Wishing I could go back!

I remember how helpful it was to get tips/suggestions from the group who went the year before us, so I wanted to do the same for the group going this summer. The '08 VT group compiled a list of hints/tips for them. Everything from packing hints, traveling tips, what to expect while you are there, health suggestions, teaching tips, cultural FYI, info about the internet access, and our own words of wisdom. I sure hope it helps them and it will be a great reference if I am able to go back in my future!!

Two students from our group last year are going back this summer on their own for 3 weeks! Amy (RU) and Brian (NC A&T) bought plane tickets and they are planning on meeting up with Peter while in Malawi. I am so jealous!! Brian is coming to VT in the fall for a doctorate program! He came to Blacksburg in the spring and we were able to grab coffee and catch up. I can't wait to hear the stories about their trip!

The study abroad group left this morning at 10am for Africa. Many of them set up blogs and these are the ones I know of:

http://www.malawistudyabroad09.blogspot.com/ (Rachel)

http://toddmalawi.blogspot.com/ (Todd)

http://africaabroad.blogspot.com/ (Kacey)

http://www.malawistudyabroad.blogspot.com/ (Dr. Kelly)

http://utkelizabeth.blogspot.com/ (Carolyn)

http://hacklerhash.blogspot.com/ (DeAnna)

http://annmaryroberts.wordpress.com/ (Ann Roberts)

http://bethdickey.blogspot.com/ (Beth)

http://www.kkelsa.blogspot.com/ (Kelsey)

I am anxiously awaiting to hear that they arrived safely. I can't wait to follow these blogs and re-live my trip. I cannot believe it's been a year since I left for Malawi. I remember it like it was yesterday!

Articles, movies and more

As you can tell, anything and everything African related perks my interest. I wanted to share some of the articles/movies/TV shows that I have recently come across.

1.Virginia Tech won a grant to work with two universities in Sudan to develop and strengthen agriculture and natural resources programs! Way to go VT!!!

http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2009&itemno=381

2.A New York Times journalist published an article about Malawi in the Travel section. He went to Zomba, Lake Malawi, Mvuu Camp and even more of the same places as us. The article captures him experiencing the sights and sounds of Malawi for the first time and encourages tourism. Warms my heart to read such a great article about Malawi!

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/travel/10explorer.html?emc=eta1

3.Since I was going to Africa, my mom encouraged me to read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (I have yet to read it...oops!) because it takes place in Botswana. Now HBO has started a TV series based on the novel. http://www.hbo.com/no1ladiesdetectiveagency/

We just got HBO a few weeks ago, so I'm excited to follow the show!

4.ABC aired a two night special, Diamonds. It's very similar to Blood Diamonds and follows 5 storylines about the global diamond trade business. My dad and I loved it, it kept us on the edge of our seats!

5.Another friend told me about the documentary, God Grew Tired Of Us. I only watched the trailer, and I started to get emotional! It documents the story of Sudan refugees coming to America and getting a fresh start.

6.Another friend sent me this article about 60 elephants being evacuated, starting in Malawi. Apparently farmers get violent to protect their crops from the elephants so the International Animal Welfare got involved.

7. June 20th was World Refugee Day. Angelina Jolie released this video to raise awareness to refugees all around the world. Angelina was in DC making speeches and attending events for World Refugee Day. (I should have gone to DC to try and find her!) I volunteered with refugees in Blacksburg, so I am able to put a face to the stories. I am so impressed with everything Angelina has done for the UNHCR.

8. E! Online reported that Madonna's appeal has been approved and she is now allowed to adopt Mercy James from Malawi. Mercy is on her way to meet Madonna and her family in London. Here's the article: Mercy leaves Malawi to meet Madonna in London Here's the CNN article on the appeal approval: Madonna wins adoption appeal in Malawi

9. ABC's World News reports on a "Person of the Week" each week (obvi). This week a little 7 year old girl from Kansas was named person of the week for her philanthropic efforts to sell greeting cards with her artwork on the cover. She has raised thousands of dollars and was able to build an orphanage in Haiti. She is continuing to sell artwork and her next orphanage will be in Malawi!!

Check it out:

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8056275

10. NBC's got a new TV series called The Philanthropist on Wednesday nights at 10pm. I watched the pilot a couple weeks ago and it reminded me of my time in Malawi last summer. The scenery, the people, the dancing, the children, the outfits all brought back so many memories. And most of all I completely related with the main characters desire to help the people suffering. It's a show worth tuning into!

11.As many of you know, I struggled with the idea of visiting a 3rd world country and having an American influence on them. I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Well, I came across this article that talks about a woman who went to Malawi and had the same concerns. The article talks about how the Malawians helped her realize the answer. It's a great article! Check it out: http://www.aawmag.com/story/14114

Gosh, I am such an African/Malawi nerd!

Gifts for Macdonald

Krista and I knew we wanted to send gifts with the group going this summer for our teacher, Macdonald. Relationships are SO important in Malawi. And I understand I am representing America. I want Macdonald and his family to know we care about him and value our friendship. It would be very rude to "forget" about him and that would look bad for Americans! So over the last few weeks we have been gathering things for him and his family.

Macdonald sent us a letter asking for money and a camera. Krista was able to find a film camera that would be easy for him to use. Many of the teachers in Malawi have been given VT apparel so we wanted Macdonald to have some too! We got him a hat and shirt.

I thought it would be nice to give him the pictures I took from our trip last summer. I put together a Snapfish mini photobook with pictures from our visit with Macdonald and his family. I got some lollipops and little ball toys for the kids as a special treat!

Finally, Krista and I both wrote letters and sent some money for his education and his family.

As you may remember, Macdonald asked us for money to further his education. I asked Dr. Kelly what program he was doing and she was going to figure it out for me. A VT alumni from Malawi, Ndalapa, emailed us to explain:

"Of course many people especially teachers go to night schools for upgrading so that they can have better chances of doing a diploma or degree. However, the fees are not that expensive unless the night school is privately owned. Many Malawian teachers fail to go to even such cheap schools because their salaries are extremely low. So, I should imagine he is only asking very little so that his meagre salary remains intact for other day to day life activities. But, sometimes people here exeggerate their poverty. You give him what he will needs, but goes on to ask for more! I am not sure how much a public night school would cost these days. Sometimes it varies from one school to another, but its generally very low; possibly not exceeding $100 a year (this is on the higher side)."

One of the students going this summer was nice enough to pack it in his luggage and deliver it for me!