegetable curry and somosas) and how we think about Malawi all the time. Oh, such fond memories we have!

(The VT girls at El Rods for our Malawi reunion!)

Patti arranged a reunion for the whole group in the fall. She invited everyone to her house in Blacksburg for pizza. The North Carolina gang couldn't come, but almost everyone else came. It was great to see everyone in "real life" and catch up. I was shocked to realize that most of the group experienced some type of illness after they returned. Mostly digestive/eatting issues that ended up lasting a couple weeks. How did I get so lucky to not experience anything?? I wish I knew my secret, but its a mystery.

Patti and the Radford group did a presentation to a group of professors and they showed us their powerpoint with some of Patti's videos and pictures. Seeing/watching Malawi things never gets old!

Patti also got "Malawi Chibale Project" t-shirts made for us! I had a great afternoon catching up with the study abroad group!

CHIBALE PROJECT

I am community service chair for my sorority. Part of my responsibility is to plan a holiday service party with a fraternity in December. This year we made blankets for the women's shelter and other service activities. I set up a Chibale Project table for people to donate and we were able to raise over $65!

I AM BECAUSE WE ARE

December 1st is World's Aid Day. Madonna's documentary I Am Because We Are had a special showing on the Sundance channel on Dec 1st. Luckily Amber has the Sundance channel and Tivo'ed it for us. The 7 VT girls went to Amber's one night for another reunion and to watch the documentary. I had been looking for this movie everywhere since before I went to Malawi, so I was glad to finally be able to watch it. Now it is finally online. If you would like to watch the entire documentary, you can see it at Hulu- I Am Because We Are. It's about an hour in a half. I recommend you not multitasking while you watch it. Stop what you're doing and pay attention to these stories. It's beautiful and heartbreaking.

There is also a photography book that I purchased that goes hand in hand with the documentary. The photos do a great job at showing the beautiful land and the people of Malawi. I kept saying " This is exactly what it looks like!" duh... its a photograph! However, I look at the pictures completely different after being to Malawi. Before, all the children would blended in but now I notice each child individually and wonder what their story is. I also notice little details that I wouldn't have picked up on if I had never visited. Things like nsima in the background, the types of trees, the clothing etc.

I thought the documentary & book did a very good job at showing the issues Malawi has, but I just wish they would show some images of how grateful and happy the people are. I know they are suffering and trying to raise money by showing the suffering. But I still wish they would show the dancing and celebrations! Despite their troubles, they are positive people and I think thats worth reporting about.

DID MALAWI CHANGE ME?

I was concerned that after I got back from Africa, I might get one of those stereotypical "there are people starving in Africa" attitudes. I know no one likes listening to people preach about that and I didn't want to annoy people with my "African expertise". Katie (she studied abroad the summer before me) told me... you will tell yourself you won't ask for anything for Christmas and that you will not buy name brands, but the reality is that probably won't last. It's very easy to get back sucked into American/college culture.

I will admit I still splurge on Coach purses (on sale of course), pedicures, and lots of things I really don't "need". I feel guilty about it every time I purchase something. I know that if I sent that money to Malawi, it would go so much farther and help so many people. I am saving money to send over with the group this summer. I want to contribute to Jean's project, the Chibale Project and of course give some money to Macdonald and his family.

I took a Marketing Management Course last semester and I'm taking Advertising this semester. I surprised myself that I was so disgusted with these classes. I didn't want to pay attention because I felt that in life's big picture, this material didn't really matter. The PhD professor spent her career researching advertising/marketing. So much money is spent in the advertising business and I couldn't help but wonder if my professor had focused her research on some type of issue in Africa and the difference her research could have made. I know that is not her interest, so its unreasonable for me to want her to study that. I couldn't believe my reaction to this class. I am becoming one of those "There are starving people in Africa".

I think about Malawi all the time. College life is full of tests and papers. After going to Malawi, I didn't really care as much about a test or paper like I used to. I wanted to focus on raising money for the Chibale Project because I felt like that was more worth my time- it has become my passion. However, I keep telling myself how fortunate I am to be in college and getting an education...unlike so many Malawians.

So yes, Malawi has changed me. And I'm glad it has. I wouldn't want to go to Africa and come back the same person I was before I left. Its very important for me to stay involved and I hope to continue to contribute somehow throughout my life. However, I do have to make a conscious effort around my friends not to bring up Africa stories/facts to the point where I annoy them. Even though it runs through my head all the time!

Malawi This, Malawi That

MALAWI IN THE NEWS 

In November, Nightly News reported on Malawi! The government provided a food subsidy program which helped produce record high harvests and reduce starvation. Although this was very good news, the clip gives the impression that no one is still starving in Malawi, but that is very far from the truth. 

Subsidies stave off hunger in Malawi 

OUR SOUVENIRS WORTH HUNDREDS??

My mom came across an interior design magazine with an African theme.  There was tons of zebra print, and beaded animals that looked just like ours!  Except they cost $328!!   I examined them and they are identical.  If we had known they would be so expensive over here, we would have filled up our suitcase! haha just kidding! 

And then I saw them again on Oprah.com  Oprah Store- Beaded Animals

My beaded elephant is mini, and I got him for 550 Kwacha which is less than $5.  I know girls got the large zebras for less than 1000 Kwacha.  We got a bargain! 

MALAWI BOOK 

Author, Shana Burg contacted Krista (my roommate in Malawi and close friend)  after reading her blog. Apparently she is doing research for her next book that is going to be somehow related to Malawi and/or Africa.   She spoke on the phone with Krista one afternoon and asked her tons of questions.  Shana Burg promised to cite Krista in her book and offered to put an ad in the book for The Chibale Project to help us raise money.  Shana sent Krista a copy of her 1st book to read and encouraged feedback.  The book is in the beginning stages, but I'll continue to post any updates I hear from Krista! 

MORE MALAWI BLOGS

I find myself online searching for anything and everything related to Malawi on a weekly basis. I came across some blogs of families who are currently in Malawi teaching at African Bible College.  I really enjoy following their blog and reading about their daily life in Malawi. I miss Malawi, so I live vicariously though them!  Robbins Abroad  and The Stauffacher Family are my favorite! 

MALAWI HOTEL ROOM 

Our friends know about our obsession with Malawi so one of our friends told us about a Malawi Hotel Room they learned about in one of their hospitality classes.  The hotel is in Floyd, VA and each room is decorated differently with a theme about an important person, organization or place in Floyd. I'm going to have to check it out before I graduate! 

Summer Update

I don’t usually have time to update the blog during the school year, so I’m using my spring break week to catch up!

 I’ve finally uploaded all the pictures to the blog!  It took me forever, and believe it or not, that’s just the modified version. If you would like to look around at all the pictures, you can search through the group room I made on Snapfish. http://malawi2008.snapfish.com/snapfish

 

I came home and did absolutely nothing but sleep, watch TV and unpack for about a week.  I went to my beach house in Ocean City, MD because I needed a vacation for myself. I’m not an extremely social person so after spending a month with 18 people, I needed to sit on the beach and just listen to the ocean for a few days.  I found myself wondering “What would Macdonald think of this?” all the time. What would he think of Ocean City, the beach, the grocery store, parasailing?  I can only imagine his priceless reactions!

 It was time I started tackling the long list of things I wanted to get done before I went back to school.  I uploaded all my pictures to Snapfish and created the group room for everyone on the trip. That way we can share pictures.   We took pictures of all of our students using a disposable camera.  I kept the negatives and got them put onto a CD so I could upload them digitally. Little did I know that uploading those pictures would fill up my hard drive and cause my operating system to stop working. (You have to have at least 10 GB available to run your operating system)

 This was my worst nightmare. I panicked and rushed my computer to the Apple “Emergency Room”.  They told me I could get my computer back, I just needed to purchase more hard drive and make an appointment.  Well, when I went back a few days later, they told me they couldn’t get to my hard drive and  I needed the experts help at Mac Heaven in Chantilly.  Anyways, long story short, I spent the summer getting a new hard drive, new memory, transferring my life and getting an external hard drive.  On the plus, I learned a lot about computer’s hard drives and now I am always checking my hard drive space and backing up my data. Had to learn that the hard way!  Thankfully I had most of my stuff on my dad’s network and my Africa pictures were all on Snapfish.  I only lost a semesters worth of work.  1000+ African pictures was to much for my hard drive to handle and that was before the 5 hours of video. So a tip to students going on big trips...check your hard drive space before you upload all your pictures! 

 Between my computer troubles and babysitting, before I knew it, it was time to go back to school and I hadn’t gotten any scrapbooking done! So that is the reason it took me months to upload the pictures to this blog.  I had to download them from snapfish back onto my computer and organize them. It’s a very tedious job and I hadn’t gotten around to it until this week.

 My mom was nice enough to go back through my blog and edit for grammar and punctuation. Thank you mom!  It was a daunting task because I wrote so darn much, but she was happy to do it for me! I actually have never gone through and read my blog word for word after I got back. I have read parts to help me remember certain days but I wrote so much...who would ever read all this! haha   I am so glad I took the time to be so detailed. It was a pain and probably seemed pointless, but it is more of a memory for me. I just happened to publish it for others to read. 

 Over the summer, I did write my final paper and turned it into Dr. Kelly to earn my undergraduate research credit.  I basically compiled all the conversations, advice and observations I experienced before and during my trip to write how I came to my own conclusion about  Americans involved with Africa. I talked about how torn I was and what persuaded me to form my own opinions.  I included many of the topics and encounters  I wrote about in this blog.   I got an “A” on the paper and this was Dr. Kelly’s comments:

 Lexi: I liked the personal analysis you did that was based on not only research (gathering information from a variety of sources) but also observation. What you discuss is very complex, but you weighed evidence and came to conclusions for yourself. The "story" of your journey to those decisions was thoughtful and well organized. You were a super member of the Tech Team on Study Abroad. It wouldn't have been the same without you. Dr. K

 

OLYMPICS

 I knew Malawi would be participating in the Olympics, but I didn’t know what sport or how many athletics.  I watched the opening ceremony and literally jumped out of my seat and cheered with excitement! There were about 10 people representing Malawi!  I found myself cheering for all the African countries throughout the Olympics, I felt like they needed some more fans!

There were 4 Malawian Athletes participating in the 2008 Olympics.  Two for Track & Field and two for swimming. They didn’t make any records, but I’m glad Malawi was represented!  Malawi first participated in the Olympic Games in 1972 and has had 6 appearances since.

Emails from Macdonald!

We gave Macdonald our email addresses and he promised to write us. Well he did!  I was thrilled to hear from him! He also wrote to Krista and we have been emailing him back but our lives are so busy, its hard to keep in touch.  To give you an idea of how he speaks English, I'll post his emails.  Its just fun to read! He says things a little different, but you can usually figure  out the meaning.

#1: Lexi, 

Muli bwanji? (How are you?)

Sorry for taking a long time without any correnspondence of letters.  I hope from now onwards I will keep my promise of writing letters.  How was your journey back to your homeland?  As for me here, I am just miss you and your friend Krista.  I write to appreciate for the wonderful and perfect gifts which you gave to my family together with Krista during your visit to Malawi especially to my house.My son Vincent up to now is crying to see you again as you promised to take him there.  He usually asks where are the Azungu? meaning you and your friend Krista.  He is ready to give you a garden to grow maize and land to build a house. Greet your parents, boy friend if any, brothers and sisters, and lastly not forgetting your teacher Patricia.  Yours, Macdonald

 

#2: Thank you very much for your email it has kept to be smile.Am glad also to hear that you had a nice journey back to US.Here every thing is good only that we are experiencing hot summer had it been you came this time you would have not enjoyed.I heard that you are busy with your school keep it up.My family wish you all good luck in your studies.My students are enjoying the materials left and the are also happy to hear that if possible and God allows we shall see you coming again to Malawi.Vincent says he will still keep the land for since you said you try keep money to use for transport.He was very to hear that you will come again hoping that you coming to take him.This my mail  address: Macdonald Sheriff.C/o.Domasi Govt.School.P.O. Box 1.Domasi.Malawi.Greet krista and  Patricia.      Lastly I say miss you .Bye!Macdonald

He wrote these emails to Krista:

#1:Krista,

Muli bwanji? ( How are you?)

 Sorry for taking such a long time without saying hi to you.  I was just thinking you were around then you will come again.  But to my surprise you are nowhere to be seen.  

 Then I realised that you have gone back to your motherland.  Krista I really misse you.  I write just to appreciat the wonderful things that you didd while you were here in Malawi.  I learnt many from you during your stay here in Malawi.

 My family really appreciat your wonderful and perfect gifts which you left to us while you were leaving back to your homeland.  They say I should wish you and Lexi a good health and nice stay in your country.  They also continued to say that if you come again they will give you a land to build a house and the garden to grow maize so that you should have your own maize to grind ready for nsima.  Though I know that you really love your country.

 Greet your parents Lexi, brother, sister, Patricia your teacher and lastly your boy friend.  Say I love them.

 

#2 :Krista! I received yours and I enjoyed reading it.My family together with your students they are all happy to hear about your journey .You asked about the materials you left with me I  used them already teaching your students..Krista thank you very much for photos which gave me when I have on it realy makes to remember you with your perfect job you did together with Lexi. Please keep on responding to my letters.But how is Lexi? Say hello to her.Greet everyone.Bye! Have nice studies.   yours macDonald

#3:Hello krista! Thank very much for your email.Everyone here is fine including the std6 students. But now we are closure to the rain season ready to grow our stapple which is nsima.Sorry for  taking such along time .Idid that just not disturb you concentrating your lessons.How is LEXI? Tel her that am still forwad to receive her post card .May be it is on my and it gets me soo.When are you closing your semister?Here were closing on 7 november.Greet everyone fine who knows me.

 

Okay, I promise not to post all of the emails he sends us, but I just think they are so cute and I thought someone else might enjoy reading them. "Greet everyone fine who knows me" haha he knows he's a celebrity here! 

PICS- Home Sweet Home!

We arrived off the plane and kept saying "God Bless America!"  After finding our luggage and going through customs, we could finally see our parents! 

Krista's mom had her students make us a sign!  Thanks Mrs. Patrick! 
The parents got to know each other since our plane was delayed  and they were waiting for hours. 
My dad made these picture  frames for everyone on the trip!   I passed them out at the airport. 
I took a picture of all my supplies I was bringing to Malawi, and here's a picture of all the souvenirs I brought back. 
The Chief Chair! 
While I was gone, my dad carved a "VT" out of the stump in our front yard. Before I left, I jokingly ask him to try it. We are big Hokie fans, so we like to make everything a "VT"!  I didn't think he would/could actually do it. This was the perfect welcome home present! 

To read the blog that goes along with these pictures, see The Forever Flight 

PICS- Leaving Malawi

Home was so close, yet so far. We had a couple stops to make before we left. 

This is where we bought our Chief Chairs
Hundreds of choices, no one chair alike. It was a very hard decision! 
We went to Mua Mission on the way back to Lilongwe.  Mua Mission explains the history of rituals and traditions of different tribes. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside,  but I got a couple of the buildings. 
beautiful painted buildings

Back at Korea Gardens for our last night before we left Africa the next morning. 
We got lots of stamps 
And we are off! 

To read the blog that goes along with these pictures, see Mua Mission and traveling back to Lilongwe

PICS- Club Mak at Lake Malawi

Part of the partnership between VT & Malawi allows for Malawians to come to VT to get their Doctoral Degree.  Endalipa earned his degree a couple years ago and is now back in Malawi. He was so helpful setting up the Chibale Project and during our entire trip.  On our way to Club Mak, we went with Endalipa to see the village where he grew up. 

Endalipa showed us how he used to climb to the top of the coconut tree to get the coconuts.
I was lucky enough to always be by a flushing toilet whenever I needed to go to the bathroom for most of the trip. On the second to last day... I wasn't so lucky.   A group of us went, and we conquered the hole in the ground.
Thats the outhouse. Don't worry, it has instructions! It shows you where to place your feet.
We meet Endalipa's father. 
Inside Endalipa's childhood house, I found this letter. Its small, but you should be able to read it. 
The village kids followed us.
This little girl has my fabric! I got my Malawian dress made out of this tan and green fabric. I was excited to see Malawians wearing it. 
After we visited Endalipa's father, Endalipa wanted to show us a village that has been severally  hit by HIV/AIDS.  We just stopped by for a visit and there were just hundreds of children, but no adults to be seen.  This picture is a great example of children taking care of children, we saw this often in Malawi. 
I love these type of trees! They are called Baobab trees. 
Village children. Notice the albino on the left. 
We finally made it to Club Mak! 
We were greeted with tropical drinks
Paradise....But don't you dare go in that water...parasites! 
The venders come to the shore by canoe to sell things to us. 
Sarah and Lauren outside their cottage 
Inside our room. Notice all the hotels we stayed at have mosquito nets for the beds. 
Sarah, me, Lauren  & Krista enjoying the sunset 

We explored outside the guarded gates and came across these kids. We played with them for a hour or so and we thought they might leave that baby with us. She tried to give it to us multiple times. 
Sunset on Lake Malawi
A delicious buffet. Don't be fouled by the good looking fruits & veggies.... you can't eat them. 
Some of the group at dinner. 
Dessert
We had entertainment after dinner 


A great way to end our last night! 

To read the blog to go along with these pictures, see Club Mak at Lake Malawi

PICS- Visiting Macdonald's Family

Macdonald lived in walking distance from the school (duh, you walk everywhere in Malawi)  so after school one day, we went to visit his family.  Macdonald's wife wasn't expecting us until 1pm, so we were sure not to come early.  

Macdonald knocking on the door to his house! haha
He showered them with gifts! The family was very excited with anything and everything we gave them! 
Krista brought silly toys for the kids
Macdonald, his wife and their twin sons- Vincient & God Bless 
Vincent and I just clicked! We spent the afternoon playing together...He's precious! 
The Malawian meal Macdonald's wife cooked for us.  Nsima, pigon, & pumpkin leaves.  By this time I had been in Malawi for almost a month and was more comfortable with Malawian food, so this meal was actually very good! 
Silly hat
The Sheriff  Family

Good News- Tall boy to the  left 

Miriam- The mom in the pink

Macdonald- In the yellow

Lucy- In the orange on the right 

God Bless- twin boy to the left 

Vincent- twin boy to the right 

The other two children are relatives. They live with Macdonald's family now because they both lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. 

I fit right in with the family! haha  They have a beautiful brick house with plants!  Inside has furniture, electricity, TV, sink, photos, their children have clothes and shoes .... they are very well off.  Macdonald and his wife are both teachers.  We were the first Americans to visit their home! 
Vinny and I are BFF!  The only thing stopping me from bringing him home with me was knowing that he was  well cared for here in Malawi. If he was malnourished  and didn't have a family, I would have taken him in a heartbeat.  
Vincent had a break down when he had to say goodbye to me. Broke my heart. 

To read the blog that goes along with these pictures, see Have a Nice Journey