As a thank-you for spending 3 hours guiding us through the marketplace and explaining all of the prices to us, Laura and I decided to take Banda to the beach for some swimming and drinks. And it turned out to be one of the best days! I always end up counting lake days as some of the best, so that’s really no surprise! We swung through the market first to buy forgotten items (feeling bad of course for putting him through it again during his thank-you present lol), picked up some fresh rolls and headed down to Blue Beach. Fortunately the place was not so crowded, so we staked our claim of sand and immediately went running into the water. Much too hot for any delaying. Spent a long time splashing around, alternately laughing at Banda’s antis and worrying that we’d have to use our lifeguarding skills to save him. Particularly when he climbed aboard a stranger’s canoe and then jumped ship when he realized it had gone out to far. Laura said she felt like he was a Make-A-Wish kid who really just wanted to go to the lake and we were making his dreams come true :) The water was warm and calm, the children kept a respectable distance, and there were no drunken men to harass us/attempt to woo us… all in all, a lovely time! After swimming for a long while, we taught the children and Banda how to make a sand castle, a lost art here in Malawi. A little difficult without buckets, but we were able to construct a respectable castle. Made my heart happy to turn back on our way home and see a kid making his own. After spending too long in the sun, we relaxed under an umbrella, eating our picnic of peanut butter and rolls, drinking sodas, and enjoying the view. It was so clear you could see clear across the lake into Tanzania. Was overwhelmed with peace and happiness as I sat there with two of my favorite people in a town that now feels like home.

In an act of forgetfulness, neither of us thought to bring sunscreen. Result: Worst sunburn of my life. My face is bubbling and both Laura’s and my foreheads are oozing… disgusting. We are a mess. Our backs and shoulders are so burnt we can’t lift our arms and even the softest of shirts induce winces. Greeting students today was rough with all of the back-slapping and hugs. Hopefully it’ll fade within the week. We still say it’s worth it though. :)