A-zoon-goo
Village Church
Originally uploaded by yo_paully.
We've learned a few words in the native chichewa since we have been in Malawi. Here is a quick language lesson. The most common word is "Azangu" (sounds like A-zoon-goo). This means white people, it is not a derogatory term, but we hear it everywhere we go... As we drive through a village, kids come running yelling azangu - azangu - azangu while they wave and chase the truck! Some other words that we've learned are "Moni", this means hi, "Zikommo", this means Thank You, "Molie Bwanja" means see you tomorrow, "Buss" means enough, "Bwana" means Boss.
This morning we split up into two groups. Some of us attended a church in the city (Lilongwe) and some of us attended a church service in a village. Each were different, but great experiences.
Village (Dale, Bob, Rivcah, Ann, Dana, Paul)
We arrived at the church at about 10:00 am to a full church of about 90 people singing and clapping. The songs they sang were in chichewa, but their voices were amazing! No amplifiers, no microphones, only one drum and whole lot of emotion. Ann did the sermon, with an interpreter, which was a great experience. The church building was pretty simple, it was a (Malawian) brick structure with a tin roof, clay floor and wooden pews. The Sunday School took place in a room that is about the size of an average closet, The kids were packed in and were content and totally attentive. Amidst all the poverty and challenges in these villages, there is something that shines through, something in the people.
City (Tova, Pat, Julia)
LPC (Lilongwe Pentecostal Church) was interesting to be in because it was the complete opposite of the village church. Everyone at this church was a lot better off. The music was wonderful they had voices like angles. The songs were sang mostly in english which was nice because then we could understand. When we stepped into the church we felt like we fit in and that everyone welcomed us. It also was interesting because Tova was able to be baptized in the church today. That was a different experience but was similar to what we do in Canada.
We all met up for lunch and compared our experiences. It was another day of learning about and experiencing Africa. Molie Bwanja.
posted by Paul Agius @ 5:54 p.m.
8 comments
8 Comments:
Moni Azangu, Julia, and mwadzuka bwanji
Sounds like quite a day, congratulatios Tova what an amazing experiece that must have been. It is too bad we couldn't have a simulcated broadcast of it back to West Edge to have shown.
It's nice to see my husband still cleans up well and looks as handsome as ever.. ok Bob and Paul you guys look rather dapper also.
Ann wow, giving a sermon must have given you so much pride and privledge. What an honour to be able to do. (I don't even like standing in front of people let a long give a sermon in a different country- kudo's).
As Jon said we had a Mother's Day service complete with Cassie's kidszone singing and clapping for us and a finale of carnations at the end for all the ladies.I had so many people come up to me and ask if I'd heard from you Dale and what was happening and they wanted to know everything. (Usually though the first question was how was I doing without you.)
Back to Mother's Day, I called your folks Dale and your mom got your mother's day card and were having a BBQ with Lynn and Mark. Lynn told me the update you guys do had already come in so I pulled it up while on the phone and your folks were still waiting for theirs to come in. (Lynn says Rogers is usually about 1/2 hour behind.)
Erin was in a ball tournament this weekend and she pitched against a team from PQ that they lost to big time last year and tied today so they were very pleased. Then another girl pitched the 2nd game and today's game but they lost. She has a league game on Tuesday she will pitch.
You'll be sad to hear she is no longer working at Dairy Queen because she got a new job. So sad-you must be going crazy for a peanut buster parfait. Today was 24 degrees, no wind, just a beautiful day. My kind of weather:)
I watched the special about the teens and teachers in Kenya and I found it very interesting. I have taped it for you to see when you get home. They had 2 1/2 weeks there but only spent 5 1/2 days building the school. They had to dig the floor which looked very tough. I saw them sorting their bricks just like you guys described and they had the kids singing and clapping all the time which when seeing gave me a bit of an insight about what it might have been like for you to hear. The kids got very emotional the first time they sang to them.
Sweet dreams my darling you are in my thoughts and prayers.
mugone bwino (good night)
Hi Bob..Nice to see that picture of you all! You look so happy..can hardly wait till you come home now not much longer..
Was at Deb's for dinner nice time talked about your trip and she told me she wrote you already!
Dad was having a hard time writing to you from the boat so maybe not possible from down there..he did try!
Weather very warm today everyone in summer stuff and enjoying it!
Keep up the good work and I pray for you all daily that you are safe and that you are guided by God to complete His work there.
God Bless .. love to all
Bob's Mum
Dear Tova, Riv, Ann, Pat and the Team;
Last evening Sender and Char came to supper, and Sender provided URL regarding your Mission.
Tova, congratulations on your Baptism in Africa! I love seeing your smiling face.
Rivcah, you are doing such good, and you look so strong and happy!
Ann, Happy Mother's Day! I wish I could have been in that little African church to hear your sermon... Wonderful!
Pat, you are awesome.
The entire team... your hard work and construction accomplishments are impressive and inspiring beyond words.
Thank all participating in the postings, photographs and comments as they are a treasure.
Love and prayers,
Sheamus
Monday May 9, 2005
"Do not fear; for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. " Isaiah 41:10 NRSV
It's been a long journey in but a week. It would be very normal to be feeling tired, drained and extrememly emotional. You still have some amazing things to do in the next few day, remember God is with you. Let God be with you as you face some trying, scaring, and unsure days ahead. You are in all our thoughts and prayers. You are special and God knows it!
daphne and paul watching the website each day.
we wish dale and everyone god's blessing on the rest of the trip
We're 500 we're ok.
Orioles 20-10 Streak: lost 1
RedSox 18-13 lost 1
Blue Jays 16-16 lost 4
Yankees 13-19 won 2
Devil Rays 11-21 lost 3
Moni again Dale.
Enjoyed the mother's day card.Thank you.Hope you had a good day too.
Lisa & family visited us in the afternoon & they then went to Minnie's for dinner.We had a steak BBQ with the Schrolls.Mark was the chef.As Lynn said" Its mother's Day".
Andrea called in the P.M. It seems she misses you Dale.
Your time in Africa is getting short.I'm sure the children will wish you were staying longer, but we will all be glad to see you back home.You all have done such great work,you deserve a good rest or vacation when you return home.
Like Andrea,we watched a TVshow last night called"Jumbo Keneya".11 teens from Toronto built a school in a little over 2 weeks for African children.Was very educational & well done.Take care everyone & have a safe trip home.
Dale, we will write again later.
Love Mom & Dad
Hi guys, another beautiful day today,warm about 17 or so and sunny, but we have a smog alert (what else is new). Had ladies group today when of course your trip became a topic of discussion- your strength and dedication to such a worthy cause and for some of you a first serve - wow Dale you really stepped up on your first serve whats the next step?
Going to dads for dinner tonight so I'll check in later for the new update.
Dale I remember you saying Tuesday would be an emotional day for the team so extra prayers to you all for your visit tomorrow with the aids children/adults.
I found this and rather liked it:
"The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid. " - Lady Bird Johnson
Don't be afraid of tomorrow, for that fear will take away the joy and pleasure of experiencing the moment;embrase it with courage and faith.You will all have such tales to report to us tomorrow. Love you and I'll check in later.
Love A. xoxo
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