A Trip to Remember

Being able to share my Malawi experiences is one of my favorite things about this year. Whether it is through my blogs or in person, when people learn more about Malawi, I consider it a win. Over the past week I was able to share Malawi with my Dad and Nana and it was such a blessing. 

After 230 days without being able to hug my Dad, finally being reunited with him here in Malawi was certainly a highlight of my year. He brought with him my 86 year old Nana (his mother) who has been to Malawi once before in 2004-2005 when we lived here last, but never imagined she would have the opportunity to come back. After the long trip here we spent their first night resting at my house here in Mulanje and getting ready for all the adventures that lay ahead of us.

The next morning we traveled down into Shire Valley to a game reserve there called Nyala where you can see all sorts of wildlife including giraffes. It was especially fun to go here with my Dad since I know it is one of his favorite places and we used to visit it frequently as a family. While there we were lucky enough to experience all the park had to offer! We saw a beautiful herd of giraffes very up close and personal. We also managed to bury the car in mud (twice) but thankfully, managed to get it out both times.

From the park we then headed up to the top of the Zomba Plateau where we spent the evening at a cottage overlooking the massive Great Rift Valley. It begins here in Malawi and is like a spinal curve that then goes up through Africa.  Our time at the cottage was very restful and wonderful. The power went out while I was cooking dinner (that is nothing new) but I think I impressed my Nana when it didn’t bother me and I immediately started cooking over the fire we had made.  The following morning after we did a bit of shopping we then headed to our next stop, Kutchire Lodge in Liwonde National Park.

Since I was on a school break, this trip was really an opportunity for us all to relax and have a good time which we certainly took advantage of. At Liwonde we spent hours sitting on top of the lookout tower chatting and enjoying each other’s company, while admiring the various wildlife that would wander in and out of our view. We also were typical tourist and took a safari into the park to see herds of elephants, impala, warthogs and so much more in the morning, and then took a river safari in the late afternoon. In order to get to the main boat we had to take a canoe through some of the small inlets, which during we saw a HUGE crocodile which caused my life flash before my eyes, but I’m happy to report I made it through unscathed. Our time relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Malawi was wonderful!

Our next big event was attending Silas and Margaret Ncozana’s 50^th Wedding Anniversary celebration. This was such a big event that it will have its own blog, so tune in next week to read all about this amazing event and to see some of the pictures!

After the anniversary event, we traveled back home to Mulanje. My Dad has spent the last 5+ years working on, dreaming about, and facilitating the building and creation of St. Andrews Mission Secondary School, where I am living and working. On Monday he spent the entire day in a board meeting ironing out any obstacles the school is currently facing while Nana and I began to pack up their things and did some cooking. On Tuesday morning we all attended morning chapel where my Dad gave the students a great pep talk encouraging them to seize this opportunity they have and to really make the most out of it. He reminded them they are the bright future of Malawi and told them he would be cheering for them and praying for them every step of the way. It was amazing for me to sit there and watch him talk to the same students I teach every week and see that both of us care so deeply about their success and have such high hopes for them in the future. 

Later that morning, we were able to take my Nana, who is a retired nurse, to the local district hospital. No matter how many times I visit the hospitals here they always have a huge impact on me. I was very glad I had the opportunity to show a fellow healthcare worker the hospitals here in Malawi, which I think is always an eye opening experience for everyone.

That afternoon was the highlight of their trip for me.  My students had come back from their break so my Dad and Nana came with me to Form 1 Biology class to watch me teach. I was a little nervous to have them there watching me, but as I walked into the classroom and saw the students that I had been missing for two weeks, my nerves vanished and I was ready to get started. We have begun learning about the digestive system and what better way to learn than through demonstration. Since I had extra helpers in the room I put them to work. My Dad passed out homemade chocolate chip cookies to the students (which they were SO excited about) as I began to talk about the digestive system. The class went quickly and everyone there seemed to be learning and having a great time. My Dad even raised his hand and answered a question correctly! Having them in class with me and having them see what I have been doing for the past eight months was such a blessing and is something I will never forget.

Although it was a quick trip, having my Dad and Nana here renewed my spirits. Their presence and encouragement will help carry me through the last four months of my time here in Malawi. The memories that we made will stay with me for a life time. The opportunity to share a place that I love with people that I love is the greatest gift and I am very thankful for the opportunity to have it.