Red Out Loud

Hi Friends!

Back from another week in Tiyambe Nawo. Have not had the chance yet to spend the weekend writing something special for you all, but just wanted to check in. I am still fascinated by this country, the people, the warmth, the joy through the madness. This week we bonded even more with our family. I made peanut butter from scratch, learned to cook Nsima, played cards with Mama, Patzo (their son), Diana and bethe on a mat under the tree in their front yard, goats, dogs and chickens checking in with us from time to time. We danced every night with our little “dance troupe,” made up of 5 girls age 6 to 13 who have taught us aunthentice Chichewan dances and songs. We dance and help to prepare dinner all at once. Each night we spent talking with the family about ways to better help the villagers and the school, inspire the teachers and help them want to work on bettering the classroom activity. Mama took us on a walk through the village so we could see how “we Malawians” live, when I tell you that The Benesi family lives like a royal family in comparison to the rest of the villagers, I am not exaggerating. Most of the families sleep in one room together, goats, children and chickens in the living area, parents in a bedroom area. Bedroom area consisting of a windowless room and a mat. Many of them can not read or write, but they welcomed us warmly into their homes, formal greetings and one family even offered us delicious roasted peanuts. I visited an afternoon school set up for adults of the village who want to learn to read and write in Chichewan, could only stand with them a few minutes before the mounds of children called for me. So as not to be distracting, I abided by their invitation, played soccer and danced through two afternoons with them!

We are being picked up! More to come Sunday!

Miss you all more than you know!

xx