Malawian communication style

This hysterical email came from a coworker as an explanation about a loss of “equipment". Giggling about this makes you about as mature as a 13 year old boy…

She wrote:

“I want to report about what happened to my Dongle though it has taken some time. It was the time when the training started and I was asked to borrow the facilitators my laptop; so I removed the dongle from the computer bag and put it in my trousers pocket. I went to the rest room and I forgot that this dongle was in the pocket and after I have helped myself I flashed the toilet and I discovered that accidentally it dropped into it. So since that time up to now I don't have the dongle. I reported the matter to my supervisor.”

[Ps: a “dongle” is a USB internet access device. But, it is much funnier without knowing that.]

And with a fanfare, they arrived!

Greeted by drums, dancers, and a convoy of BMWs and SUVs, my parents arrived in Malawi last Thursday. Of course, the red carpet was for the VP of Zambia, but it was still fun. Less fun was having them sit on the plane until all the VIPs got off, but it made for a fun arrival. With my ID and nice work clothes, I was even able to walk right into arrivals and immigration, making sure that they knew at least I was eager for their arrival as well!

Because of those dignitaries, the gas shortage reached an acute stage this past weekend: the president ordered all gas stations to close so that the visiting dignitaries would not see gas lines. Happily for us, but not for most, we were able to get a special delivery of 20 gallons to enable us to go to the beach. So, with full tank and empty roads, my folks and I went down to Norman Carr Cottages – my favorite place on Lake Malawi.

We had the whole place virtually to ourselves! 2 days of swinging, beach walking, drinking, and eating up a storm was the perfect introduction to Malawi, and the owners, Taffy and Jenny made everything perfect. Add in the monkeys in the trees, a rare lake hippo sighting, fish eagle feeding, a tour of the local village, and gorgeous baobab trees, and my parents were in heaven.

On the way back, we stopped at Mua Mission for their cultural museum and wood carvings and Dedza pottery for a stretch and lunch – getting all of the tourist “hot spots” around. Considering we did not hit a single meandering goat or child in the road and did not get stopped in any speed traps, our weekend was near flawless. No wonder people love Malawi. If it were always like this, I would love it too!

Now, after a few days relaxing around Lilongwe, we are off on safari to Zambia with Jon. South Luangwa National Park, here we come!

6 months? Just kidding. I meant 6 WEEKS left. Hallelujah!

Well, times change, people change, things change. And, change is in the air around here...you can smell it (it smells like rain!).

After months, 19 to be specific, of trying my best to make 1000s of glasses of lemonade out of 1000s of lemons, I am turning in my juicer and coming home. I gave my notice at work, and I should be stateside by the first week in December. I like my job, but I like myself and my happiness more. Malawi has lots of wonderful things about it, but access to my family, friends, dog, and clean spinach are not included. And, those things are important. Very important.

I am sure we will post more about our last weeks later, but I wanted to send out the message sooner than later so you all have time to prepare yourselves and your schedules to see us - wherever we might land. My first stop: St. Louis. Red dog, here I come!