The Whirlwind Continues...
village
Originally uploaded by yo_paully.
We have been combining our construction efforts with an intense emotional and personal view behind the scenes here in Malawi. Our hosts JR & Ivy Andrews have made a near superhuman effort to ensure that we have had a first hand look at all of the aspects of life here in Malawi - truly the good, the bad and the ugly. However, as a team, we would agree that there is way more good than we ever imagined. The people here may not have much money, but they are creative, committed to their families and simply want to live a better life. Malawi is called "Warm Heart of Africa" and it really is. We receive countless waves and smiles everywhere we go.
This trip is a little bit like starting to build Noah's Ark, the Village of Hope is being designed, built, equipped and staffed as if it will be here for the the long haul. This place is going to have an awesome impact on generations to come.
Today we visited a village called Lagooni (not sure of the spelling). It was as close to middle class as it gets in Malawi. By Canadian standards, it would still be considered very poor, but was more modern than most of the remote villages that we've seen. This village had stores, bars, clubs and had more of a "Big City" kind of feel, as far as villages go. That said, village has a higher average rate of AIDS than most of the others that we've visited.
The home is almost complete, and as a team we are really excited about our last day, and a little bit sad that our journey is almost over. Tomorrow we will be having lunch at the house with the workers. We will be having Nseema with relish, which is the most common meal in Malawi. Nseema is made from maize (crushed corn) made into a thick paste style of dish, almost a Malawian version of grits. Relish is a vegetable mixture usually consisting of tomatoes and whatever other vegetables are available, sometimes fish is used. The meal is eaten with your hands - no utensils or dishes are used.
We've taken tons of pictures - it's been a wild ride and we've learned sooooo much and we're anxious to share it our friends and families.
posted by Paul Agius @ 6:44 p.m.
10 comments
10 Comments:
Hello Eveyone,
What can I say... I am so proud of all of you and what has been accomplished for these precious children. I cannot wait to see all of you, hear the stories, see the pictures, and give you all a very BIG hug !! I know that your lives have been touched in many ways, and what you will bring back to us as a church will be an insight that will lead to more missions and people serving overseas.
Great job Paul A. I feel like I am there with you guys when I look at these pictures and read the daily log.
Good Day and safe journey home !
Hi alll....well that last day is here can't believe it! It will be so nice to hear about it all when you get home..I hope they have a Africa nite again so we can talk to you all and hear each of your experiences there! You have so much to tell I am sure...
Have a safe trip home and be well to you all ...God Bless!...
What an amazing couple of weeks. As you read this you will probably be either just beginning your packing or already packed for the long journey home in the morning. Can you believe all that you have accomplished in such a short time?
I hope your lunch with the workers was enjoyable and saying good bye was not too tough although something tells me the good-byes or farwells will be quite teary.
I cannot wait to see how far along the house is, and even better when we get to hear the details of the choosing of the children and the housemother for it; when they will get in it and when we can start contact with the kids in our house. I know it won't be for quite awhile but it's still so exciting to know that WestEdge has such a personal touch and investment in the home.
We keep hearing that it's the Village of Hope you are helping to build but reality is that you are building a home for these children not just a house. There is a difference, anyone can build a house with guidance, but it takes a whole lot of love and dedication and commitment to build a home.
Be proud of what you have accomplished in such a short time because as you said in your little piece "it is going to have an awesome impact on generations to come." Your work will impact lives of some you'll never know but what a feeling it must be to know that your hard sweat and tears helped to make the dream of 12 children and one house mother a reality.
Please have a safe journey home. Can't wait to see you all and hear from you in person about your adventures.
Dale, I'm counting the hours now-can't wait to see you. Love you/miss you, take care and come home safely.
Love A.
Congratulations on your accomplishments! Enjoying a communal meal with people you have come to know, possibly tears at departing, a sense of wonder and deep satisfaction, a safe trip home for all.
Tova, love you and you look wonderful in the photo! Please say "hi and love you" to Riv for me. Dad xo xo xo xo
Love and Prayers
Sheamus
What a great photo! Dana, I love your little corner of the picture: your arm literally wrapped up in little hands. Goodbyes will not be easy, I'm sure. Paul, your words today showed the hope that really does exist in Malawi. It was nice to see the word "good" a few times. I can't wait to hear and see more of Malawi when you all return. Safe travels to you!
Claudia
Thursday May 12, 2005
"If we are to have a real peace, we must begin with the children." ~Mahatma Gandhi~
You have begun a real peace for these children, one that will live on and on in days, months and years from now. Your one short trip has touched so many lives in so many places. Dana, that little girl who has enveloped your arms so carefully will probably remember you for years to come as that nice azunga that came from Canada. Peace be with you as you say your good byes, peace be with all you touch and peace be with you as you travel home and struggle to deal with all you have delt with over the past 2 weeks. I am proud to know you all.
A JOB WELL DONE.
May God be with you.
Wow Gang, I am so moved by your words and pictures, I am so glad you are blessed to be there. God is good, all the time. Save journey home, looking forward to your expanded sharing. Angela St. Pierre
good work everyone!!!!
Dale give andrea a big hug in London
Dana & Paul
I can't believe the time to leave has come so quickly. I have so enjoyed clicking on everyday to witness your adventure. Please post a picture of the home before you go. We must see the final goal. I can't count how many times your stories have filled my eyes with tears. We have a bet going on at the Aurora Leisure Complex to see how many of those kids you bring home. It will be so hard to leave them behind. I too was struck by the little hands securely wrapped in yours
Dana. As always, winning hearts where ever you go. I know you will leave apart of you in Africa, and it will forever change who you are and how you think. But, you knew to anticipated that. Looking forward to seeing you when you return.
Hugs Loriann
Tomorrow's Quote of the Day
Didn't know if you would be able to pull up messages after you upload today's picture and writings so I leave you with this:
"I beg you to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms
or books written in a very foreign language.
Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually,
without ever noticing it, live your way into the answer."
~Rainer Maria Rilke ~
Thank you for leaving the safety of your lives for 2 weeks to follow out a dream that began as a simple thought/dream several years ago.
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