Malawi Jake

Monile Mose ku Malawi

(Hello All from Malawi)

I've finally had the opportunity to see, read and feel your remarkable words. Once again I thank you for your kind and generous contributions. Whether a posting, a letter or a package I am deeply moved by all of your support. I encourage you to continue reading, writing and enjoying this website as it will provide a sort of documentation of our lives here. Hopefully, in the future (if flickety-flick odsoul himself ever gets out of the water) it will be a bit more pleasant to your eyes, including some photographs I've recently sent home.

So here's a brief update: I have officially left our homestay village and write to you from Lilongwe, the capital. The parting with my family was sad yet enjoyable leaving with smiles, dances and a full stomach. They gave me a cup and saucer, locally made, because they understood how much I enjoy coffee and tea. It was one of the things we joked about every morning. My host father would say, 'coffee-tea gives you power.' Needless to say, I felt guilty and awkward receiving the gift and could only think about how much of their little money they must have spent on it. I had anticipated such a situation and thought that I made it clear to them not to give me anything. My village neighbors also stopped by for a visit on my final day to give me maize, beans and potatoes for my journey. I was truly touched knowing that food at times is in short supply and much more valued than it is in the states. Once again, Malawians truly do you have a warm and kind heart.

Tomorrow is our swearing-in ceremony at the Country Director's residence. All 16 of us will officially become Peace Corps Volunteers. One of us will become one again :) I have been asked by the training staff to deliver the thank-you speech in the local language that I have learned, Chitumbuka. More interestingly, it will be televised on Malawian National Television so for any of you with satellites or high-tech gadgets, give it a go. If not, I'll try to acquire a copy of some sort so that some day in the future we may watch and laugh. The most delightful news about tomorrow's ceremony for me is that our host families have been invited and will be transported from the village. I believe my host mom has never seen the capital so I am happy for her. Last Friday my host dad and I went to the market to buy him so clothes for the occasion. Believe it or not, he looks pretty smart, particularly with the leather hat I'm lending to him.

On Sunday I will depart for Zolokere where I will somehow build a life for the next two years. My first goal is proper community integration, which will take time, patience, an open mind, a lot of language and a warm heart on my part. If I am successful at this process I truly believe that it will be possible to help these people in some way. The question that follows will be in what way and in which method. It is possible I will be looking to some of you for advice or resources.

I won't have cell phone coverage nor internet at my post so I am maintaining hope in communication with the Malawian Postal System. I urge you all to be patient in my responses as it will take time. Time to you is a much different concept than to us here in Africa. We follow the sun and moons, the weather the plant and the harvest, which I must admit is one of the greater aspects of this experience. However, if you do have the urge or the money to call please do so this week, my phone is on and working and waiting for your words: 265 9297708.

That is all for now, but plan on some more thought by the end of the week. Thanks again for your thoughts and contributions. I hope some of mine warm your heart.

Malawi Jake or 'Jakey' as the locals call me (not far from the 'Jakai' I was called in Lithuania)

Posted by jake at April 29, 2004 03:20 PM