Today was my last full day here in Malawi. This morning I woke up quite early again and took the opportunity to go have a cup of coffee with my good friend Guy. He owns the lodge here and the entire property. He and I get along quite well and I always know I can get an amazing cappuccino on his condie (patio). He tells me he is up at 3am each morning and if I ever want company I can find him there. Since I stayed at the lodge last night it was the perfect way to start the day. When I arrived I found he and his wife  Maureen watching t.v., but once they saw me they both jumped up and sat with me outside. Guy was proud to make up one of his famous cappuccinos (he loves that I brag about them) and sit a while and chat about a little of everything. At about 7 I went and knocked on Phil’s door to see if he wanted to have breakfast. He was ready and all packed up. His flight was scheduled to leave at noon 🙁 we enjoyed our breakfast, he said some final goodbyes and at 10 Isaac picked him up to take him to the airport. It was sad to see him go a day before me. I’m missing my buddy today for sure.
Once he was gone I met with Scott and Guy for an our so just sorting out the details of the trip and talking about future plans. There is a lot that can be improved on and we all learn a lot each time we work together. We all feel that the future of our relationship and friendship is bright and none of us can’t wait for the next adventure. After the meeting Guy invited me to each lunch with him and his wife and some of the staff. I was excited and glad I wouldn’t have to eat alone. We had wonderful fish curry that was amazing! After lunch I went back to my room and fell asleep for 20 min or so. I woke feeling refreshed and ready to walk and enjoy my last afternoon here.
I walked down to the job site, but when I arrived everyone had already gone. I took a few pictures of the progress, chatted with a couple of people passing by and then went on my way. I decided to walk the path back into the village with the hope I could purchase a painting I had had my eye on all week. I found someone there and ended up sitting and playing a few games of Bao, taking some pictures and enjoying the sun and the company. The village was empty and everything had been cleaned up and put away 🙁 it looked a little different and it was a little sad to know that I wouldn’t be seeing it again for a while. As I started the trek up the road back to the lodge a car stopped that was leaving the village and asked if I wanted a lift. I declined and thought it was fitting I walk back on my own this last evening. The sun was still up so don’t worry mom 🙂
I came back to my room and started trying to blog about the last 2 days.
As with each trip I have learned so much. I always know when I come to Malawi I won’t leave having figured everything out, but I will leave with a sense that I am further along than I was when I arrived. This trip was different than all others for so many reasons. The biggest difference is that this is the first time I will leave Malawi not having fully completed the project I set out to. There is nobody more disappointed than me, but with that I have learned something valuable. It isn’t about perfection. It isn’t about achieving what you set out to. It is truly about the journey from one place to another. The project will be completed over the next couple of weeks and next time I come back I will get to see all the wonderful change that has been made because of what I was able to put in motion. The experience I had, the friendships I made and the time I spent here was perfect in a funny sort of way. I know that I did my best. I know my intentions were good. I know that we made a difference here in many ways over the past 2 weeks. My heart is full and I’m ready to leave and travel home.
I am full of anticipation for the next adventure and those of you who know me well won’t be surprised to hear Im already and making plans to return…..