June 21-26
The date for the dedication finally arrived. We had made so many references to it for such a long time. It was kind of like waiting for a wedding to take place. Speaking of weddings Jessie, Rhonda and I have been invited by one of the hospital nurses to attend her wedding early in December. She plans to go with us to the market to choose our material and have the tailor to measure us for our outfits for the wedding. The wedding should be most interesting. The ceremony will be at 9am and the celebration will begin at 1pm. It will take place in Lilongwe.
Back to the dedication, Mr. Kim arrived on Sunday evening and came to my house for dinner with Seon Hee Lee (our Korean missionary who works with the elderly and disabled) and her two sons. I had asked Seon Hee who was going into Lilongwe to buy me some chicken breast. She didn’t get to Lilongwe and asked another person to get the chicken breast. Something happened there, and I ended up with a local chicken. I had had two meals of local chicken. The chickens roam freely around Nkhoma and are very undernourished. The chickens I had eaten was so tough one could not chew them. You either swallowed it whole or you made it disappear by other means. I boiled the pitiful chicken until it fell off the bones. Then I was surprised to find it was tough to cut with a sharp knife! Never-the-less, I cut that chicken up in such fine pieces it was almost the consistency of meal. It was absorbed completely in the making of the chicken dish with rice made with chicken broth. With a mushroom sauce, spices, crumbs and cheese on top of the casserole it was acceptable or at least you could chew and swallow.
At dinner we had a delightful time learning about Raymond and Mariella Provost. They were the missionaries in Korea who started Moon Wha School. Mariella got in contact with some of the alumni of Moon Wha and told them that Moon Wha School had made their education possible now it was time for them to give Malawian children the same opportunity to attend a Christian School.
Mariella (now living in Black Mountain, NC) is in her 80’s and knits every day balls and dolls to send to missionaries. In our classroom I have had to make skirt length pieces of material for the girls to carry around Mariella’s dolls on their backs like their mothers carry their babies. Our class uses the balls to toss at an African basket on the floor, kind of like ringing a basketball net. Mariella told the committee of fund raisers that she makes about $1000.00 a year with her knitting and if they didn’t help her raise the money she would have to knit for another 20 years to raise the funds. Mr. Kim said that convinced the alumni committee to raise the money, and each gave $1000.00 to start the fund. They contacted the alumni and were most successful in raising the funds.
Mr. Kim arrived at school the next morning with 5 gifts each for the students and gifts for the teachers. I was so pleased with his response to our school. We had a nice program. Hussein Latif, our committee chair, told a little about our 2 year history. Mr. Kim told how important the Moon Wha School was in helping him to become a successful business person and how pleased the Moon Wha alumni were to be able to help Malawian children with the same opportunity. H presented the school a lovely plaque in memory of Raymond Provost which we will mount on the front of the Raymond Provost Memorial Hall.
I introduced the children and staff and told how pleased we were to be a part of helping to establish the much needed school. Our children offered a prayer of thanksgiving and sang the Malawian national anthem. Then I presented to Mr. Kim a banner which we had made with all the children’s hand prints and their names. He was touched by the banner and will hang it in the Moon Wha School. Our audience consisted of people from Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA plus the dignitaries from the Malawian Synod office. I told how miraculous I thought it was that the worldwide family of God was represented here in this place at this time working together through love to educate young children in Christians school. By the enthusiasm you could tell some good international relationships developed through the interchange with each other at the program and during the luncheon which followed.
The next morning Mr. Kim returned to our school still bearing gifts for children and teachers as he bid us goodbyes. He was a most gracious visitor and a great benefactor in leaving us with large donation for scholarships for needy children.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Ellen
Meet Ellen. Ellen is a young seven year old young lady living in one of the villages off from Nkhoma. Ellen was born a healthy baby girl. However, born in a poverty stricken area, soon after Ellen's birth, she lost both of her feet to malnutrition. She survived and flourished through the love of a grandmother, who carried Ellen on her back until just recently. Through the efforts of Maralise, a missionary nurse, who in her sixties, felt compelled to help the people of Nkhoma, Ellen's plight was addressed, prosthesis made, and as of May 2010, Ellen's inability to walk became a thing of the past. Her first request --to attend school. As of June 7th she is enrolled at the Ebenezer Institute of Learning and has started learning English in mom's class.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 13-20
As I become acquainted with more people life does become fuller. I have had to take care of school business which has involved making connections with people in specific areas since Willeke has gone for 7 weeks to Holland. She has already been gone for 10 days, and I have made a number of contacts with new people solving problems like finding housing for the new teacher who will take over the 4 year old class that I have been teaching for over a month and like contacting the accountant who manages our check writing. I have had to contact and invite about 20 people to a luncheon at my house after the dedication of the new school building on June 21. I have meet with new people in planning the dedication service and have had to solve some financial problems in making the last payments on the new building. I’ve begged for a letter from the Synod stating that the Synod is authorizing Ebnezer to build the teachers’ houses on their land.. Last Saturday we interviewed for two more teachers to begin teaching in September. We were an hour and a half late in starting the interviews, for one interviewer didn’t show up and another person had to go back home (walking of course) to make copies of the forms needed to interview. All these activities are done on Malawian time, and that reminds me of books on Africa which often use expressions like “TIA” (This is Africa) and “AWA” (Africa wins again). The missionaries often use these expressions. Some of you may recall that I was saying that I would probably live in one of the new teacher houses when Barbara Nagy returned to Malawi in July. Well, the money for the houses could not be requested for by the school until a letter had been received from the Synod stating that Ebenerzer was given authority o build on the Synod land. Today I learned that the letter had been actually received. Now with the pusher (Willeke) behind the project in Holland who knows when the building will start. Another big problem is that the contractor being used has been a missionary from Holland who has done the contracting as a gift of love. The contractors in Lilongwe are extremely expensive. We are praying for another missionary with a contracting background. ,
I am excited about the children in the 4 year old class beginning to respond beautifully to the alphabet, shapes, colors, numbers, and the names of the days of the week through play. They have taught me a neat song, “There Are Seven Days in the Week,” and we sing it daily as we talk about what days it is in the week. Today we introduced a whole toy box full of dress-up clothes. Linkin was at school last week bringing us the clothes trees he made for the 4 yr. old class and the kindergarten class. We hung up some dress-up clothes on tree in our class and that got the children extremely excited, boys and girls alike. We had boys in Elvis Pressley clothes with a crazy lady’s hat on one boy , a doggie outfit with a lady’s hat on another boy, and a red choir robe with a lady’s hat on yet another. Boys had on all kinds of jewelry and girls had on fancy dress-up clothes that they wanted to take home with them. Lots of socialization and lots of practice in getting dressed took place. It was a hilarious morning. Teacher Grace and I laughed until we had tears. Not much reading, writing and arithmetic was done in that hour, but ghe socialization was great
As I become acquainted with more people life does become fuller. I have had to take care of school business which has involved making connections with people in specific areas since Willeke has gone for 7 weeks to Holland. She has already been gone for 10 days, and I have made a number of contacts with new people solving problems like finding housing for the new teacher who will take over the 4 year old class that I have been teaching for over a month and like contacting the accountant who manages our check writing. I have had to contact and invite about 20 people to a luncheon at my house after the dedication of the new school building on June 21. I have meet with new people in planning the dedication service and have had to solve some financial problems in making the last payments on the new building. I’ve begged for a letter from the Synod stating that the Synod is authorizing Ebnezer to build the teachers’ houses on their land.. Last Saturday we interviewed for two more teachers to begin teaching in September. We were an hour and a half late in starting the interviews, for one interviewer didn’t show up and another person had to go back home (walking of course) to make copies of the forms needed to interview. All these activities are done on Malawian time, and that reminds me of books on Africa which often use expressions like “TIA” (This is Africa) and “AWA” (Africa wins again). The missionaries often use these expressions. Some of you may recall that I was saying that I would probably live in one of the new teacher houses when Barbara Nagy returned to Malawi in July. Well, the money for the houses could not be requested for by the school until a letter had been received from the Synod stating that Ebenerzer was given authority o build on the Synod land. Today I learned that the letter had been actually received. Now with the pusher (Willeke) behind the project in Holland who knows when the building will start. Another big problem is that the contractor being used has been a missionary from Holland who has done the contracting as a gift of love. The contractors in Lilongwe are extremely expensive. We are praying for another missionary with a contracting background. ,
I am excited about the children in the 4 year old class beginning to respond beautifully to the alphabet, shapes, colors, numbers, and the names of the days of the week through play. They have taught me a neat song, “There Are Seven Days in the Week,” and we sing it daily as we talk about what days it is in the week. Today we introduced a whole toy box full of dress-up clothes. Linkin was at school last week bringing us the clothes trees he made for the 4 yr. old class and the kindergarten class. We hung up some dress-up clothes on tree in our class and that got the children extremely excited, boys and girls alike. We had boys in Elvis Pressley clothes with a crazy lady’s hat on one boy , a doggie outfit with a lady’s hat on another boy, and a red choir robe with a lady’s hat on yet another. Boys had on all kinds of jewelry and girls had on fancy dress-up clothes that they wanted to take home with them. Lots of socialization and lots of practice in getting dressed took place. It was a hilarious morning. Teacher Grace and I laughed until we had tears. Not much reading, writing and arithmetic was done in that hour, but ghe socialization was great
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 1-12
Time really passes fast when you are busy. We were very busy around here while the PWNC mission team was here May 19-31. When they left I had plenty to do to put our classrooms back into shape for school after all the painting. Everything is so clean and pretty, and everyone is enjoying the new look.
Stan made a bed for the dolls while he was here, and I have just finished making the mattress, bedspread and pillows for the dolls the mission group brought from Gastonia. It’s like Christmas when they come bearing all their gifts. Then there is a lot of storage space to be found.!
The first day back to school for the last school year block was this past Monday. We took into our class a new student that day. Her name is Ellen, and she had just been fitted with prosthesis for both of her feet which were amputated when she was 3 years old because of extreme mal-nutrition. I was taken by Maralise to see her in her village 2 days after she had regained feet. She was walking very well with them. I was told that her first words after putting on the feet were, “Now I can go to school.” I asked how she was going to be taken to school and the reply was that there was a bike in her village that could be used to take her to school when it was not already scheduled. Fearing that she might not get there on many days we managed to get a bike and had seat mounted on the back with hand bars and feet bars. I’m sure the bike will be used many useful ways by that family who seems to be so appreciative. Ellen is 7 years old, but had spoken no English words before coming to school. Only minutes after arriving she was responding to the roll call by raising her hand and saying, “Present”. We will keep her in our 4 years old class until she picks up the routine and some key words. She can handle scissors quite well and has caught on to working puzzles very quickly. Since her feet have been amputated, she has lived with her grandmother in a small one room village house. Her parents and two little brothers live next door. Her grandmother has carried her on her back until she got the prosthesis 2 weeks ago. I believe the grandmother must have taught Ellen
many things for she seems to catch on quickly. We have recently taken in 2 village children who are on 100% scholarships. It feels so good to be able to offer these children educational opportunities. They have both come to school in great need of clothing. I was given 3 sweaters for each of them. They were so pleased to get the warm sweaters.
The next 7 weeks are going to be a challenge for me for the TerHaar’s have just left for a 7 week holiday in Holland. This is their first trip home in three years. That family does so much for this mission compound.
We will all miss them, but we wish for them a wonderful relaxing time. I am already seeking other help because this coming Monday we will be dedicating the second school building which was financed by Korean Christians. A Mr. Kim is coming from Korea to present the school a memorial plaque for building. I am busy planning for his 2 day visit with us and planning for the school’s dedication of the building. Our children will offer a prayer and will sing the National Anthem at the program. I was busy at school today making a banner with the children’s handprints on it for the children to present to Mr. Kim. He will take it to the Korean Christian School from which Mr. Kim and the other donors graduated.
As I think of all the graduations and school closing in NC, it’s strange to be still in school until August 8.
Winter is just settling in here. It continues to be like spring or fall weather for us North Carolinians, cool in the morning and evening and warm during the day. The school calendar is changing this year to be more like the States and Europe. School will end on August 8 for this year and will start next year on September15.
Jessi and I spent Saturday in Lilongwe primarily to obtain our 6 months visa. I had just gotten a 30 day extension and then was told that I should start at least 3 weeks before the end of that time to getting my 6 months visa. Actually it wasn’t so bad an experience. Lots of paper work and 30,000 kwacha (actually only about $175.00 - sounds as almost nothing after all those thousands)) and it’s all done. We are glad that’s the end of the visa story for now.
Time really passes fast when you are busy. We were very busy around here while the PWNC mission team was here May 19-31. When they left I had plenty to do to put our classrooms back into shape for school after all the painting. Everything is so clean and pretty, and everyone is enjoying the new look.
Stan made a bed for the dolls while he was here, and I have just finished making the mattress, bedspread and pillows for the dolls the mission group brought from Gastonia. It’s like Christmas when they come bearing all their gifts. Then there is a lot of storage space to be found.!
The first day back to school for the last school year block was this past Monday. We took into our class a new student that day. Her name is Ellen, and she had just been fitted with prosthesis for both of her feet which were amputated when she was 3 years old because of extreme mal-nutrition. I was taken by Maralise to see her in her village 2 days after she had regained feet. She was walking very well with them. I was told that her first words after putting on the feet were, “Now I can go to school.” I asked how she was going to be taken to school and the reply was that there was a bike in her village that could be used to take her to school when it was not already scheduled. Fearing that she might not get there on many days we managed to get a bike and had seat mounted on the back with hand bars and feet bars. I’m sure the bike will be used many useful ways by that family who seems to be so appreciative. Ellen is 7 years old, but had spoken no English words before coming to school. Only minutes after arriving she was responding to the roll call by raising her hand and saying, “Present”. We will keep her in our 4 years old class until she picks up the routine and some key words. She can handle scissors quite well and has caught on to working puzzles very quickly. Since her feet have been amputated, she has lived with her grandmother in a small one room village house. Her parents and two little brothers live next door. Her grandmother has carried her on her back until she got the prosthesis 2 weeks ago. I believe the grandmother must have taught Ellen
many things for she seems to catch on quickly. We have recently taken in 2 village children who are on 100% scholarships. It feels so good to be able to offer these children educational opportunities. They have both come to school in great need of clothing. I was given 3 sweaters for each of them. They were so pleased to get the warm sweaters.
The next 7 weeks are going to be a challenge for me for the TerHaar’s have just left for a 7 week holiday in Holland. This is their first trip home in three years. That family does so much for this mission compound.
We will all miss them, but we wish for them a wonderful relaxing time. I am already seeking other help because this coming Monday we will be dedicating the second school building which was financed by Korean Christians. A Mr. Kim is coming from Korea to present the school a memorial plaque for building. I am busy planning for his 2 day visit with us and planning for the school’s dedication of the building. Our children will offer a prayer and will sing the National Anthem at the program. I was busy at school today making a banner with the children’s handprints on it for the children to present to Mr. Kim. He will take it to the Korean Christian School from which Mr. Kim and the other donors graduated.
As I think of all the graduations and school closing in NC, it’s strange to be still in school until August 8.
Winter is just settling in here. It continues to be like spring or fall weather for us North Carolinians, cool in the morning and evening and warm during the day. The school calendar is changing this year to be more like the States and Europe. School will end on August 8 for this year and will start next year on September15.
Jessi and I spent Saturday in Lilongwe primarily to obtain our 6 months visa. I had just gotten a 30 day extension and then was told that I should start at least 3 weeks before the end of that time to getting my 6 months visa. Actually it wasn’t so bad an experience. Lots of paper work and 30,000 kwacha (actually only about $175.00 - sounds as almost nothing after all those thousands)) and it’s all done. We are glad that’s the end of the visa story for now.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
May 30-31
Early Saturday morning a Guide came in a van to take us to Liwonde to the Mvuu Safari Lodge, which is south of Nkhoma on the coast of Lake Malawi. We had to travel by boat for about an hour to reach the Lodge. The dock for boarding was connected to a beautiful restaurant with indoor and outdoor eating areas created with most attractive tiles and incredible landscaping. Lovely water front cottages extended out on each side of the restaurant. We enjoyed refreshments and the beautiful surroundings while we waited for our boat to take us to the Mvuu Lodge. The waterfront approach to the Lodge was most attractive, their service was top notch and the food was delicious. The whole safari experience was very special for all of us. I had been looking forward to the experience every since I arrived in February. Often a long time of looking forward to an experience produces some disappointments - but not this one. Every safari ride by boat or land was captivating and thrilling and all the accommodations were just great and the gourmet meals were graciously served.
After getting settled in our individual cottages, we enjoyed lunch at the Lodge. The Mvuu Safari is famous for its elephants and hippos, which are abundant in the area. The monkey, baboon, impala, deer, rabbit, crocodile, alligatory and many types of birds were among the many, many animals we came in contact with besides the elephants and hippos. We were told that the lions and giraffes are in the more northern parts of Africa. After lunch we were taken on a land cruse and came in very close contact with the elephants and the hippos as well as with many of the smaller animals. All the elephants were busy eating the branches and leaves. At night the elephants came into our lodge area and awaken us with their loud chewing and breaking of branches and twigs off the trees that were right up against our cabin. We stared out the opened windows in awe of them. There was a family with a huge daddy, large mommie, middle-sized and baby elephants eating all around our cabin.
We had an afternoon land cruse to see the animals and birds. We were fascinated at how close the guide would drive up to the animals. We took another land cruise from 4-7pm to see the animals in the sunset and to hunt for nocturnal animals in the dark, twilight is about 5:30pm. One guide was the driver and another guide would sit in a chair mounted to the left front of the vehicle to point out animals and birds and at dark he flashed a big red spot light back and forth to pick up shining eyes of animals. They have just recently discovered that the red light doesn’t bother the animals like the regular bright spotlights did. The animals just kept on doing their thing when the light picked up their shining eyes. Just as the sun was setting over Lake Malawi we stopped at a special area for water and picture taking. The view of the Lake, the mountains and the plains was awesome. Hope we got some good pictures.
The next morning we took a 3 hour boat trip and saw the same kind of animals, but this time we got close to the hippos as they swam and spouted water. We were just off shore when 2 big hippos came rushing out of the brush and ran into the Lake just in front of our boat. That was thrilling as was watching an elephant swim across the big Lake. We taxied along beside the elephant watching him swim.
Well, PWNC experienced some of those black-out nights as we continue sharing our electrical power with our neighbors. The group came to Barbara’s house at least 2 nights due to the electricity outage. It was easier to prepare the food here than it was at the Guesthouse on those nights. It was just great to be so close together and to share so much with the group, especially since Lynne and Stan(daughter and son-in-law were in the group). They left many items of clothing for the Malawians with Seon Hee. She has started three days a week classes where the handicap (mainly blind and/or lame) are teaching each other the skills they have themselves. Sewing classes (Monday), Tin-smith (Tuesday), Art and Music (Friday). Many are taking advantage of the opportunities to learn a trade or just another skill. The participation has been great. The group has come together to have a store in the market to sell their goods or used clothing. The clothes from PWNC group were laid out in front of the 40 member class and the handicapped were told that each person could pick one item that he/she wanted most. Those both lame and blind were the first group to choose items. Then the next severely handicapped chose until everyone had gotten an item. The group was ecstatic over their gifts. I think some of the items may end up in their store at the market. They believe they will make some money to relieve some of the poverty needs of their group as well as maybe being able to help others. It is thrilling to see God at work among this group. They are being led by a beautiful Christian disciple, Seon Hee, who I am sure would love to know you are praying for her as she spreads God’s love among these people. All the missionaries here truly appreciate your prayers. May God bless each of you.
Early Saturday morning a Guide came in a van to take us to Liwonde to the Mvuu Safari Lodge, which is south of Nkhoma on the coast of Lake Malawi. We had to travel by boat for about an hour to reach the Lodge. The dock for boarding was connected to a beautiful restaurant with indoor and outdoor eating areas created with most attractive tiles and incredible landscaping. Lovely water front cottages extended out on each side of the restaurant. We enjoyed refreshments and the beautiful surroundings while we waited for our boat to take us to the Mvuu Lodge. The waterfront approach to the Lodge was most attractive, their service was top notch and the food was delicious. The whole safari experience was very special for all of us. I had been looking forward to the experience every since I arrived in February. Often a long time of looking forward to an experience produces some disappointments - but not this one. Every safari ride by boat or land was captivating and thrilling and all the accommodations were just great and the gourmet meals were graciously served.
After getting settled in our individual cottages, we enjoyed lunch at the Lodge. The Mvuu Safari is famous for its elephants and hippos, which are abundant in the area. The monkey, baboon, impala, deer, rabbit, crocodile, alligatory and many types of birds were among the many, many animals we came in contact with besides the elephants and hippos. We were told that the lions and giraffes are in the more northern parts of Africa. After lunch we were taken on a land cruse and came in very close contact with the elephants and the hippos as well as with many of the smaller animals. All the elephants were busy eating the branches and leaves. At night the elephants came into our lodge area and awaken us with their loud chewing and breaking of branches and twigs off the trees that were right up against our cabin. We stared out the opened windows in awe of them. There was a family with a huge daddy, large mommie, middle-sized and baby elephants eating all around our cabin.
We had an afternoon land cruse to see the animals and birds. We were fascinated at how close the guide would drive up to the animals. We took another land cruise from 4-7pm to see the animals in the sunset and to hunt for nocturnal animals in the dark, twilight is about 5:30pm. One guide was the driver and another guide would sit in a chair mounted to the left front of the vehicle to point out animals and birds and at dark he flashed a big red spot light back and forth to pick up shining eyes of animals. They have just recently discovered that the red light doesn’t bother the animals like the regular bright spotlights did. The animals just kept on doing their thing when the light picked up their shining eyes. Just as the sun was setting over Lake Malawi we stopped at a special area for water and picture taking. The view of the Lake, the mountains and the plains was awesome. Hope we got some good pictures.
The next morning we took a 3 hour boat trip and saw the same kind of animals, but this time we got close to the hippos as they swam and spouted water. We were just off shore when 2 big hippos came rushing out of the brush and ran into the Lake just in front of our boat. That was thrilling as was watching an elephant swim across the big Lake. We taxied along beside the elephant watching him swim.
Well, PWNC experienced some of those black-out nights as we continue sharing our electrical power with our neighbors. The group came to Barbara’s house at least 2 nights due to the electricity outage. It was easier to prepare the food here than it was at the Guesthouse on those nights. It was just great to be so close together and to share so much with the group, especially since Lynne and Stan(daughter and son-in-law were in the group). They left many items of clothing for the Malawians with Seon Hee. She has started three days a week classes where the handicap (mainly blind and/or lame) are teaching each other the skills they have themselves. Sewing classes (Monday), Tin-smith (Tuesday), Art and Music (Friday). Many are taking advantage of the opportunities to learn a trade or just another skill. The participation has been great. The group has come together to have a store in the market to sell their goods or used clothing. The clothes from PWNC group were laid out in front of the 40 member class and the handicapped were told that each person could pick one item that he/she wanted most. Those both lame and blind were the first group to choose items. Then the next severely handicapped chose until everyone had gotten an item. The group was ecstatic over their gifts. I think some of the items may end up in their store at the market. They believe they will make some money to relieve some of the poverty needs of their group as well as maybe being able to help others. It is thrilling to see God at work among this group. They are being led by a beautiful Christian disciple, Seon Hee, who I am sure would love to know you are praying for her as she spreads God’s love among these people. All the missionaries here truly appreciate your prayers. May God bless each of you.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Welcome from Malawi
Here is a map of Africa. The small country in red is Malawi. We flew from Charlotte to Washington to Johannesburg, South Africa to Lilongwe, Malawi. (23 hours in flight) Took a 15 passenger bus to Nkhoma and on wednesday after leaving Gastonia on Sunday we finally arrived at the village where mom is living.
Mom is standing on the porch of Barbara Nagy's home where she is staying and the other is a picture of her in her room.
Stan and I posed with mom, her assistant, Grace, and some of the children in her class. I will include more pictures in another post, having just returned home, unfortunately I have 101 things to catch up on right now. Mom sends her love and blessings to each and everyone of you reading her blog.
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