Okay, these are just too good to keep to myself!
I assigned my Form 1 English students (grade 9s) to write a formal job application letter--for the position of toilet washer. Hey, I had to come up with something they'd remember!
Here are some quotes from their letters. Bear in my mind that these are ESL students. Some of them had very little exposure to English before September.
(Punctuation, spelling, and grammar have been left intact.)
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In my qualifications I training for two years at White Person home and I have years of experience to do that for no more problem because I trained much better also I am 20 years old for now.
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I had 7 years training this job in father's Company. I have good experience for this Job. I have been washing at toilet for 7 years.
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I want to know Toilet piece of the Toilet and what time should I stat also I will show the Toilet is looking beatifully so your happy. I am clean a Chimara hopita at 6 years ago taing at Blantyre I have experince to washed the toilet
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I have training at Wise College Centre in America. I have already an experience I worked at Hope Company in Canada and I have been worked for Seven years as a hamble man and I have a certificate of a toilet washer.
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I have 7 years experience but if you can allow me to came am going to do as you command am going to be a best washer in toilet I promise you that.
Thank you for calling me to came and start job but I would like to know which toilet I will be washing
Thank you so much
God bless you sur
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I have corefication of Cleaning and washing Toilets. I also went to USA and learn about the wash and cleaning of Toilet.
Sir or Madam I wishe I get this job because I can change the bad smaling of your toilets. And people will love it.
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I am a 15 years old and I'm a boy I have been doing this job for three years at Blantyre city assembly. I learn't this job at sky way bussines College and I Pass the examination on this job.
I have experience on this job for 2 yrs like I know how to deccorate in toilet. I'm waiting for your calling for an interview.
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I training this job 3 years ago at a certain company in Lilongwe I was also a toilet washer this is where I train this Job.
my experience at the Job is to work hard so that I can also open my own company.
This is what I want to tell you, I look forward to hear on you.
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I write this letter to inform you that I want a job.
The job I want is a toilet washer I like this job since when I was small. I like cleanin in toilet. And I promise to do this work. I think you will like me being washing in your toilet I have been training this Job for 6 years know I am in Blantyre.
I would like to hear from you.
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I have admit: this class is my favourite! They are so happy to see me every day. They love to laugh (and talk), yet are quick to get down to work when asked. They are a delightful class to teach, and they are dear to my heart.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED
There are a LOT of things I probably won't take for granted for a long, long time, like:
-a bug-free home
-electricity that doesn't get turned off because of an impoverished government
-water that I don't have to purify or boil before I drink.
-brewed, REAL coffee readily available on practically every corner. (however, they heat their milk here!)
-roads that aren't full of rocks, holes...and garbage
-trash receptacles for people to use
-riverbanks that aren't COVERED in garbage
-washers, dryers, and laundromats so women don't have to wash clothes in the river and lay things on the rocks to dry
-stoves--and kitchens--so that I don't have to cook over a fire outside like the majority of Malawians
-mosquitoes that make you itchy--but don't give you a potentially fatal illness
-government programs like EI, Welfare, and Pensions so that people don't starve to death, or so that people don't have to beg because they're missing limbs and can't get work
-free grade school education
-the familiar closeness of family and friends
And there's a LOT more that I plan to add to this list.
Maybe you can make your own list and share it with me.
-a bug-free home
-electricity that doesn't get turned off because of an impoverished government
-water that I don't have to purify or boil before I drink.
-brewed, REAL coffee readily available on practically every corner. (however, they heat their milk here!)
-roads that aren't full of rocks, holes...and garbage
-trash receptacles for people to use
-riverbanks that aren't COVERED in garbage
-washers, dryers, and laundromats so women don't have to wash clothes in the river and lay things on the rocks to dry
-stoves--and kitchens--so that I don't have to cook over a fire outside like the majority of Malawians
-mosquitoes that make you itchy--but don't give you a potentially fatal illness
-government programs like EI, Welfare, and Pensions so that people don't starve to death, or so that people don't have to beg because they're missing limbs and can't get work
-free grade school education
-the familiar closeness of family and friends
And there's a LOT more that I plan to add to this list.
Maybe you can make your own list and share it with me.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
MY MALAWIAN GODSON!
Last Sunday a new couple came to church. They wanted to make a fresh commitment to walk God's way, and as part of this new direction they asked if they could have a naming ceremony for their infant son. The church administrator agreed, and it was announced in the service that I would name the newborn baby boy the following Sunday.
I asked Arnold Banda about the cultural/historical background for this. He told me that in the past, a person may have said to the new parents, "I'd like to name your baby." This person would be like a godparent (though the actual term is not used) to the child, and give him or her small gifts from time to time. In recent times it has become the parents' request if they want someone to be their child's "godparent." Because of the poor economy though, gifts are no longer customary or expected.
But I gave this tiny boy a gift of clothes and a little cap, and I gave his mother a new wrapper so she can feel beautiful.
I pondered and prayed about this baby's name all week, and "Joseph" kept coming to mind.
I named him for two Josephs: the Joseph of the Old Testament, and for Rev. Joseph Ndalama, the late and beloved bishop of Kings' Victory Churches who died in 2010. The parents (and the church) loved the name.
Something else amazing took place this morning. We had the district presbyter, Pastor Kenyiss visit and preach this morning. And lo and behold, this unnamed baby boy was his infant grandson! Pastor Kenyiss' son Regis had left the church and the faith some time before, and he had not had any contact with his father for awhile. Pastor Kenyiss was astounded to see his son in church, asking for a blessing for his new baby.
His name is Joseph--my Malawian godchild. And truly, God has blessed me to bless him.
JOSEPH of the Bible:
-Jacob and Rachel's son
-His name means "may He (GOD) add"
-He was faithful
-He did his work well
-He had a right attitude--he refused to be bitter
-He was a dreamer; he made big plans and refused to give them up; he was determined to leave his mark upon this world
-He was confident: bold, open, plain, and straightforward
Because of all this:
-God's hand (favour/grace) was on him
-He was raised up in God's timing
I asked Arnold Banda about the cultural/historical background for this. He told me that in the past, a person may have said to the new parents, "I'd like to name your baby." This person would be like a godparent (though the actual term is not used) to the child, and give him or her small gifts from time to time. In recent times it has become the parents' request if they want someone to be their child's "godparent." Because of the poor economy though, gifts are no longer customary or expected.
But I gave this tiny boy a gift of clothes and a little cap, and I gave his mother a new wrapper so she can feel beautiful.
I pondered and prayed about this baby's name all week, and "Joseph" kept coming to mind.
I named him for two Josephs: the Joseph of the Old Testament, and for Rev. Joseph Ndalama, the late and beloved bishop of Kings' Victory Churches who died in 2010. The parents (and the church) loved the name.
Something else amazing took place this morning. We had the district presbyter, Pastor Kenyiss visit and preach this morning. And lo and behold, this unnamed baby boy was his infant grandson! Pastor Kenyiss' son Regis had left the church and the faith some time before, and he had not had any contact with his father for awhile. Pastor Kenyiss was astounded to see his son in church, asking for a blessing for his new baby.
His name is Joseph--my Malawian godchild. And truly, God has blessed me to bless him.
JOSEPH of the Bible:
-Jacob and Rachel's son
-His name means "may He (GOD) add"
-He was faithful
-He did his work well
-He had a right attitude--he refused to be bitter
-He was a dreamer; he made big plans and refused to give them up; he was determined to leave his mark upon this world
-He was confident: bold, open, plain, and straightforward
Because of all this:
-God's hand (favour/grace) was on him
-He was raised up in God's timing
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| Just too sweet for words! |
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| Nervous and shy |
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| Village women are taught to NEVER smile at an important occasion. |
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| I laugh with delight every time I look at this adorable little face! |
.JPG) |
| Newborns are often cross-eyed until they are a few weeks old. |
.JPG) |
| Well, hello there! |
Shy, but also excited. I don't know if they'd ever had their photo taken before.
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| Presenting a gift to the new mother. |
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| Daddy approves! |
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| The church adminstrator, smiling at the picture on the onesie. |
.JPG) |
| Daddy liked the teeny, tiny shorts. |
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| Daddy LOVED the cap! |
Friday, February 17, 2012
IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
The people in Canada have been absolutely WONDERFUL in their loving response to Harry's plight. His school fees have now been caught up; his sister and family have food, and they have HOPE. It also turns out that his childhood was far more desperate than even I imagined. I won't give details, but I thank our Heavenly Father for giving Harry strength and persistence to survive those dark, dark years.
Both Harry and his sister, Hendrina have asked that I pass on their thanks to you. Here are their letters, in their own words:
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(Hendrina)
"Thank you very much Mrs. McGowan, for the money you gave to my family. I received the money, don't doubt."
(Inez's note: I'd sent the money to Hendrina via Harry).
"And not only that, but also for the money paid as my brother's fees. Maybe it is possible for me to thank the people for the action. May the Lord bless them, thanks."
(translated from Chichewa, as Hendrina speaks little English)
(Harry)
"I hope that you are all fine. Back on my side I am good. It's my pleasure to have such a wonderful time to write this letter to you. I wanted to thank you for being concerned and taking action after getting wind about my story. May the Lord bless you abundantly.
I am a boy of 18 years old (born in 1993), last born in a family of three children. My mother died in 1994. This is the story that I was told after 9 years by my sister. When my mother died I was raised by my father until 1997 when he also died. There have been so many problems that I have experienced in my school journey. My sister is now not working and even her husband has no work, so she can't afford to pay my fees. But through Mrs. McGowan she made all possible so I am still schooling. I thank her.
Another point that I forgot is that I am a Christian.
I have potential to do well in class and I will make it. There are so many problems that I have, but the best way of solving all these problems is school. If I go further with education I will get a good job. My ambition is to become a medical doctor. I work hard in class so that I can achieve my goal and help my relatives.
May the Lord bless you all abundantly."
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Both Harry and his sister, Hendrina have asked that I pass on their thanks to you. Here are their letters, in their own words:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Hendrina)
"Thank you very much Mrs. McGowan, for the money you gave to my family. I received the money, don't doubt."
(Inez's note: I'd sent the money to Hendrina via Harry).
"And not only that, but also for the money paid as my brother's fees. Maybe it is possible for me to thank the people for the action. May the Lord bless them, thanks."
(translated from Chichewa, as Hendrina speaks little English)
(Harry)
"I hope that you are all fine. Back on my side I am good. It's my pleasure to have such a wonderful time to write this letter to you. I wanted to thank you for being concerned and taking action after getting wind about my story. May the Lord bless you abundantly.
I am a boy of 18 years old (born in 1993), last born in a family of three children. My mother died in 1994. This is the story that I was told after 9 years by my sister. When my mother died I was raised by my father until 1997 when he also died. There have been so many problems that I have experienced in my school journey. My sister is now not working and even her husband has no work, so she can't afford to pay my fees. But through Mrs. McGowan she made all possible so I am still schooling. I thank her.
Another point that I forgot is that I am a Christian.
I have potential to do well in class and I will make it. There are so many problems that I have, but the best way of solving all these problems is school. If I go further with education I will get a good job. My ambition is to become a medical doctor. I work hard in class so that I can achieve my goal and help my relatives.
May the Lord bless you all abundantly."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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| Harry and his nieces |
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| Hendrina and me (I jumped up immediately after the photo was taken because the chair was full of tiny red ants!) |
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
STARFISH IN MALAWI?
To illustrate the income inequality between rich and poor countries, consider these facts:
In the 2010 U.N. report, Malawi is listed as the 17th poorest country in the world.
(Read more: World's Poorest Countries — Infoplease.com
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0908763.html#ixzz1lQ8sAX2S)
In the 2010 International Monetary Fund
Malawi's ranking is 11th out of 182
GDP (PPP) per capita per year = $925 Current international dollars
Canada's ranking: 171st out of 182 (12th richest)GDP (PPP) per capita per year = $39,037 Current international dollars
Read more: http://www.gfmag.com/tools/global-database/economic-data/10502-the-poorest-countries-in-the-world.html#ixzz1lQBeg0oz
It can be overwhelming. How can I hope to make any difference at all? The need is HUGE.
And then I remembered the story of the starfish.
A man was walking along a beach littered with starfish that had been stranded at the high tide mark during the previous night's storm. Then he noticed an old man, stooping to pick up a starfish and throw it back into the surf.
"Why are you bothering to throw that starfish back into the water? There are so many! You can't possibly save them all."
The old man straightened up, stretched, and looked down at the starfish, then out at the sea. Finally he turned to the first man and replied,
"You are right. I cannot save them all---but I can save this one."
Dear God,
Please help me save one more starfish--one more precious child of Yours in Malawi.
- about 1.75 billion people live in multi-dimensional poverty, meaning extreme deprivation in education, health, and standard of living
- 1.44 billion people out of the developing world's 6.9 billion people live on $1.25 per day
- 2.6 billion people are estimated to be living on less than $2 a day.
- Multidimensional poverty varies by region from three percent in Europe and Central Asia to 65% in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In the 2010 U.N. report, Malawi is listed as the 17th poorest country in the world.
(Read more: World's Poorest Countries — Infoplease.com
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0908763.html#ixzz1lQ8sAX2S)
In the 2010 International Monetary Fund
Malawi's ranking is 11th out of 182
GDP (PPP) per capita per year = $925 Current international dollars
Canada's ranking: 171st out of 182 (12th richest)GDP (PPP) per capita per year = $39,037 Current international dollars
Read more: http://www.gfmag.com/tools/global-database/economic-data/10502-the-poorest-countries-in-the-world.html#ixzz1lQBeg0oz
It can be overwhelming. How can I hope to make any difference at all? The need is HUGE.
And then I remembered the story of the starfish.
A man was walking along a beach littered with starfish that had been stranded at the high tide mark during the previous night's storm. Then he noticed an old man, stooping to pick up a starfish and throw it back into the surf.
"Why are you bothering to throw that starfish back into the water? There are so many! You can't possibly save them all."
The old man straightened up, stretched, and looked down at the starfish, then out at the sea. Finally he turned to the first man and replied,
"You are right. I cannot save them all---but I can save this one."
Dear God,
Please help me save one more starfish--one more precious child of Yours in Malawi.
THANK YOU!
I have a sponsor now for Harry's school fees, but there are many other students and families who also need help.
* Funds designated "where most needed" means that we will be able to use that money in a timely manner for the new needs that inevitably arise every month.
* Funds designated "student support" will be used for school fee shortfalls, government id/exam fees, uniforms, etc.
* Funds designated "benevolence" or "feeding the hungry" will go for exactly that.
FOMF (Friends of Malawi Fellowship) is a Canadian registered non-profit organization, and as
such they will issue a tax receipt for your giving.
Donations may be mailed to Friends of Malawi Fellowship in Edmonton. People can contact FOMF to arrange for preauthorized monthly donations. This planned giving helps us to maintain existing projects and plan more effectively.
The address is:
CANADIAN CONTACT: Ruth Martz
FRIENDS OF MALAWI FELLOWSHIP AFRICA
Box 33042, Glenwood P0 Edmonton AB T5P 4V8
Email:
rmartz@shaw.ca
Donations may also be dropped off or mailed to:
Bethel Church (also tax-receiptable)
143 Coach Rd. North
Quesnel, BC
V2J 4W8
"Orphans Indeed" Sponsorship Program
Students who have neither father nor mother, and no other (extended family) means of support can apply for sponsorship from Friends of Malawi Fellowship. Students must complete an application form. We interview their family/church references to verify the information and their need, and then we look for someone from Canada who can sponsor them. We currently have students waiting for sponsors. If you sponsor a student, we will send you their name, their particulars, and a photo. You are also welcome to correspond with your student.
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| This is all that's left of Hendrina's house after the rains caused it to collapse. |
Saturday, February 04, 2012
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