It's April 30th.
I've been away from Canada for 4 months.
Four long months.
I miss my family.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
SPEECH TO PARENTS & GUARDIANS
I will be giving this speech at the "open day" parents meeting on Sunday at 2 p.m. (5 a.m. BC time) Students will receive their Term 2 reports at that time.
(By the way: I was told just 2 days ago that their marks are based 100% on their term exams: no assignments, quizzes, or anything else I did counts! Yes, it's different in this country...)
---------------------------------------
(OPENING)
Good afternoon. I would like to recognize the presence of Mr. Banda, the principal; Mrs. Gonani, the deputy principal; staff members of Kings Victory Academy; students; and most importantly, parents and guardians.
Thank you, parents and guardians, for taking time today to attend this meeting.
When I see that you have given up some of your precious weekend time to come here, I know that you truly value education.
The directoress, my mum, could not attend because she is in Mozambique this weekend.
It is my honour then to speak to you briefly on her behalf.
(BODY)
I would like to read a verse from the Bible first of all. It is from the book of Philippians--chapter 1 and verse 6:
When I arrived in Malawi from Canada on January 1st, this was a foreign land to me. A strange place.
I did not know anyone other than my mum.
I did not know the land.
I did not know the language.
I did not know the culture.
I did not know the teachers.
I did not know the students.
It sounds like I didn't know much of anything, doesn't it!
I left my family back in Canada.
I left my husband behind.
He is working to support me financially so that I can be here with you.
I left behind my children and my grandchildren.
I left behind my church.
Why did I do this?
Because I believe God wants me here for this time--for your children.
But I did bring some things with me, too.
I brought with me the knowledge and skills that God has developed in me.
I brought a teaching degree.
I brought over 20 years' teaching experience.
I brought with me musical skills and knowledge.
I brought a guitar.
And I brought with me a desire to help your children succeed in school.
I have encouraged your children to attend every class----to come on time----and to listen, take notes, and study.
I ask God every day to help me to do my best.
And I hope that you ask Him to help you, too.
Because we are partners, you and I.
We are working together to help these boys and girls get their education.
I thank you for sacrificing financially for them, for encouraging them, and for making it possible for them to dream big dreams for their future.
(CLOSING)
Are we perfect?
Of course not.
No one is perfect.
Philippians chapter 3 verses 12 to 14 says:
We try our best, don't we.
We teach these precious children that they also need to try their best each day.
And if we ask Him, God will give us grace where we are lacking.
Thank you for sending your children to this school, and for the privilege I have to teach them this year.
(By the way: I was told just 2 days ago that their marks are based 100% on their term exams: no assignments, quizzes, or anything else I did counts! Yes, it's different in this country...)
---------------------------------------
(OPENING)
Good afternoon. I would like to recognize the presence of Mr. Banda, the principal; Mrs. Gonani, the deputy principal; staff members of Kings Victory Academy; students; and most importantly, parents and guardians.
Thank you, parents and guardians, for taking time today to attend this meeting.
When I see that you have given up some of your precious weekend time to come here, I know that you truly value education.
The directoress, my mum, could not attend because she is in Mozambique this weekend.
It is my honour then to speak to you briefly on her behalf.
(BODY)
I would like to read a verse from the Bible first of all. It is from the book of Philippians--chapter 1 and verse 6:
(Philippians 1:6)
6 I am convinced and sure of this very thing,
6 I am convinced and sure of this very thing,
that He Who began a good work in you will continue
until the day of Jesus Christ
[right up to the time of His return],
developing [that good work] and perfecting
and bringing it to full completion in you.
When I arrived in Malawi from Canada on January 1st, this was a foreign land to me. A strange place.
I did not know anyone other than my mum.
I did not know the land.
I did not know the language.
I did not know the culture.
I did not know the teachers.
I did not know the students.
It sounds like I didn't know much of anything, doesn't it!
I left my family back in Canada.
I left my husband behind.
He is working to support me financially so that I can be here with you.
I left behind my children and my grandchildren.
I left behind my church.
Why did I do this?
Because I believe God wants me here for this time--for your children.
But I did bring some things with me, too.
I brought with me the knowledge and skills that God has developed in me.
I brought a teaching degree.
I brought over 20 years' teaching experience.
I brought with me musical skills and knowledge.
I brought a guitar.
And I brought with me a desire to help your children succeed in school.
I have encouraged your children to attend every class----to come on time----and to listen, take notes, and study.
I ask God every day to help me to do my best.
And I hope that you ask Him to help you, too.
Because we are partners, you and I.
We are working together to help these boys and girls get their education.
I thank you for sacrificing financially for them, for encouraging them, and for making it possible for them to dream big dreams for their future.
(CLOSING)
Are we perfect?
Of course not.
No one is perfect.
Philippians chapter 3 verses 12 to 14 says:
(Philippians 3:12-14)
12 Not that I have already attained this ideal,
12 Not that I have already attained this ideal,
or have already been made perfect,
but I press on to lay hold of and make my own
that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me
and made me His own.
13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured
13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured
and made it my own yet, but one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind
and straining foward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal
14 I press on toward the goal
to win the prize which God in Christ Jesus
is calling us upward.
We try our best, don't we.
We teach these precious children that they also need to try their best each day.
And if we ask Him, God will give us grace where we are lacking.
Thank you for sending your children to this school, and for the privilege I have to teach them this year.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
LYING IN STATE
Yesterday we went to the formal viewing of the former president of Malawi, Bingu wa Mutharika (pronounced "Moo-TAH-ree-kah").
We left the house just after 7 a.m. The official program was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and the public was to be permitted in afterward. We joined the lines at the big iron gates at 8:45, where there were a few hundred people in front of us. It was a long wait--about 2 hours. Mum met a lady in line that she recognized from a private schools' meeting about 5 years ago. Some people started pushing when it looked as though the gates would open. Arnold made a plea to a young soldier for the two "grandmothers" to be shown consideration: please let them go in so they are not trampled. It worked. The four of us joined arms and entered the gates, with people running around us within a minute or two.
Photos were NOT allowed anywhere on the grounds, so I tried my best to remember details so I could write them down later.
We walked up a hill--half a kilometre, perhaps more. The place was slightly run-down, in need of some upkeep. No one has lived there full-time since the first president, Dr. Kamuzu Hastings Banda built it as his official residence. Nevertheless, the grounds were still spectacular. It reminded me of Stanley Park, with massive trees, expansive lawns, and rock-lined paths. The sidewalk that wound up the hill was inlaid with small white rocks for the entire distance. Really beautiful.
There was another long wait at the second gate in front of the buildings. The wonderful breeze seem to vanish for 45 minutes, and it got HOT. My scalp is just slightly burnt today.
The building behind the second set of huge gates was not the actual palace. Rather, it was a reception building, used for holding meetings.
(photos found online)
I was told that the palace itself was up at the very top of the other side of the hill by the cliff. It couldn't be seen from here. The breezeway/access to the viewing room was granite-tiled in several different earth tones. Beautiful. Between the gate and the breezeway were tropical gardens. One plant in particular caught my eye. It had long stalks of what resembled ostrich feathers. They were off-white and they must have been 3 meters tall. I've seen them in the craft sections of stores. When I find out the name of it I'll locate a photo online and post it here.
(Got it: it's called pampas grass. Thanks to Leonora and Merna!)
Oh, and the view! Rolling hills and mountains, all green, as far as the eye could see, under a brilliant blue sky.
Soldiers ensured that people walked non-stop, with no gaps in the line as we entered the viewing area. A quick walk past the coffin, which had a window in it, revealing the president's head and shoulders. There were women's guilds singing, seated on either side of the walkway. A young women just two steps in front of me collapsed, sobbing hysterically. Two women and a man lifted her up and carted her off. I almost tripped over a large bump in the carpet right there!
In a moment we were out the other side and headed down the exit lane. We caught a ride on a minibus so the trip down the hill was quick. Oh, my! There must have been 2000 people lined up to get in!
We went into town and had lunch at Martin's Tasty Foods--chicken "stew" (which was a section of chicken in stewed tomatoes) with rice and small green string beans. Yes, it was tasty!
Monday has been declared a national holiday in recognition of the funeral that will take place.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRIENDS OF MALAWI FELLOWSHIP (FOMF) AFRICA
Box 33042, Glenwood P0
Edmonton AB T5P 4V8
We left the house just after 7 a.m. The official program was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and the public was to be permitted in afterward. We joined the lines at the big iron gates at 8:45, where there were a few hundred people in front of us. It was a long wait--about 2 hours. Mum met a lady in line that she recognized from a private schools' meeting about 5 years ago. Some people started pushing when it looked as though the gates would open. Arnold made a plea to a young soldier for the two "grandmothers" to be shown consideration: please let them go in so they are not trampled. It worked. The four of us joined arms and entered the gates, with people running around us within a minute or two.
Photos were NOT allowed anywhere on the grounds, so I tried my best to remember details so I could write them down later.
We walked up a hill--half a kilometre, perhaps more. The place was slightly run-down, in need of some upkeep. No one has lived there full-time since the first president, Dr. Kamuzu Hastings Banda built it as his official residence. Nevertheless, the grounds were still spectacular. It reminded me of Stanley Park, with massive trees, expansive lawns, and rock-lined paths. The sidewalk that wound up the hill was inlaid with small white rocks for the entire distance. Really beautiful.
There was another long wait at the second gate in front of the buildings. The wonderful breeze seem to vanish for 45 minutes, and it got HOT. My scalp is just slightly burnt today.
The building behind the second set of huge gates was not the actual palace. Rather, it was a reception building, used for holding meetings.
(photos found online)
I was told that the palace itself was up at the very top of the other side of the hill by the cliff. It couldn't be seen from here. The breezeway/access to the viewing room was granite-tiled in several different earth tones. Beautiful. Between the gate and the breezeway were tropical gardens. One plant in particular caught my eye. It had long stalks of what resembled ostrich feathers. They were off-white and they must have been 3 meters tall. I've seen them in the craft sections of stores. When I find out the name of it I'll locate a photo online and post it here.
(Got it: it's called pampas grass. Thanks to Leonora and Merna!)
Oh, and the view! Rolling hills and mountains, all green, as far as the eye could see, under a brilliant blue sky.
Soldiers ensured that people walked non-stop, with no gaps in the line as we entered the viewing area. A quick walk past the coffin, which had a window in it, revealing the president's head and shoulders. There were women's guilds singing, seated on either side of the walkway. A young women just two steps in front of me collapsed, sobbing hysterically. Two women and a man lifted her up and carted her off. I almost tripped over a large bump in the carpet right there!
In a moment we were out the other side and headed down the exit lane. We caught a ride on a minibus so the trip down the hill was quick. Oh, my! There must have been 2000 people lined up to get in!
We went into town and had lunch at Martin's Tasty Foods--chicken "stew" (which was a section of chicken in stewed tomatoes) with rice and small green string beans. Yes, it was tasty!
Monday has been declared a national holiday in recognition of the funeral that will take place.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRIENDS OF MALAWI FELLOWSHIP (FOMF) AFRICA
Box 33042, Glenwood P0
Edmonton AB T5P 4V8
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Geography of Malawi (and a little history, too)
I really like the site called "How Stuff Works"!
Tonight I found a geography section, with this page on Malawi. Click on the link below to check it out:
Geography of Malawi
Note: The Shire River is pronounced "SHEER-ray"
Tonight I found a geography section, with this page on Malawi. Click on the link below to check it out:
Geography of Malawi
Note: The Shire River is pronounced "SHEER-ray"
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
MIDPOINT REFLECTION
Monday, April 9th marked the mid-way point of my journey:
102 days out of 203 days;
14 1/2 weeks out of 29 weeks;
3 months, 10 days out of 6 months, 20 days.
Am I counting? Oh, yes!
The small, visible signs that I'm half-way:
-My anti-malaria medication bottle is half-empty. I have to continue to take the medicine for 4 weeks after my return.
-My water purification tablets are long gone. I thought I could get more here but I was wrong. Now I boil all of my water.
-January, February, and March are crossed off my calendar.
---------------------------------------
Highlights:
-Term 1:
Exams are completed. Term 2 does not officially begin until April 16th, although Forms 2 and 4 students are having some extra classes because they write the year-end government exams.
-Video project:
Last school year, S.C.O.M. (the Christian students' club) students had performed an original drama titled, "The Only Way to Live." When they saw that I had a video camera, they approached me with a request to record their performance. I have gone a step further and made it into a movie. The DVD has just been completed this week. We will have the premier showing on a Friday afternoon this term.
-Guitar:
I've taught the school students the 12-bar blues. They've also learned the chorus to "It is Well With My Soul", one of Malawi's favourite hymns. The church's music team has just begun lessons, and they are determined to learn as much as they can. Mark is particularly quick and can already change chords in rhythm for "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever". Students graduate and move on, but these church youth will carry on the teaching to others.
-Singing:
There are a core group of students who LOVE to sing. Many come, but a few are especialIy committed, having a gift for music. I have had the pleasure of singing some duets with them.
-Baby Joseph:
My little godson (I named him--amazing!) is healthy and growing.
-Harry:
Wow. What do I say about Harry? He's had the stress of unpaid school fees removed from his shoulders. He's had a lifelong physical problem finally addressed and diagnosed. Harry had his first surgery on March 26th. There is a second surgery scheduled for later in April. His sister's
family has had help getting through the stresses of miscarriage, unemployment, and the collapse of their house from heavy rains. Life is different for them than it would have been had I not had the means--thanks to donations--to give assistance at this crucial point in Harry's life.
--------------------------------------
Those are all external things.
What of the internal journey I've been on?
-Loneliness:
This has without question been the most difficult thing to deal with. Being separated from my husband/best friend, Marty has been almost more than I've been able to bear some days. I'm a family person first and foremost, so not being part of the lives of my children (Jesse, Mike/Grace, Rachel) and my grandchildren (Seth, Xander, Liam) has been agony at times. The support of my family and friends (through prayer, Facebook, email, and a few cards) is the penultimate reason I haven't given up and come home early. Well, and also because I really hate to quit or give up! I was raised to honour my commitments, even if it's difficult. FOMF is not a big organization with a large Canadian staff. Here there is my aunt/mum (Rev. Phyllis Labrentz, and the only non-African), and there is the business manager. Then there is the principal and the school staff (also all Africans). I'm the foreigner, the visitor. There's no expatriate community to socialize with, no missionary coffee group or anything else like that. It's just my aunt and me.
-Culture differences:
It's a COMPLETELY different world here.
The chronic shortage of forex (foreign exchange) has created lack of fuel, medicines, and even electricity. Each day the mental checklist is: Is there power? water? petrol? The days with all three in attendance are in the clear minority. There has been some political unrest, though not as serious as some of the news services (with their political biases) would make out. Keep in mind the recent histories of most African countries as you consider this: Malawi has never had a war. They are a peace-loving people, extremely reluctant to engage in conflict.
Security issues prevent me from going for walks. Most houses are surrounded by high brick walls with either barbed wire or broken glass on top. Walking the lane to the main road is like walking down a blind back alley. As is the case in most developing countries, non-Africans are assumed to be rich. Being both "white" and female makes it dangerous for me to be out alone. Thievery is rampant here. The fuel shortage makes just getting into town a challenge, let alone sightseeing. Hopefully I'll get to visit a few places of interest before it's time to leave.
Note: President Mutharika of Malawi died suddenly of a heart attack last week. The country is in an official 10 day mourning period. The funeral is scheduled for April 23rd. Arnold says that Blantyre will soon be crowded with out-of-country dignitaries that will come for the ceremonies. Malawi now has its first female president (the 2nd in Africa and the 1st in southern Africa), Mrs. Joyce Banda. She is a Christian woman, owner of a private school, and an advocate for girls' rights to education. The entire country is feeling a tiny breeze of hope that the pressures of daily living may soon ease just a little.
------------------------------------------
COPING
How do I cope?
I take it day by day. I try to get extra sleep, because fatigue negatively affects emotions. I pray--a lot. I journal every day. Of course, checking in online with friends and family helps immensely to keep me feeling somewhat connected to my life back home. I thank God for technology such as Skype!
-----------------------------------
Back in Canada, FOMF has a board and a secretary (Ruth Martz) who all volunteer their time. Overhead is extremely low, with virtually every dollar spent on the work here. If you are looking for a worthwhile and trustworthy organization that is helping the young and disadvantaged, then FOMF would greatly appreciate your help. I hope that some of YOU will become monthly supporters.
FRIENDS OF MALAWI FELLOWSHIP (FOMF) AFRICA
Box 33042, Glenwood P0
Edmonton AB T5P 4V8
Email: rmartz@shaw.ca
102 days out of 203 days;
14 1/2 weeks out of 29 weeks;
3 months, 10 days out of 6 months, 20 days.
Am I counting? Oh, yes!
The small, visible signs that I'm half-way:
-My anti-malaria medication bottle is half-empty. I have to continue to take the medicine for 4 weeks after my return.
-My water purification tablets are long gone. I thought I could get more here but I was wrong. Now I boil all of my water.
-January, February, and March are crossed off my calendar.
---------------------------------------
Highlights:
-Term 1:
Exams are completed. Term 2 does not officially begin until April 16th, although Forms 2 and 4 students are having some extra classes because they write the year-end government exams.
-Video project:
Last school year, S.C.O.M. (the Christian students' club) students had performed an original drama titled, "The Only Way to Live." When they saw that I had a video camera, they approached me with a request to record their performance. I have gone a step further and made it into a movie. The DVD has just been completed this week. We will have the premier showing on a Friday afternoon this term.
-Guitar:
I've taught the school students the 12-bar blues. They've also learned the chorus to "It is Well With My Soul", one of Malawi's favourite hymns. The church's music team has just begun lessons, and they are determined to learn as much as they can. Mark is particularly quick and can already change chords in rhythm for "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever". Students graduate and move on, but these church youth will carry on the teaching to others.
-Singing:
There are a core group of students who LOVE to sing. Many come, but a few are especialIy committed, having a gift for music. I have had the pleasure of singing some duets with them.
-Baby Joseph:
My little godson (I named him--amazing!) is healthy and growing.
-Harry:
Wow. What do I say about Harry? He's had the stress of unpaid school fees removed from his shoulders. He's had a lifelong physical problem finally addressed and diagnosed. Harry had his first surgery on March 26th. There is a second surgery scheduled for later in April. His sister's
family has had help getting through the stresses of miscarriage, unemployment, and the collapse of their house from heavy rains. Life is different for them than it would have been had I not had the means--thanks to donations--to give assistance at this crucial point in Harry's life.
--------------------------------------
Those are all external things.
What of the internal journey I've been on?
-Loneliness:
This has without question been the most difficult thing to deal with. Being separated from my husband/best friend, Marty has been almost more than I've been able to bear some days. I'm a family person first and foremost, so not being part of the lives of my children (Jesse, Mike/Grace, Rachel) and my grandchildren (Seth, Xander, Liam) has been agony at times. The support of my family and friends (through prayer, Facebook, email, and a few cards) is the penultimate reason I haven't given up and come home early. Well, and also because I really hate to quit or give up! I was raised to honour my commitments, even if it's difficult. FOMF is not a big organization with a large Canadian staff. Here there is my aunt/mum (Rev. Phyllis Labrentz, and the only non-African), and there is the business manager. Then there is the principal and the school staff (also all Africans). I'm the foreigner, the visitor. There's no expatriate community to socialize with, no missionary coffee group or anything else like that. It's just my aunt and me.
-Culture differences:
It's a COMPLETELY different world here.
The chronic shortage of forex (foreign exchange) has created lack of fuel, medicines, and even electricity. Each day the mental checklist is: Is there power? water? petrol? The days with all three in attendance are in the clear minority. There has been some political unrest, though not as serious as some of the news services (with their political biases) would make out. Keep in mind the recent histories of most African countries as you consider this: Malawi has never had a war. They are a peace-loving people, extremely reluctant to engage in conflict.
Security issues prevent me from going for walks. Most houses are surrounded by high brick walls with either barbed wire or broken glass on top. Walking the lane to the main road is like walking down a blind back alley. As is the case in most developing countries, non-Africans are assumed to be rich. Being both "white" and female makes it dangerous for me to be out alone. Thievery is rampant here. The fuel shortage makes just getting into town a challenge, let alone sightseeing. Hopefully I'll get to visit a few places of interest before it's time to leave.
Note: President Mutharika of Malawi died suddenly of a heart attack last week. The country is in an official 10 day mourning period. The funeral is scheduled for April 23rd. Arnold says that Blantyre will soon be crowded with out-of-country dignitaries that will come for the ceremonies. Malawi now has its first female president (the 2nd in Africa and the 1st in southern Africa), Mrs. Joyce Banda. She is a Christian woman, owner of a private school, and an advocate for girls' rights to education. The entire country is feeling a tiny breeze of hope that the pressures of daily living may soon ease just a little.
------------------------------------------
COPING
How do I cope?
I take it day by day. I try to get extra sleep, because fatigue negatively affects emotions. I pray--a lot. I journal every day. Of course, checking in online with friends and family helps immensely to keep me feeling somewhat connected to my life back home. I thank God for technology such as Skype!
-----------------------------------
Back in Canada, FOMF has a board and a secretary (Ruth Martz) who all volunteer their time. Overhead is extremely low, with virtually every dollar spent on the work here. If you are looking for a worthwhile and trustworthy organization that is helping the young and disadvantaged, then FOMF would greatly appreciate your help. I hope that some of YOU will become monthly supporters.
FRIENDS OF MALAWI FELLOWSHIP (FOMF) AFRICA
Box 33042, Glenwood P0
Edmonton AB T5P 4V8
Email: rmartz@shaw.ca
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