We are amazed at how much and how little we have done. An oxymoron I know. We have been so busy everyday but the need here is so huge we have often felt we have accomplished so, so, little.
However, what has amazed us so much has been the response of the people here--over and over they say "thank-you for just coming to see!" That is truly humbling. What do you say when you have done little more than give a bar of soap or hand over a cup of porridge.
Today we were invited to a local multi-denominational type church. Not a huge church, and not a church in the slums but a church that used a school for its facility.
Let me say that you may want to skip your aerobics class before you attend here--the fervor used in their song makes a work-out seem rather low key! The song and dance is very much Africa. They pour heart, soul, and body into their praise and worship. After this the minister spoke for almost an hour without a note in front of him. His message seemed strangely written to us volunteers today. He stressed the fact that all need to look for our gifts and use them when little hints are given to us in our everyday lives. "The minister's gift of speech is as important as the job of the floor sweeper". We should not "sit on our assets!"
Now that we are nearing the end of our journey we will need to reassess our personal gift and assets and how we will use them in the future. Will we return? Will we go elsewhere? We don't know but... do we love Malawi--a resounding yes. The poverty, the red dust, the smoke ,
no...but the people are truly amazing.
Tomorrow very early we leave Lilongwe and head out for our two day safari at Mvuu (means hippo) in the southeastern side of the country. Elephants and hippos here we come. We are not sure of our internet access there so if you followers don't see a blog in the next day or so fear not we will be fine--just away from civilization!
So signing off for today.
Blessings to all and remember sit not on your assets!
Nettie
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