We had an unusual greeting when we returned to Chigodi for
our last week of work.
Gertrude, our chook was in our lodgings. She had laid us four eggs, which Diane scrambled
for our tea that night.
Let me take you back a step or two to explain how Gertrude appeared
on the scene.
On our first trip to Chigodi in 2006, we met “Grandma
Moses”.
“Grandma Moses” has become a dear friend and we see her each
visit.
Last week, she came and gave us some “goodies” from her
garden, which included a hen. We named
her “Gertrude”. After some chatting
she told us Gertrude was for relish. Which means an accompaniment for Nsima.
In utter amazement we said no, to relish. There was lots of laughter and now the staff
call her “Gertrude, not for relish”.
We are surprised she is still with us, as we did say she,
Gertrude could be used for relish, but as long as it wasn’t for us. Now they are going to keep Gertrude because
she is laying eggs!!!
As we walk up to our work room, for morning devotions, it is
lovely to be greeted by the call of the birds, feel the sun on our backs, and the
sunlight on the tips of the gum trees, and to hear the singing of the Mvano
women getting ready for their sessions.
During the past three weeks, chatter, laughter and singing
could be heard all over the premises.
There have been many Mvano sessions as well as the ‘skills classes’ we are involved with in
progress during our time here.
Diane and Judy were thrilled when ladies from the 2010 class
came for a visit.
Two of the Mother’s had been blessed with twins. We heard news of their families and what
they have been doing. We were really pleased that most of them were still
sewing and some even for income. Lots of
hugs and smiles and few tears. A true blessing.
We find it true that you make so many friends, that it is
hard to catch up with everyone on our short trips. We need to come for a holiday just to catch
up with people.
Our ladies have delighted us, and themselves with their
improved skills. They showed us their
finished skirts. Then they each made a pair of boy’s shorts.
The next project was the hand sewing of a black Doll we
named Precious. They really enjoyed
doing this and renamed their own.
As each Malawian home has “antimacassa’s” which are called
Chair Cloth here, they thought the design we showed was “chocongola” beautiful.
As an experiment , and with permission, we introduced the
ladies to making a tote bag that we would then purchase from them. This income would be used as basis for them
to then start a “small business”.
Excitement filled the air as the ladies set up a market
stall. The three of us were the only
buyers, but there was much fun and laughter and the ladies spontaneously burst
into singing and dancing around the room.
One of our aims is to encourage our Malawian brothers and
sisters in the Lord. We witnessed their
love for Jesus. And we were pleased to see their appreciation of the
gospel. Arnold, their tailor, always
joined us for devotions.
Our last day was filled with emotions.
Our first task was to make tomato chutney. While this was simmering on the open fire, we
handed out some gifts to the ladies and took time for a few outdoor activities.
Balls games, exercises, limbo, and skipping.
We all laughed and giggled. It was great fun.
Our ladies said they had a special farewell song for us.It
included each of our names thanking God for our visit and help.
During our final prayer together, many tears flowed.
Lots of hugs and kisses followed with all of them saying “we
will miss you”.
We were ready to take our leave as the Directress, Esabell,
said we must have a short meeting in her house to say a staff farewell.
More tears, more hugs, and one and half hours later we
loaded the car and drove back to Grace Bandawe.
We thank and praise God for these lovely people and like
Paul says in his letters to the Churches. We will remember them in our prayers.
Blessings Diane, Melody and Judy.