Malawi Trip - Day 18, Monday 20 July 2009

July 27th, 2009 Posted in SCHOOL TRIP REPORTS

Heavy rain overnight resulted in the cancellation of our first activity as the dirt roads on to the Satemwa tea and coffee estate were too impassable – no problem, a quick reverse and it was off to Jacaranda House for a quick tour of the orphanage. This accomplished we were soon back on schedule with a visit to the Thyolo Outreach programme. This is a venture done by Anne Davidson under the auspices of the Malawi Children’s Fund with the assistance of Magritte Sacranie. These two remarkable women help to feed, clothe and educate many of the orphans of the Thyolo and Bvumbwe districts as well as caring for the elderly. We were given a tremendous welcome with singing and dancing by the local villagers. After a brief talk in the local church the pupils helped to distribute the daily meal to the many disadvantaged – a humbling but happy experience. Before leaving we [presented the four eldest with blankets. One lady was 96 years old while ‘Bizwick’ didn’t know when he was born but he was well into his nineties.

The day was rounded off with a second visit to Jacaranda House, this time to meet the children who had just returned from School. For several hours they entertained us with songs, poems and dances. It was obvious that they were all well cared for and loved by the nuns.

The evening was spent preparing both physically and mentally for the task ahead – climbing Mulanje Mountain. The poor weather cast some doubt on the venture as good visibility is a key safety requirement. Everyone hoped for two things – good weather and that the mountain was not as difficult to climb as it appears. I can answer the latter in the negative. The weather will have to wait. Goodnight all!

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