11 perspectives

[Previous Post]

This evening, after our meal, each of us recorded brief thoughts on the day. I’ve transcribed them below.

Helen: “It was a perfect start to the day to walk down towards the increasing volume and beautiful harmonies of the singing in the Assembly Hall.”

Gill: “I loved the weather today! Most people wouldn’t, but I like it cold and overcast. Perfect!”

Gillian: “Fascinating, seeing the macadamia nut project, learning all about seeds and saplings and bushes. Such vision!”

Ruth: It was so good to hear Ken Mkengala [Ken is chair of Highland Macadamia Cooperative Ltd - HIMCUL, and Adviser to the macadamia project at Home of Hope] praising the staff here for the work they are doing and how good it is. Yes he still found things they need to do, but he said how good they are and how well the crop is growing.”

Ken Mkengala, under a macadamia tree at Home of Hope

Carolyn: “It was great to understand all of of the aspects of the macadamia nut production fit together, and to discover that the Home of Hope is actually an almost perfect place to produce macadamia. And not only to product it but also to enable it to reach a market. Unlike many other places, Home of Hope has good access by road, the right conditions, the right irrigation and other facilities. It’s important for nutrition for the community, for Carbon Futures, and more. Amazing!”

Phil: “Utterly delightful watching the face of a young man who was at the Home of Hope, went to university to study Agriculture, and now works for the Malawian Army locally. He wanted to come and see Rev Chipeta, to “give back”. He obviously had a lovely time here at Home of Hope, creating a bond that made him want to return and see Rev Chipeta. It’s a clear signal about the way children are treated here.” 

Gillian: “..as was Rosemary - the young lady we met this morning - who came to Hope of Hope at one day old, is now 24, and has just one year to go before qualify as a nurse.”

Alysha: “I felt a lot more connected today, learning some Chichewa in the local clinic and then being able to interact with some of the patients and in the afternoon some of the kids. It was great having fun!”

Debbie: “Before I came to Malawi, with my heart I wanted to spend time with the children. To be able to do that since yesterday is the most wonderful thing for me. Yesterday we worked with the youngest ones, and today the older ones - between the ages of 18 and 24. We had a lovely time. I was able to interact with them, then we went on to speak with the Mothers as well. So for me I fulfilled by coming to Malawi. That’s where my heart goes! I’m very happy.”

Rafal: “Every day brings new experiences, small and big. So many things happened today, starting with Debbie doing her beautiful entertainment job. Then Alysha was teaching me some Chichewa. It’s a totally difficult language for me! The most important thing was seeing how well the project management is going, yesterday and today - bringing all the information into one place in a spreadsheet, so we know what to do today and what we expect to achieve. The experience of being Mchinji - I’ve had the opportunity to do that twice - and we can always feel the spirit of this place, this culture.”

Cement and timber from the local town of Mchinji

Sue: “For me, the generosity of Rev and Mrs Chipeta this morning to us when we went to their house - we went with some very small gifts - and they presented us with amazing dresses and shirts, which are so beautiful and colourful. Not only that, but Home of Hope as a marvellous “tailoring service” as well, in the form of lovely Cynthia and her team, so that those of us for whom the dresses were not quite the right fit can look forward to having them fitted for us! I think we want to wear them on Sunday, if they’re ready.” 

Alex: “I have really enjoyed working with Rafal and Debbie today, and it’s rather surprising to see how is happening at the Primary School. A small suggestion from us that we might want to focus on some very basic maintenance has taken off in to a full-blown “as-new refresh”, and it’s fantastic to see the depth of vision of the teachers in particular, who hope for and want the best for that environment for the the children. This evening, just as we were about to come back from the main office at about 5pm - we were there looking at the new windows for the school - Linda [one of the core Home of Hope staff] said, ‘I’m so happy!’ I said ‘Good! Tell me, why are you so happy?’ She replied, ‘The children are going to come back to a beautiful environment, and it’s going to be the best for them.’” 

[Next Post]