Found out that the 3rd year Electrical class (with my faves – Georgina, Cobby, Charity, Chimwemwe, Haslon, etc.) did not make. Well there were enough people, but Soko resigned because he found a new job, so the teacher who was supposed to teach 3rd year got shifted to teaching the 2nd year class. Was pretty disappointed about this and we had a difficult goodbye with Georgina and Cobby, full of hugs and sadness since they will be moving down south (a 25 hour public bus ride) and I likely won’t see them for months, if not years. I’d gotten used to having them around again and loved hanging out and chatting. I was more upset though when Georgina started talking about her future plans. With the certification level that they have currently, they haven’t been able to find decent, long-term jobs. So they were hoping the better level that they would get with the 3rd year would boost them into something good career-wise. Without the class now, she’s planning on moving to Blantyre and going back to secondary school. To explain, you take exams at the end of secondary school (high school) that determine whether or not you go to college. Unfortunately there are only 4 (is that right past volunteers?) traditional universities here, which accept about 2,000 students in total for the whole country each year. So that’s like 2% of the population getting a college degree and the rest are just left out. Odds are, her scores are not going to be good enough to go to college. So she’s basically abandoning the idea of being an electrician and will likely end up just staying without a job. I cannot even explain to you how heavy this weighs on my heart. She’s so fabulous and bright and just plain amazing that it hurts me to hear that she thinks she’s at a dead end.

I went with Clifford and Chief Mwanganda to see the other plot of land that I’m considering. It was way bigger – I really only need half of it – but unfortunately the chief didn’t seem to want to sell only part of it. So I’m worried that it will be way more than I can afford. I feel more drawn to the other plot aesthetically, but this second one is the more practical option. It’s literally right next to MIRACLE (it shares a boundary) which is great socially since the majority of my friends live on campus. It’s also nice security wise because I’d be close to trusted people if anything happens, whereas the other is kind of in the middle of nowhere. And electricity hookups MIGHT be easier since it’s near campus. We’ll see. It’s definitely not as beautiful, but I think with some clearing of the bushes and some slashing of the grass, it has potential. There’s a great tree too which is nice. And there’s enough land that I could eventually cultivate (plant crops) one day or build rental quarters on it. Just waiting on Clifford to see what the prices are for everything. Keep your fingers crossed that I can afford one of them!!

Laura and I have had some very interesting chats lately about different Malawian cultures, specifically with gender roles, familial connections, and marriage. Because here in Malawi, they simply don’t understand the concept of just dating someone. Within a day of hearing that Banda and I were dating, they suddenly blew it into “Alyson’s got a fiancé.” Sigh. But one of the nice things that has come out of that craziness (which I’m about to give up trying to dispel since it’s like an indestructible cockroach) is that the Madames have been very forthcoming on their advice. And even though I’m not really in that place, I’ve always found hearing about such things fascinating. Last year Molly and Matt and I were able to have some long chats with Madame Mwalweni about similar topics, so I was excited to continue learning. Madame Sichone kicked it off by telling us about some of the traditions that seem stranger to a Western mind. I’m all for different lifestyles but when those rituals are physically and emotionally abusive to pre-teen and teenage girls, no ma’am. So those stories were difficult to hear at times. From what she was saying though, those activities do seem to be limited to a small tribe rather than being widespread. Because, as usual, it’s impossible to paint all Malawians with the same brush. No such thing as a definitive “Malawian culture” because there are so many different tribes of peoples, all with their own histories and traditions – and even languages (there are 40ish of them in Malawi – just an indication of how diverse this country is!). Our chat with Madame Mwalweni was much less voyeuristic and thus more to my taste; more about understanding the meanings behind certain rituals (some of which are emotionally lovely) and how to respectfully find a place of belonging. Especially because she not only talked about marriage relations, but also about how different family members are expected to act and signs of respect and how to visit new households. It was just really nice – like talking to an Auntie – and I know the things she told us will be more than helpful in the years to come and even now just in my daily interactions with teachers and neighbors.

Nearly sliced my thumb off while slicing bread the other day. A bit exaggerative, but there was blood spouting everywhere and I was worried for a bit that I’d need to go to the doctor. Fortunately, it looks like I’ll be just fine if I can keep it clean and uninfected (a bigger task here in Malawi lol). Oh how I miss American conveniences… never truly appreciated the saying “best thing since sliced bread” until I moved here!

Had a GREAT trip to Gondwe’s! As mentioned in a previous post, I was becoming dubious about the wisdom of taking Vitu along with us, because of his hysterical fits when we leave. So we passed his house without a peep, but of course he heard through the grapevine that we were around, so he came trotting up to Gondwe’s. He was even more adorable then ever – so much giggling and belly-laughter that we were shocked! He spent a good hour sitting on my lap and leaping for my neck when I dared to set him down. He loved the horsey game this time and also decided to help himself to the last sips of my Coca-Cola. Eventually we gathered a crowd so we spent a while chatting with them and drawing in the dirt, before it all got to be too hectic and thus time to leave. I was apprehensive, especially since we didn’t have anyone with us to translate for him and his family. But I used my limited knowledge to just keep saying to him “We are going home. You should stay here. We will find you tomorrow.” And I don’t know if it was that or if his parents spanked it into him last time, but he was perfectly calm! No crying, no clinging to us. He hugged us goodbye, I passed him off to his dad, and he even gave a little wave. Oh it was so lovely and made my heart happy to know that we can now spend time with him without feeling awful about abandonment!

Laura and I have completely bonded with Raymond and far from being the quiet, conservative boy we first thought he was, we’ve come to love his chattiness, frequent giggles, and suggestive side comments. Love him like the brother I never had! We’ve spent many hours watching Nigerian films with him (which I’m finally getting used to and coming to appreciate for their ridiculousness) and he even came by our house by himself the other day to visit. Had a fun time as he got his friendship bracelet from Laura and we offered him one cookie and he grabbed 10. And he ate every single one of them, the adorable kid.

Tragedy almost struck one day in the form of our water being turned off. The Brothers failed to tell us that we were supposed to pay the water and electric bills… now I’d be more than happy to, but the bills don’t even come to our house, so I have no idea what to even do! Figured we were just supposed to pay them back after they handled it. So the month ended and the water board came to turn off our water. Thank goodness that Beams found them at it and paid, so we still have water! Whew! That would have been a 2-week nightmare of waiting for them to turn it back on.

In related news, we just went through a 28 hour stretch of having no electricity. Without a supply of firewood, we’ve been pretty hungry without our stove-top cooker. Thankfully it came back tonight – my eyes hurt it was so bright!

Laura and I had our first experience of making nsima on our own… well really she did because it’s kinda a one person process and then next time, I’ll be the cook. The boys had us over again so we could do it, but adorably made their own pot of nsima so that we wouldn’t all go hungry :) Laura did a brilliant job – I was so impressed! She stirred the whole time which is quite the task since it gets very thick and tiring. And I thought the nsima was pretty great for a first try. It stayed together in patties which isn’t something I can say for my first attempt. Raymond said it wasn’t cooked all the way through, but that’s what he’s here for – next time we can make the necessary corrections! I’m sure it will just take time and practice but we are both bound and determined to become master nsima chefs. Had a great time eating with them, all 7 of us sitting in a circle on their living room floor, dishing up food and taking a meal together. Had an overwhelming feeling of family. I love when that feeling just rushes up on you unexpectedly. Moments to take note of and linger in. Also had a solid 5 minutes of hysterical laughter as we decided to figure out the logistics of one of the sweet Yawo rituals involving the knotting of a chitenje (cloth – like a sheet). Lol Oh man I can’t even type without shaking with laughter thinking of Banda waiting impatiently for my laughter to subside, Raymond looking on with non-stop giggles, and Laura’s inspired photography angles. Truly an epic evening.