Lessons Learned From a Funeral

The youth center for Active Youth in Development was going up too well. In Malawian standards there were no problems-every time I went to the site the youth group, led by a hardworking contractor, were diligently layering bricks, mixing cement and building a youth center. I am so proud of them.

Saturday I went to the site to help work for the day. By help, I mean I carry some bricks, try to mix some cement, and mostly stand in the way. They don't let me do a lot of work, but I like being around and it so cool to see a building come to life.

I was watching the contractor work on Saturday and thought to myself-'we really lucked out.' Not only was his quote the lowest, but the building was going up on schedule. He wasn't showy or chatty-he got the job done.

Sunday morning I got a call at 5:30am saying that he had died. Our contractor got hit by a car on his bicycle after buying some tomatoes at the market. It was dark outside and a truck was trying to overtake another car on the narrow road-the trailer of the truck swung and hit our builder. He died instantly from head trauma. I went to the funeral Sunday morning, the group was really upset but they are moving forward. And that is what I am taking from this death-life goes on. We bought the roofing this morning and the group is looking for a new builder this week. It is not because they are over the death of our friend, it is because they still have to plant the crops, they still have to draw the water, and they still have to build our youth center.

My sister comes tomorrow-it could not be better timed. I am so looking forward to her visit, followed my parents arrival on the 27th. I really need a vacation and some family time.

Happy holidays and cheers to the new year!

loads of love,
e

A Year at the Turnoff

I have officially completed my first year as a volunteer. It seems so bizarre to think last year at this time I moved into my house at the turnoff-scared, excited, overwhelmed, nervous...yes, mostly nervous. This has been the most intense, trying, inspiring, frustrating, wonderful year. Here is a recap:

December 2009- Arrive at site, it is so hot I think I might die. It takes 2 hours to scramble eggs because my fire keeps going out. What does a teacher development facilitator really do? I read a lot of books and wonder what I am doing in Malawi.

January 2010- This entire year will be spent in Malawi. Hmm. Active Youth in Development is formed. The rains come and I think I might die from the flooding.

February 2010-Starting to figure out being a TDF- but really, what am I doing here?

March 2010- We have been at site for 3 months-training in Dedza. Climb Mt. Mulanje.

April 2010- Start teaching at school. Start planning Camp Sky. This isn't so bad.

May 2010-Happy Birthday to me! Camp Sky is going to be a lot of work. AYID decides to make soap. Being busy is so much better.

June 2010- Winter arrives at the turnoff. The cool weather is amazing.

July 2010- Meet the president of Malawi, celebrate the 4th at the ambassador's house, write a grant for a youth group building, camp sky is next month!

August 2010- CAMP SKY!

September - AMERICA!

October 2010- Search for elephants. October is Typically my favorite one, this one seems never ending.

November 2010- Teaching a lot more. Weekend trips to the lake. Youth group building is started. I buy lots of cement, timber, nails, and other stuff to build a house.

December 2010- I made it. A full year! There were plenty of days I didn't think I would. There were lots of sad, homesick days-but there were plenty more great days. Now I am applying to grad schools and have about 6.5 months left. (this is not official because I will probably have to leave early to start school, but I will be able to finish the school year) My family is coming, AYID's building is going up, we are painting a world map school, and we have another training in January....and then it will be 5.5 months to go!

I hope you are all having a very merry holiday season. Love and miss you all!

love,
e