01/07/2019
Day 6/7 - the Weekend
Written by Shivam Pandya
The weekend began with our team visiting the pottery. Just taking our few steps inside, the whole team were in awe of the intricate and beautiful range of mugs,plates,sinks, jugs etc...
After our leave from the pottery our team took our first visit to the health clinic in Kasina. We were unexpectedly welcomed by the youth groups that were awaiting our arrival and we spectated the activities that they had in store for us. The activities ranged across different traditional dances and ended in a collective dance session that the team got involved in (except Mr Nagle)...
Eventually Sister Mary came to invite our team to the nuns' house. To the delight of our team, a grand feast (or something similar of that description) was served and we discussed the activities of the team with the nuns. Before we left for camp, we gave donations consisting of baby clothing, electronic devices and $2000 which the team helped to raise to the nuns in which they were very grateful for. Our monetry donation solely funds the epilepsy clinic whic has become a realmproblem.amoumg the more rural communities.
The following day could be described as our team's "relaxing time". After an uplifting celebration of mass at the local church the long anticipated trip to Lake Malawi started with an extremely long 4 hour journey to the Safari Lodge overlooking the lake.
However, the road trip rewarded us with a surprising appearence of different local wildlife (including a human sized monkey) but most obvious of all a stunning view of Lake Malawi (definitely worthy of a post card photo). Approaching the afternoon, the heat finally hit hard on the team and we quickly were down to short sleeves and bare feet.
Our team made our way to the lake and we're met with never ending numbers of fishing boats and paddle boats. The team found a spot to play and relax and some members took a dip into the lake (but only as deep as knee height).
After having dinner and waiting as the evening arrived, we had a small but sweet musical performance by two of Edgar's children, Wellington and Annabelle. Our team enjoyed the performances and we even participated in one song.
Watching the sun descend into the horizon, it was finally time to leave the Lake and head back to camp. As we all got comfortable in the back of the truck and layed down for the upcoming return journey, we were all ushered to sleep by the vast pattern of stars that lit up the Malawian night sky that were truly as astonishing as the Lake.
Day 8 written by Mr Nagle
Today was another early start for our team, we left camp before breakfast to make our way to the health clinic in Kasina on the border of Mozambique.
We were greeted by Sister Mary who insisted we start with tea and scones (try turning down an Irish lady offering refreshments).
After a tour of the facilities we got down to work. Casey & Abbie helped set up the laptops that we donated and introduced fundimental Microsoft office skills to a class of locals.
The rest of the team worked with the medics by recording the weight, height and blood pressure of some of the women in the postnatal unit. It was really pleasing to see some of the handmade baby clothes being handed out to these new mothers who seemed very grateful.
The palatitive care unit deals with those coming towards the end of life, some of which find it difficult to attend the clinic. The medical supplies and first aid packs that we have sourced are having an instant impact in supporting patients and their families during this difficult period.
Now it's back to Lilongwe and next stop; a tuk-tuk ride into town...
Tsalani bwino!!! (Stay well in Chichewa)
