Saturday 5 October

Saturday was spent in Mzuzu.

 "The early morning was a killer, could have stayed in bed all day quite happily. The Bishop was a kind man and made me laugh. The heat is something I’m struggling with a bit. The walk around the complex really reminded me how much I need suntan lotion! The people we met welcomed us warmly and it was great to see so many smiling faces as opposed to the frowns of Glasgow. I even had the chance to use a bit of my chitumbuka which was a good laugh. The trip to Mary Martha was an experience I will never forget. The children were so happy and smiling. They loved the cameras and were desperate to see themselves on the screen which made me smile. Giving out the presents was slightly like a double edged sword. It was amazing to see how happy people were but at the same time I felt slightly awkward giving out gifts already. Shopping was an interesting experience, I was very scared when walking out the shop and very conscious of the money in my pocket. Since getting home it has been a great laugh! Everyone is starting to settle down I think and are coming out of their skin. I’m missing home and still feel a bit strange being so far away from home but I’m enjoying the experience and can’t wait to see what comes next."

Sophie Lewis

 

" So today we had an apparent ‘long lie’, which is 7 o’clock in Malawian time.  Our alarm went off about 7 but none of us were in any state to get out of bed so at quarter to 8 we ended up shoving on clothes and managed to be at breakfast for 8. Breakfast was really good, we had omelettes, boiled eggs and toast. Not forgetting the Malawian coffee which is amazing! After breakfast, we made our way to the Bishops house which was really good to see. He was extremely welcoming and friendly towards us making us feel right at home. We then headed back to the house where we had a walk around St.Peter’s school, meeting some of the students and their teachers. After lunch, we headed off to Mary Martha’s orphanage which was an absolutely amazing experience and one which I will never forget. As our car pulled up we were greeted by hundreds of smiling children all eager to meet us. As we stepped out of the car we were greeted by all of them; shaking their hands and trying out our Malawian greetings. We were then introduced to the orphans and volunteers and got the opportunity to help with their lunch. This was a real eye opener for us all! We  played games and races with the children which was by far the best part of the day for me! After giving out our gifts (lollipops and balloons) we took some pictures of the children which they seemed to find hilarious. Spending time with the orphans really brought home where we actually were. It was heart breaking to realize that this was all they had and sickening to think of all the things we have at home which we simply take for granted. In the evening we went to the Mzuzu Coffee Den and afterwards the local supermarket where we bought some food and drink for the house. When we got back home we began to pack the gifts for the next day. There was a great atmosphere in the house as everyone was much more comfortable and relaxed. It has finally dawned on me that we are in Africa; which is crazy! I had the most amazing day today at the Orphan centre and can not wait for tomorrow!"

 

Megan Dillon 

 

The wheelbarrow race at Mary Martha's

 

 

"The night before I had set my alarm for 7am to be ready for 8. Our ‘long lie’ wasn’t enough for me and so I didn’t get up until 7.30am. That was the quickest I have ever got ready in my life! Breakfast was good. We had boiled eggs and omelettes. We made our first trip to visit the Bishop and he was very nice and welcoming. After Lunch and a quick tour around the St. Peter’s buildings, we travelled to Mary Martha’s Orphanage. As soon as we arrived the bus was surrounded by smiling children and welcoming faces. Stepping off the bus, we were swarmed by children shaking our hands. Once we were formally introduced we served the children their lunch. This was heart breaking. There weren’t enough plates for all the children to eat at once and so most had to wait for a finished plate in order to eat. Some of the children also had ripped clothes and no shoes. We then played sporting games with the children which they loved. We played games such as Duck, Duck, Goose and Tunnel Tag. The kids especially loved the cameras and seeing their own faces. Afterwards all the team gave out the small gifts to the children (balloons and lollipops) and gave the volunteers a donated t-shirt. Later we went to the supermarket. It was shocking to see the price drop in a bottle of coke from roughly £1 in Scotland to under 25p in Malawi. There we bought all our cravings (chocolate and crisps) and headed home for a nice meal and quiet night in. The night has been a great laugh and everyone is really settling in. I had an amazing time today and it was great to see all the children with their smiling faces."

 

Sophie Fulton   

 

 

  

Meeting the Orphans at Mary Martha