Quote from a friend in Malawi via facebook

Hi,  

 

I want to share this with you as I think it says SO MUCH.  It can apply to so many aspects of our lives, not just school.   This young woman is going to school in the USA, working on her Doctorate degree.   She was teaching nursing at the Hospital in Blantyre when we were there and got this opportunity to further her studies. 

 

She is struggling but determined!   Here is what she said on her facebook:

 

"My studies always teach me about life. I came to a breaking point and was tired with my homework, decided to sleep over it cause I just couldn't do all of it anymore. In the morning I woke up and reminded myself that it might be hard but this is my life and not doing anything about it does not change the situation. I woke up took my books and started writing, positive that one day I will graduate and enjoy the fruits of my hard work. The same applies with life, when we get to breaking points it is not time to give up....but to reflect on why we had those dreams in the first place, and know that no matter the outcome, give life your very best!"

 

 

 

 

Random photos

This type of sewing machine is used a lot here -  it has a hand crank and works great when there is no electricity available, which is most of the time out here in the Villages.

Picture 2 -  We saw this little guy carrying water from the borehole.  So cute.

Picture 3 - The roads in the Villages are pretty bad.  The heavy rains really take a toll on all the roads and also around the houses leaving deep ruts and washing away the soil.   There is so much soil erosion.

Sweet lady!

We don't know this lady.  She was at a Village where were looking at a borehole.  She wanted her picture taken and was thrilled when I showed it to her.  

Making dinner

Using the wooden bowl (can't think of the name they are called) to pound and mix dinner.   The second picture is men (there were several of them) carving the bowls of different shapes and sizes out of chunks of tree trunk.  They have a pretty good business going.

Borehole and hand-dug well

The first picture is a mechanized borehole.  Water is pumped into the poly tank and then gravity fed down to the taps.   The water is sold for a minimal fee (about 5 cents) for a large container that holds about 4 or 5 gallon.  This money is put into a bank account so that they can maintain the system and also pay the electricity bill.  We are impressed with the wells we visited (done in 2010) and how well they are still working and being maintained.  There was only a couple that aren't doing as they should. 

The second picture is the cover that was on a hand-dug well.  They used to draw water out with a bucket but that contaminates the water.  LDS Charities put a new cap on the well with the pump, and that keeps it sanitary.  They also clean it all and make a skirt around the well for cleanliness.  Part of the contract with the community says that they will keep it clean around the wells.

Plantains

Plantains are grown everywhere.  They eat it a lot -- their dayly fufu (casava and plantain mashed and cooked together).  They also slice it thin and fry it.  These plantain chips are sold along the roadside every day.  They are actually quite good.

These two wanted their picture taken!

These two are siblings and wanted to pose for a picture. 

Kumasi Photos

We were out in the Villages again today checking wells and enjoying being with the people.   They love getting their pictures taken and love seeing the pictures after.  Jim videoed the kids and then showed them.  They really liked that, as you can see.