Equipped with vaccinations, medications and cultural awareness training two members of Memorial’s Distance Education and Learning Technologies (DELT) team landed in Malawi, Africa, in January. Kevin O’Leary, producer/director, and Mark Shallow, production technologist, travelled to Africa on a training mission as part of the Marine Institute’s (MI) $1.5 million Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security project.
The project represents a partnership between the Fisheries and Marine Institute and the Malawi College of Fisheries, the training entity of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Mines, Natural Resources and Environment.
The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC-UPCD Branch) administers the partnership project with financial support ($1 million) largely contributed by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The collaboration will help the Ministry of Mines, Natural Resources and Environment move closer to achieving its goal of environmental sustainability and resulting positive impact on the population of Malawi’s coastal communities.
In Malawi, fisheries supply about 75 per cent of the nation’s dietary animal protein and employ approximately 250,000 people in catching, processing and marketing. In the past decade, the total catch decreased from 70,000 tons per year to 45,000 tons largely because of over-exploitation and post-harvest loss.
“One of our goals is to work with the Malawi College of Fisheries (MCF) to expand its mandate and its capacity to deliver training in post harvest processing, thus reducing post-harvest losses,” explained Kelly Moret, International Project Officer, MI International.
“To do this involves awareness raising initiatives at all levels including mid-level fisheries officers down to the grassroots community level. Based on preliminary activities in the fishing villages the project team realized that one of the most effective methods for delivering training to large groups would be through video. Through funding provided by the African Development Bank, the Department of Fisheries had purchased two media production vehicles. Although the College had the equipment to broadcast training videos in the field the staff lacked the knowledge and skills to develop and produce training videos relevant to their local context and the villages’ specific training needs. Once we identified the training gaps for the College staff we called on the expertise of Kevin and Mark (DELT) to provide much needed video production and editing training.”
With this knowledge, it was down to business for the two DELT employees almost immediately upon arrival. With a thorough lesson plan prepared they had only two weeks to cover a lot of ground. Mr. O’Leary began the first week teaching his primary skill-set, video production.
“We started off very elementary with the functions of the camera and progressively moved through to program development. In fact, we tasked them with developing their own script for a short program. Quite appropriately they decided to make their college the focus of their task. The end result would be a short promotional video of the College Prospectus”
During the second week Mr. Shallow concentrated on digital editing.
“I began slowly with how to start the software and run a program then moved into capturing and digitizing footage. Then we actually put together the video they shot during the end of week one,” he explained.
“I gave technical advice about how to assemble the video and Kevin helped with the content and creative decisions. On the last day we premiered the video for the whole college. It was very exciting for all involved.”
Both Mr. O’Leary and Mr. Shallow agreed the language barrier caused only minor issues. Although the local language is Chichewa, Mark pointed out College staff spoke English very well and the hands-on aspect really helped with overcoming any barriers.
“It was quite clear whether or not they were grasping the material when we asked them to physically do what we were teaching.”
Mr. O’Leary described the MCF group as very enthusiastic to work with.
“They openly discussed topics, and gave each other positive feedback and assistance. I am confident that they will be able to carry on with the groundwork we have established, and grow from there.”
Mr. O’Leary and Mr. Shallow returned to Newfoundland and Labrador on Feb. 4, 2007. Exhausted and happy to be home, they both said it is something they would definitely do again.
“We have so many things in common,” Mr. O’Leary commented. “It is almost eerie to look at our province’s fishing history and the depletion of our fish stocks, and experience first-hand what the people in Malawi are going through right now,” said Mr. O’Leary.
“Their in-shore, small boat fishery is suffering so the government is building them bigger boats to go farther out on the lake. This path sounds familiar to anyone involved in the Newfoundland fishery. It is gratifying to be able to contribute to an effort to increase awareness and with the goal of ensuring environmental sustainability.”
Project manager Kelly Moret reports the video training was a definite highlight for the project as the College was able to produce a video which can be used not only to highlight the college’s capacity in fisheries extension but also video production. In response to the training Moret stated “Kevin and Mark did an exemplary job in what can only be described as a very challenging work environment.”
She added that she looks forward for future collaborations with DELT “there is incredible talent and expertise contained within the DELT unit, we look forward to future training and production opportunities with the Department.”
Monday, 30 April 2007
Days like this...
Often the most precious moments in life are not those that cost a lot of money to see, or are surrounded by hype but rather the simple things are those that really take your breathe away.
I've played pool with a Masaii, drunk beer with corrupt police, been within meters of a wild lion, seen the largest mountain in Africa and sun bathed on the golden sands of Zanzibar... and although its been a journey of a lifetime none of these experiences would make it to my top ten moments in Africa. Why? Because i've learnt that it's the small, unique moments that really make you stop and think.. wow life is bloody awesome!
One afternoon after a marathon beach soccer game as I was retiring to my chalet, i was stopped by one of my favourite students and a fond fan of my vortex ball, Fastone. He was asking if i will come with him to Chisaseria. After several failed attempts to clarify what Chisaseria actually is i obliged anyway and we scheduled it for the following day.
Returning from my very early jog which is undertaken just as the sun reflects gloriously off the lake and makes it easy getting up at 6am when this view greets you dailythe local fishing villages beat their drums to alert the nearby villages that the men have returned triumphantly with their dug out canoes full of fish, i was stopped in my path by none other than Fastone. He exclaimed "Chisaseria, now?" Several more failed attempts to find out what i was getting myself into led to more confusion so I just accepted. Presuming we were heading to school, his house or to see his dog or something i drastically underestimated what the day ahead would bring.
After walking down the routine dirt track past the school and arrived at his aunties house i thought that wasn't too painful Chisaseria must mean aunties or home, and i would be back before i knew it. However when he came out of the modest mud brick house wearing a full buttoned up shirt and black pants i thought looks like this is just the beginning and concluded that we're off to church.
After walking several km's down the main lakeshore road which is one of the main motor ways in Malawi and sees almost a whopping 50 cars fly past a daily we veered off on a beaten track pass some sugarcane fishing village 200m from Mwaya.. Super i thought were finally here, as i was beat from my morning jog. ... but wrong again.
We walked on this dirt goat trail for over an hour passing countless mud brick homes, fields of cassava and women carrying anything from water to kilograms of rice on their heads. We crossed over a river on a precarious log bridge whereby you had to strategically jump over the large gaps between logs without having them turn under your feet as you land. although i love a good challenge i must say i was relieved to reach the other side in one piece.. however i felt a lot less athletic seeing these same women and their oversized loads do it with ease.
It was then that I realized that no other Mzungu would have walked the steps that I had today and seen this breathe taking scenery that well surpassed anything else I have ever seen. I smiled to myself and tried to soak it in all in. whooooo!!
Fastone was keen to keep going to escape the rain and we picked up the pace to a gentle cross country jog.. at this stage I was still oblivious as to where we were going which I chuckled to myself as I jogged thinking I’m an idiot. Eventually we slowed and walked up a hill to a small cluster of about five modest sized mud brick homes surrounded by crops. It was his father’s house where he grew up and he was honored to have a Mzungu come visit. His father was a well respected pastor and spent several years in South Africa so spoke fluent English. As we chatted in the living area small faces would pear round the corner with bright bulging eyes just starring at me. There were almost thirty kids in the family and many of the yournger ones had never seen a white person before. Their clothes we’re dirty and tattered, their feet were course from no shoes and more often than not their bodies would bare scars from working in the fields or skin infections… but nonetheless they were full of life and beaming with smiles.
Hospitality of the Malawian people is like not other.. and although they done have much they share whatever they do. Lunch was prepared which consisted of Maize Nsima and chicken. Nsima being the staple food of much of Africa which is dried and ground corn or cassava (poor mans Nsima) and cooked slowly into a paste with water. Being in the presence of a pastor and questioned on my religion I made the mistake of saying Anglican because that was my highschool’s. To pay for it I was asked to say grace which is something I was very unfamiliar doing. Chuckling at the situation I made it up as I went and thankfully seemed to be suffice. Father portioned out the chicken proudly and gave me what he considered the best bits. Me on the the hand couldn’t recognize the parts they lay on my plate before me.. one particular bit looked like some sort of internal organ or something horrid. It’s an honor to have a chicken killed for your meal so I dare not eat it despite how hideous it looked. I wrapped up the chicken portions in Nsima and gulped it down. The afternoon passed as did the rains just sitting outside swapping tales and waving to the giggling children. I left with a bag of sweet potatoes and a promise to return before I leave.
The day was like no other and through it all I couldn’t stop smiling at how everything had turned out and how fortunate I was to have seen such beautiful scenery and met such warm hearted people. Nothing glamorous or exciting but its days like this that are truly Special.
….. As the family are aware from a not so pleasant email mum received last weekend this is also the story that landed me in hospital the following day. Food poisoning the doctor’s diagnosis, hell was mine. Suspected of having malaria I was admitted to Nkhata Bay hospital in a terrible condition. To weak to take myself to the bathroom or wipe the vomit off my face I was in and out consciousness all night. Lying there in my underwear drenched in sweat I was in a terrible state.. with workman constantly walking past my window gorking at the Mzungu I really wished I was back home. Three drips later and vomiting up my entire stomach lining I was finally discharged from the dirty, smelly, loud hospital where countless people are simply lying there waiting to die. Definitely It was a place I never want to be again.
Thankfully I got better quite quickly and was walking around and eating within the week. It was humbling to have a constant flow of visitors from the neighboring village who had got word that I was sick and they came to see if I was o.k. Even Fastone’s father made the trek down the mountain to send his regards. I told him it was food poisoning but didn’t point the finger.
Now your not allowed to laugh or call me stupid but a couple of days ago on a routine shop by the side of the lakeshore road I purchased some mushrooms. As food here rarely changes I was excited to see something new to shove into my mouth. I whacked em in a stir fry omelet thing and being the pig that I am ended up eating my fellow volunteers portion. Lucky for her within hours I was at a friends house and excused myself outside as the mushrooms had started to take effect and I needed to vomit. Another day spent laying in the dirt outside a friends house looking like a stupid Mzungu puking up my guts. I tried to walk back to Mwaya to warn the other volunteers but made it a whole twenty meters before collapsing and vomiting more. Turns out that the mushrooms have to be cooked a special way involving hours of boiling to remove the poisons in them. Which would’ve been great to know. Asked whether I wanted to go the hospital I smiled and declared I’m fine as that’s the last place I wanted to be. Thankfully later that evening I had bought up my bright yellow stomach vile again which meant they were all out of me and I started to feel better. So there’s another lesson learnt the hard way.
As I reminisce on the good times here, the ones that tutoring on the beach.. doesnt get better immediately spring to mind don’t involve resorts, or alcohol, or planned tourist outings… they all share one similarity and that’s the people. Whether its tutoring the school children, playing soccer on the beach or just hanging out with new found friends it’s the beautiful Malawian people that have molded my fond memories of Africa. Something that I would have never experienced from the back of an overland truck!!
Thanks to everyone who keeps me informed of happenings back home.. and putting me in your thoughts. Can’t wait to see everyone again and hope your all well.
I've played pool with a Masaii, drunk beer with corrupt police, been within meters of a wild lion, seen the largest mountain in Africa and sun bathed on the golden sands of Zanzibar... and although its been a journey of a lifetime none of these experiences would make it to my top ten moments in Africa. Why? Because i've learnt that it's the small, unique moments that really make you stop and think.. wow life is bloody awesome!
One afternoon after a marathon beach soccer game as I was retiring to my chalet, i was stopped by one of my favourite students and a fond fan of my vortex ball, Fastone. He was asking if i will come with him to Chisaseria. After several failed attempts to clarify what Chisaseria actually is i obliged anyway and we scheduled it for the following day.
Returning from my very early jog which is undertaken just as the sun reflects gloriously off the lake and makes it easy getting up at 6am when this view greets you dailythe local fishing villages beat their drums to alert the nearby villages that the men have returned triumphantly with their dug out canoes full of fish, i was stopped in my path by none other than Fastone. He exclaimed "Chisaseria, now?" Several more failed attempts to find out what i was getting myself into led to more confusion so I just accepted. Presuming we were heading to school, his house or to see his dog or something i drastically underestimated what the day ahead would bring.
After walking down the routine dirt track past the school and arrived at his aunties house i thought that wasn't too painful Chisaseria must mean aunties or home, and i would be back before i knew it. However when he came out of the modest mud brick house wearing a full buttoned up shirt and black pants i thought looks like this is just the beginning and concluded that we're off to church.
After walking several km's down the main lakeshore road which is one of the main motor ways in Malawi and sees almost a whopping 50 cars fly past a daily we veered off on a beaten track pass some sugarcane fishing village 200m from Mwaya.. Super i thought were finally here, as i was beat from my morning jog. ... but wrong again.
We walked on this dirt goat trail for over an hour passing countless mud brick homes, fields of cassava and women carrying anything from water to kilograms of rice on their heads. We crossed over a river on a precarious log bridge whereby you had to strategically jump over the large gaps between logs without having them turn under your feet as you land. although i love a good challenge i must say i was relieved to reach the other side in one piece.. however i felt a lot less athletic seeing these same women and their oversized loads do it with ease.
It was then that I realized that no other Mzungu would have walked the steps that I had today and seen this breathe taking scenery that well surpassed anything else I have ever seen. I smiled to myself and tried to soak it in all in. whooooo!!
Fastone was keen to keep going to escape the rain and we picked up the pace to a gentle cross country jog.. at this stage I was still oblivious as to where we were going which I chuckled to myself as I jogged thinking I’m an idiot. Eventually we slowed and walked up a hill to a small cluster of about five modest sized mud brick homes surrounded by crops. It was his father’s house where he grew up and he was honored to have a Mzungu come visit. His father was a well respected pastor and spent several years in South Africa so spoke fluent English. As we chatted in the living area small faces would pear round the corner with bright bulging eyes just starring at me. There were almost thirty kids in the family and many of the yournger ones had never seen a white person before. Their clothes we’re dirty and tattered, their feet were course from no shoes and more often than not their bodies would bare scars from working in the fields or skin infections… but nonetheless they were full of life and beaming with smiles.
Hospitality of the Malawian people is like not other.. and although they done have much they share whatever they do. Lunch was prepared which consisted of Maize Nsima and chicken. Nsima being the staple food of much of Africa which is dried and ground corn or cassava (poor mans Nsima) and cooked slowly into a paste with water. Being in the presence of a pastor and questioned on my religion I made the mistake of saying Anglican because that was my highschool’s. To pay for it I was asked to say grace which is something I was very unfamiliar doing. Chuckling at the situation I made it up as I went and thankfully seemed to be suffice. Father portioned out the chicken proudly and gave me what he considered the best bits. Me on the the hand couldn’t recognize the parts they lay on my plate before me.. one particular bit looked like some sort of internal organ or something horrid. It’s an honor to have a chicken killed for your meal so I dare not eat it despite how hideous it looked. I wrapped up the chicken portions in Nsima and gulped it down. The afternoon passed as did the rains just sitting outside swapping tales and waving to the giggling children. I left with a bag of sweet potatoes and a promise to return before I leave.
The day was like no other and through it all I couldn’t stop smiling at how everything had turned out and how fortunate I was to have seen such beautiful scenery and met such warm hearted people. Nothing glamorous or exciting but its days like this that are truly Special.
….. As the family are aware from a not so pleasant email mum received last weekend this is also the story that landed me in hospital the following day. Food poisoning the doctor’s diagnosis, hell was mine. Suspected of having malaria I was admitted to Nkhata Bay hospital in a terrible condition. To weak to take myself to the bathroom or wipe the vomit off my face I was in and out consciousness all night. Lying there in my underwear drenched in sweat I was in a terrible state.. with workman constantly walking past my window gorking at the Mzungu I really wished I was back home. Three drips later and vomiting up my entire stomach lining I was finally discharged from the dirty, smelly, loud hospital where countless people are simply lying there waiting to die. Definitely It was a place I never want to be again.
Thankfully I got better quite quickly and was walking around and eating within the week. It was humbling to have a constant flow of visitors from the neighboring village who had got word that I was sick and they came to see if I was o.k. Even Fastone’s father made the trek down the mountain to send his regards. I told him it was food poisoning but didn’t point the finger.
Now your not allowed to laugh or call me stupid but a couple of days ago on a routine shop by the side of the lakeshore road I purchased some mushrooms. As food here rarely changes I was excited to see something new to shove into my mouth. I whacked em in a stir fry omelet thing and being the pig that I am ended up eating my fellow volunteers portion. Lucky for her within hours I was at a friends house and excused myself outside as the mushrooms had started to take effect and I needed to vomit. Another day spent laying in the dirt outside a friends house looking like a stupid Mzungu puking up my guts. I tried to walk back to Mwaya to warn the other volunteers but made it a whole twenty meters before collapsing and vomiting more. Turns out that the mushrooms have to be cooked a special way involving hours of boiling to remove the poisons in them. Which would’ve been great to know. Asked whether I wanted to go the hospital I smiled and declared I’m fine as that’s the last place I wanted to be. Thankfully later that evening I had bought up my bright yellow stomach vile again which meant they were all out of me and I started to feel better. So there’s another lesson learnt the hard way.
As I reminisce on the good times here, the ones that tutoring on the beach.. doesnt get better immediately spring to mind don’t involve resorts, or alcohol, or planned tourist outings… they all share one similarity and that’s the people. Whether its tutoring the school children, playing soccer on the beach or just hanging out with new found friends it’s the beautiful Malawian people that have molded my fond memories of Africa. Something that I would have never experienced from the back of an overland truck!!
Thanks to everyone who keeps me informed of happenings back home.. and putting me in your thoughts. Can’t wait to see everyone again and hope your all well.
From Ship to Shore!
I spent a lovely Easter on board the Ilala, Malawi’s luxury cruise liner!! Well something like that anyway. It is quite an old boat that sprints up and down the lake. It takes about a week to get from the top to the bottom, probably because of all the stops in between. We got on at one of the main ports by walking up the plank for a 5 hour trip to a really isolated village. To disembark the boat was slightly more traumatic!! They lowered the life boats (22 people max) and you literally had to throw yourself into them and hope you didn’t land in the water! We all made it (far more that 22 people!!) and were taken ashore.
Spent a lovely, peaceful time on the lake before making the return trip the next day. This time you had to pull yourself aboard (ok so there were a few steps to help you on your way) and the return leg began! The ship/boat is the only means of travel for some Malawians so the lower decks were very crowded with people, animals, food and even the occasional metal roofing!! Back on shore we stopped off at the woodcarvers where I spent the remainder of my last pennies on lovely items of wood!! My best buy was a tall carved old man hunter type creature!! No idea how I will get it all home, especially as I have only been here for a short while and foresee many more trips to the curios!! Note to all who have been to Ghana – the stuff here in Malawi is sooo much cheaper than that in Ghana, which I never thought could be possible. I guess this shows the economic development of the countries!!
Back in Rumphi, the wet season has apparently ended, just a few occasional showers and it is beginning to get windier. It is much cooler (and nicer) at the moment but soon we will be in the HOT, HOT dry season! Can’t wait! Back to my point, the sky at night is so clear that you can actually see the white of the Milky Way and honestly, the stars do twinkle at you – it is amazing, especially when the moon is hiding!!
Thought for the week!! Global Warming. Of so it is happening and to be honest it is the West or North (not sure what the correct development term is at the moment) that are causing most of it! You are seeing weather changes at the moment but, on the whole, your daily lives are not really being affected. People in Malawi, in fact most of Africa, rely on growing their own food to eat for the whole year in order to survive. In Malawi this means certain seasons. The end of the dry season sees the planting time and during the rainy season the maize grows. Too little rain and the harvest is poor, too much rain and the crops get ruined. They need an exact level of rain to get the optimum harvest. They have this down to a fine art and generally speaking this has worked in Africa for years. Already the affects of global warming are beginning to show, the rains in parts of Malawi have been very erratic. A few years ago there was a huge famine across Malawi as there had not been enough rain. I’m sure, year by year this will get worse. What then will then happen to a poor country like Malawi, who is only just surviving at the moment and that is with relatively good crops?
Just back from a trip to Zomba in the south of Malawi for an educational training thing. We were being oriented on the new curriculum which was quite interesting! Managed to visit a few of the sights of Malawi, especially some touristy places including a paper/craft making workshop, Dedza pottery workshop and store and a few wood carvers! Just as well we got our volunteer allowances this week!!!
MOVING DAY
After 3 months of living in Malawi, I am just about to move into my house. Before doing this I needed to collect my furniture from another volunteer’s house. We had arranged this in advance with the driver of the Matola (big truck) in our office, Justus (the volunteer) and my landlady. All was go for 2 o’clock.
By 2.00 Sue and I were in the office. Problem 1 – no driver or matloa. They were out all day on the salaries run! Problem 2 – No Justus (but he did turn up at quarter past 2). My boss decided that we could pop along to the local secondary school and ask to borrow their matola and driver. This we did. Unfortunately there was no fuel in the vehicle. I offered to pay for 5 liters of fuel. Sue had to drive the driver to the petrol station to get fuel! Next problem, after ciphering in the fuel, the van wouldn’t start – something to do with the starter motor, quite a frequent problem! So 5 men pushing the van down the hill and disappearing into the distance. Eventually they appear back with the van in working order! By this point it had started to rain – just a drizzle but still. Eventually got my stuff loaded up (not that there was much to load, somehow a lot of my stuff has been misplaced!!!!) and went to the new house. After some negotiating we managed to get the stuff in. The landlady wasn’t about but the house was open. Decided that we shouldn’t leave the stuff in the house without it being locked. So I had to wait for 2 hours for the land lady to appear! Going to Mzuzu this weekend to try and buy some stuff to put into my house!! Will let you know how I get on!
Hope all is well!!
Spent a lovely, peaceful time on the lake before making the return trip the next day. This time you had to pull yourself aboard (ok so there were a few steps to help you on your way) and the return leg began! The ship/boat is the only means of travel for some Malawians so the lower decks were very crowded with people, animals, food and even the occasional metal roofing!! Back on shore we stopped off at the woodcarvers where I spent the remainder of my last pennies on lovely items of wood!! My best buy was a tall carved old man hunter type creature!! No idea how I will get it all home, especially as I have only been here for a short while and foresee many more trips to the curios!! Note to all who have been to Ghana – the stuff here in Malawi is sooo much cheaper than that in Ghana, which I never thought could be possible. I guess this shows the economic development of the countries!!
Back in Rumphi, the wet season has apparently ended, just a few occasional showers and it is beginning to get windier. It is much cooler (and nicer) at the moment but soon we will be in the HOT, HOT dry season! Can’t wait! Back to my point, the sky at night is so clear that you can actually see the white of the Milky Way and honestly, the stars do twinkle at you – it is amazing, especially when the moon is hiding!!
Thought for the week!! Global Warming. Of so it is happening and to be honest it is the West or North (not sure what the correct development term is at the moment) that are causing most of it! You are seeing weather changes at the moment but, on the whole, your daily lives are not really being affected. People in Malawi, in fact most of Africa, rely on growing their own food to eat for the whole year in order to survive. In Malawi this means certain seasons. The end of the dry season sees the planting time and during the rainy season the maize grows. Too little rain and the harvest is poor, too much rain and the crops get ruined. They need an exact level of rain to get the optimum harvest. They have this down to a fine art and generally speaking this has worked in Africa for years. Already the affects of global warming are beginning to show, the rains in parts of Malawi have been very erratic. A few years ago there was a huge famine across Malawi as there had not been enough rain. I’m sure, year by year this will get worse. What then will then happen to a poor country like Malawi, who is only just surviving at the moment and that is with relatively good crops?
Just back from a trip to Zomba in the south of Malawi for an educational training thing. We were being oriented on the new curriculum which was quite interesting! Managed to visit a few of the sights of Malawi, especially some touristy places including a paper/craft making workshop, Dedza pottery workshop and store and a few wood carvers! Just as well we got our volunteer allowances this week!!!
MOVING DAY
After 3 months of living in Malawi, I am just about to move into my house. Before doing this I needed to collect my furniture from another volunteer’s house. We had arranged this in advance with the driver of the Matola (big truck) in our office, Justus (the volunteer) and my landlady. All was go for 2 o’clock.
By 2.00 Sue and I were in the office. Problem 1 – no driver or matloa. They were out all day on the salaries run! Problem 2 – No Justus (but he did turn up at quarter past 2). My boss decided that we could pop along to the local secondary school and ask to borrow their matola and driver. This we did. Unfortunately there was no fuel in the vehicle. I offered to pay for 5 liters of fuel. Sue had to drive the driver to the petrol station to get fuel! Next problem, after ciphering in the fuel, the van wouldn’t start – something to do with the starter motor, quite a frequent problem! So 5 men pushing the van down the hill and disappearing into the distance. Eventually they appear back with the van in working order! By this point it had started to rain – just a drizzle but still. Eventually got my stuff loaded up (not that there was much to load, somehow a lot of my stuff has been misplaced!!!!) and went to the new house. After some negotiating we managed to get the stuff in. The landlady wasn’t about but the house was open. Decided that we shouldn’t leave the stuff in the house without it being locked. So I had to wait for 2 hours for the land lady to appear! Going to Mzuzu this weekend to try and buy some stuff to put into my house!! Will let you know how I get on!
Hope all is well!!
BENEFIT CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE At the Union Masonic Lodge
The Masonic Lodge #31 in Union and the People's United Methodist Church (PUMC) of Union will hold a benefit supper on June 16 from 4 to 6 PM to raise funds for the “Little Field Home Orphanage” at Chigamba Village, Malawi, Africa.
Proceeds from this event will be used to purchase supplies (medical, school, food etc.) needed by the orphans during the Mission Trip to the orphanage in Malawi in July.
This benefit is being organized by Myrna Soule and the Mission Committee of PUMC, whose members expressed their hope for continued charity, "We feel it is important to remember these orphans on Fathers Day weekend. We appreciate the generous support we have received from the area residents to build a medical center for the orphanage. This is another opportunity for people to enjoy a good meal together while helping those who are so much in need."
Each chicken dinner will include: Chicken, Coleslaw, Chips, Roll, Pickle, Beverage, and Dessert Bar.
The barbecue will be held at the Union Masonic Lodge, located on Sennebec Road, north of Route 17 in Union. For more information on the benefit supper or about the Mission Trip to Malawi, call Myrna Soule at 785-4117.
Proceeds from this event will be used to purchase supplies (medical, school, food etc.) needed by the orphans during the Mission Trip to the orphanage in Malawi in July.
This benefit is being organized by Myrna Soule and the Mission Committee of PUMC, whose members expressed their hope for continued charity, "We feel it is important to remember these orphans on Fathers Day weekend. We appreciate the generous support we have received from the area residents to build a medical center for the orphanage. This is another opportunity for people to enjoy a good meal together while helping those who are so much in need."
Each chicken dinner will include: Chicken, Coleslaw, Chips, Roll, Pickle, Beverage, and Dessert Bar.
The barbecue will be held at the Union Masonic Lodge, located on Sennebec Road, north of Route 17 in Union. For more information on the benefit supper or about the Mission Trip to Malawi, call Myrna Soule at 785-4117.
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