Back in Malawi...
May 28, 2007
Dear Friends,
We have arrived back in Malawi after having a great time in the US attending a seminar, visiting friends and relatives and eating a lot of ice cream! When I am there, it is hard to imagine that Malawi really exists and when I am here it's hard to imagine that the USA exists. It is like two different planets. We are experiencing the start of winter with temps in the 60's at night. Without heaters in the houses, it can feel chilly, so we put on layers of clothes in order to sleep comfortably.
I've already talked to a few of the students who are being assisted at this time, and they are excited and excelling. Chimwemwe Phiri is now number two in his class and is preparing to take his Senior exams. His story is very moving: when he was in fifth grade, his mother died suddenly. Since he was the youngest of 11 children and the others were not able to care for him, he basically lived "like a dog" (his words) on the street. In 2000, when he was fifteen, he was rescued from his plight and started back to school. Being very tall for his age, it was difficult to overcome all the teasing by his classmates. But he has persevered and now will finish high school with plans to go on to college.
Each student has a similar sad story, but now have hope for the future.
Hope all of you are having a fun Memorial Day Weekend!