Educate Malawi, Inc.

Malawi Information

2012-02-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

A quick posting...I wanted to just jot some basic information and statistics about Malawi, then I will continue with my personal blog.

This information came from a variety of sources; one of which is the CIA website. Also, it may be slightly outdated at this point...but it was accurate at the time we first traveled there.

* Malawi is landlocked below Tanzania, next to Zambia and Mozambique.

* It is slightly smaller than Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 14 million people; Pennsylvania has approximately 13)* On July 6, 1964 Malawi gained independence from British rule and was named Nyasaland (Nyasa means lake) its name was later changed to Malawi.* Lake Malawi is approximately the size of Vermont, takes up 1/3 of the country and is th 9th larges lake in the world.

* 1 in 5 children in Malawi dies before their 5th birthday
* 49% of children are malnourished

* 40% of deaths of 2 year olds are malaria related

* Malawi is the 7th poorest country in the world. For human development it is ranked by the United Nations at 151 out of 162 countries.

* Over 14% of the Malawi population is living with HIV/AIDS

* 55% of the population lives below the poverty line. Life expectancy is 52 years old, which is an increase from the previous life ecpenctancy of 36 years.

* Over 1 million children in Malawi are without a parent, home or education and most are orphans due to an AIDS related death of their parents.

* The literacy rate is 58% total: 72.8% male and 43.4% female.

This is just some of the information that we learned about the country after our first visit. This last one, in addition to our experience visiting the schools, was what set our mission in motion.

Malawi 2007 Cont'd.

2012-01-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

This was the morning and afternoon of September 3, 2007. Shannon was saying good-bye to one of our dogs at the house. The picture of me is at JFK airport; we bought some Toberlone for the flight...we made them last for quite a while and even gave some to a security guard at the South Africa airport!

Reading back through my entries from my journal made me smile. I wrote at 9:54 p.m. that we had been flying for about 4 hours and had 13 hours to go! We had had dinner by this time which I thought was very delicious. Between 1:12 a.m. and 5:12 a.m. I wrote:

"Well we have lost our first 4 hours during travel. We are landing in Dakar, Senegal before going to Johannesburg. I slept for a very little bit -very hard for me to get comfortable in these seats - my back hurt a lot!! I'm thinking in would be niceto have breakfast now. Some people had a second dinner only half an hour ago!...."

As it turned out, I did not sleep except for about those 20 minutes in 20 hours of flying. In re-reading my journal entries, it was rather limited in detail, really. Shannon was sick for a lot of that first leg of our journey. The first time I was almost asleep she woke up crying and saying she was going to be sick. She said she had been dreaming about her boyfriend and woke up feeling very sick...so I think from then on it was hard for me to completely relax and sleep. Plus, sleeping in a sitting position on a plane is very difficult (for me). There were people who were snoring...maybe they were the people who drank all the wine that was being offered...I should have paid attention!

We stayed overnight in Johannesburg at a hostle that Shannon had stayed at in 2005, Shoestrings, and I slept so great!!

We were very excited and feeling pretty good so far about accomplishing this first leg of our journey! I have traveled to Malawi 4 times as I sit and write this, and I feel that the flying there is as much a challenge as any part of the trip! I wrote the morning before we departed Johannesburg:

"I keep thinking about all the people at home who put so much faith and encouragement in us - I'm feeling like it's pressure...I need to keep my faith in order to combat that! Fear and anxiety will not serve me at all while I'm here. Shannon seems to be feeling better than yesterday".

We boarded the plane in Johannesburg on our way to Blantyre, Malawi on September 5...excited and nervous to land and be in the country of our destination, we excitedly boarded.

I will close this post with a small note for the continuation of these entries. It may sound 'funny' or unusual, but the remainder of the posts will be strictly about our experiences and feelings of being on this journey. We were doing volunteer work but the organization we were working with have asked us not to talk about them in any of our Educate Malawi work (which is what this blog is associated with, technically). Unfortunately, I can say no more than that. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and without it would not be doing this work that I am loving for a country I came to care about.

Peace for now!!

Karen

Happy January 2012

2012-01-15T07:04:00.001-08:00

The new year is here and Educate Malawi is in full swing! We had a board meeting in December and have 'mapped' out our year's fundraising events. They are soon to be posted on the website and also in a newsletter...we have some great events and look forward a successful fundraising year. Our project is really, really nearing completion. There were some issues with the cement that we had sent funds for, and the classroom floors needed to be re-done. This was a bit disappointing but the last we heard things are back on track and we have one of the classrooms left to complete before we can say we are entirely done with construction. We have not raised funds for desks, etc. at this point, but our initial goal will be met which was to secure a place out of the elements for students to remain indoors during the rainy season! Hoorah!

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I have been looking back at some old emails about the first trip made to Malawi...that's a little ahead of where I left off in my last blog - 2 months ago!! That is not how I see this year going; my hope is to update more frequently on the blog to keep folks posted, etc.

Shannon and I planned our trip to be for the Fall of 2007, that was when she would be completin high school and she decided she would forego college for the first semester to go back to Malawi! I requested a leave of absence from my job at the prison, and was granted it, and we began fundraising. Our trip was 2 years away and we decided we would need to raise about $10,000, maybe more, in order to cover travel costs, living expenses while in Malawi, and bills that were not put on hold at home. We held fundraisers, set up a special account to save our money, and we did a weekly Sunday newspaper route together for 10 months! Without knowing it, that paper route was a good indication of our time together; I wish now I had paid a little closer attention so I could have been better prepared! (more on that later)

We received some support from local businesses and organizations including the Rotary Club and a local Episcopal Church. We felt blessed to have the support of people who we did not know and who did not know us. Those 2 years were a little bit of a blur, and events unfolded continuously that let me know we were on the 'right' path. Our decision to travel to Malawi and volunteer was what we were 'meant' to do. We also received support from family and friends and our goal was realized in September 2007!
I have saved some of my emails from that first week of our journey and it took me a long time to be able to look back at them...again, I am getting ahead of myself and my story, but I am better able now to read them. There were a lot of emotions we went through and it was a challenging time for both Shannon and I, for our own reasons. I can best speak about mine, obviously, and will. In my next post!

Peace to you all for now!

Karen

FINAL TALLY FROM KAREN'S RIDE

2011-11-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to announce our final total from Karen's Ride:

$2,656!! A special HUGE thank you to J. Rockwell "Rocky" Allen for his very generous donation of $500.

With this final donation and other fundraisers this Fall, we have been able to send monies for the purchase of paint for the classroom block!! Aside from desks and chairs, the project is complete and the children will soon be using it!!

As soon as photos arrive from Malawi, I will post them!

So...as the last blog mentioned, I plan to continue this ride, Karen's ride for Malawi, in 2012 and ride 500 miles up the coast of Maine! It is my hope to spread the word about this beautiful but impoverished country and support their efforts to succeed and prosper! It was a successful event last year and my hopes are that it is equally successful this year. I am seriously considering riding through all 50 states ultimately in this effort and believe that I will be able to do that! With the continuing support from family and friends there is no doubt that anything is possible, so I keep riding and raising money.

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I think about Malawi often and have just watched "The Amazing Race" which recently took place in Malawi and it always stirs something inside me...so I thought I might use this blog to share my story from the beginning. Many of the people who I have met over these last few years know just a small bit of my story and I thought this might be a good place to put some of the details of 'how it all started'. Hopefully it will be enjoyable to some and if not, it will be a nice reminiscence for me!
In 2003 my oldest child, Shannon, was just starting high school. I didn't understand how she got so old and I felt ill-prepared to have a child of that age! She came home from school about 2 weeks in and announced that she wanted to go to Africa. I dismissed the idea a little because it was too overwhelming for me to think about her going to Africa, because I couldn't even believe she was in HIGH SCHOOL!! To make a long story short, we agreed to 'let' her go - I don't think anything could have stopped her! She worked hard and was determined to go on this trip and in the summer of 2005, when she was just 16 years old she left for Malawi for one month with a group of her peers and 2 chaperones!
The 'deal' was that if we (the parents) didn't hear anything from the kids, we were to consider that 'good news'. They were discouraged from contacting home in order to minimize the home-sickness that that contact might bring. So, I didn't hear anything from her for a month...until 2 days before they were due home she emailed her brother who called me to say that there was a strike at the airlines and they would be delayed in coming home. I didn't find out until she returned home, that she and a friend on the trip had a 'bet' that neither of them would contact home (even though others on the trip were). The debate continues today as to who won or lost, because she sent the email to her brother...she hadn't wanted me to 'freak out' hearing from the organization and she wanted to share that news.
The pictures they all shared and the stories they shared were amazing and inspiring. I admired greatly their hard work and courage in making such a journey and was impressed beyond words with the adults who traveled with them and kept them safe and walked with them on this trip.
This was what inspired me and moved me to want to go and see 'what all the fuss was about', so to speak.

So...that was the very beginning of this Malawi interest and endeavor we are on. I will continue with more on the next post!

Zikomo, (Thank you)

Karen

KAREN'S RIDE CONTINUES IN MAINE

2011-11-13T05:59:00.000-08:00

So...I am off on another adventure!! I am currently 'scoping out' the route for next year's Karen's ride for Malawi. This past year's bike ride was fun, adventurous, but most of all it was successful in my gaining some support for Malawi. My last blog post was on September 11, and this past Friday was Veteran's Day...a little ironic in one sense. I know my 'cause' is not in gaining money for America, and some people don't like that, but on my 421 mile ride this past September, I gained an increased appreciation for our Country. Because of people's generosity

and willingness to help, that is what makes us such a wonderful nation!! The beauty is something that is unmistakable, as well!! It is so beautiful when I am out on the road; I get to see up close the natural beauty and I witness people from all over living their lives and going about their business as a passerby.
Yesterday I rode about 22 miles (I got lost on the way back, but only by about 3 miles). I took some photos along the way; only a few...these are 'teasers' because I plan to take many more on this ride coming up.
Today I am riding up the Coast to check out the roads and see what might be a good route for me to ride in September. Stephen told me to keep my eyes open for moose, so I plan to have my camera by my side in the car today!

My plan is to ride 500 miles along the Maine coast in September 2012; again, I hope to raise money and awareness about the Country of Malawi and support them in the area of education. We have a big year planned and will be identifying a new project to work towards as our classroom block project is nearing completion. My goal this year on my ride is to do a little bit more in the way of awareness-raising in the form of press and public speaking wherever I can.
My long-term goal is to eventually ride around the country in these small segments, doing the same thing. Raising money and awareness about Malawi and Educate Malawi, Inc.

Stay tuned for more photos and info. about the upcoming ride and the progress Educate Malawi is making in carrying out their mission. As always, if anyone can and wants to ride with me, I am planning to start around September 6th...the Farmer's Almanac looks pretty good for that week's time!

Cheers!

Karen

8 Days completed!

2011-09-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken today, September 11, 2011! It's my eighth day of riding for a total of 421 miles! Stephen rode 39 of my last 45 miles with me...we had started out on a route he mapped out on Daily mile. We made it about 12 miles on that route and ended up on a mountain out in Beyden or something I've never heard of! It was beautiful out there...but after riding 55 miles yesterday, the hill kept going and going and going!! We got to something that was maybe close to the top and made a decision not to continue on that route, not knowing what was ahead of us! I was tired and Stephen hasn't ridden his bike in a long time!! We ended up on a familiar route that was pretty and still had a few small hills. We stopped at Dunkin Donuts and were able to watch some of the 9/11 ceremonies...it was nice to be there and be able to witness some of that and take those thoughts with us for the remainder of the ride.

These pictures are backing up to yesterday...we left Vermont at 7:15 a.m. and I got home around noon, and then we were busy all the rest of the day, so I didn't have time to blog at all! It was a little challenging the first 15 miles or so, but I expected that, and then it as just smooth sailing, so to speak! I decided I did not like riding through the towns/cities...Greenfield, Northampton, Holyoke...towns that I have ridden through many times before, but after riding through the mountains and hills...it was very difficult to be with cars!

See....beautiful! This was up at the Vermont/Massachusettls line, Bernardston, MA.

So...I think I just might conclude this blog for today. I know there was more I had to say on the subject, but it has been a long day and a long week, and I want to get this posted. I don't know if I said it but I rode 421 miles total...short of my original goal of 500 miles, but I am not disappointed and do not have any regrets. We brought it a few more donations this week which we are very grateful for and I would love to do another ride like this next year! I enjoyed being out on the road and would love to share that and expand this fundraising effort for anyone who would be willing and able to particiapate! As I said before, I am grateful today to be an American and have the ability to give to others everywhere and anywhere who are in need. I know there are a lot of Americans who feel the same and that makes me proud as well!

God bless us all!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...FROM NH TO VT!!

2011-09-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

So, the rain lasted a little longer than we thought it would...but that's ok - we worked it out!! Stephen and I got up at 4:15 a.m. this morning and got ready to continue (pretty much) where we left off. We started a little further along in New Hampshire than where we left off, but it was still two and a half hours from home! We took this picture on the way up...I hadn't yet started riding, but I don't think we got a picture on Tuesday when we entered New Hampshire the first time! On our way we drove through Northfield, MA and we saw two fawn(s) romping in someone's front yard! We thought they were dogs at first, but as we got closer realized they were just babies!! Very, very cute and playful!!

So, I started riding at 8:30 this morning! We started in Newport, NH and the first 2 and 1/2 miles I thought I was going to die! I was scheduled to ride 47 miles, and I hit a lot of steep hills right away and I was very nervous for the rest of the day. As the ride continued, the roads evened out some and it became a really beautiful ride. The difficult thing is, that when I'm riding, I see all kinds of scenery that I would love to photograph, but if I stop to do that I'll never reach my destination!! The GPS lost the road a little ways into the ride, so we had to stop a few times to check in with each other and coordinate the ride. The GPS really is great, when it works!! And actually, if I were by myself I would do things a little differently than this; Stephen and I have tried to stay together, so we have to make sure we are following the same route...

So, again, we entered Vermont without any notice or signage at all!! I was upset, because I love the photos! I do plan to get a picture tomorrow on the way OUT of Vermont...I'll cross the street and get the Welcome to Vermont picture that way...if there is a sign, that is!!

I have two more days of riding before completing this year's challenge to myself. I have been very grateful for the donations people have sent to support Educate Malawi and this event. I have learned a lot about myself and about this type of fundraiser. I would love to do another one next year and would love to have others join me (us) doing this!! It has been really beautiful and fun!! I am continuing to accept donations for this event: donations can be made on the website: http://www.educate-malawi.org/ or by sending a check made payable to Educate Malawi, Inc. at 86 Connecticut Avenue West Springfield, MA 01089.

I just want to say this last thought; it's one that has been with me since very early in this ride, and being September 9th, close to an important American 'memorial' day, I want to add a thought about America. I am doing this ride to raise money for another country, one that is significantly less well-off than we are here in America. I saw that first-hand on my first trip and was moved to start this organization. I have questioned myself and been questioned by others about giving money and raising money for another country. It is a difficult thing to explain and to even understand. An answer became clear to me this week and that is how I am proud to be an American, am grateful for all the opportunities we have here and our ability to help others. That is what I love about our country; I also believe that it is not who you help it's just that you do.

More tomorrow...I think the first 10 miles will be much like my last 10; hilly and difficult...but rewarding when I've done it! We'll see...

Break due to Rain!

2011-09-07T04:20:00.000-07:00

So, we woke up in NH yesterday to the sound of pouring rain! Actually, I had listened to it all night long and watched the clock to see if it was stopping close to morning. It wasn't. We looked at the weather forecast and radar and it did not look good at all for the next 2 days in NH, VT and home! So, we decided to postpone the remaining 3 days of riding and continue when the weather cleared up.

We drove the route that I would have ridden that day and it was very beautiful but very hilly!! Also, it barely rained the whole time we were driving. I was not happy with that at all! Trying to make a safe decision by watching the weather is not an easy task...we did the best we could. I have some rain gear, but in addition to by getting wet I had to consider the conditions on the road (my tires are rather skinny ). Some of the downhills were very steep and I was thinking that my brakes might be challenged to slow down sufficiently. All in all I think we made the best decision we could!

I plan to continue on Thursday, riding 50 miles, then head back up to NH to ride into VT and then home. I do not think I will reach the 500 mile mark, but will ride for 8 days and will ride through 5 New England states as planned!!!

Thank you to those who have sent donations; it is greatly appeciated and will help us continue with completion of this project!

Karen

Day 5 - NEW HAMPSHIRE!

2011-09-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

So, we entered New Hampshire with very little fanfare, or notice!! There was no sign…our sign was that we saw more cars with New Hampshire license plates…that’s how we knew! So we stopped and took a picture anyway! I had ridden 35.8 miles and it was 10:28 a.m.!

I have really liked starting riding early…I tend to be a morning person anyway, and that way I am done early! I think that it has been good these last couple days to have a long afternoon to recover and get ready for the next day. Also, I used icy hot last night on my legs and shoulders and swore I could feel the difference in the morning and how I felt. We had a good breakfast this morning at the hotel; waffles, hard boiled egg, coffee, cereal…good fuel for the ride!

We left there, the car was all packed up and Stephen and I coordinated our route for the day. I rode down the parking lot leaving the hotel, got a little confused about which way to turn, stopped to look around and fell over!! Got a nice good cut on my knee to start the day!! Sheesh!

It ended up being a beautiful ride and we were going through the woods and a lot of back roads and not a lot of cars to deal with…just the way I like it! We entered Concord, MA and saw Walden Pond State Park….I am assuming it was The Walden Pond, because I saw Thoreau’s name on a few things in the town…it was very quaint.

So I have decided I want to make a little video about this trip and about the experience and why I am doing it. There has been an overwhelming theme in my mind as I’ve been riding through these towns and thinking about America and Malawi and why I’m doing this and what this all means to me, so check that out if you get a chance!!

We found this very cute place to stay for the night…it’s a Guest House, kind of like a bed and breakfast and a nice change from the standard hotel stay…plus we will get breakfast in the morning, also probably not the standard hotel fare…yummy! Carol and Tom are the owners of this guest house…I couldn’t tell you the names of any of the people who helped us at any other place!! More later!

So, it's a little bit later...haven't made 'the video' yet...lost motivation and got really tired! Maybe tomorrow. We looked up directions for where we want to go tomorrow, and got an idea for the next 3 days. Also, we looked at the weather; it is not looking good Iam very sad to say! We will play it by ear and just do the best we can. I can't ride if it's not safe, that's all there is to say! We will see...I am a bit anxious and hoping for the best! We have worked really hard this week and are very close to the end I would hate to have to stop now...but we will see!!!

Day 4....halfway there!

2011-09-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

So, we woke up about 6:00, got our stuff together, had a little coffee and bagel, and got out early. I started riding just about 7:30! About 3 miles into the ride, Stephen turned around and came back to tell me that the bridge was out up ahead, but there were detour signs to get us to the street we were trying to get to. We got there...it felt like a great big circle (or square) of 5 miles that we had to ride to get back on track! During this detour, Stephen saw a deer (which I didn't get to see), but I got to see these awesome tractors! I stopped to take their picture...we were in a lot of remote areas and farm land and fields and it was very peaceful and pretty! So I took these pictures!

The GPS I got for the bike brought me around some really nice back roads. I rode 57 miles today, and because there were a lot of turns, I think that it made the time and the miles go by quickly! I was paying attention to the next 2 miles, or 1.2 miles and before I knew it I had gone 20 miles! I felt pretty good by then, and then I was at 30 miles...decided to stop for a good snack:
I felt pretty good here, and kept riding. We had originally scheduled to ride 50 miles, and we reached that point at 12:06!! It was very exciting and impressive, if I do say so myself!
oh! A very exciting thing I saw, crazy as it might seem, was a hawk swoop down and get a mouse! At first, I wasnt' sure what I had seen...I thought a brach had fallen off a tree. But then as I rode up to where the hawk was he hopped up onto a fence post with a mouse squirming in its beak!! It was kinda cool, then I felt a little bad for the mouse! It really was kind of small, and I wondered how many of those the hawk might need to eat in a day!
So, at 50 miles, we plugged in hotels in the area, and Stephen went and got us a room reservation, so when I hit 57 miles he picked me up and we went and got lunch!!
Going to try to get some rest tonight because I am anticipating the next couple of days being a little difficult heading into New Hampshire!! Stay tuned!

Rhode Island back to MA...east side

2011-09-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful morning to ride...cool, flat roads, light traffic. About 10 miles into the ride, I came to the Mt. Hope bridge. Stephen had seen it first and offered to drive me if I didn't feel comfortable going over it, it was rather big!!! I got the the entrance and saw a sign the said 'Share the Road' with a picture of a car and a bicycle. I took that as my sign and continued on...all the way up the bridge I kept thinking about that sign and hoping the cars saw it too! The bridge was tall, and the railings low and I could see the ocean in my peripheral vision and very much wanted to look and take a picture, but didn't feel like I could stop. I got to the top and it felt wonderful! I thought I might be able to take a picture from the bottom of the bridge, but realized there was no where to stop...so I stopped on the bride and took a quick picture. I was scared...this is what it looked like:So another thing that I have not yet written about that I want to mention, is just what a great support team Stephen has been. On our first day we really struggled to figure out our GPS units; they didn't match up. It was kind of uncomfortable and scary for both of us not knowing how to keep in touch...once we figured that all out, on day 2, it got much better! Now I know he is around...he passes me, waits 5-10 miles up the road depending on where we are, and then I stop and have a snack or wave and go by! It is comforting for both of us and he has been a great support! It has made the days much more enjoyable and I know all I have to worry about is riding! We rented this cute little car for peace of mind, since his car his acting up right now...we are loving this little Nissan!
Today was kind of a light, easy day. I rode 45 miles; we had reservations at a KOA in Middleboro, MA. - we made the reservation on Thursday night knowing that it was a holiday weekend and we didn't want to be left without a place to stay! It is very nice...we have a cute little cabin very similar to one we stayed in in Malawi on our first trip there in 2009. We have had a real nice, smooth day and we are hopeful for more of the same tomorrow. We will head up towards Boston way and plan to stay somewhere around Wayland, MA tomorrow.

Probably the worst part of today was just toward the end of the ride, there was a section of road that was very commercialized and the cars were driving so fast and there were a lot of lights and turns...it was a bit nerve wracking. We ended up getting me another blinky light for my back for added visibility...we both feel better about that! More tomorrow...gonna go try to rest for now!

Day 2 - In Rhode Island!

2011-09-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

So, these are some pictures of Malawi; in the photo on the left I am at a committee meeting with the school officials and the building committee. You can see some of the school children who attended the meeting and some of them partcipated in the pen pal exchange we held with 2 different groups of students. The photo on the right is the inside of the classroom block and shows the progress that has been made. They have begun to cement the floors and need to plaster the wall and add some doors! I was thinking about these kids today when I was riding and thinking that this is why I am doing what I'm doing. So, I thought I would share this as a reminder to those who maybe don't know, or have forgotten! :)

So, Stephen and I have had some adventures today, again! Yesterday we thought we had the whole navigation thing down, and thought today would just be a ride...didn't expect any glitches...don't know why, because things just don't go that way in life, right?

We started out at about 8:00 and made pretty good time to Mystic, and didn't have to go over the big bridge at all...it was a pretty ride, and pretty uneventful! That was about 22 miles. We were planning to get to Middletown, RI which would have been another 60 miles from there. When we planned this ride and drove it using our car GPS, the route took us up Route 1 into RI which was a beautiful ride; it was flat and scenic! Today, however, we opted to use the bike GPS and the route was different. We decided to stick with that and work it out the way we have been. Stephen jotted down the route that I use on my GPS and some of the mile markers for about 22 miles wort from Mystic...this is what has been working for us so far. About a mile down the road, I took a wrong turn, the GPS started recalculating, I went back to the route I was supposed to be on. The map wasn't loading, so I decided to input the route again and waited for it to load, and waited and waited AND WAITED! I called Stephen and when he caught up, we discussed what the issue might be. I continued to ride and figured it would probably load soon...it didn't. Long story short, it never did! So, we decided to use the directions he had jotted down and that got us as far as Voluntown, CT., where we found a small local library that advertised internet access, and consulted them on how far Middletown, RI was.

Here I am riding toward Stephen in Voluntown!! The ride was about 20 miles from here, and we decided that that would be the goal for the day...60 miles, then we would put the car up and drive to the hotel! And that's what we did. It was only a short distance down the road from here that we entered Rhode Island...that was encouraging and exciting. And again, Stephen was waiting there with his camera to take 'the picture'! He knew...here it is!

Well, I want to say that it is not all wonderful...Shannon said it sounded like I was on vacation...because when I talked to her yesterday from the hotel and was so happy to be hanging out on the bed watching t.v. after having taken a shower and getting ready to to eat dinner!! So, it's not a vacation...we both work hard and both days, so far, at around the 25-30 mile mark I could not believe how 'little progress' I felt we had made and couldn't believe there was another hill so soon!!! Anyway...the point is, we are working in different ways, and finding some appreciation for the small things of the day that make up for all the rest!!
Hopefully tonight I will sleep a little better...tossed and turned last night until about 2:30 and then woke up at 6...
More tomorrow!! Maybe - we will be staying at a KOA campground and won't have internet so unless we stop at someplace with wi-fi, we won't have access. That's the other thing we have decided, that we need to update our technology some more! whew!

1 down 7 to go!!

2011-09-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

So here we are in Norwich, CT...I will start at the beginning:

I left the house around 7:45 this a.m. - it was a little hard to leave; I felt like I was leaving my 'comfort zone' into a big unknown, which it was! The first 20 miles or so was nice. I knew where I was, had riden on those roads before and was able to tell Stephen where he was (his GPS sent him a different route than my bike one did!). oh, I stopped to take this picture, because I was going into a different State than I left from.

I took these pictures myself since Stephen wasn't there...I pretended (in my head) that I was from another State (other than MA) and that's why I was taking a picture in front of the CT sign...it's only 9.2 miles from my house!!

So, it was pretty uneventful untel about...Windsor - I called Stephen to see where he was, and his GPS sent him into Springfield and the to East Longmeadow...I was in Windsor at that point, so got him to catch up with me. I was on Route 5 South...then I turned onto Sullivan Avenue, so called to tell him to catch up with me. He didn't show up, didn't show up, so I stopped again to call him and his phone went right to voice mail. I called back and it did the same thing. He had only been about 4-5 miles behind me, so I thought for sure with all this that he had been in a car accident and I would have to ride back to find him! I got through on the 3rd try, thankfully, and he was somewhere else I don't know where. By this time I was down by Evergreen Shops, and gave him that address...I rode down into the shopping area and took a picture there:

This is me with a picture of CHICOS in the background...if I thought I had time, I would have gone shopping!!!

This was the last picture I took for the day...not even one at the end of the day! I will get better I think taking pictures of the route...when there is a little more scenery. This was 28 miles from home at 10:13 a.m.

So, Stephen met me and we talked about what we would do. We decided that our directions were different, but the ending would be the same so we decided to go our own way. I continued riding, and it was getting hotter. I started hitting some hills, and hadn't seen Stephen for a little bit, and then I was going up this one hill, and my chain fell off! I came to a standstill, and couldn't get my feet out of the clips and almost fell off my bike onto a squashed racoon on the side of the road! I walked up the hill a little ways and tried to get the chain back on and couldn't. I called Stephen and when we tried to determine where we each were, I couldn't remember the route I was on, and hadn't figured out that the coordinates are on my GPS...it was not a pretty sight!!! Long story short, I got the chain on, figured out where I was so I could tell Stephen, and started on my way. There were an increasing number of hills, it was getting hotter and my legs were really tired, and it was about noon and I had gone about 40 miles! This was the turning point of the day...the point when my expectations were challenged and realized that I did not calculate properly and that it might be more difficult than I thought. When Stephen caught up with me, I stopped and ate some food and had some gatorade. From that point on for the rest of the day it was 'downhill' - I got a handle on my thoughts and began just taking the roads as they came, so to speak! I decided that my brain might be my biggest challenge and needed to pay attention to my thoughts and my body and keep my thoughts on a positive note and accepting of what IS and ride in a way that doesn't tax my body too much; I need to slow down and take hills easy so I don't burn out.

ok..enough of that. I rode for another 21 miles and it went by rather quickly and uneventfully and I felt like I 'hit my stride' and almost could have kept going! But we didn't...we met up, put my bike on the rack and went to find a place to stay for the night! We were just past Colchester at that point and stopped at a real nice campground, and were told that most of the campgrounds in the area had no electricity and some had no water due to the storm. So, we ended up in a Holiday Inn and it's rather nice! I had a nice shower, had a good dinner and then we were able to chill out for several hours! We booked the next 2 night's stays along the route, and actually had to change some of where we originally wanted to go. It is Labor Day weekend, and we are having a hard time finding availability, even at campgrounds!! Glad we thought of it tonight...didn't think it would be this big of a problem...bad thinking on our parts!!

But, it will all work out I don't have any doubt. I have a long day tomorrow...maybe 80, though it should be fewer hills, so might not be as gruelling! (sp?)

Stay tuned for more adventures!

Karen

Tomorrow....I ride!

2011-08-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

So, I am mostly packed...had my pasta, and am almost ready to rest for the night. I wanted to put out a quick last post for the day and ask any and all of you who read this to pray for my safety. I like to ask people to include drivers in their prayers...that they see me and don't hit me! Sometimes when I am riding in really narrow areas and roads, those are prayers I say...for the drivers!

Here is a picture of my half-packed stuff! My bags are packed on the back of the bike, and clothes in the back pack. I have various other items on the table that need to go somewhere.
We plan to camp when we can, so have some hot chocolate and coffee and oatmeal and all that gear we are bringing also.
So...I think I will go dream of the road, and try to sleep before the Big Day tomorrow!!
Thank you all who have supported me in all the ways you have, financially, morally, prayer-wise, and encouraging me in this endeavor. I do not know how I will fare, but will soon find out. I do know that without the support I have received I would not be doing this.
Thank you all!
Karen

COUNTDOWN

2011-08-29T10:02:00.001-07:00

My last item that I wanted/needed!! Shoe covers! My mother asked if there was anything I needed, and I said, 'well, I don't really need them, but shoe covers would be nice for possibly

cold mornings, but they were really expensive, so I will make due without!'. So, she found these for me!!! I am so happy and they are perfect! Even better than the really expensive ones that I found online!! Thanks Mom!

So, I rode 31.39 miles this morning at an average speed of 14.4 miles an hour - 2 hours and 10 mins! Not bad...might be the last ride before Thursday...I may do a few little miles on Wed., but we'll see how I feel! I am really getting excited and trying to imagine the experience...got my bike mostly ready; I added a nice light that I bought to the handle bars...pretty full up there!

I got my odometer/tackometer (don't know if I made up that word), my GPS and a fabulos light that has several different settings...I put it on the outside so that cars would know I am there
for sure...on the left-er side of my handlbars. I put a nice blinky light on the back of my rack. I've started getting my clothes together and thinking about all the accessories we will need to bring along - we might be camping some, so I took out some Folder's singles...they are always good on cold mornings camping. The first time we had them we were camping on our bikes...that was one of my favorite weekends ever!!!

So....I am going to buy my gel packs today and we think we will be renting a car...it was not in our plan originally, but Stephen's car is a bit questionable, so we don't want to risk it! oh well...it's only green paper, as my friend says (money), and we really should have a reliable car.

Stay tuned...I may not write again until Thursday a.m. but...it'll be here quick!

p.s. We will have the laptop with us, therefore, have access to internet along the way...write or comment on photos or blogs...email is good too!

Best,

Karen

Irene arrives

2011-08-28T04:11:00.000-07:00

Well, today is the hurricane day...the day we have been watching for and waiting for all week. It is 7 a.m. and we are watching the news thinking that it may not be much longer before we don't have electricity so thought I would drop a a quick post.

I am getting ready in my mind for the ride that starts Thursday. Stephen and I feel pretty comfortable with our plan for keeping in touch and knowing where each other is during the time I am riding. Maybe today I will start laying out my clothes and gear for the ride so that I'm ready. I need to bring my bike in for one last 'check-up.

So, because I will be riding around New England and along the coast in some areas, I am a little concerned about the condition of roads and the damage that I may find along the way. I suppose it's even possible that some roads may be impassable. I know I will figure it out when I get there!
I am considering a long-ish first day and riding straight through to Mystic...it would be about 80 miles; that would be a great start! We have talked about having a few long days in the beginning, then maybe even taking a day to not ride and rest a little bit.
So, as the week goes on I may post a few more reminders and thoughts as I get ready to go! If you have not already, please consider a donation; I am riding 500 miles and raising money for a cause I believe deeply in and wishing to complete our project that we have worked hard on for 2 years now! Stay tuned!
Best,
Karen

ONE WEEK TO GO!!

2011-08-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

So, I got back from Malawi on Thursday afternoon, and then Saturday we went to the Easthampton Outdoor Market, with some of our new inventory to sell, and I took my bike out for a ride!
I rode 15 miles, and thought as I started that the saying is always appropriate…’it’s like riding a bike’…no matter how much time passes, I get on the bike and I am ‘one’…I love being on it and the feeling while I’m riding. In 12 days I will begin my big long ride…about 60 miles a day for 8 days!! And, as if that’s not all enough, in about a month we are moving!!! So, we are beginning to pack and clear out our house!!
I love riding because it gives me time to think…not that I don’t think at other times, because I spend a fair share of time thinking…this is different. It is a more passive type of thinking, where I just let my brain go where it wants and float, so to speak.

So, I have now been out on the bike 3 times in less than a week, and have just a week to go before the big ride. Stephen and I were talking about it and plan to stay as 'cheaply' as possible which might include camping along the way. I feel pretty good and pretty good about the ride!!

I have raised some good money, but would LOOVVVEE to raise some more, so if anyone hasn't donated, please consider even a small donation...even a lot of small donations add up to a lot!

TO DONATE VISIT THE WEBSITE: http://www.educate-malawi.org/ THANK YOU!

Hope to write some more later...

HOME AGAIN HOME AGAIN!!!

2011-08-19T01:56:00.001-07:00

So....I stepped off the plane in Hartford yesterday (Thur.) at about 1:20 p.m. I began taveling on Wed. at about 1:09 p.m. Mind you, there is a 6 hour time difference, which makes the trip, for me, about 30 hours. That is better than my flight TO Malawi...which was seriously about 2 days!!

The airport I left from was really small...I don't know if you can make it out, but there are people just outside the airport, looking at the luggage. When you step into this airport, the conveyer belt is to your immediate right. Your luggage goes through a 'scanner', whick I'm not sure actually scans anything, and you collect it at the end. You then walk approximately 10 steps to the counter, where you get your ticket. They perform all the tasks any other airport does, it's just on a much smaller and a bit less sophisticated scale. I went through a security check point where they frisk you and look in your carry on luggage, then on to the waiting room. They ask you to check outside to identify your luggage before they load it on the plane. When it was time to board the plane, they make sure that you have identified your luggage; by the time I go on there was still a pile out on the tarmac unidentified. Some people don't know how to follow directions I have discovered! Oh, and the other 'funny' thing is...the plane we got on,, had just arrived and was the only plane out there...one plane at a time, is how this airport functions!

I flew for 2 hours to Johannesburg where I spent the next 7 and a half hours...It really went by rather quickly, thankfully! I had some coffee, a little food, and did some homework...getting ready to return to school. The next leg of the journey would be the longest...7-8 hours flying to Dakar, Senegal, then onto the U.S. We spent an hour on the ground in Senegal, and I was able to see outside because it was 6 a.m., and light out. We had landed there several times before and never seen what it looked like, it looks very nice and my 'seatmate' said that it is a very peaceful city and beautiful; anything right on the ocean is bound to have some beauty. oh, another noteworthy item about those last 7-8 hours...we ate 'dinner' at about 12 a.m., and the movies did not work!!! They said they were going to try to re-boot the system to get them working, which they tried and it did not work!! So, we left Dakar and onto our next stop 8 hours over the ocean to Washington!! Again, the movies did not work...I was able to sleep a bit on these flights, ate, did a little reading, which made me tired so I closed my eyes some more...

And the rest is history...I arrived at Bradley, met Stephen on my way to the luggage...and my bag came right out. I have had an opportunity to unpack and as far as I can tell, nothing is missing. All in all, a very successful travel experience and trip! I began working on a sight uploading photos and video, and will continue that, so stay tuned and check it out:

www.malawiphotos.shutterfly.com

My next adventure starts in about 11 days...riding my bike 500 miles around New England trying to raise funds for Educate Malawi! If you have not already done so, please support my effort and a donation of any size will be greatly appreciated. You can donate on the website or by check, made out to Educate Malawi, Inc. and all donations are tax deductible!

Stay tuned for more adventures!

See you all soon!

2011-08-15T11:39:00.001-07:00

August 15, 2011

This might be the last entry I make as my trip is winding down…today is the second to last day here in Blantyre. Today is Monday, and I leave Wed. afternoon…so I will wind down my thoughts for this trip.

An observation that I have made on this trip was while Mathew and I were in the village, we were having lunch with his family. Several times during the meal, different people asked the young children to fetch more of something or to clear some dishes away. When I say young children, I am talking 4 or 5 years old. And they did as they were asked without a second thought. There seems to be a much stronger order and respect for elders than we experience in the U.S. In addition, the way the women carry their babies on their back and very close to them always, I think creates a much stronger bond…that closeness can’t help but increase the bond and trust between mother and child.

A last note that I have jotted down was from my meeting with Norma and Fortune, the two girls who received the scholarships. We met a couple of times and I asked them if they would have any interest in corresponding with college students in the U.S. or if any of their friends might want to. A couple of days passed and when we got together again they said that the response they received from the others was that they didn’t have time to write letters and would rather use facebook or twitter. I had supplied them with addressed envelopes and stamps. I was a little disappointed and surprised, but I realized that it makes sense, who doesn’t like technology and instant connection? So I asked if they wanted to see if they would be interested in passing that information along, maybe we could follow up some time in the future.
So, I think I will wrap this up, because I have written just about all the thoughts that I have right now. I have several days left before I return home, 1 more here and then essentially 30 hours of travelling over the 2 days after that.

The last thing I want to say is a huge Thank you to all who have taken the time to write to me and help me stay connected through this time. Some of you have also shared that you have read my blog, which was encouraging and helped me continue writing, thank you. I will see you all back on the other side of the pond!

Getting to the end!

2011-08-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

I want to use some different font this morning to make me feel a little better. I did not complete what I wanted to last night on the blog because I ended up chatting with Shannon and Stephen on Facebook…I really enjoyed chatting with them both; it made me feel a bit more like home! So I was going to get up and spend the morning this morning working on the blog…I started uploading some videos first on Facebook, it said the video would take an hour to upload, so I decided I would go bathe while that was working. I came back, feeling refreshed and clean and the computer was frozen. So I made my way out of that and now the computer will not connect to the internet at all!!! It is just par for Malawi…nothing is quick, simple or as expected…I am hoping that a little rest and time, the internet will reappear! So I am typing this on my flash drive, so when the time comes, I can copy and paste it into the Blog…there’s more than one way to skin a cat!!
I started writing last night about some random thoughts, so I will continue that. The next note I had jotted down had to do with the education situation here. I went up to the office to meet our contact, Oster, and had to wait for a while. I noticed there were job postings on the boards in the front of the building…a lot of them. A young man came in and was reading them; I asked him if he was looking for a job, and he said he was just reading them. He said he is a teacher at a rural school in Zomba where there are 700 students with 6 qualified teachers. This is not an uncommon occurrence at all; in fact, it is the norm. This is why we started doing what we are doing, to help assist in some way with these conditions. I left the office for a few minutes to go to the post office and while I was on the back,
Oster stopped and picked me up on his motorcycle!! Later in the week we rode all the way out to the school on it…it was fun!

Ok, so some other observations…..music…I am not the music wiz, but I do know oldies! There is a lot of old music that gets played…in the car Mathew and I listened to and old Lionel Richie cd repeatedly…it is still stuck in my head! One day walking into town in Zomba, I passed a store playing the Backstreet Boys…and old one; actually I don’t know if there are any new ones!! One day we were listening to the radio and the announcer was talking about the late 60’s and all the hippies that were around then. It was just funny to hear that reference here; I don’t’ know if they had Malawian hippies?
On the way to the school, there is a section of the road that is paved and it looks like there is ongoing construction on it. On the sides of the roads are piles of rocks…being made into gravel. There were several people on the side using a hammer to smash the large rock into small gravel…by hand in the hot sun, for hours all day. They are not in prison working for penance or anything, and I doubt they get a lot of money at all for that hard work!!
People are very friendly here; sometimes I think they look at me suspiciously and almost….I don’t know the word…but I have found that if I say good morning or smile it usually gets returned. Many times people say hello to me first; walking into town one morning, I think the same morning as the Back Street Boys song, a man on a bicycle was coming around the corner and as he approached and passed me he said, ‘good morning sister, how are you?’ I responded in kind and it just put a smile on my face to be greeted that warmly by a stranger!
When I walk around with Mathew or Leah here in Malawi, we can hardly walk a block without them running into someone they know, and we stop and chat. Well, I felt like a Malawian the other day, twice! I met a man at the motel and we ate breakfast together; he was in Zomba doing some work related to HIV, and I passed him on the street and we greeted each other. It was nice to see someone I recognized on the street! Then another day, I was walking to the College, and ran into Bernard, a friend who we met through other friends of ours from Malawi. We greeted each other and he asked where I was going; I told him and he gave me a ride! It was very nice. That is the other thing; there is very much community and people helping each other here in a way that is different from the U.S. Maybe it is the Northeast; we do have a reputation, apparently, of being cold and unfriendly.

On that similar note; I was at Bernard’s office, he works in an insurance office, and a customer came in complaining about something. I later learned that he was a minibus driver and had gotten a ticket from the police for not having proper insurance coverage and he didn’t have the money to pay the ticket, and was saying it was a mistake by the insurance company. Bernard took him (and I went with them) to talk to the police about the matter. We first stopped at the police ‘department’ or headquarters and they directed us to where the police were, out of the road. The police sit on the road in numbers, several will sit in a particular location and randomly stop cars and check for license and insurance and just generally check on the direction of the vehicle and their purpose for the travel. We pulled off the side of the road at one of these stops and Bernard and the man got out to talk with the police. Bernard is the insurance agent, mind you. Actually he is a regional branch manager, so I think even higher than just an agent! He wanted to clear the matter up and make sure it was not a mistake on his office’s part and was willing to accompany this man to find out the pertinent information. I couldn’t believe the length he went to in order to find out the truth of the matter. In the end, I think the man was found to be in violation and his ticket was not cleared. He was angry when he got back in the car and was saying that the police ‘just take things personally and judge you before they know the facts. They don’t like to admit if they are wrong’. So, we headed back toward the office and to drop the man off at where his vehicle was, and Bernard wanted to show me his house he is building. The man just had to come along with us. I asked him if he would take a picture of us in front of the house, and he did, though he looked upset still about
his insurance situation.

On this trip, I saw two men, different times and places, peeing on the side of the road. They were right out in the open, without a second thought…one of them was an old man and he was right outside Bernard’s house! Not something you see like that in the U.S. People shake their heads about it, but you don’t get arrested for it!
A few more thoughts…I have kept track of my spending and money, and wanted to pass along some information of cost of items…people always ask if things are more or less expensive here, and I guess the best answer is that it depends on what the item is. For example, my hotel room in Zomba was the executive unit, it had 2 twin beds, a bathroom in the room, tile floor, and tv (which didn’t work) and a coffee station. The room was mostly comfortable, it had a great mosquito net with no holes in it, and a ceiling fan, which worked when there was electricity! The room cost me about $19 per night, so that is not bad at all especially considering that was the most expensive!! Oh yeah, and that included breakfast every day; tea, 1 egg, chips (fried potatoes) and bread…not bad!
Gas, on the other hand, is a different story…let me see if I can do the math:
It costs 290 kwacher per liter
There are 3.7 liters in gallon and 180 kwacha per dollar (that is the rate I got)
So…290 x 3.7 = 1073 / 180 = 5.96…if my math is right, that means that gas cost $5.96 per gallon here!!!
So, there is some difference for ya! We cannot complain when we pay, what, $3.70 per gallon? And we have money in the U.S.!!
I paid $4,000 kwacha a day for the car rental = $22 per day, plus 20 kwacha per mile, plus gas. I think it was the gas that killed the whole thing, really! So it was not cheap, but it was better than the minibus!
A coca cola cost about 100 kwacha = about .55.
I have paid 1,800 mk for a pizza, which is about comparable, about $10, it may even cost more here!

So.. that is it for today...I had pictures to accompany this entry, but i am now low on internet minutes...hard to explain. So I will have to bypass that for right now! More tomorrow!

Scholarships!

2011-08-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't quite figured out all the ins and outs of Blogger and all this...but I had wanted this picture to be lower in the blog post...It is a poster of our current and last President's...the one of Bush is about all his...sayings, goof-ups of sayings; it was pretty funny! That was about the only thing on the walls in the dining area at the motel. I ordered an egg sandwich for breakfast, which turned out to be one 'fried' egg and 2 pieces of bread with butter. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but it's just that you don't always get what you expect here...

A photo from my room last night after the electricity went out. I was prepared, as this is not an uncommon occurence, and promptly pulled out my head lamp and proceeded with my evening. It was only out for a short time, maybe an hour, but you never know how long it will be out, or when it's going to go! I was able to connect with home last night; internet connection has been good, if I haven't already said so. I bought a external internet connection device called a Dong; it looks just like a flash drive and is used exactly the same way. It has been my best friend!!

Being by myself is mostly ok, and I do talk to myself because I love to talk!! Anyone who knows me I think will agree! I have been able to share pictures and type this without being concerned about how many units are left and how long it will take for photos to upload...a little luxurious!

I want to take a moment to add, right here, on this note, that there is not much that I would consider luxurious by American standards. I was really happy that the hot pot in my room worked and I was able to make a cup of coffee in my room using the Ricoffy that I bought at the store today...those things are the best! Let's see, what else, oh! I haven't had a hot shower since I left home about 10 days ago...but I don't think I really smell too bad. What else...well, there is a t.v. in the room I am in (it's considered an executive suite because it has a bathroom in it). An employee of the motel took the remote control because I told him it didn't work. When he brought it back this afternoon, he said that the tv. is controlled by the t.v. in the bar, so whtever they are watching is what shows up on the room t.v., so my remote control unit won't work no matter what! Plus, the volume doesn't work on my t.v.,so I can see the picture, but not hear anything!

So I am happy to have the luxury of my phone and the laptop and ability to maintain contact with home...it has been helpful to hear from people who write me and comment on photos, etc. I have to say, that although I have been here 3 times before this, it has been challenging for me, so especially important to hear from friends and family. Thank you to those of you who have stayed in touch, I really appreciate it a lot!

So after breakfast, i made my way down to the college, Chancellor College. The funny story of that trip, was that I wasn't entirely sure where I was going...I was in the area, but at one intersection I wasn't sure if I should turn left or right. I turned right, then after walking a ways, I thought it didn't look like the right way, and as I passed 2 women, I heard one say quietly, 'she was just walking that way and now she is going this way...' I turned around and said, 'that's because she's lost', in a funny way...so the woman kindly told me I had been going the right way afterall!

I met with the heads of the Education department and we talked about the scholarships for the next semester, whenever that is. There is a lot of unrest in the Country right now and all areas seem to be affected in some way. I then got to meet the women who received these last 2 scholarships we awarded and we talked for a little while and I took pictures and some video to share with people back home. I think they were as excited to meet me as I was to meet them! It was a special day for me...

Well, that is all for now; I have to go finish my dinner! Will write more later!

Zomba

2011-08-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

So I have left Cape Maclear and am onto the next phase of this trip...Zomba.

We saw a lot of cows on this trip...I do not remember seeing so many cows before! They were either crossing the road or walking along the side of it! I have deemed them 'good luck'; I may have said it before but I'm saying it again!!

We stopped at the school on the way into Zomba and picked up some of the pen pal letters; the kids are really sweet when they are turning them in. I am taking pictures of them, so the kids back home can see who wrote to them. It is a fun exchange and seems to be special to them all.

I also plan to spend some time at the college learning a little more about the students and this particular college. I will take pictures of the women we awarded scholarships to the last semester and collect any applications for this upcoming semester.

More later!!

Vendors

2011-08-08T02:42:00.001-07:00

Yup...Blogger was tired!! The top photo is Chicco and the bottom one is Stuart! In my previous post I spoke about who they are and what they do and then some of my thoughts about the process of sales here in Cape Maclear, Malawi!

Enjoy...and let me know your thoughts, if you like!!

Last day in Cape Maclear

2011-08-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been a productive and quick trip to Cape Maclear. I have had an opportunity to get to know Mathew's family a little better than I did before. I was able to enjoy the sunsets and coffee by the Lake...nothing better than that! I did some 'shopping' here but also spent some time talking with some of the artisans to gain a better understanding of the process they go through in making and selling their crafts for a living. I spoke with Stuart and Chicco about what they do and how they work. They both said some of the same things but there were also some differences. They talked about where they get their supplies and that they have to travel to get materials to make the jewelry and carvings. They talked about the variation in pricing based on the availability of materials as well as the season. Cape Maclear very much depends on tourists and people from the outside to come here where the crafts can be purchased. They both talked about wishes they had for the future and they both included more money in that wish. School and a better life and job are things that they wished for. One difference I noticed is that one of the artisans felt that he mostly received a fair wage for his products and items he sells while the other did not feel that he received enough. We have participated recently in a Cultural Survival bazaar and the vendors that participate in that fair are expected to support fair trade in their purchasing and selling. We were able to participate in this fair with some expectation of learning more about fair trade and the vedors that we purchase items from. So after speaking with these artisans I continue to contemplate he concept of fair trade. A friend of mine recently returned to the U.S. from Malawi and she inquired some about wages and how artisans felt about the compensation they receive for their crafts, and she found that there was some confusion about that question and concept.

So I am wondering now about the whole fair trade concept and feel that it is, to some degree, a subjective thing. Because 'fair' my be different to every person. If you were to extend the definition to include abiltity to pay for living expenses, one could argue what that even means. I am not a sociologist, economist, or anthropoligist by any means, but my thought is that it may be difficult to truly determine what is fair. If one vendor feels that 100 kwacha is fair and he is able to support himself and/or family while another wants 1000 kwacha or the same item...which is truly fair?

The whole barter system is difficult for me anyway, because I don't like to haggle...I don't like to offend anyone, but I also like fairness...it is truly one of my least favorite things. The irony about that is that my friend from Malawi and I were talking about this one day and she said she prefers the barter system to the American system of set pricing. She doesn't feel it is fair for there not to be an opportunity to get a lower price.

So....I have just tried to upload a picture of each of the vendors but I guess Blogger does not want to upload anymoreright now...it's tired.

I will try to post more later today or tomorrow!

So long for now!!

I DID IT!!!!

2011-08-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

August 6, 2011

So...I finally broke down and rented a car for the long trip from Blantyre to Cape Maclear...it took about 5 hours to drive! I did not do it all by myself, I am not quite that brave. Mathew has been an extrodinary host, friend, guide and all-around perfect gentleman this whole week. I am eternally grateful for his help and support, and I'm sure Stephen feels the same, since he is not here with me!

So, my headline has to do with the fact that I Drove in Malawi!!! A car...on the right side of the car on the left side of the road!!

We started out in Blantyre at 6:30 a.m. and drove to Zomba. While in Zomba, we met with the committee at the school who consisted of the village chiefs, education officials, some teachers, children and the building committee including the contractor. I took photos of the project, which is looking amazing, and also of the committe. I showed the whole committee the video that a fourth grader made and gave to us. He participated in the pen pal program from the Sunderland Elementary School. I thought I had posted it on our website, but I just looked and it is not there. BUT HERE IT IS!!! On YouTube, check it out if you get a chance!!

'Ben's malawi movie' - it's really good!!!

http:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06X1H16QkaU//

So, after that meeting, Mathew and I got in the car and set off for Cape Maclear. We had fuel, which is a big deal...Malawi has been struggling getting access to adequate amounts of fuel. At one point it was gas (petrol) that was scarce and currently it is diesel which is a problem. We have seen lines running down the street of people waiting for fuel, just on the rumor that it would be available that day. I wish I could adequately describe the experience of driving in these conditions. Well, I call them 'conditions'; what I mean is just driving her in Malawi, another country different from ours. Once I started, I just had to pay attention to staying on the left. That was not as difficult as navigating the left side of the car and road; it was difficult for me to judge the distance because usually I'm sitting on that side of the car next to the side of the road!! 2 things that were helpful to me; Mathew alerted me if I was getting close, and sometimes I knew it because I could hear the gravel or dirt when I was too close to that side.

There are people and animals walking or riding bicycles on both sides of the road, and they often swerve or jet out unexpectedly. While Stephen and I were here last year, the truck we were drving in hit a goat that ran across the road at an unfortunate time...I can still hear his little bleet as he was hit!! And while Mathew was driving the other day, the same happened with a chicken...yuck!! He kind of laughs at me, but I don't care!! I almost stopped the car a couple of times while I was driving because of the goats...fortunately there weren't any other cars around, so I was able to do that. In another circumstance I may have to make a different decision; I pray that doesn't happen. But I have to say, the goats are not the brightest and I am almost getting annoyed with them for not taking better care of themselves!! ha ha ha, I just heard that silliness!

So....we drove. And drove...the roads were paved and in pretty good condition, really. It was just a really long drive and a bit tedious. We were stopped at police checkpoints a couple of times, once while Mathew was driving and once for me. While I was stopped the policeman asked if I had a Fanta (soda) and I said no, I don't have any Fanta. I did have a Coke, but didn't want to offer it :) After we pulled away Mathew said he had wanted some money; I said he didn't ask and I had a feeling that's what he wanted. I was glad he didn't push it because I like my money to and don't like to give it away in that manner!!!

Three times during our trip, cows crossed the road in front of us and I deemed that our good luck signal; I dont' know why, it's just what I thought of! We were getting a little low on gas by the time we were approaching Cape Maclear and stopped at a couple of stations outside of the village to check and see if we could top it off. There was no gas and one stations said there my be some tomorrow...We have a 5 liter container in the trunk of the car as a back up...but I would rather not chance all that. The gas gauge does not work and there isn't a precise (sp?) km/gallon number for us to use to calculate, so we want to make sure we get back ok.

It has taken me several days to settle into the pace of Malawi again and the experience of being 'alone' here. A fortunate thing that differs this time is that we made arrangements and I have very good access to internet on this trip that is a huge difference from previos trips. I feel like it's 'cheating' in some way, and cheapening the experience of being in a third world comfort by having this luxury, but...well, I have had the other and did not want to do it again!

Thank you all for your support. Please pray for our continued safe travels!

Best,

Karen

August 4...day 2 in Malawi

2011-08-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

So, I am back in Malawi and it is hard to believe. It is a different scenario, for sure, being here by myself. I am able to have contact with home, so that makes things a little better. I am beginning to formulate the days as far as what I will do and when. As with anything, anywhere, ‘you can plan, but don’t plan the outcome’!

I am staying with a friend for a few days in Blantyre and we spent some time talking last night. Every time I come to Malawi, I learn a little bit more about this country but I think most importantly, I learn more about myself and the world at large. I mean, I guess I sometimes forget that ‘people are people’ and that there are a lot of the same issues no matter where you go. We were talking about everything from politics to education to relationships….and I think I always want to generalize about the country’s people and I’m continually reminded that there is not one generalization about anyone!

Had a really bad night’s sleep; a bit of insomnia; I couldn’t get to sleep until after 2 a.m.! So, today will be a little relaxed and trying to rest up before I get this trip rolling into gear! I have a few things l want to accomplish while here, but think I will have plenty of down time as well.
So…I guess I will write more later; not much going on yet, but wanted to post a couple of updates for anyone who might be interested. Will write more when there is more to say!

Bye for now!

August 2 - still traveling!!

2011-08-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

August 2, 2011

Stephen brought me to the airport on Monday afternoon; we were supposed to leave between 4 and 4:30, and left closer to 4:30. We got as far as exit 49 on I91, and I realized I did not have my camera charger; which would mean when my camera battery died, I couldn’t charge it!!
We turned around and got it and just as we started back out, the skies opened up; it rained a lot of the way to New York, then dried up some. It was some pretty crazy weather. The GPS saved us a lot…had we not had it to warn us of severe traffic ahead and re-routed us, I probably would not have made my flight!! But, we listened to it, and made it with a little time to spare. I got a bit teary leaving Stephen at the security check-point…it was a bit overwhelming and scary; it’s a BIG world!!
I made it on the plane without a hitch at security or anything; I am always concerned about the carry on luggage, but it wasn’t even a question apparently. I did have to pay for a second checked bag, which I have never had to do before and didn’t like. I didn’t have a choice, so paid the $50! I got to my seat and was on an isle and there was a woman on the opposite isle with 2 seats in between us. No one ended up sitting at any of those, and then she ended up moving somewhere so I had 4 seats all to myself!! Talk about spoiled!! I probably won’t get that lucky again, but I did enjoy it!
The flight was uneventful; I watched one good movie, and dinner was served at about 12:30, then I slept a bit; about 3 hours on and off. Then they were serving a small breakfast just before we landed!!! It went quite fast. And then time came to a stand still….I have now been in Frankfurt Germany for what feels like forever…it has only been…well, I don’t even know. My time schedule is so screwed up, I don’t know what time I got here or what time it is now!!! I guess we got here a little before noon, and it is now almost 5:30; the plane doesn’t board until 8:00!!! I had a little tour of the city and got myself a ‘frankfurter and a beer’ in Frankfurt…I can’t get enough of that; I even asked a lady to take a picture of me!! So…I saw some of the buildings and museums; I guess Franfurt is really more of a business city than a tourist city, but that’s ok, I have now been to Frankfurt!!
Well, next stop, Johannesburg for a 2 hour layover then on to Malawi; it will be tomorrow afternoon by the time I land there. I am glad the flight home isn’t this long; I will be ready to get home and would have a really hard time with that if I had to deal with it!!
More when I can!

Karen

July 31, 2011

2011-07-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I leave for my 4th trip to Malawi....I am traveling alone this time and am anxious and excited about the experience. I hope to see a lot of people I have met before and learn more about the country and develop and expand our organzation in the direction that will best meet our mission.

We have met so many amazing people that I have high hopes for future expansion and progress on our work there. Eduacation comes in many forms and I feel that I gain more education in so many areas every time I travel there.

Stephen and I rode our bikes this morning; part of my last ditch effort at training for the Big ride a week after my return from Malawi! Yikes!! The picture above is from our ride this morning...

Will write more when I can! Hopefull before a MONTH goes by!!

Karen

To follow the blog, sign up at www.educate-malawi.blogspot.com What do you think?

Riding, riding, riding!

2011-07-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

My new bike!! I love it soo! Which is a good thing, since i will be on it for many hours in the next couple months!! I am really starting to ride a bit more, as much as I can, to prepare for the Big ride!

Also, getting ready for the trip. The countdown is on for that first, August 1st I depart from NJ to Malawi! It will take me 2 days to get there...the flight I got (using my sky miles) takes me through Fankfurt and then to So. Africa for an overnight stay, THEN on to Malawi! I have begun work on my itinerary while I'm there and it is filling up quite nicely! Delivering pen pal letters to Namitsitsi, taking pictures of the classroom block, beginning the application process for the next round of scholarship applicants at Chancellor College....shopping for more items to bring back for our craft fair.

It will be a full two weeks I think and then I come back, recover from the flight, and get on my bike for 8 days!! I went out for Chinese food the other day, and my fortune said, "you never hesitate to tackle the most difficult problems"...I agreed with that but haven't yet determined if that's a good thing or not! I am not sure it's entirely true, either. The MOST difficult problems are pretty big and I don't think I am quite that ambitious; I like to sleep too much!

So...if you haven't already done so...send your donation for Karen's Ride for Malawi to:

http://www.educate-malawi.org/ - there is a paypal option available as well as information about where to send your check contribution.

Thank you for your support!!

Karen

June 29, 2011

2011-06-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you Accurate Accounting!! Our goal is getting closer...if you haven't donated yet to Karen's ride for Malawi, please do!

I am riding 500 miles starting September 1 through 5 New England States. I am inviting others to ride as well...information is on the website at www.educate-malawi.org go to Karen's Ride for Malawi page. If you have any questions: karen@educate-malawi.org

Please donate today!

June 27, 2011

2011-06-27T03:29:00.000-07:00

I am counting the days now! I leave for Malawi in 5 weeks from today! So, I am really starting to count down...one thing you can always count on is that time will go by!!

Have had a couple new experiences with the bike lately; I fell off when I was at the Cape...thought I could ride through some sand, but couldn't. I didn't get my feet out of the pedals until I was on the ground - the bike was in the air! That was wierd! I rode yesterday, and while I was on the way home realized my tire was low...it was really low, but I couldn't find anything in the tire! I tried to pump it up, but it is really difficult using a hand pump! Fortunately Stephen was in the area and came and filled the tire; it held until I got home! It must have a slow leak! I really have to learn how to change my tires...

Well, I have put 325 miles on my new bike...I am loving it!! At the flea market yesterday, I rode my bike there, and one person asked if it was for sale and another one just stood and admired it!! I felt very proud!

Well, the fundraising continues...need to send out a few more letters and get myself down to the local radio and t.v. stations!! Need some more publicity and try to raise some more money!!

All for now...

Karen

June 18, 2011

2011-06-18T03:04:00.000-07:00

Me and my new bike!!!

I cannot believe how fast time is going!! I have only about 6 weeks before I leave for Malawi...6 short weeks!! Once I get back from there, I will only have about a week and a half before I get on my bike for 8 days! Whewww, that is something!

I am off to go for a quick ride this a.m., before school, then heading to the Cape for a few days of sun and sand! Hoping to enjoy some quiet there, while still doing some school work, then return home for school and work!

Fundraising is going slow but steady...REALLY need to get some media coverage!

Gotta go ride now, it's 6:05 a.m., should be nice and quiet out on the road this morning, just the way I like it!

More later....

36 miles

2011-06-11T03:52:00.000-07:00

Rode my biggest training day yet!! I rode up to Hadley and had lunch with my mother then met a friend from the area who also travels to Malawi and has just returned. My ride was 18 miles each way and it all felt great! I rode on the Northampton bike path for some of the route...it was much cooler there! The ride home was cooler, because it was later. That had not been my original plan to leave that late, but it worked out well anyway.

My friend brought back some items for us to use to sell at craft fairs; fabric to make bags, some jewelry items and some wonderful paintings! She told me her stories of the trip, and new experiences of traveling in Malawi. We talked about the political climate there and what it's like learning about a different culture. We can always talk and talk about Malawi and our experiences both being there and then the experience upon return; it seeems not matter how many times I go, I come home having to readjust. She talked about wanting to return and do some other work and spend some time learning a little more aobut the culture. I always want to go back to Malawi, and I have it in my sights to save up and maybe she and I can travel together next time!!!

Off to school today; it's raining, and so I won't miss out on any riding today! My legs need to rest a little anyway. Plus, my bike needs a little cleaning and tuning up before I ride next!

Countdown

2011-06-08T04:36:00.001-07:00

Training is speeding up! We have completed our drive of the planned route: most recently through New Hampshire and Vermont! That will be quite a challenge at the end of 8 days of riding! I am getting my bicylcle all set up for the ride ; we puchased a GPS unit to help with the ride. I am starting to ride more and more and really concentrate on being on the bike as much as possible to get my legs in good riding shape! I need to get out there today before the temperature heats up; supposed to be in the 90's today and tomorrow!

So, with that said, I need to also get going on fundraising - let's get that thermometer moving!!

Follow this link and click on the 'donate' paypal button:

www.educate-malawi.org/karens_ride_for_malawi

Thanks for your support!

Karen

Training has started

2011-04-13T04:17:00.000-07:00

I am getting into the swing of it...really have to get moving; 50 miles a day will be a lot!! I have some websites to help me train, have to keep on track! Rode a little yesterday, 12 miles, and was thinking how far I have to go to be ready for 50 miles a day! I know I can do it!! Gotta drum up some business...gotta raise some money; afterall, it is a fundraiser!! Anyone want to ride? Donate? Up to $770 in donations....got a ways to go, but I will keep working on it! Thanks to all those who have supported me so far!

Fundraising

2011-04-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

Five months...five little months, and so much is planned in such a short amount of time!! We have 2 fundraisers planned for May, a craft fair in June and maybe one in July. I travel to Africa in August, a fundraiser hopefully the week after I return and then I leave for the Big Ride the week after that!!! Exciting, exhausting....but mostly exciting. The Board members have been working really hard and are doing an awesome job spreading the word and raising funds. I couldn't be more thrilled. Our most recent pen pal has been a tremendous success and very exciting. I have developed a training journal to help me prepare for the Big ride...I have some materials to study to help me learn about food and hydration and how all that works to keep my muscles fed properly. That is all in addition to some work and school!! But I love it!!! I have developed a firstgiving page for donations that is in addition to this blog and the website...leaving all the options open for people and doing what we can do to raise the funds! In case you haven't seen that page here's the link: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/malawi/karens-ride-for-malawi Ciao for now!!

April 1, 2011

2011-04-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

It's April Fool's day...snow on the ground. That's ok, because I believe it will be gone soon. I got my bike tuned up and Stephen and I went for a ride yesterday...17 miles, it felt really good. I am starting to look into some more equipment for the ride and will soon be starting some serious training - got some good tips from the bike shop, Competetive Edge, in Holyoke... He encouraged me to get a new helmet because mine is in really bad shape, and I didn't know it. He said my bike isn't the most ideal for this type of ride...tires too large and it's a more mountain bike style, but it's what i have for now!! I will do it. We talked about GPS's and what our plans are for that. My goal really is to do this ride, spend as little as possible so we can raise as much as possible!! I am hoping to have my plane ticket by the end of this week so I can really set the goals for that trip in August and accomplish as much as possible!!

LOOKING FOR 460 PEOPLE TO DONATE $20 TO REACH MY GOAL!!!

PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP PLEASE HELP!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

More later....

March 27, 2011

2011-03-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

Progress of our project looks like this: This picture was taken when our friend Abraham was in Malawi in Dec. and Jan. We are now working on the roof of this building!!

So, I guess I'm not much of a blogger...this is how my journals get written; every couple month I write a page or 2. I hope to increase writing as the Big ride gets closer!

We have updated the website with a whole new look, so if you haven't seen it, check it out! Here's the link to my Big Ride page: www.educate-malawi.org/karens_ride_for_malawi .

Winter is nearing an end, I have retired from my full time job, and have begun training for the Big ride! We (Stephen and I) ran our first 10k road race on my 46th birthday this month! We have run on a regular basis for this past month and a little in February. My bike is at the shop now for a tune up and I will soon start riding outside in addition to running.

Shannon, Stephen and I are planning to participate in a triathalon in June, and are all training for that. I will start swimming this week and try to work that in at least one day a week!

We have begun to get riders signing up for our annual bike-a-thon and as the weather improves we really hope to have a boom in registrants for that ride!

Anyone who might be interested, and wants to gather your own donations for the ride, to to http://www.firstgiving.com/ and you can create your own page for the ride! I plan to create one for myself as another means of gathering donations....even though we have donate buttons on the website it seems like there are other ways to get the word out...thought I could post that on Facebook or something.

So...the babble continues...I am planning my next trip, to be in August. It looks like I will be traveling alone this time which is a first. There are many people who have done it and I don't have any doubt it will be just fine!!

Big bike ride goal

2011-01-31T11:36:00.000-08:00

It is almost the 1st of February and I am transitioning in my life in a BIG way! I am closing the door on a 20 year career in the CT. correctional department, not a small achievement!! I have started working on my Master's Degree, in counseling, and will continue working to raise money and find different ways to help educate malawi...I have many ideas and many people who I look up to in order to achieve this goal.

SO, with that being said...I am sending out a new plea/request. This bike ride is intended to assist us in completing the project we have been working on for about 2 years...I would really, really like to complete it by the end of this year and I believe we can do it!!!

I am looking for about 466 people to donate $20 each...that's it, that would reach our goal!!!!

Visit the website for information on how to donate via paypal, or checks can be made out and sent to:
Educate Malawi, Inc.
86 Connecticut Avenue
West Springfield, MA 01089

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

January 22, 2011

2011-01-22T04:48:00.000-08:00

Not an original title for a post, I know, but I am not the most creative person there is...plus, don't know how many peope will be reading this so...this is it.
I feel like this is a new year and will be a much different year than last....last year was the first full year since my father died, things shifted in me and my world, it was my last year at a job I have been at for 20 years now, and that has been interesting. Educate Malawi has been in my mind and heart always through this time and moving into 2011 and new jobs and with our big fundraising event toward the end of the year, I am hopeful for an exciting and challenging year!

We hope to continue all of our exciting projects through this year and connect children between the U.S. and Malawi as well as enable a few students to remain in school toward a teaching job in Malawi through our new scholarship program.

I am continuing training and will get on my bike shortly to ride for a bit inside. I am thinking March may be my time to begin getting back outside and ride out there in the real world...I am very much looking forward to that!! Well, I will return to this blog when I feel inspired to do so and when I feel there is something to share worth sharing...

Thank you to the generous supporters who have made the thermometer move!! We are ever appreciative and grateful!!

Training and fundraising continue

2011-01-21T04:33:00.000-08:00

It's January 21st and I am working on my health and fitness in preparation for the BIG RIDE!! I have reached a stage in my life where it is much more work than ever to shed a few pounds, and I know that it's still winter, but reducing calories and doing some aerobic and weights should move the scale, right? I will continue to plug away at it, as I am determined to be in good shape for this ride...it is a big goal for me and I really want to raise the money to be able to complete our classroom block project. We also continue to fundraise for it and have received another generous payment from a local business...we are very grateful for them!! I would love to have others join me on the road to have some company while riding and help raise some money!! Anyone, anyone??!!

Update

2011-01-04T04:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I have updated information, but can't quite figure out how to post it....we have begun our fundraising for the Big bike ride in September, and I want to update this thermometer, and can't figure out how to do it!!

Anyway, we have $250 raised specifically toward that ride and that goal, thanks to Anne Ostberg of Hartford, CT. Some letters have been sent out to area businesses and we are hopeful for some support from them as sponsors for this event!!

I am glad we started talking about this sooner than later; I have some hopes for raising good money for this project and hopes to move forward even more in Malawi in helping them in the area of education. I have been in touch with other organizations and am hoping to move forward with some work in Malawi on our next visit. Off to work soon...more later.

Karen's Ride for Malawi

2010-12-31T05:18:00.001-08:00

The New Year is upon us and I plan to really start 'gearing up' for it and preparing for our year of fundraising. A big event being planned is that I, Karen, will ride my bicycle 500 miles to raise money and awareness about the education conditions in Malawi. We are hoping to complete our current project this year so that the children have a classroom to be in for the next school year. I will be riding through 5 New England states to promote, advertise and gain sponsorship and money for Educate Malawi.

I will be training and promoting and recruiting so stay tuned for more information!! Also, check out this video that someone very kindly offered to us that talks about education issues in Malawi...

www.rumblelimited.tv/malawi

Thank you!!

The new year is here!

2010-11-29T03:52:00.000-08:00

I know that it's only November 29th, but we have set some goals for the coming year and we are all getting ready to begin the new fundraising year!

We have a lot of exciting events planned and there is a lot of work to be done, but we feel confident in our goals and ability to reach them!!

The latest batch of letters has gone off to Malawi with Abraham; he will return in February and hopefully have pictures and letters to return to Sunderland Elementary school. It will be a very exciting time for us and the children I think!

Stephen and I have been doing some driving on the route that I plan to ride in September...we have purchased a GPS for the car which has been an enourmous help finding our way. It sometimes takes me a while to catch up with technology, but I am glad we did with this gadget!! Now, I just have to find one for my bike and think we will be in good shape for directions for this ride.

I am getting ready to begin the big push for sponsors after the Christmas holiday. Our new website is not coming along as quickly as I would like, but I am accepting that it will just take more time than we thought and we are doing the best we can with it all! I have plans to recruit riders for this big ride as well to help raise funds in addition to finding sponsors for myself.

More to come...so stay tuned!!!

Week of November 13th

2010-11-18T03:04:00.000-08:00

An eventful week for Educate Malawi, Inc. I picked up letters on Monday from the Sunderland Elementary school and met with the kids to answer questions that they had about Malawi. I also wanted to thank them for their interest in participating in this pen pal project! Their excitement was amazing and I was grateful for the teachers who spent so much time preparing the letters and helping the children learn about Malawi. Thank you to Lee Worthley for all her enthusiasm and hard work with the kids and for coordinating this project with both her second grade class and the fourth grade class. She took pictures of the meeting we had and they can be found on her blog at:

http://www.sunderlandgrade2.blogspot.com/

We also had a presentation at the Westfield Athenaeum and had a wonderful time sharing our story and photos with the folks who came out to listen. Thanks go out to the library folks who have continued to support us and welcome us back! Chris and Ralph have both been extremely supportive and we thank you!

Our fundraising efforts continue and we are getting ready to announce some new events so stay tuned for that!

Pen pals

2010-10-15T03:14:00.001-07:00

Our pen pal program continues with a collaboration with Lee Worthley in Sunderland, MA. Her second grade class is working on letters to send to Malawi. Check out her blog to see her class learn about Malawi. Her blog details almost daily the hard work she does to teach her students a wide variety about their world in a lot of hands-on methods. Keep up the great work, Lee, and thanks for your willingness to share about Malawi and connect the students between here and there!!

http://sunderlandgrade2.blogspot.com/

More later....

2010-10-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I have written...trying to keep up with all the different things we have going on: had our cut-a-thon and the West Springfield, MA DiGrigoli hair salon; we raised $365 with their help....THANKS DiGrigoli!!!!

We have a fundraising concert coming up this Saturday; this is our first attempt at an event like this...we will hope for a good turnout.

We are beginning to get orders for various fabric items...now I will have to get sewing again and trying to recruit some fellow sewers to help with these order! We have beautiful fabrics and some real nice and useful items...I will try to post some photos of those items soon.

We have cards to be sold with new photos from this most recent trip...also might try to share those images as well.

The Pen pal project is still moving forward; we completed our first exchange which was a success and very enjoyable by all. We have another opportunity coming up that we are very excited about. Lee Worthely, a woman I was in High School with (a lifetime ago) teaches second grade and is interested in participating in our program. Sunderland elementary school is where she teaches and she does an amazing job with the children and has a lot of energy, enthusiasm and is an inspirational teacher. Check out her blog to see what I'm talking about!!

http://sunderlandgrade2.blogspot.com/

The photos at the top of the page are from the first pen pal program; the girls in the U.S. are from a residential program and could not be photographed for publication, but their letters are shown above. I uploaded these pics, and thought they were positioned differently...enjoy them , anyway!!

More later....just wanted to update quickly for tonight!

2010-09-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

I am attaching the link for the most recent news article printed about our 'happenings'. We have had a couple exciting inquiries this week. As a result of this article, we had a man email saying that he spent time in Malawi in the late 60's. He is in the area frequently, as his daughter, who was born in Malawi, lives near us. We have also received an inquiry from a teacher who is interested in the pen pal program! We are excited about these developments. I hope to be able to attend to these new inquiries while working my other jobs, the paying ones!

We will soon be updating our website, because we have outgrown the one we have used for these past couple years. It is exciting that in these next 6 months I could be retired and have more time to devote to Educate Malawi...I really look forward to that and hopefully it will all go well for me to be able to do that. Always so many things I want to do to fundraise and involve more people...in time, I believe, it will all happen.

http://www.courant.com/community/hc-community-articleresults,0,5942637,results.formprofile?Query=35656HC

Enjoy the article....also, I will be posting photos and some sample letters from the pen pal program. It was exciting and we got some nice pictures and letters.

September 26, 2010

2010-09-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy month since we returned from Malawi!

We have spoken for two organizations: Zonta International and the Cavalry Episcopal churh in Stonington, CT. Both organizations welcomed us warmly and were supportive and gracious to us. We thank you both very much!

We have compiled the information and photos from our 2 pen pal projects we conducted while in Malawi and will soon share that information with the children here in the U.S. We hope to continue with such projects as they seem to be a wonderful way to build understanding and awareness of the world at large while illustrating the great smiliarities we all share!

We have many fundraising activities in the works including a cut-a-thon that will be held October 3rd in West Springfield at DiGrigoli Salon and a Jam for Malawi concert to be held at Fly Wheel in Easthampton, MA on October 16th. More details about both events can be found on the website.

We have also begun to plan and organize the Ride for Malawi to begin on September 1, 2011 when Karen will ride 500 miles through 5 New England states to raise funds and awareness about the country of Malawi. The goal is to raise $10,000 to complete the current project, a classroom block which will hold 2 classrooms.

Stay tuned for more details about all the Educate Malawi happenings!!

Thanks to all who continue to support us and help to EDUCATE MALAWI!!

2010-09-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

We have been back for one week today....time is such a funny thing!!! It was easier getting back into 'the swing of things' this time back, but life here is so busy and hectic that it is overwhelming at times!! Yesterday I was overwhelmed with all the things I could have been doing, that I did nothing!!! Oh well, today is another day and we will see how that goes!!

I am so grateful for so many people who are interested in what we are doing and willing to help in so many ways!! We have a lot of exciting upcoming events and speaking engagements and we are very much looking forward to all of that! I will be doing some work in this coming week on the website to post some more pictures and information. Also will be sending in some press releases to the papers to acknowledge the folks we have worked with on our pen pal projects, etc.

We did a pen pal program with Journey House; part of Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield, CT., a photo project with an organization out of Amherst, Saralinda Lobrose helped coordinate it, we will be speaking to the Zonta organization in Palmer this month, as well as the Calvary Episcopal church in Stonington, CT. We are working on a fundraiser concert to take place in Easthampton, MA next month, and are having a cut-a-thon at DiGrigoli Salon in West Springfield October 3rd!

We are working on some other exciting things as well...so stay tuned for those details.

I have sent out this information in other places, but will post it again: A wonderfully easy way to help Educate Malawi, Inc. is to change your home page on your computer to GoodSearch; everytime you search for something on your computer, a penny gets donated to us. Go to Goodsearch.com for details of how to do this and search for Educate Malawi, Inc.

Thanks all for being here!!

Off to work!!

2010-08-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it is a little late, maybe, but I wanted to write one last entry about this most recent trip.

The last entry was while we were still in Cape Maclear, which was several days ago, now...the last 3 days (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) were spent travelling. I will share:

We had a wonderful day last Sunday, our full day in Cape Maclear; we enjoyed the beach, the water, visited with some people I had met before while there, and met some new friends and enjoyed their company very much! We had a nice dinner before we left (Hawiaan pizza), and slept until about 4:30 a.m. We were to catch a minibus at 5:30 to head towards the capitol city of Lilongwe to prepare to catch our flight the following day to go home.

The bus came at about 5:40 and we were on our way. We spent about an hour driving around the village picking up passengers...it's somewhat of a frustrating process in comparison with our bus system (not that I ride the bus at home, but...) At home there is a schedule, the bus comes to this stop and this time and if you are there you get on and if not, the bus leaves, period. Easy. In Malawi, the buses do come somewhat regularly, but they stop a million times between point A and B, and it is random; wherever people are standing is where the bus stop is. And the driving around the village for an hour is about trying to find people to fill the bus to make as much money per trip as possible (understandable) but a tremendous usage of fuel! And when gas is about $7 per gallon and unavailable in some places, it is crazy!!

We finally we were full enough to continue on and made our way to Monkey Bay, about 20-30 minutes away. We were to catch the "big bus" from there at 8:00 to head to Lilongwe. There were some guys there who wanted us to get on their matola or truck or minibus, but we refused and said we were waiting for the Big bus. We were very excited about the Big bus; it tends to be more comfortable, makes fewer stops and you reach your destination quicker. We met a man who is from Italy who had been at the same lodge as us and was also waiting for the Big bus...we all waited together and declined the requests to ride on the other buses. The drivers were a bit relentless and it gets old. We tried declining many different ways to make the point: mine was, when they asked where I was going, I told them to the United States and asked them if they had a big boat, because that's where I wanted to go and that's what they would need to get me there. I did this smiling and kind of in a joking way, but I was still a bit frustrated with the 'hard sell' they continued with. 'The bus broke down, come with us, you will be stuck here, I'll give you a good price....' As time went on (it was now 8:30) and still no Big bus, we started to cave a little...I suggested that maybe there was a break down of the Big bus, it's entirely possible!! We ended up negotiating a ride on a Matola (a flat bed truck, with short sides on the back and a flat nosed cab). Stephen and I rode up front and our new Italian partner had to ride in back; we felt bad because were were going to all sit in front (out of the sun) but they told us we couldn't...the irony! They are always squeezing people in where there truly isn't room, and now they say there's not enough room! We headed on our way....drove up and down the street for another period of time picking up passengers and filling up the vehicle, and then stopped for gas; the gass station was about 3 miles from where we had started out, 3 HOURS BEFORE!!!

We were on our way...Stephen is always encouraging me to tell 'the short version' of stories, because I like the longer ones, but not everyone does...it is 5:25 a.m. on Friday morning right now and I am going to work in about an hour and a half, so I might have to try the short version for the remainder of this story. It's not easy for me, though!!

The very short story: 8 hours after getting gas, we arrived in the Capitol city....we had had a biscuit all day and a coke, and had not used any bathroom facility. We argued with the bus driver who had lied to us about where we were going and how we were getting there, we waited 2 hours for a connecting bus after being dropped somewhere we had never beenm, we hit a goat with the matola, the sound of which is still in my head, and our new sidekick from Italy, though we all stuck together, we feel pretty confident that he wanted to get far away from us, but couldn't. We were absolutely exhausted by the time we arrived and just wanted a shower a meal and a bed...which we got and were in bed at 8:00!!

Our plane was scheduled to leave at 1:00 the next day, but we happened to check our emails in the morning and our flight was changed to 3:00...we were changing 1 connecting flight but still arriving home at the same time, which was pretty good. the next 2 days were really quite a blur; 30 hours of traveling (including a 4 hour layover in Washington D.C., so close but yet so far!) and arrived at Bradley at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. There, short version!!

I returned to work on Thursday, which continued the whirlwind of the week...and got back in the swing of things quickly.

We look forward to sharing more pictures and have many opportunities in the coming months of events and fundraising opportunities which we are excited about!!

Thank you to all who have been following us and sharing your encouragement and support; it is greatly appreciated!

2010-08-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

August 22
I just re-read what I wrote on the 21st of August, I must have been tired - whew...that was crazy! First, I want to say that I am aware that there are many people have experienced much worse travel experiences than we did...but for us, it was difficult! Our journey on the 21st started when we left Peter's Lodge at 5:45 a.m. and started the 3 mile walk to the bus depot. We arrived there at about 6:30 and it didn't take long to find a bus that was willing to take us to Cape Maclear...the price was easy to negotiate, we were willing to pay what they offered since it was less than we had budgeted for; we bypassed the bartering so early in the morning. That ride was pretty distressing; the bus driver drove like a bullet. It wouldn't be so bad, but on these roads, there are pedestrians and bicycles on both sides of the road with no shoulder and 2 lanes of traffic with cars and trucks all travelling at rather fast rates of speed. There were several times that we looked at each other and then just looked at the floor and prayed...I'm happy to report that we arrived at the bus stop where we switched buses in about 2 and a half to 3 hours. We got on the next bus which took only about 20 minutes to fill with passengers and we were able to continue on our way. That ride was pretty uneventful except for the girl sitting next to me throwing up into a plastic bag under her chitenja (scarf). We were getting off the bus at the turnoff we were told to get off, then the people on the bus convinced us to go to the next stop that it would be quicker to get our connecting ride to Cape Maclear. I don't know if it was quicker or not; we didn't leave that town for about an hour and a half or so. We had to barter for that ride and made out good; but we were in one vehicle for about 20 minutes before they decided to start loading people in another vehicle, so we switced. The bus proceeded to drive up and down the street many times to load more and more people in. I felt like the clown bus, except going in the opposite direction; just when you thought more people or items couldn't fit, you were wrong and they somehow did!!! There were people sitting on top of each other, buckets and packages and bags of grains loaded in and on top of the vehicle. It was really getting annoying and tiresome...we were only about 30 minutes from our final destination and we couldn't seem to get there. You might wonder why we didn't want to walk? It was about 1:00, and very little shade and a mostly dirt road...we hadn't eaten but a biscuit at 5:30 a.m. and had both our days packs and bag packs. We are somewhat adventurous, but still quite 'American' when it comes right down to it and would rather ride in a vehicle than walk for a couple hours...even if that means waiting an hour for the ride to leave! There was a little bit of breath-holding and praying during that short ride, but it was mostly just dusty and loud and the road was not smooth and the bus sounded like it might vibrate to pieces, but somehow that didn't worry us too much!
We found our lodge, checked in, set up our tent, ate some food and did a little sightseeing in the village; mostly to just move our legs and not be in a sitting position for a while.
I was surprised to look at my watch and it was 5:30 p.m., and I thought for sure it was closer to 9...I didn't know how I could stay up to a reasonable hour to go to sleep. We didn't stay up too late, too tired and decided it would be better to be rested so we could enjoy our full day in Cape Maclear. We had a pretty restful evening and pretty good night's sleep. I was awake at 3:15 a.m. to go to the bathroom and really didn't sleep much after that, but think I was rested enough.
We got up about 6:00; other campers started to stir and move about before that, but we felt no need to get up that early. Had a nice hot shower; I believe the water is all heated with solar energy, but not sure. We decided to go for a walk around the village early and 'sight see' a little bit (I wanted to show Stephen some of the sights I knew in the village from my previous trip here). While we were walking, we ran into some men who I had met before, here, so we stopped and chatted with them. We proceeded down the road and ran into someone else I knew, and chatted with him. It was nice to see some of the familiar faces from last visit. We stopped at the place I stayed from the last visit because I wanted to see one of the cooks who we had met before; we were able to see him and talk with him a little. It made me happy to see him and hear that he is doing well. We saw 2 of the dogs that Shannon and I befriended from that last trip, and one of them continued walking with Stephen and I through the village. One of the other dogs that we knew is not alive anymore; he bit someone and I think he was probably 'put to sleep' as a result. The relationship with villagers and the dogs here is not quite the same as at home. They run more free through the village, and there is a lot of tension between them; I have seen the children throw rocks at the dogs as they walk by, unprovoked. So it seems as though it goes both ways; the dogs bite the people, people throw rocks, dogs are scared, people are scared, they hurt each other....
We continued walking through the village for a bit, hoping to see some baboons/monkeys that I had seen last time near the National Park, but we did not see any. We saw a lot of goats, more than I remember seeing before; got a great picture of a goat in a tree, and two others trying to get in there also!!
We came back for breakfast at our lodge around 9:00; banana pancakes and coffee. The pancakes are like crepes wrapped around a banana and the coffee was pressed...it was so good, we ordered a second pot after we ate and drank it while we read our books and sat under an umbrella looking out over the water. It was a beautiful couple hours!!
We just finished reading through the letters we collected from the children at the school; they were interesting and fun to read. A couple of them talked about the poverty they experience and the hunger they experience, but they also talked a lot about games they like to play, music that they like and subjects they like in school. There was also several who talked about their religion and belief in God and how they feel that that helps them in their lives.

2010-08-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

August 14, 2010
It was another long day in Malawi; we were able to retrieve our bags from the airport (all 6 of them arrived safely and seemingly intact) and we got our phone up and running. Aside from that, we did some walking (to and from town) and sat waiting for a ride and not much else! One thing we continue to note and notice is how our brains have to adjust to this different culture and the way things work here. At the phone store, there was a very long line and we commented about how at home people would be very impatient and not wanting to wait in a line like that for very long. Gas prices are high and the person we were waiting on to bring us to the airport had to find gas because some of the filling stations had no more. We saw prices for about 2.54; which you might not think is bad, but it's per LITER and it's Malawi kwacha! That's about 6.00 per gallon. Not uncommon in other parts of the world, which we easily forget!!

August 15, 2010
We decided to set our alarm (phone) to wake up early so we could shower and give our towels a chance to dry before we got on the road. About 1:00 a.m. we were both awake, me because of a mosquito that wanted to eat us and Stephen because he was uncomfortable due to space restrictions and heat. We both tossed and turned for about 3 hours and fell back asleep. The alarm went off at 5:30, and we stayed in bed until 6:15...decided to get up. It was a cool morning, which wouldn't be so bad, but the shower/bath house is open air. We did have hot water, which was really nice, but the reality was, we had to shut that off at some point and face the cold air being wet. It was worth it in the end, because we were clean and able to wear clean clothes, the first in 3 days (which includes the 25 hours on the plane). Breakfast was the same as the previous morning; cheese omelet and yogurt with muesli, which we shared both of. And, of course, coffee...Ricoffy, to be exact; it's a Nescafe instant product...very good, but not Starbuck's!! We did eat outside in the sun and were able to view some beautiful birds in the trees...it's really a wonderful way to start the day.
We plan to leave here at about 11:30, after Leah gets back from Church. We will then make our way to the 'bus station' and catch a bus to Zomba. That will take approximately 4 hours...so will be there around dinner time. It's a bit frustrating that travel takes as long as it does, but we will be able to start our work in Zomba sooner than originally planned, so that is a good thing.

August 16
Wow, only 2 paragraphs yesterday...I am not the best blogger in the world, that's for sure!! Although, there was not much to write about before 12 yesterday noon, all the noteworthy stuff happened after that. We got on the minibus about 1:00 in the afternoon...I can make it real short, we didn't get to Zomba until about 6:00 in the evening. So our whole day yesterday was spent sitting around. We are talking about an alternative to all this traveling around in country before we are able to make it to our destination...it's time consuming!
We took lots of pictures and Stephen took some video as we rode down the road on the minibus. There are so many thoughts that run through my mind as I watch out the windows during a trip like that. First, I still was a little surprised that I am back here again...it has been a real interesting 3 years this Malawi mission that has begun for us. Before we were able to actually get on the road, though, we had to get gas. It seems that gas can be difficult to find sometimes right now...maybe that's always, but I hadn't heard that before this trip. Gas costs 2.54 per liter, which I think I mentioned earlier...which is about a dollar fifty; so gas costs about $6.00 per gallon right now here. So, the minibus stopped at like a garage and they brought out gas cans, each holding about 5 gallons each, and they siphoned the gas. It was a crazy sight, the gas was going all over as they tried to get it into the tank. They finally did and it was enough to get us to our destination!
The bus we were on was larger than some of the other buses we have been on, and didn't make as many stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers, which is nice. We did, however, make a coupel stops for people to go to the bathroom...on the side of the road, and not very privately. There are just so many things that I see as we make a trip like that where I think, boy, we have nothing to complain about! Some things that people endure and have to do to survive are way beyond my comprehension and my experience and it is helpful to maintain some perspective. I also get overwhelmed, however, by the tremendous poverty and great need in this country....I wonder if our little bit we are doing is very helpful at all. Then I remember the story (Stephen reminded me) about the boy and the starfish. He was on the beach, and there were millions of starfish washed up on the beach; he was picking them up one by one and throwing them back into the sea. His father came along and asked him what he was doing and he told him. His father said, don't waste your time, you won't get all of them, what difference will it make? The boy replied that it makes a differencen to each one he does send back. So, there we go, off to continue our work at the school and maybe make a difference for a few!
We have had some difficulties with technology, too. Another area that we take for granted...sit at the computer and it works, want to charge your phone, and there's electricity. Want hot water? turn the faucet....Our adapter has blown its fuse, so we need to try to find another fuse so we can charge Stephen's camera and the laptop...we are hopeful that we can find something today in town. Then, we need to try to find some internet access...we had it our first day, and after that, we were unable to connect for reasons we and others around us, couldn't figure out!! All the others were able to connect...it seems it might be our windows 7....don't trust those wonderful commercials you see, it's not all a great dream!! So, hopefully we can find some form of internet , even if we can't use our laptop...we will have to see!! It is very frustrating and we feel very out of touch; as if it's not bad enough being 7,000 plus miles away from home!!
ok...off to see if we can straighten out our bank situation; last time we went to transfer money they said there was no bank by that name showing up, even though we have done it a few times before!!! Aaaarrrggh!
August 16, later
We went to the bank and figured out that there was no problem with the account; there must have been some issue on our side when we went to transfer money and couldn't. The bank exists, the account exists...no problem! We also exchanged some more money then went back later to the bank to deposit it...that was an hour standing in line!! I haven't stood in a line like that at a bank since I don't know when!! In between those 2 visits to the bank, we went to the school to tell the headmaster what we had in mind to accomplish during this week's visit to the school. We also told him we wanted to gather a couple different groups of children to participate in some pen pal efforts between some U.S. children and those here. We also told him about the supplies we had to donate. We hope that it will all work out successfully! I feel like it was a successful day and productive, which I am very happy about!
One last cool note for the day...on our 2.5 mile walk back to the lodge, we looked up and saw 2 baboons crossing the road in front of us. We quickly walked up to where we saw them and got some pictures; there were baboons on each side of the road and each had a baby with her or him. It was funny, because they were aware of our being there and were cautious and the babies kept trying to wander away but the adult would guide the baby back, away from potential harm (us) which gave me the idea that we might not want to linger too long to give them the feeling of being threatened and thus coming after us!! It was a nice ending to a nice day!

August 17
An exciting day today!!! We went to the school and were able to accomplish everything we set out to for the day...that feels like a big deal in Malawi, where things tend to move rather slowly and take a long time to complete. We started the day going to the hardware/supply store and bought paint and brushes and cement for our project of the week. We then went to the school where we brought the school supplies and work supplies. When we arrived at the school the school committee meeting was getting ready for our meeting; they seem to like to meet with us when we bring the supplies especially. That way there is accountability and transparency with regard to those items. What we didn't realize, was that there would be members of the Pariament there to meet us as well. We met with a gentelman whose title was equivalent to a Senator, and then there was a man who has a title we can't remember. We will have to get those details, it all moved very quickly, and like I said, we weren't prepared for all that. They asked me to speak and I think I pretty much told them what I said last year; we have a love for Malawi and a committment to this project and we want them to understand that it is not easy to raise the funds but we are working hard to accomplish this goal. Leah spoke also in Chichewa to them, explaining about our organization and her role in it.
In addition to meeting with the school committee, the children were gathered like we asked and we were able to hand out cameras and pen pal letter to them with instructions of what we were hoping they would do with them. We provided them with paper and writing utensils and asked them to meet back at the school on Friday. They seemed excited about it and asked some questions. Leah did most of that work explaining in Chichewa so that it was all clear. We proceeded to begin painting and completed a good portion of one of the classrooms (not our new one that's under construction, but an existing classroom). It looks better and we also got an idea how much more paint we will need than what we first thought! It's good to know...so we will have to pick up many more gallons (5 liter) tubs of paint before we go back. There was another visitor, who wasn't happy about our visit, in the classroom; a bat kept screeching at Stephen as he painted and got close to his spot at the ceiling...we couldn't really see him, but boy could we hear him!! Here's a cool thing, when we bought the rollers, we realized that we would need a handle for them to be able to reach the ceilings...what we ended up with were bamboo that one of the men cut with a machete and sized just right to fit the end of the roller....it was awesome!!!
Well, we have made arrangements to meet with a friend for lunch tomorrow, following a meeting at the College where we will begin plans for a scholarship program with students who wish to become teachers. We look forward to both those meetings tomorrow and will write more when time and mostly internet allows!

August 18
Today was supposed to be somewhat of a 'laid back' day, since we only had a meeting scheduled for the morning. It is an adventure every day and it always shapes up to be interesting in ways we couldn't have imagined!
We met with a representative of the Education Department of the University of Malawi, Chancellor College which is known for their Education Department. We met with him to discuss development of a scholarship program for students who wish to become teachers. It was a productive meeting and we did get a lot accomplished. We, Stephen and I, learned more about the Education system in Malawi and it was very interesting. We had had a mini-meeting on the plane on the way here, and drew up an outline of some criteria we had in mind and a sample application for the scholarship we are proposing. As our meeting progressed, we felt good that our ideas were closely on track with the ideas expressed by the representative at the College. Details of all that will be accessible as we make it more formalized and we hope to offer the first scholarship monies in December of this year.
When we left the college we had made arrangements to meet with Matt, an employee of HELP Malawi, an organization based out of Ohio, we met for lunch. It was a nice meeting and we met a Peace Corps volunteer and a volunteer for HELP as well as a new employee of HELP, Jordan. It was a nice lunch with conversation that varied from where we are all from and how we came to know each other and end up in Malawi, to the many insects and creatures that have been encountered in Malawi. We had some good food, some had a very hot sauce on their food, and some good laughs and I was very glad we were able to spend the time with them.
We made good time on the minibus on the way to Liwonde to meet our friends, about 45 minutes, but on the way back, it was a bit of a different story. The first glitch in the trip was a crashed minibus on the side of the road, with luggage and passengers hurt or crying on the side of the road. It was a horrific sight, probably the worst I've seen. There were about 30 people standing around, some may have been bystanders or those who stopped to help where they could. After we passed that sight, we saw 2 ambulances making their way to the scene, so it may have just happened before we got there. We were all a bit upset by the sight, I think, and I was surprised that the minibus driver didn't take the reminder that speed kills!!!! He drove just as fast, I don't think he was really reckless, just fast...maybe it's the same thing, right? So we drove on. We then came to a Police check point which is like a traffic stop. The policeman asked our vehicle to pull to the side of the road and the driver got out. He walked to the back of the vehicle and the policeman walked away. The driver then went and talked with another official, and then walked out of our sight. I thought I heard something about a license, and I wondered if maybe our driver doesn't have one!! The officer had a ticket pad in his hand, but don't know what happened with any of that. After a few minutes, the driver reappeared and we got on our way. By that time, I really didn't want to continue in that vehicle, but we didn't really have much choice...we did make it safely back and that is how I am able to write all this now!!
We have a busy couple days ahead of us; we will be at the school for the next 2 days finishing painting and collecting all the writings and stuff from the kids. We will also be seeing 2 of our friends from Blantyre who we were unable to see last weekend. One is coming tomorrow morning for a quick visit, he has to go to another district because his aunt is real sick; we will be happy to see him even if for a few minutes. Another friend is coming Friday and will go to the school with us to help paint! I am very happy that he will be able to spend some time with us...a couple long days expected but hopefully productive and enjoyable.

August 19
We started out early, like we have been; had breakfast at 6:30, then got ready for the day by packing our bags, preparing our water and making sure we have all that we will need for the day. We bought some nice, fresh bread at the store the other day (I think I wrote about that), it was still warm! AND it only cost 99 kwacha; about 50 cents!!!! We also bought peanut butter and jam and some cookies, and that was what we packed for lunches...it was wonderful!!
We met Mathew downtown, and it was real nice to see him...we chatted for a while, then we all had to go our seperate ways for the day. We will see Mathew on the weekend in Cape Maclear. We also ran into Bob, from Chancellor College and we were able to take photos with him that we had missed the previous day!!
We met Leah as well at the same time as the others!! It was nice to feel like we know a few people here that are familiar to us!!
We went to find a vehicle to get out to the school, and we weren't sure we would be able to. We started making plan B when we ran into the driver, Martha, on the street!! We were excited to see her and she was able to bring us to get some more paint and supplies and to the school. We were excited to be able to get some work done....she said she would pick us up at 4:00.
The painting went very well, the 2 classrooms we were able to complete both look so much better! We were very happy with our progress. There were children hanging around watching us and laughing at us...I had a hard time staying focused on painting and kept stopping to take pictures. There was one little girl who was so huggable and cute and funny, that I took several pictures of her. Stephen teased me to stop being a politician and kissing the babies and paint!! Ha ha ha....I told him I couldn't be a politician because there was no one to see me kissing the babies!!
We ended our work and clean up a bit early, around 3:30, which was nice to sit for a few minutes. But time went by and the driver didn't show up and it was 10 after 4, then 20 after, then 4:30. We finally called her and she said she would have to see if she could find someone to pick us up!! yikes! We are about 10 miles out of town and it gets dark between 5:30 and 6...so we were a bit anxious. Plus, I hadn't been to the bathroom since about 7:30 in the a.m., and was beginning to worry about that. I am a bit of a sissy when it comes to outhouses, so avoid them if at all possible; I know that's not very adventurous or anything, but it's my thing.
We did finally get picked up at about 5:15; so it was ok, but made for a bit of a long day. We came back to the room, showered, and went right to dinner. We enjoy our dinners here; they take about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours...and we play cards and talk and just relax. It's such a change from going out to eat at home; the atmosphere at most places at home is not conducive to sitting and relaxing in that way. I will miss that. Last year, we tried to re-create that when we went out to eat; we even brought a game to dinner with us. It was not the same, I'm sorry to say...we are too rushed all the time.
Tomorrow we hope to get to the school to touch up any areas that need it, patch some cement in the classrooms and collect the writings and cameras from the children!! I am excited and anxious about how that goes. If we don't get stuff back, I will be disappointed, as will some children from home!! Then we will pack up tomorrow night because we are leaving early Saturday morning for the long trek to Cape Maclear, it will take about 5 hours, we are thinking, maybe more!! But we hope it will be worth it to spend a day and a half there!!!
More later....

August 20
For our final day working at the school, Liston met us from Blantyre and came to the school and helped. We were not sure if we would get a ride or not to the school, but we ended up getting one. We got there close between 10 and 11. Leah and I met with the children who had taken letters and cameras and collected their work. All of the children with cameras showed up, but I'm not sure if they all took pictures; at a quick look at the cameras, some only had a few pictures taken, some had all and some had all but a few. They all wrote something about what their lives as we asked, so it should be fun to read them all (we haven't even had a chance to read the letters!)
We put a second coat of paint on the areas that needed it in the classrooms and touched up some other areas. We were able to patch the cement in one of the classroom blocks, and it came out nice. It was an interesting experience...we had limited tools to work with, but made due. I will be posting pictures on Facebook, for anyone who want s to see them, of the whole process of mixing cement and putting it on.
We were able to make a couple stops on the way back to our room and do a couple 'errands'. We bought some baked goods, biscuits, for our early start on Saturday on our trek to Cape Maclear. We stopped at the market and did some shopping for jewelry and paintings and some carvings to bring home. Stephen did a real good job bartering and we got some good deals. We then stopped at what Leah thought was still an internet cafe...and sure enough it was!!! It was Friday afternoon, it had been there all week, and we didn't even know it!!! So we spent a half hour checking and sending some emails and then headed back to our room.
We had an early night to prepare for our early and long day on Saturday. As I'm writing this, it is Saturday....
August 21
We have arrived at Cape Maclear after an endless bus ride...we did not eat anything or use the bathroom for about 8 hours and sat on the bus for a better part of that. That is why, I am not going to write anymore about today, today...because I am too tired and don't feel like writing any more now....but will after a good night's sleep, I'm sure!

2010-08-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

August 12-13

We finally made it to Malawi; it was a mostly uneventful trip, but there were some delays along the way. We were able to catch all of our connecting flights but our luggage was not. We have 6 bags that are out there somewhere and we hope they will catch up tomorrow. This delay may change some of our plans, since we were going to leave Lilongwe tomorrow and now we probably won't be able to. It's ok, though...we are here!!!

Leah has noticed many changes in the capital city since she was last here in 2006...there is progress here! We saw a huge convention center that is being built that is just enormous. It almost doesn't seem to quite fit with the countryside in the background; it's a 5 Star hotel!

We will be going to dinner at Sam's families' house tonight; looking forward to meeting them and I know Leah is very happy to be here and around her family as well.

Will post more pictures and stuff later!

2010-08-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Had a nice visit with Leah and Sam and the girls, our friends from Malawi. We discussed some details about our upcoming trip and the excitement we share about all the plans we have. We have many people to meet with and tasks we want to accomplish; it will be a full 13 days and I imagine it will all be worth it!

We also intend to bring Stephen on the matola; a form of public transportation that is a unique experience! Anyone who has been on one will understand what that means. We hope to share pictures of that and more details of the experience.

I am new to this whole blogging thing and have recently attempted to 'follow' a couple of blogs; I think I joined twice, once as myself and once as Educate Malawi...so, for those of you whose blogs I am following, I am just a bit slow with the details of this form of communication and technology; please bear with me!!

Back to work in the a.m. and get the week moving!!

2010-08-07T03:50:00.000-07:00

These are our most recent pictures of the project, in case you haven't seen them! We have walls!!! Stay tuned...we hope to be able to post more from Malawi in the coming weeks!

2010-08-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well, another week gone...we will begin packing for the upcoming trip this weekend. I know some people travel to Malawi often to do their work; we feel fortunate to be able to go as often as we have. We have wonderful people in Malawi helping us accomplish our goals as well as wonderful people supporting us here. We have a lot of supplies that people have donated and we will be sending some more money this week to be able to continue construction of our classroom block in Malawi. There are 2 and 1/2 days of work in this upcoming week and then we are off! We are flying a different route this trip than previous trips: Bradley (yea!) to Washington D.C., then D.C. to Rome, then to Ethiopia then on to Malawi. Unfortunately we don't get off the plane in Rome...just in D.C. - well, I've been there!!! It's ok...looking forward to the adventure.

I am excited to be expanding our work to include the children more with the pen pal program....I am beyond excited about the pictures I hope to get and information the children will share that we can bring back here. I have great visions of the power of the experience of the connections that can take place with this type of project and am overwhelmed by the idea of it...I look forward to sharing that with as many people as possible in as many ways as possible.

I was talking with some friends tonight about gratitude...and it was a wonderful conversation! I encourage all to take a moment to reflect on what you have to be grateful for...I know I am blessed in many ways, and hope you feel blessed also!

Be well!

2010-07-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

We went to Journey House last night and picked up the items the girls there donated; they held a bake sale and raised money for Educate Malawi, and bought chalk, some toys (including silly bands!)and some teen magazines to share with the children in Malawi. In addition to that they wrote letters to the kids and some poems for us to bring with us. We plan to distribute the letters and ask the children in Malawi to write some of their thoughts back! It was a nice evening; the girls were very excited and wanting to connect and help the kids in Malawi. We are looking forward to this exchange and returning to share with the girls at Journey House. Thanks to the staff who supported this project and helped make it possible!! Lindsey was our contact and we are grateful for her efforts and willingness to help!!

July 25, 2010

2010-07-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

We are getting closer to our next trip to Malawi, and really getting excited. There are a lot of wonderful things happening and a lot of wonderful people continue to show up in our lives to help with this project and on this journey.

I am hoping to blog as often as possible to keep people informed and with a way to comment or ask questions...so many things to do all the time and ways to share information. We thought reviving this blog for our upcoming trip and really notifying people would be a good way to share information!!

We have a couple different projects we are working on toward connecting children in the U.S. with children in Malawi; here is a description of one of those collaborations:

RavenWood Freedom Farm and Learning Center, Inc. is very excited about our latest endeavor, Through The Lens, a cross-cultural photo documentary project. We have received funding through 9 different Western Massachusetts Cultural Councils to implement this project. Through The Lens uses documentary-type photography taken by middleschoolers to try and bridge some of the gaps in understanding and tolerance between the urban Holyoke Community and the Rural Hilltown Community. By providing cameras for 10 Holyoke middleschoolers and 10 Hilltown middleschoolers and, with the support of a photographic artist, we encouraged children to explore their lives, families, and communities through photography. The two groups had opportunities to meet, view each other’s work, and explore issues of culture, bias, race, community, and assumptions that may arise. There will also be a chance to share photos with a group of students living in Malawi. This component of the project will take place during the summer of 2010 and result in a culminating photo exhibit which will travel around western Massachusetts.

This project is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Councils through our local cultural councils. In all published materials and announcements regarding the activities supported by LCC funds the grant recipient must acknowledge the support with a written and/or verbal credit statement and by using the MCC logo. The credit statement is, “This program is supported in part by a grant from the following Local Cultural Councils: Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont-Hawley, Colrain, Heath, Holyoke, Plainfield, Rowe, and Shelburne. Local Cultural Councils are local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency”. The logo is available at MCC’s website. This credit is required by the MCC and failure to comply may jeopardize future funding.

(The MCC logo would not paste here; but all credit for this grant is acknowledged by Educate Malawi, Inc.)

RavenWood Freedom Farm and Learning Center, Inc., is a non-profit organization which was created to provide educational programs for children and adults with a focus on human and ecological diversity including but not limited to farm, nature and arts programming. Programming is designed with an aim towards increasing awareness about racial bias and working towards ending racism. Our Mission at RavenWood is to provide an educational experience with a focus on the life sustaining importance of human and ecological diversity; where children can grow fully as they experience themselves as unique and essential members of their world and community. RavenWood is pleased to be receiving funding for this project through the 9 Hilltown Cultural Councils and the Holyoke Cultural Council.

The above project was coordinated with the help of Saralinda Lobrose; thanks so much Saralinda for your help and support!!

We are also working with Journey House, in Mansfield, CT. In 2004 Natchaug Hospital opened a 13-bed transitional living community on its Mansfield Center campus to provide intensive, comprehensive mental health treatment and special education for adolescent girls. The girls will be writing letters and sharing their thoughts with the students at Namitsitsi primary school when we go in August. They have also raised money for supplies for the students by holding a bake sale and purchased some school supplies for them to be sent with us in August. We are very grateful for their efforts and support!! Lindsay O'Sullivan has helped coordinate efforts and we are deeply grateful for her hard work!!

Monson Summerfest

2009-07-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Karen and I will be at the Monson Summerfest on Saturday July 4th raising awareness about Educate Malawi and raising money for the organization. We have great merchandise that we bought in Malawi that we will be selling. 100% of the sales will go directly to the Namitsitsi Primary School classroom block project that we started in June. If you have the time, come see us. Hope to see you there and thanks for your support. For directions to the fair in Monson go to http://www.monsonsummerfestinc.com/

A couple of videos of the Namitsitsi Primary School

2009-06-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

Even though they don't have proper learning conditions they are happy and ready to learn.

We're home!! Here's some things we wrote along the way.

2009-06-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

June 9, 2009

We are half an hour away from landing (writing this in open office). It has been a long 2 days... hard to know what to call it when the flight is 17 hours and then you lose 6 hours in addition to that!! The first flight was challenging because they gave us 2 meals in 15 hours' time.. for those of you who know me (karen) that was rough!!! :) The real journey begins when we land... hopefully we will be able to post this tonight with and update about the city, etc. Oh yeah!! It was about 45 degrees in Johannesburg, South Africa, and though we didn't leave the airport it was freezing in there... at one point I think I could see my breath!! Stephen bought a hat in case it is not warmer! Hopefully it will be a bit warmer in Malawi! More later!!

We've made it to Mabuya Camp in Lilongwe (thanks to a taxi) and we walked to the stores to get a cell phone but all the stores were closed (places close at 5:00 pm).. we get to do it all over again tomorrow, also no internet. Hopefully we'll get a phone.. then we're off to Liwonde. Not sure how we're getting there yet. Chicken curry for dinner.. tastes awesone! It's 6:00 pm and we can't wait to go to sleep!!

June 11, 2009

A lot has happened in 2 days... we were able to get a cell phone, and have used it to connect with the folks from HELP Malawi which has been wonderful!!! They have been extremely helpful and accommodating and we could not have asked for better hosts! We made the long ride from Lilongwe to Liwonde National Park in a little over 4 hours (thanks to the mini bus). We had a late dinner which was the most we had eaten all day - we had a scone in the city before we left and 2 cookies on the minibus, so we were pretty hungry by 7:00 pm!! We slept in a tent, which was real nice... and what made it especially interesting was the fact that there were unusual sounds all night, including the hippos on the river!! They almost sound like cows, but a little different.

June 12, 2009

This morning we went on a safari, on on the land and one on the water. We saw hippos, elephants, baboons, warthogs, crocodiles, impalas, gazelles and some other animals/birds that we can not think of right now!! At the time of writing, we still do not have internet access, so we are writing ahead of time to document some things. We hope to have internet access when we get to Zomba, where we will be headed tomorrow after visiting the school here in Liwonde and seeing their new medical clinic.

June 13, 2009

We have left Liwonde National Park, after going on our safari. We also visited the school and were able to see all the projects that HELP Malawi has in the works; they have done an amazing job and are doing wonderful work in the country of Malawi to help the people be able to sustain themselves, that seems to be a big part of what they are doing. We met some real nice folks who are in the Peace Corps in Malawi and will work with HELP Malawi after their commitment.

We have made our way to Zomba and found our accommodations where we wanted to stay. We were also able to meet our contacts for the project that we will start as soon as possible. The District Education Manager and his assistant; Michael and Oster are their names. We will be visiting the school and the village on Monday were we will be building a classroom block. We are very excited about that and look forward to starting this process.

June 14, 2009

We have hiked on Zomba Plateau and taken some pictures (that don't really do it justice) but there were some amazing views. That is all for now; tonight we are staying in a cabin at the Trout Farm that does not have electricity and it is about 5:30 pm and we have run out of light to be on the computer. Will write when we can and hopefully post some pictures as well.

June 16, 2009

It has been 2 days since the last post... we have done a lot!! We have visited the Namitsitsi Primary School in the village of Thulusa.. it is about 6 kilometers to the main road (which means that is is an unpaved, uneven, dirt road) and then 11 kilometers to the center of Zomba. We were met by the village head, school committee and parents, who were singing and shook our hands as we got out of the car. We met briefly with the headmaster to discuss the meeting and then proceeded to the formal meeting. The meeting took place under a tree, but despite that, it was formal and orderly. We met with the school committee, parents, village head, headmaster and the administrators from the education department. There were fomal introductions by all, then a prayer and the meeting proceeded from there. Withour going through all the details, it was an exciting and interesting process. It was decided that the school is in most need of a classroom block; they have 8 classes, 8 teachers and 4 classroom. There are 902 children in the school and half of them learn outside under a tree. A specific location was identified where the block will be built and agreements were made about the particulars of the project. Our job now is to raise the funds necessary to complete the project and we assured them we will do that no matter what! In addition to lack of classroom space the existing classrooms are in very bad disrepair, with craters in the cement floors, many rooms lacking any desks at all and some of the roofs are questionable in terms of soundness. Along with needing new classroom blocks they also need teachers housing.

June 25, 2009

So we are home now.. we arrived yesterday at JFK at 7:30 am. After we left Zomba (on the 17th) we made our way to Blantyre. We stayed at a great place called Doogles which was walking distance to the center of town, also to a coffee shop called Temptations, wonderful food there!! We did some relaxing while there. We had the privalege to see the Vice President driving through town (2 times) and also the President along with his army chaperones driving through town. We met with Mathews a lot (he was a great tour guide and a great friend) and we met with Liston a couple of times (also a great friend). We will post pictures soon. Still recovering from the long flight yesterday.

Our trip is almost over but the journey continues..

2009-06-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Well today is Friday. We leave Blantyre on Sunday for our trip back to Lilongwe. We won't have internet when we leave so we'll post some more when we get home. (we've kept tabs of our trip from just before landing)

We went shopping at the market today. Talk about CRAZY!!!! Once the vendors see you they all swarm you. Luckily we went with Mathews and Liston, our Malawian friends. Mathews set us up with someone he knows there to take us through the market and pick out what we wanted. Then the fun part came. We had to pay.. sounds easy right? WRONG!! We had to barter. Not a strong point of ours. We did get some great deals on paintings, jewelry and keytags along with coasters. We'll post more before home if we can.

Third update from Malawi...actually FROM Malawi!

2009-06-17T08:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Shannon for keeping the blog going in our inability to do so. we are now in Blantyre and have access to the internet for the first time. We have enjoyed our trip so far and the school has a lot of needs; the community is very interested in completing the classroom block and have started working on it already! We will post pictures of all our stops as soon as we get to a different computer where we are able to, so stay tuned for that!!

Second Malawi Update (from the US)

2009-06-15T08:55:00.001-07:00

Hello, Shannon again. Today I decided to call my Mom to check in on her and Stephen to see how things are going over there. As you may have guessed, they have yet to find an internet connection. They are currently in Zomba (where the building should begin in a week or so), and will be arriving in Blantyre on Wednesday. There they hope to find a reliable internet connection, which shouldn't be a problem. So far they have dropped off two large bags of supplies - one at a school in Liwonde and another at the school in Zomba. I will let my Mom and Stephen update on their own adventures later in the week. Their current plan is to leave Zomba on Wednesday and stay in Blantyre through Saturday. While there I am positive they will be updating us all on what they have been doing in the past week.

Stay tuned!
Shannon aka Wafupi

First Malawi Update!

2009-06-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody, it's Shannon here. My Mom called earlier in the day to say that her and Stephen have not been able to get internet access yet. They are doing well and seem to be loving the country already. Tonight (it is almost 6 am over there as I type this) they are staying at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, where they have already gone on a boat safari. They were lucky enough to see an elephant (or two?) along the Shire River along with hippos and a warthog...and I'm sure countless monkeys/baboons. As we talked on the phone they were enjoying the tea and cake that Mvuu serves daily so I can assure you that they are safe and comfortable. Tomorrow they will be heading to Zomba which is where we intend to begin construction for a classroom block. They hope to find a reliable internet connection around there to update us all on their most recent adventures. Keep coming back to check this site, there should be more news from Malawi soon!

Sincerely,
Shannon aka Wafupi

2009-06-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

9:00 Sunday morning...this time tomorrow we will be waiting at JFK to get on the plane!!! Stephen and I are very excited and just anxious to get on the plane to start this journey...we have our bags mostly packed, about 150 pounds of supplies to bring with us to the children at the schools we will visit. I only hope we can carry it all; that will be the challenge!!! Next time we write we will be in Lilongwe where we will stay overnight upon arrival in the Country. Be well all!! Much love, Karen and Stephen

Bike-a-thon - 5-30-09 (written 6-1-09)

2009-06-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

This was us on our way home from VT!! One thing we did not plan very well on this ride and this event was to get pictures!!! We only have a few of other riders and some of the volunteers, so we decided to take this with the camera phone on the way home!! Kinda funny!

It was a beautiful ride and the volunteers were all wonderful as were the riders!! We look forward to next year and having more fun and raise funds for Malawi!

Speaking of which, we will be in the air this time next week!! We are very much looking forward to starting the project in Malawi and helping the wonderful people there. We hope to use this blogspot from Africa to keep people informed about what and how we are doing!

More later....thanks again to all who supported us in the many ways that you did!!!