week 2

Started with a meeting in town…long day for a short meeting—but about some of my work here. I’ll meet with the women’s group (at some point) to see what they are doing and how we can integrate into that because they are a strong group, I’m supposed to come into the office at least once a week to get questions answered and find out what is going on. I’ve typed up some bible verses in Chichewa…harder than one would suppose as the words are repetitive and long and look quite wrong on the computer screen. But I am able to recognize most of the books of the Bible.
I went to say hello at Ebenezer. They were on midterm break last week so this was my first chance. I stuck my head in the first door but didn’t know that teacher…then I hear from across the playground “teacher jess, how are YOU?” and then “teacher jess, teacher jess” from all the kids. Very cute. I met two of the new teachers and said hello to the ones that I know. We’re all very excited that I’m back for the year—even if I’m not teaching I got a big hug from a student who wasn’t ever in my class but was the first one to hug me. Then I played on the playground with them for their break time…exhausting when they all want your attention! But fun of course.
Went to one of the youth dept meeting/follow-ups in Ntchisi…into town with the school bus (leaves at 6) to be at the office at 8 where we didn’t leave until 10 to run errands along the way and finally arrive at 1230…I imagine the people there had been waiting for quite a while. It was a followup from a previous meeting on how to meet with youth and teach them and to get feedback on the challenges they have faced and hopefully get some suggestions on how to overcome and do the programs better. Again, mostly in Chichewa but I gave a few words of encouragement before leaving because it is great to see their enthusiasm (even when I don’t understand what’s going on). It was a long day as I got home about 7 that night.
Went to the lake for the weekend—the water was beautiful and relaxing. Talked with the owner of the hostel about the local culture—much more traditional there it sounds like but possibly some things I’m going to have to deal with too. The rites of girls to women—how they learn to be good wives (often taught by an elder how to please their husband), the fact that when something new happens and the ancestors need to be told that someone is “sent” to tell them. (ex—new fishing nets, so the ancestors will fill them). The role of the traditional dancers…it was a very short explanation that went quickly and there is so much more behind it that I’m probably going to have to get more in depth on. We’ll see.