I’ve been trying to summarize everything I’d want to share with someone already in the field or preparing to move to and work in another country and, my word, there’s just no way!
But there are 2 phrases I keep coming back to: take time and give grace. These were two major lessons for me in Malawi and something I’m still learning.
Take time to do some research. Get a feel for the place you’ll be calling home.
Take time to explore your new city… before you jump into “work.” Learn about the transportation systems, marketplaces, landmarks, etc. Get a pulse of the heartbeat of the city. What does…
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Karibu (kah-ree-boo).
Karibu is a phrase you hear often around here. For Malawians, Karibu (in Chichewa) means, “You’re welcome to my food.” If someone is eating, they will often say to the people around them, “Karibu” – meaning, “Help yourself.” And they mean it. Fully. Wholly. Freely. Help yourself. Who cares how much you take, or how many of you actually “help yourself.” Karibu.
To other Africans, like people living in Dzaleka, Karibu means “You are welcome here (in Swahili).” When you arrive somewhere, whether it be to Africa or to someone’s house, they will say, “Karibu” or “Karibu…
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It’s harvest season in Malawi, which means farmers are burning the stocks and bush left in their fields. There are piles and piles of small fires across the land and people also use them to chase out the field mice! Around this time of year, you will start to notice mbewa (mice) kabobs for sale on the side of the roads. They catch them, gut them, boil them, and stack them on a stick. You can buy a huge stick for about $1.50!
My roommate and I decided last year we wanted to try one sometime, so we waited for harvest season to come around again. Realizing it was that time of year again, we…
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A few months ago, we had a volunteer from the UK visit There is Hope. While he was here, he spent most of his time capturing our work and life in Dzaleka on camera. Watch this video to hear the story of one refugee.
If you want to see more of Diyan's photos (Innovation Photography) from Malawi, click HERE.
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