We woke up before the sun today. The first day I was able to see the sunrise on this trip. It was beautiful and a wonderful way to start the day. We were scheduled to visit my good friend Anna Marie. She is a woman from South Africa who has lived in Malawi for more than 30 years. She is an amazing woman who’s heart has dedicated her life to the small children of Malawi. She works very hard to train teachers so that those who are in remote areas can attend preschool. There are hardly any programs in this country that prepare children for primary school. This has become her passion and life’s work.
Phil made the comment that as soon as he met her he could see a glow that just radiated from her. She is pure good in every sense.
Anna Marie lives far out of the city. It took us over an hour to reach her home. We drove many miles off of the paved road and into the bush. Her home is a special place surrounded by large trees and sits next to the river. Everyone who visits there is overcome with a sense of peacefulness as they arrive there in her hidden garden. Once we arrived we enjoyed coffee and biscuits on her porch. Then we sorted through the donations we had brought for her to divide among the 10 schools she is busy supporting. Both Phil and I were amazed at how excited she got looking at each item. With each book or packet of crayons her face would light up. She was so grateful that we were there and couldn’t wait to take us to see a few of the schools.
We got into the cars and drove further and further into  the countryside. After more dirt roads and many bumps we arrived at the first school. There were 30 or so children waiting for us. We were introduced to the chiefs and all of us prayed together before Anna Marie explained why we were there. I was also asked to speak….I told them how glad I was that they as chiefs support this preschool program and that we were just there  to encourage them and bring some small tokens to help the students and the teachers. After that we fed all of the children small bags of chips (fried potatoes) and freezes (Popsicles). Then it was on to the next school.
Once we arrived (after more dirt roads and many bumps) we were greeted by the teacher and her singing students. We got to watch them have their English lesson as well as a little P.E. It was fun to hear the kids speaking and see them running and jumping. We were warmed by how respectful and well behaved all the children we met in both of the schools were. They were also all very attentive and smart!
There was almost no light in the classroom so it was difficult to get pictures. I’m lucky to have Phil with me because not only is he a professional cameraman, but he loves capturing the moments with his still camera. I will have some amazing shots to share with everyone once I’m home.
Since we were late getting to the second school class time was over quickly and we only had time for a quick game of ball. Then we fed the kids chips and freezes. As we were leaving there was a crowd that had gathered outside the small building. I got to hold some babies and laugh awhile with the mothers in the village. It was then time for Anna Marie to go on her way and time for us to start making our own way back to Kumbali.
Anna Marie was so thankful we had come and reminded me not forget her and the children. I promised I wouldn’t and that I would of course be back to see her again soon. She gave me a big hug, told me she loved me and off we went. I know there is a reason I met her and I can’t wait for our next visit so I can see the awesome progress she continues to make. Her work is touching the lives of so many and her kind heart and amazing spirit is an inspiration to me.
After we parted ways with Anna Marie we stopped along the dirt road to eat our packed lunch. We saw only a few people pass by. Most of them curious  about us. We only stayed there next to the road for a short time before setting off for home.
Our driver was given a map that Anna Marie had drawn for him so that we could take an alternate route home and try to drive on pavement for more of the journey. The map was a little confusing, but it allowed us to wind through some of the small villages. As we drove bump bump bumping along with the windows down I was able to relax and enjoy. The wind in my hair and the cool Malawi breeze blowing dust through the car. I was happy. Lots of people to wave to and some opportunities when we got a bit lost to stop and ask for directions and hand out some sweeties (candy).
We got back to our village much earlier than expected and now are just settling back in and enjoying a cold drink. The slow pace here in Malawi is something I miss whenever I’m not here.
Phil wants me to write down some of the Chichewa words and phrases that he has heard me use so that he can study up for the next trip. Malawi has begun to creep into his heart and i think he is already working on figuring out when he can come back again. We will do a little “lesson” and then figure out what we will do this evening.
The trip is winding down and I can feel myself getting a little sad. I’m excited to get home to my children and to Patrick, but it’s always difficult to leave here. When I arrived at Anna Marie’s house this morning the first thing she said as she threw her arms open for a hug was “Welcome home Amaya Erin!” ….it truly has felt that way.
Hope everyone is well at home and please know I think of you all everyday. I know that without all of you this trip and these experiences and impact would not be happening.
Salani bwino (stay well), I’ll be home soon.