Chigodi Week 3

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.