home again!!

and i'm back in black mountain, NC!! nice to be home and see my mom and dad and sister!! hope you are all well wherever you may be!

ny->ct

So I’m a week behind in real life…last Thursday we picked up a U-Haul van, loaded it with most of Ana’s belongings…it was a toss up on who would drive…she doesn’t drive often since she got her license her sophomore year at Davidson…I have been in Africa for a year and a half driving on the left side of the road, back for 3 days…and we were on staten Island and had to drive through NYC…I drove with her as navigator…we thought we were lost many times but as far as I could tell didn’t do anything to make other drivers upset or actually get lost…we did go by Laguardia and didn’t know we would be there—a plane landing scared us to death as it sounded and looked close enough to land on us but on we went. Ana will be teaching at Hotchkiss School next year—we moved her in and took a look around. A lake practically in her back yard (so we went swimming), another one close by (I didn’t see this one), carpeted apartment on the third floor above a family who have been there for years…a wander around campus made it seem much closer together than the map they had given us on arrival…there is a cemetery in the middle of the campus which is a bit strange but it is all beautiful. We had decided to stay the night and I’m very glad as I don’t know that I had it in me to do the return trip that day…google maps said 2 ½ hours but it is much more like 4 in a big van (and not knowing the area).
We went for dinner just down the road. Had been told that the black rabbit was a good place to eat. we walked in and were seated very quickly inside as the porch was very full…as was the inside…and I didn’t make it…too loud and close and I really felt it and we had to leave…I think it was good because we went next door to Mizza’s for pizza that was really good and not crowded and we could sit outside where we could hear the live music playing from next door.

bruise

Rhona, Reinette and I gave blood the Friday before rhona and I left…I’ve never been good with blood but I know that it really helps and there is almost always a shortage so in we went…also none of us will be able to give for quite a while in our home countries…it didn’t really hurt while it was happening but after my arm was really sore. It hurt to extend it fully…when I arrived in NYC I had a full blown bruise on the inside of my elbow! the others saidAnd now a week later it is still there though it is finally turning those greeny yellows that mean it is thinking of going away. theirs was sore but i don't think anything near mine

1st night stateside

The flight wasn’t bad…long but that’s to be expected (as they tell you in your itinerary and it won’t change much) we were 30 minutes late in the end but after 23 hours what is another half hour? Ana met me at the airport (when my bags finally came through) and led me through NYC public transport out to her apartment on staten island…over 2 hours but I was able to move and walk and had someone to talk to so I didn’t mind…and none of the subway ride was as crowded as it would have been in malawi.
It stays light so much later here—doesn’t get dark until 830! Still having trouble getting my head around that and it is throwing me off for readjusting I think…when the sun goes down I think it is a little after 6 and then we eat…so dinners have been around 9—which works as I nap in the afternoons. The first night we walked to a Mexican restaurant and I had a really good burrito filled with mushrooms (and spinach and rice and beans) and a blueberry margherita…found myself surprised with the complementary chips and salsa as well as the carafe of ice cold water that just appeared on the table.
Had another group come and sit at a table near ours and I felt like it was just out of a movie…NY accents, Italian looking couples, and loud talking with no care who heard their arguments or other discussions…

saying goodbye

Hard to remember in the moment but it is true…there are no hellos without goodbyes and we just need to cherish the moments we can spend with people—that is what makes our life richer and worth living…

“Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I’ll miss you.
Until we meet again.”

graduation

Thursday before school ended we had our graduation/closing ceremonies. Each class did a bit of a performance—reciting memory verses, singing songs, “reading” in the little classes, and the third grade even did a skit entitled “No Common Sense” where two book-wise men bring a leopard back to life with their learning and are eaten even when they were warned by their ignorant servant…each student received a certificate for some aspect of their academics or behavior giving time for pictures and parents to come up with little gifts…usually sweets or drinks, sometimes money or a big bag of puffs (tastless cheeto round things the kids love). Kindergarten graduated and then the kids got to go home with all the stuff I could give them out of the classroom—workbooks, papers, report cards, certificates…

Friday was the last day of school and not many came…at assembly there were maybe 20 kids. Granted it was party day but really. I was going to set up the projector and show a movie but of course the computer and the projector wouldn’t talk to each other…so we just watched it on the laptop screen…Berenstein Bears cartoons…and everyone left at 1030…except for teachers who had to empty their room into the office so at the beginning of the year the teachers can get what they want and will use instead of lots of things that should probably be in other classes…there is a lot of stuff in a classroom!

lake finale

Feel like time is flying…have to get to the lake as much as I can before going home…I mean if I’m going to have to take the pills for the bellharzia I might as well give myself the full benefit of maybe really needing it…so the two weekends before I left I found myself in Senga Bay. The first was with Ute for an overnight…beautiful, relaxing and quiet at the CCAP cottages. Only downside was there was no fish at the restaurant (WHAT???) they said it was too windy for the little boats to go out as most of the fishermen don’t know how to swim.

The next weekend we (Reinette, Rhona, Amanda and I) met Linn, Mike, Froydis, Anna and Iain at Cool Runnings. Still beautiful but of course more people means not as quiet…though still relaxing. A barbeque at the beach…fish dinners…napping on the sand…swimming. On the way there we stopped to get milk as Reinette knew of an amazing drink—a spoon of Nutella in a cup of hot milk…wow…and Rhona had brought me some Nutella…
we also stopped at the pot-potters to pick up pots that Reinette and I had ordered in May. He had told us they would be ready in 3 weeks so 2 months later they still werent’ around…well, not quite true…I’d been back 3 weeks after and nothing…Reinette was there 2 weeks after that and still nothing…same for the next 2 times we were at the lake…last week when I was with Ute he called me and said he was in Lilongwe with the pots…not helpful as I was at Senga Bay and then he sold them…we stopped by on arrival and they still weren’t out…but they were being decorated right then so we told him that we would be back on Monday…and he please please chonde chonde had to have them ready…and he did….

writing

The girl was want to give the seep. The seep wented grass. And the girl give the seep. How am am not hury agen. And she take the seep.

Peter go and take a grass. And he gave a giraffe the grass. And the giraffe start to eat the grass. And the giraffe fensh and he put the giraffe. In his house.

David and his pet went for a long walk. The boy picked some grass. The boy feed the pet.


Ther was one boy at eth dam. He was take the giraffe. And the giraffe was went the grass. The boy go to take the grass.

They was a boy with grass. And the boy was with a giraffe. And the boy give the grass to the giraffe. And the giraffe start to eat. and the boy wa huppy. And liso (also) the giraff was huppy.

Peter was in the garden to gave the giraffe. Peter he poes to take the grass. Peter he gaves the giraffe. Peter he loves.

They was a big boy. And was frowing the grass and the shep come at the boys home And the shep stated to play a game and he come out the houes. And mom call the boy And the boy run to Home and was stated To eat. and the shep go home.


The boy is take a grass to giraffe. So mom said we a good boy. I can give you a gift. think mom come here my good boy. Okay I aw coming I want to givu you a gift.

Long time ago the boy was goveing his littr (little) hours (horse). And he shout to the littr hous. And he don’t hove (have) a Dad. He don’t hove a house. He just weya (wear) ony (only) this cros (clothes). And he wantade to cill (kill) the littr house anb eat it.

stateside

Finally headed home. Had a departure similar to my first. Rhona had been visiting and she left the day before I did (again)…it didn’t feel real the whole trip to the airport with her even when she checked in and they couldn’t find her flight transfer in Nairobi (but they finally did) until she had to walk up those stairs through security…then we broke down. A shopping spree in town as there is a group coming tomorrow and Jane needed to get some supplies and I needed to buy some more strawberries in the market (another buying weakness of mine). Dinner with Jane and Ute (with whom I lived in the cottage last summer) of wine and cheese that Jane had brought with her (just arrived on thursday). Back to the cottage after to pack because of course I hadn’t done that…try as I might procrastination seems to be quite engrained…
This morning (Sunday) was rough…finish packing—less baggage than I thought I would have but still all sorts of loose ends…and people dropping by for goodbyes which are always hard. Even with the feeling that I will see them again…here or anywhere…it is hard to say goodbye when you don’t know when and sometimes even when you do. Jane and Ute dropped me at the airport…and now I’m in Jo’burg airport in South Africa with a 6 hour layover…
I do still have more stories from nkhoma (of course) so I’ll continue to post those as well as a bit as to what is going on…landing at 7 am in NYC (made it to NYC and out to Staten Island with Ana) and then the travel down to NC…not yet planned…

rhinos

Rhinos live near pools and rivers. They wallow in the mud. Rhinos run and move quickly. They can even jump.

Tempo

Sorry if this is a repeat but it has been getting to me again…the speed that songs are sung here—they are all so dirge like. Amazing Grace is so slow and it is sung so often…when we were around the fire they started it and Andrew played it just as slowly…after the first verse he leaned over to me and said that surely I know it…I agreed but said that unless he plays the remix version and speeds it up I refuse to sing it that slowly. We sped up some (but still).
In the mornings before school we have a teacher’s meeting with a short devotional and anything else we need to talk about and we usually sing a song as well…again it is often a very slow Amazing Grace…though sometimes we sing other songs…but not usually any faster.

Pluto and Goofy are playing golf.

They are two dog’s in the play ground. Goofy wanted to play golf. And he started to play in the sand. And Goofy called pluto come and play with me. And pluto don’t want to play.
Pluto was playing golf with Goofy. Goofy Start to put tee. Pluto start to hit the ball. And the ball go at the hole. And Pluto was the winner.
Pluto wants to play golf. Pluto says I will start. He hit the ball with a golfsick. The ball goes in the hole. So Pluto he say i’m the winner.
Pluto wanted to play golf. Pluto call Goofy to play with her. Goof said what do you want for me. Goofy said I be a winner. Pluto said I will be a second.
Pluto like to play golf. Goofy wanted to play golf. I don’t find the ball. How can find the ball.
Goofy like to play with a golfstick. Pluto read for the game. They started the game. Goofy started to throw golfstick. This is a golf. Goofy hit the golf.
They like to play gof. Goofy made sandcastle. Goofy put on the ball. Pluto wanted to start. Goofy won the game. Pluto won second.
Pluto wonted to play golf. to play golf and he start. and Goofy tell Him to tak a boll And he tell hime wdys the boll. And he was find it and he was stated to play agn the Game.
Goofy like to play golf? p0luto started to play golf. okay said Goofy let’s play golf. Pluto said I dont want to play golfstick? okay I will start. but I will be a last one? okay you can be a last one. yes
Pluto wanted to play ball. And Pluto said I will start. And he makes a sand castle. And I will be the second said Goofy and Goofy won the golf.

Jack

Jack go and take a cow to a man. So Jack gave him a cow. So the man was afraid but the man gave Jack a cow. Jack go home. Jack play with the cow.
Jack go and take a cow. The cow was very happy. But jack was happy when he saw a cow. Ack was playing with the cow stared to cry.
Ther are boy and the mother. And the mother have the boy seeds. And the cow was just quit. And the boy was helping her mother. And the seeds give the cow.
The lettir (little) boy wont to Play with his hors. and the Man was tell him that He shood do that. he wos Tell him and he do want He was tell him and he Was do with his hors. and the hors help the boy And the man came bak And the man tell him good.
The boy walked on the street. The boy walked on the street and saw a farme. The boy wlked on the street. He walked in it. H saw a man. Jack exchanged his caw for bean seeds.
The boy is chaned the cow. This home is very nice. The boy wented to hlap his father. The cow was very hung. The cow was in the house.
The boy gave his cow he wanted a bee seeds. The cow was skard. The cow dan’t want te man. The man want the cow. The boy was going to eat the seeds.
There was A boy. He was going to Her friends Dad said came Here. dad I am going to my friends okay lets go? oh Jack I am going to town but can you see my cow okay Dad! So do you no This yes I no. bye see you letter. Jack your mamy is comig. Bat don’t go There okay bye Dad. Is okay it will bee yours. That is good Dad love me? Mom Come Here Dad gave me. Mom is so good cow.
The boy want to help his Father. And want his father he find he giv him maonew (money). And he giv the seeds to give throw And his father want always. And th boy start to give th cow And os the cow start to eat.
The mother come to take a cow. To gave me a com. What is name. my name is David What you doing.

bonfire

Friday night the girls had the guesthouse lit a bonfire outside (of course). That was the plan anyway but when I went over they still hadn’t started. Then one came to tell me they were starting. I went out and it was pleasant…cool so we were all sitting as close to the fire as we could. Looking around there were so many Americans! It is not a usual occurrence to have many Americans (thought looking at the guest house books it will be getting more common) and there were 4 of us along with 4 Irish and 2 Dutch. Then another American arrived with his guitar and one of the Malawians he is living with. So we sat around singing songs and chatting. At one point I leaned over to the dutch girls sitting next to me and pointed out that Americans are strange (I was then told I’d better get used to it as I am headed home soon)…it was a nice evening…we realized we know the choruses of many songs but can’t get too far in any one song…works also for our short attention spans…

Moving

Back into the cottage on Thursday when Maralise returned from South Africa…woke up on Friday completely confused…where I was I knew on some level but I couldn’t figure out what I was supposed to do…what to eat for breakfast, when to leave to get to school, what to take with me, etc…but the day worked out.

Saturday I went to the lake for the night with Ute. When we take it easy in the morning the time we spend at the lake is actually relaxing and feels much longer than it is (though of course we would love to really stay longer). Stopped at the Red Zebra Lodge for lunch where we were informed that they have no fish…at the lake and no fish…too windy for the small boats to go out. So burgers instead…beautiful weather though the water was cold for swimming (but of course we did).
Sunday I moved into the veitch’s house for 2 nights…they were gone to the lake for 3 days and wanted someone in the house to stay with the animals…now I have stayed in all but 2 of the azungu houses in nkhoma! Woke up Monday morning after a strange dream that they had sent a cleaning crew to the house but hadn’t told me and the crew wouldn’t talk to me…strange…back to the cottage hopefully for the remaining time here…can’t believe it is less than 2 weeks!!

leopards

Leopards are strong cats. They drag their food up trees. Leopards rest on the branches. Their spots help them hide.

sports day

first came practice/rehearsal: Chaos. Complete and utter chaos. No one had any clear idea of what we wanted so we didn’t know where to direct the kids. You could tell the kids enjoyed it as every once in a while we were able to get one of the races going and they got to shout and cheer and be mostly out of control. Oh dear..what is sports day going to be like when we get the parents around…


And then it was sports day! And it went quite well. Started with a parade around the grounds (sadly the parents were all late (all but one)) with cheering and marching…then the 25 meter dash from reception class up to 3rd grade. A rush for the finish line without lanes or very far to go…I was standing at the finish line to hand out the #1,2,3 as the school was divided into houses for the competition…all the kids wanted numbers and they wanted to tell me which number they wanted…next was the potato-spoon race…a balance game that the kids got around by holding it with the thumb or other hand but they could only speed walk.

A short break in the middle for the youngest classes to do some demos…kindergarten did somersaults on a blanket. Pre K did some steps and reciting. Reception walked across a raised beam and then balanced small bags of sand as they walked. Then time for relay for the bigger kids and then the sack race. Good fun and not as much chaos as the practice earlier in the week.

request of scholarship

FROM : Jones Limani
Nkhoma College of Nursing
P.O. Box 48
Nkhoma, Lilongwe
MALAWI

TO : Well wishers in America

DATE : 11th June, 2012

SUBJCET : SEEKING SCHOLARSHIP
I am a young man, aged 29, single and holder of Diploma and Certificate in Accounting. Currently, I am working with Nkhoma College of Nursing as an Assistant Bursar. I earn MK 30,000 (representing GPB 68, UK Sterling pound) per month in form of salary.
I am desperately looking for a scholarship since it is my wish to pursue further studies with either The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) or The Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) and I am capable of paying tuition fees from my monthly income. Therefore, I am seeking financial support from a well wisher for the payment of examination fees for 12 subjects at GBP 79 per subject. The total amount for only examination fees is GBP 948 representing MWK 450,000 (US $ 1670).It is my desire to resume class attendance in January 2013 and sit exams in June 2013.
I managed to obtain the above mentioned qualifications through the support of a German lady who even promised to sponsor me up to degree level but she passed away last year in October hence the need of your support since my employer (Nkhoma College of Nursing) is refusing to takeover the responsibility from the late lady.
I shall be grateful if considered for the scholarship and I promise to work hard to make sure that your support yields good results.

Jones Limani
limanijk@gmail.com
+265995330991

river walk

Took another long walk in the morning…didn’t quite make it to the river but had some great views and some ok pictures…it has gotten so beautiful in the mornings with the cooler weather—fog and the smoke from the cooking fires fill the valley…idyllic…