Fat, Fat Babies and Flying Food (day 5)

Today we went to the Crisis Ministry Center with a group of 6 people. The Crisis center takes in babies from newborn to 2 years that have been abandoned or whose families do not have the ability to care for them at this important developmental stage. At the age of two many are returned to their families or if families are not around they can be adopted. It is too bad that you have to live in Malawi for 18 months before adopting a baby. We took large purses called teaching bags to the Crisis Center and I know I was not the only one wondering how many babies would fit in each bag:) They were so cute. There is a total of 30 babies there now. I was in charge of a little 2 year old boy named Gift. People call him Hippo because he is extremely chubby. He was a talkative little fellow and even waved “hi” to the camera. Because of his chattiness I think he would have given me away if I tried to smuggle him out of the house and into the Land Rover. So I will have to come up with another plan. A woman from the states who is working as a nurse here in Malawi is trying to adopt him. Maybe I can get Jared to have a job over here so we can also take a few home. Kidding (well maybe). It was hard to leave the babies behind and I hope we can visit them again.

Camera Crazies (Day 4)

In the last few days more people have arrived and I have had the ability to do some more exploring. On Tuesday we took our first trip to the grocery store. I always love going food shopping in different countries. In Malawi they sell milk in plastic bags, kinda like the bladders from wine in a box. They also have different types of Lays chips like balsamic and Caribbean chili. Finally they have their smallest change called that is worth so little money that they do not actually give out this change, instead they give a piece of candy.

I got to experience McDouds (Malawian McDonald’s) for the first time. It is actually a nicer sit down restaurant here. Finally we got to meet some of the locals as we walked in search for a cheap soccer ball. Like many countries they are very intent on selling things to Americans. One funny thing is that they give us all made up names, and not their real names. Examples are Chicken Wings, Michael Douglas, Cucumber and Respect. We are going to think of some made up names for ourselves to use from now on. We also met some really cute kids on the street. They LOVED having their pictures taken and we even more excited to see their pictures in the playback screens on our cameras. They danced around and giggled each time we showed them!!

Malawi Day 2 (the first day i'm conscious of)

I arrived yesterday in sort of an exhausted state. The ride back from the airport gave me a good glimpse of the people and the area. I did not know that in Malawi people drive on the opposite side of the rode. There was one volunteer here from the previous session that I got to talk to and the three coordinators. I struggled to stay up for dinner and to watch the disappointing performance of the US soccer game.

After sleeping for about 11 hours I feel much better today. I helped make some posters for camp and got a tour a small area around where we live. I went to the Area 3 market. Lilongwe is divided into about 50 Areas. These are sort of like neighborhoods. There we bought vegetables to make stir-fry for dinner. I also learned of a place called McDouds. This is the Malawian version of McDonald’s. Their slogan is “Your Gonna Love It.” Jaren (one of the coordinators) said that last year a few people went in and tried to explain the grammar mistake but whomever they talked to only said “you’re going to love the food!” The rest of the volunteers arrive in a few days so more exciting updates are to come.

Here is a picture of my home for the next 6 weeks!! Yes, I have a a mosquito net on my bed but I have yet to see a mosquito. The house is nice but it is definitely going to be reminiscent of college style dorm living. Each room of about 4 people shares a bathroom/shower and we have cabinets labeled where we store our food.

One last thing. I learned at the market that there is a tailor who makes skirts and things for the volunteers. He has in the past made boxers. Look out men. I think I have an idea for your souvenir.

Hope to hear from you all and I'd love some comments!!!

Leavin' On A Jet Plane

So I made it to Malawi after 28 hours of traveling. Things I have discovered that I hate about airplane travel sum up the traveling experience:

5. Getting there 2 hours early!!! I think this is a money making scheme so travelers buy more food as we sit and wait.

4. The constant amount of snack, drinks and gross meals that the flight attendants give out. They even interrupt your sleep. They looked very angry when my neighbor did not want his hot towel towards the end of the flight.

3. Sitting next to someone for 6 hours and having them talk nonstop.

2. Sitting next to someone for 17 hours and not saying a single word but having them climb practically on you to use the restroom. (awkward)

1. People who get airsick should (1) not fly or (2) not eat while they fly. It just gives them more ammunition.

But it’s all worth it in the end to get someplace new!!!

5 Days Left

There are only 5 days until I leave for Africa. You cannot imagine how much the "odds and ends" at Wally-World cost. I hate spending over $100 on shampoo, soap, bug spray, sunscreen and other necessities I will not have access to as easily in Malawi. Here's to hoping that my luggage will not cost a ton because it is so heavy. I am not even sure how I will get all of this to fit into my bag!!