Dear friends and family,
Many of things have happened since I last wrote! I will break it down by month.
February
This month was devoted largely to soap. After learning the basics from Steve, I took over management of theChiyambi Soap project in full. I have made a lot of soap these past few months. We use different essential oils to give the soap different scents and therapeutic properties. My favorite part about making soap is the relationships that have grown as a result of working outside. Seeing a white guy wearing a lab coat, goggles, and green rubber gloves tends…
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Dear friends and family,
I have now been in Malawi for 3 months, and I continue to enjoy my experiences here. With rainy season in full swing, the corn is waist high, and everything is green. I love to be outside and experience the beauty of green rolling hills set against a background of jagged rocky mountains. I am also enjoying getting to know people better. As relationships have grown, stories are abounding. I want to introduce you to Richard and his story. Richard lives next door, and works full time for the builder who is finishing the house next to where I live.…
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Welcome to 2016!It has been a while since I last wrote, and I have lots of new stories to share. December was a month of continued learning and planning. I am continuing to learn the culture of There Is Hope, as well as the culture of Malawians, and refugees. I have also continued to learn about all of the different facets of the organization, and it is exciting to see the ways that each part compliments and relies on the others. Much of my learning has come as I have asked questions in order to further define my role, and set goals for the future. I now feel like I have a pretty clear…
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Hello friends and family!
Merry Christmas to you all! Although it doesn’t feel like it to me, in this 90-degree weather, Christmas season is here. I am reminded of its presence by the Christmas carols playing in the grocery stores, and the Christmas trees that are starting to appear around town.
The rains have started, which is a good thing. The rain is essential to this nation in particular, where 80% of the people are farmers, and the main exports are agriculture based. Last year was a very difficult year for the growers, because the rain came all at once, and caused a flood, and then…
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Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all had a day full of good friends, family, and food! We have plans for a Thanksgiving celebration of our own here in Malawi, but minus the turkey.
It is really hard for me to comprehend that we are now officially in the holiday season. Temperatures hover around 90 degrees, and there is plentiful sunshine every day. I do get a few reminders here and there. From seeing snowsleds (sleds!) in the store, to hearing Christmas music playing as I walk through the isles.
I am excited to say that orientation is over, and my passport is finally stamped with the visa…
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