One week later.....
I've bonded with 15 kids who don't speak english and smile when I enter the children's ward at the CURE hospital. I'm the "azunga" (sp?) or white person. Some kids are shy and stay on their bed as I walk around tickling kids and giving out high fives. Other kids run up to me and greet me with a handshake or hug. These kids are incredible. Crippled but happy and just aching to be normal. Some have been neglected and love every ounce of attention. All of the children have been brought in by a mother or guardian. The women laugh as I play with the children. Every one of the kids that I've met will have a life changing surgery. I've photographed about 10 surgeries and prayer has been answered there. I wasn't sure I could stomach seeing a child opened up in an operating room. But I remind myself that the child's life improves 100% afterwards. Then, it all comes together and I know exactly why I'm here.
So many observations outside of the hospital, I dont want to continue this as a normal post - I feel a hyphenated list is more appropriate since these are straight-forward and contain no fiction. Enjoy.
---Malawi natives are the most polite people that I've ever encountered....smiles, handshakes, greetings, serious interest in my life and my story.....there's a zest here for life here despite conditons
----the poverty is astonishing. Homeless children, dirty and alone. Huts that couldn't sustain a strong wind. Dirty water, dirty hands. Children raising children. Men that will work for a couple hours for 100 kwacha - the equivalent of $.50.
----clothing doesnt matter - the streets are packed and everyone blends together. The driving is ridiculous - sometimes scary.
----all of the missionaries and contract workers like myself feel a bond before we even get to know each other - when it comes down to it, we're all longtime tourists
----Malawians like to ask your name, country of origin and then the 3rd question is usually "will you be my friend?" Lots of Malawians will ask for your cell number immediately after meeting you, hoping for a financial connection.
----Nothing is guaranteed here - including power and water. Lots of outages. Time is different here. Shops/stores close or open at different hours. When things have a starting time, that doesnt mean much. It could start much later.
----Wal-Mart is everywhere. Game is a Wal-Mart owned store here that has an electronics and sporting goods section that would rival most US stores - except the prices have an outrageous markup. It's ridiculous and sad.
----I was scared I would be bored here - I haven't had time to blog or watch movies/TV. This may change as I get into the groove and stop meeting people everyday but for now, it's encouraging.
----I see God's hand in this country and this city. It's undeniable. There's a ton that is wrong and broken here, but I see the hope and relief that the gospel brings people. Ive met people that planned on staying 6 months and have been here for over 2 years. No plans to leave, just letting God move. I see street kids that have hope, not because of financial relief - but they have people that genuinely love them here.
----Most vehicles are old and exhaust is heavy. Also, lots of open fires used for cooking so Blantyre often smells thick with smoke.
----There's a ton of potential here, but not much motivation. The people are used to living a certain way and a foreigner isn't going to make major change here.
---Beauty is raw and untouched here. Mountains, plants, animal life. The city, sunsets, people's expressions and smiles. I hope to capture some of this beauty - although a camera isnt able to accurately portray this great country.
----clothing doesnt matter - the streets are packed and everyone blends together. The driving is ridiculous - sometimes scary.
----all of the missionaries and contract workers like myself feel a bond before we even get to know each other - when it comes down to it, we're all longtime tourists
----Malawians like to ask your name, country of origin and then the 3rd question is usually "will you be my friend?" Lots of Malawians will ask for your cell number immediately after meeting you, hoping for a financial connection.
----Nothing is guaranteed here - including power and water. Lots of outages. Time is different here. Shops/stores close or open at different hours. When things have a starting time, that doesnt mean much. It could start much later.
----Wal-Mart is everywhere. Game is a Wal-Mart owned store here that has an electronics and sporting goods section that would rival most US stores - except the prices have an outrageous markup. It's ridiculous and sad.
----I was scared I would be bored here - I haven't had time to blog or watch movies/TV. This may change as I get into the groove and stop meeting people everyday but for now, it's encouraging.
----I see God's hand in this country and this city. It's undeniable. There's a ton that is wrong and broken here, but I see the hope and relief that the gospel brings people. Ive met people that planned on staying 6 months and have been here for over 2 years. No plans to leave, just letting God move. I see street kids that have hope, not because of financial relief - but they have people that genuinely love them here.
----Most vehicles are old and exhaust is heavy. Also, lots of open fires used for cooking so Blantyre often smells thick with smoke.
----There's a ton of potential here, but not much motivation. The people are used to living a certain way and a foreigner isn't going to make major change here.
---Beauty is raw and untouched here. Mountains, plants, animal life. The city, sunsets, people's expressions and smiles. I hope to capture some of this beauty - although a camera isnt able to accurately portray this great country.
Thank you for the post!! I loved hearing about your first impressions of Malawi and how quickly you have found the beauty in the place and people. Your photos are gorgeous -- you capture the children so well. I want you to create a whole book of photos when you get back!!!
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