Scott and I are winging our way back across the Atlantic as I reflect on the two weeks we have just spent in Malawi. It is the shortest time I have been there since 1995, and it seems like I just arrived and it was time to go to the airport for the flight back to the U.S. Because of the fuel shortage, and the demonstrations that turned bad, we had to cut of the plan to go to the northern part of the country. That is sad, as there were a number of people and programs we wanted to contact on this trip. It seems there just is never enough time to cover the entire country and do all of the things that need attention. Besides, I guess if we were to spend six months in country there would be just that many more places to visit and assist. Not enough time. Not enough funds. Guess it will just have to wait until the next trip, either late in the year, or early next year. Now it is time to focus on getting back to the states and beginning the trek around the country reporting on the state of the various programs the Malawi Project is currently assisting. For the first time in a long, long time I am comfortable in a middle seat on the airplane. We are still several hours out of Rome, where we will refuel for the across the Atlantic part of the trip, but with the much higher ceiling there is not the trapped feeling you get (for good reason, you are trapped!), in the older Boeing 747’s or the European Airbus.
By and large, even when you factor in the downtime for the fuel problems the entire trip, the lost luggage at the beginning of the trip, and the demonstrations that turned violent in the middle of the trip, we still had a very productive trip.
Namikango
Going to Namikango, even for just a short time, is always a delight. It will not be the same with the Thiesen family returning to the states in just a few days, but the Malawi staff is well trained, conscious and more than able to carry forward. Mark has spent the past year moving responsibility over to the staff, and from what I have seen they are and will continue to move successfully forward without missing a beat. A real compliment to them and to Mark and Era and the work there during the past 7 years.
Wilson, Basani, Roderick, Sampson, all of them, they are just doing a great job. The warehouse looks excellent, and the distribution network for medical supplies and wheelchairs continues to enlarge. It all looks good.
Cool Runnings
With another V-Tractor about to arrive Sam is really going to have her hands full. Don’t know how she does it. Two tractors, working closely with the Paratroop Battalion to complete the library, distributing wheelchairs, the successful work at the Safe Haven, the Cinderella Program, the widespread help through Clinic at the Gate, the community policing assistance, and all of the other things she is doing to help. Just one person, making such a difference.
Dzidalire
I’m really excited about the new hospital, and then there is the international school. It’s going to be our biggest project to date, and the people in the villages are already outrunning us with the work they are doing. Thousands of bricks already made, the road over the mountain, and 17,000 trees planted all over the mountain, they are just going all out to make this a reality.
Medicine and Medical Supplies
There is just so much more that is going on. The millions of dollars in medicines and medical supplies, and everything that brings to mind all over the country. It just makes my head swim to thing of it all. Wish we could have looked in on the other programs with which we have involvement. There are just too many. God is so good, and He has sure opened the door for us to help the people of Malawi. Wonder what will be next?
For me, I think I’m going to try to get some sleep before we reach Rome. Maybe this time I can sleep on this plane. The height of the luggage racks above our heads and down the center isle sure gives you the feeling of having a lot more space. This is the first time I have been in the center seat and felt even remotely comfortable. Guess we better make sure we are on 777’s from now on.