Dear Mom and Dad, March 6, 2004
Well I'm starting my second day of training at the National College of Forestry in Dedza, which lies south of the capitol along the Mozambique border. It is a beautiful campus, situated at the foot of a mountain in a pine plantation, which is the home for villagers who work at the college. The facilities are actually better than I expected; classrooms with desks, chairs and chalkboards and showers with hot water. Unfortunately , such luxury will be only enjoyed on Thursdays as most of the next 8 weeks of training will be spent in the village aong my homestay family where we will be instructed language, technical training and cross-cultural issues. That lifestyle will begin on Monday after some brief itroductory classes and orientation.
So far what is most remarkable is the smile of the Malawian people. Despite all of their poverty, tragedy and dificulty their smiles are genuine and huge., lighting up their faces as well as the people in its shadow. The ride here from Lilongwe was also impressive, reminding me of Mexico (which is the only relevant comparison I have) with bikes, produce stands selling peanuts, tobacco and corn, women with baskets on their heads all along the side of the road. Among the rows of maize are clusters of thatch roofed villages that house the people. This is how most of the world still lives and its profound and educational to witness and be part of. Already on my third day in country I can safely say my life will be changed forever.
It was a long and exhausting journey here, to say the least but I'm starting to recover and am in pretty good spirits. I have no regrets and only look forward in regards to my decision to come here. I do have health concerns, but this is good and natural and will allow me to maintain the required awareness. There are two doctors on staff and one nurse accompanied by 8 sessions of medical and safety training. If anything does happen I feel confident that action will be prompt and I will be well taken care of.
Training is going to be trying, time consuming and tiring, so don't know how much energy I'll have to write, so bear with me, be patient and know that I am safe, secure and in good spirits.
I'll be looking forward to some news from home hoping that all is well. Please send my love and regards to all.
Love, Jake
PS Thanks for all that you did to get me here.
Hi Jake there!
Firstly I would like to say you have great family -Dana, Gregory, Sarah, Donny and others who helped you to get to Malawi and made this site which lets us to know about you. Thank you all.
Well Jake really your life will be changed forever after being there. Im shure you will always want to learn the world in spite of all it could be. Till we learn we live and I always say my children yuo are an example how to improve ourselves. We do not doubt your life there will be successful as we remember you when you were here in our country. Do you remmeber a girl from Germany Nicole who visited my family while you was here? She sends you the best wishes. If to be honest all we envy yuo this possibility and it is good (we say "white") envy.So Jake working hard feel happiness in everything you do and have a fun in what you do. Be loved there.
Irena Staneviciene
Posted by: Irena Staneviciene at March 22, 2004 02:23 PMHello, Jake.
I was very glad to hear that everything runs smoothly and you are feeling optimistic and impatient to dive deeply in Malawi's life.I have always found absolutely very unique the way you appreciate every little detail in life and the way you menage to pass on your enthousiasm on everybody else(especially on me).I'm sure that you'll have to meet many tough moments but you're ready for this, aren't you?I am with you all the time, wishing you bravery and feith.