What Is In A Name?

As a teacher here, at the end of every term I am responsible for grading and recording the results of the tests that I administered to my students. At the end of Term 2 as I was looking at my grade book I couldn’t help but think as universal as this act is for teachers all over the world, the names in my grade book are some very different names than we are used to seeing in the States. 

 

Unlike in the United States where most people are known by their first names, here in Malawi people are known by their surnames (last names). When we first met the staff here at St. Andrews the head master had to ask the teachers what their first names were before he could introduce us because he is not used to calling them by their first names. Likewise, on the first day of class when I was asking the students to introduce themselves, many of them started by telling me their last names. Eventually everyone seemed to figure out that we are more accustomed to using first names and they have been so great at reminding us of theirs if we forget.

Some Malawians have names that you could find in many schools or workplaces in the United States such as: Steve, Vincent, Charles, Nancy, etc. However some names I have in my grade book I don’t think you would find many places in the US. In my Form 1 Biology class I have three students named Chisomo. Chisomo in Chichewa means grace. It is so fun to see these common names of Malawians that are so beautifully diverse from the names I’m used to seeing in the States.

It is my understanding after talking to several of my friends here that naming a child happens in a few different ways. Names can come from family members, emotions, situations, the Bible or the parents might just like a specific name. Whatever was going on in the lives of the family during the time of the birth of a child, can often times be portrayed in the name. This sometimes does not work out as well for the child, due to the fact they could end up with a name like Misery, but often they are joyous names. Angel, Praise, Blessings, and Happiness are all names of people I have met here in Malawi. Sometimes when a child is born prematurely or sick the parents will name it and if the baby beats the odds and recovers and survives they end up with a Chichewa name meaning “sick one” but at least they survived! I have been told by a few people their children have been named after loved ones that have passed away as a tribute to them, similar to customs in the states. 

No matter what the names of these people are, whether their name is Misery or Praise, they are all such a blessing to encounter and learn from. They may not always say my name correctly, I may not always remember their name off the top of my head, but their faces and their names will be carved into my mind and heart long after we say goodbye. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to meet so many amazing people during my time here. Next time you sign your name, be reminded of the joyous names I mentioned and I hope they will bring a smile to your face as they do to mine.

Stuck in the Mud

One of the challenges that the rainy season presents is the effect of the rain on the dirt roads that cover the country. There are a few main tarmac roads that go throughout the country but for the main part, it’s dirt roads that take you places. I have learned that part of living and driving here is getting stuck in the mud occasionally. I have officially gone through what I’m learning to be this Malawian rite of passage.

 

As rain was falling I said goodbye to the friends we had been visiting and hopped in my car to head home. I knew it would be a tricky drive until I got back to the paved road but I thought I could make it. I made it maybe 100 yards … Driving in the mud is very similar to driving in the snow, your instincts tell you to do one thing, but you really should be doing another. As I approached a giant puddle that covered the road I thought to myself, “I don’t know how deep that is, so I should try to drive around it?”  I later learned this was a mistake. The side of the road that I decided to drive on was a deep mix of water and dirt, aka, mud. As soon as I started to drive through this area my wheels started to spin due to lack of traction, digging an impressive hole my car then sunk into and I was stuck.

I had to laugh as I walked back to see my friends and tell them exactly how far I had made it before I got stuck. Once there, they all gathered and we formulated a plan to get my car unstuck. Near where I got stuck there was a village, and as soon as the local people heard the car wheels spinning, they came over to see what was happening. By the time I returned to where my car was sunk in the mud with my friends a large group of local villagers had assembled, ready to help.

As frustrating as it was to be stuck in the mud, it was also a really beautiful experience. I was surrounded by people that didn’t know me, didn’t expect anything of me, and didn’t need to get covered in mud to help me, but there they were, willing and ready. As they surrounded my car and literally lifted it out of the mud, I was in awe of the Warm Heart of Africa. In awe of how strong they were when working together. In awe of just how giving and selfless the people are here. 

Together, the group that had assembled got my car unstuck. I was so grateful to all those who helped, without them I’m not sure what I would have done. Getting stuck in the mud is part of everyday life when driving in the rainy season. After getting stuck in the mud I have so many things to be thankful for, like the group of good Samaritans that literally lifted me out of a sticky situation, my friends that gave me advice for driving in the mud, for the roads I take advantage of at home (even with all the potholes they beat the roads here), and for the opportunity to even have a car to get stuck in the mud. Sure, by the end of this experience I was covered from head to toe with mud, but being reminded of the how beautifully selfless and giving the people here are made my time stuck in the mud a really good experience and reminder for me! 

Meet My Students, Part 5

Name: Mirrium Issa

Age: 14

Home village: Blantrye

Favorite food: Chicken and Rice

Favorite Subject: Biology

 Hobbies and Activities: I like to dance.

Siblings and Family: I have three brothers and two sisters and we live with our mom only.

When you grow up?  I want to be a nurse.

If you could have anything what would it be? I would like a bike.

If you could go anywhere where would you go and why? I would like to go to London to see a bridge and how they look.

Something you wish you could change about Malawi: I wish I could change some of the behaviors of the Malawian people.

Something you want Americans to know about you: I like to chat with all people.

Things you are thankful for:  I am blessed with my brothers, my sisters, my school, my mother, my family, and my friends.

Teacher’s Notes: Mirrium is such a sweet girl. She is a very hard working student and is always willing to answer questions and volunteer. She is a hard worker and really cares about her studies.

Name: Beatrice Mhango

Age: 12

Home village: Blantyre

Favorite food: Chips and Rice

Favorite Subject: English, Biology, Math and Physics

Hobbies and Activities:  I like listening to music and dancing

Siblings and Family: I have one brother and one sister and live with them and my parents.

When you grow up? I want to be a doctor.

If you could have anything what would it be? I want to finish secondary school and get good marks (grades).

If you could go anywhere where would you go and why? I would like to go to India to see the way they dress.

Something you wish you could change about Malawi: I wish I could change early child marriages.

Something you want Americans to know about you: In my family, we are three children and I am the last born.

Things you are thankful for: I am thankful for my family, relatives, friends, God, and all the children.

Teacher’s Notes: Beatrice is a wonderful student. She works very hard during class and seems to enjoy learning. Outside of the classroom I always see her laughing and joking with her friends, enjoying being at school.

Name: Tamanda Sapuwa

Age: 13

Home village: Zomba

Favorite food: Pizza and Chips

Favorite Subject: Biology

Hobbies and Activities: I like singing dancing, swimming and cooking for my family.

Siblings and Family: I have one brother and stay with my parents and 3 of my cousins.

When you grow up? I want to be a medical doctor.

If you could have anything what would it be? I would like a phone so that I could use it during free time.

If you could go anywhere where would you go and why? I would like to go to the United States, especially Miami because there are many beaches there and I like to swim.

Something you wish you could change about Malawi: I wish there were more hospitals so that people will get get better and live happily. I would like the hospitals to be free of charge.

Something you want Americans to know about you: I love to dance

Things you are thankful for: I feel thankful because I have my family, I go to school, I dance, I smile, and I am thankful I have Miss Merry and Miss Mack in my life.

Teacher’s Notes: Tamanda is always smiling. Recently when we were playing Frisbee, every time she caught it she did a little dance and had all of us playing and smiling along with her. She gives out so much joy and happiness all the time, it is contagious.

Name: Truth Jere

Age: 13

Home Village: Blantyre, boarder at the school.

Favorite Food: Chocolate

Favorite Subject: Computer

Hobbies and Activities: I like playing football (soccer)

Siblings and Family:: I have one sister and two brothers. I stay with my mother and sister

When you grow up? I want to be a soldier.

If you could have anything what would it be? Every kind of book

If you could go anywhere where would you go and why? I would like to go to America because I want to see a new life.

Something you wish you could change about Malawi: I would change the way of living in Malawi and how people associate with one another.

Something you want Americans to know about you: I want them to know about my life here.

Things you are thankful for: I am thankful my mother sent me here (SAMSS) and that I am safe here. My school bag. Clothes. Books. Shoes.

Teacher’s Notes:  Truth is new to the class this term! I am so impressed by his work ethic already though. He is determined to catch up on everything we cover in Term 1 and has such a hunger to learn it is inspiring.