Day 5
August 30, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

No sleeping in this morning.  Most of us were up flashing pictures of
the sun rising over the mountains on the horizon and Lake Malawi in
the foreground.  Breathtaking – the freshness of a new day!

Connie led the morning devotions which she shared from her heart.

We spent some time planning as a team what the next 2 weeks would look
like.  We discussed the presenting needs of Lifeline, the skills
available on our team and some ministry opportunities.  We have a
rough plan that is more than likely to change as the days unfold.  We
are quickly learning that circumstances are always subject to change.

The team toured the clinic this morning seeing all the aspects of
service here from the entry point of registration to assessing,
teaching and education, diagnosis and treatment.  It was an eye
opening experience for sure for the health care providers in our group
to see how health care is delivered here.  It was disheartening to see
empty pharmacy shelves and patients coming back requiring a new
prescription because what was ordered was not available. The downturn
in the economy and the disaster in Haiti are being felt here.

Marilyn was able to observe the miracle of new life in the new
maternity ward and was left speechless by the event!  It was
encouraging the see the maternity ward operational, although more
supplies are needed for more complicated deliveries.

Lunch was shared with the Lifeline Malawi staff and ourselves.  Goat
stew!!  Bon appetite!  Mingling with the staff, talking about their
work, their culture and life here in Malawi was a special experience
for all of us.

After lunch the team traveled out to the project site and perused the
surroundings. The job will be to refurbish an outpost treatment
clinic.  Walls are coming down and being rebuilt, the roof is being
repaired from leaks and latrines are being built.  There are no real
bathrooms there except a crack in the floor.  There was significant
discussion about how the work crew was going to address this situation
while working.  Connie or Chelsey – it “Depends.”  Sister shall
decide!!!  No one argues with Gramma.

A very interesting sundown experience as we’re sure there must have
been a full moon with missing persons, search parties and
uncontrollable giddiness.  We do believe the reality of being here is
settling in as we all see the work to be done and the organizing it
takes to make things happen.  We are all optimistic and keen to be of
service.

The supper hour was very entertaining as the stress and planning of
the day was relieved with deep belly laughter.  Some people (not
mentioning any names here) haven’t had enough sleep – Connie.  She’s
the one that threatened to strangle the turkey with Chelsey’s head
wrap.  This sent Chelsey racing in fear to advocate for the poor
turkey’s life.  She didn’t want to see it on the breakfast table.  It
was amusing to say the least.   Who were they searching for anyway??

Brian and Marilyn pulled out their tennis racquets and balls and
rallied some village children.  They had a good rally going and loved
the experience of teaching the kids and watching them interact.

Marilyn is working on her Sarah voice – a special one just for her. It
is a fearful thing having Sarah look like a spy at dinner!!  $29.99
Wal-Mart hearing aids are doing the trick while Marilyn is in voice
training.

There is a new “Victoria’s secret” in Malawi and it’s not lingerie.
“The Hankster” was challenged to a bologna/ cream cheese/ hot chili
garlic sauce bunwich by Victoria.  The outcome? Delicious.

One final thought – today, we were amused by several varied critters
including a large praying mantis, flying ants, spiders in the loo and
lizards in the bedroom – but there’s an upside to that too ‘cause they
eat the “skeeters!”