Moyo ndi wozuza
(Seen painted on a building. Literally, life is troubles. Meaning: life is full of challenges)
The first two days we were stopped by the police 4 times. (We saw police on the roads 9 times) We got a ticket each day. The first was because the pipes were sticking off the back of the truck without a warning device (flag). The next day they asked to see our fire extinguisher and it turns out we didn’t have one. (So that one I understood). Since then (going into week three) we have been stopped twice more. The first asked me for a fire extinguisher, had it! And then my drivers license, had that too. Betty said he looked disappointed but let us go.
The last time was a ‘fun’ interaction. ‘What are you doing?’ Putting wells in villages. ‘My village doesn’t have a well.’ We can’t put wells in when we’re stuck at police blocks. ‘I’m just doing my job to keep the roads safe.’ Thank you. And we got to go. There were smiles and chuckles. Most of this week we have gotten waved through which makes us think someone has told them to let us through. I don’t mind!
Malawi is having fuel shortages but so far we’ve been able to keep our truck well fuelled when we’re in a bigger area. There are also lots of power cuts everyday. With no schedule that I’ve been able to figure out. But then we were warned and the power does come on for a bit so I can charge what needs to be charged.
We are told to not drive at night. And we try not to. But of course there are days we don’t quite get back in time. It gets dark at 6. And the roads haven’t gotten better. After our first night too late we said no. Can’t do it. And we haven’t. It’s been much better!
One well didn’t have enough water in it. We aren’t at the end of dry season yet and the well couldn’t pass the 10 bucket test. The builder was instructed to come the next day to take the top off and go down to dig it deeper. That is so hard to leave.
After all that, things are mostly working. We’re putting in wells, dancing and singing, hiking and seeing some beautiful countryside and people.
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