Where did all the time go? At times coming home was very much in the future now I have my flight booked and its coming round quickly. I am travelling home on 15th/16th May so I'm making the most of the next few weeks. I have started giving my things away so hopefully the final packing will be easy.
College re-opened as planned 2 weeks ago , we closed the following day for a public holiday! However, since then we have been up and running . If we do not get more funding from the government we will close again on 8th April. Its a worrying time for the future of the college and the staff, although the local staff appear to be less concerned than me. There has been a lot of attention on the May elections. The leader of the opposition has been charged with corruption, court proceedings are pending. So there has not been much attention paid to the plight of the nursing colleges or the nursing students. Information is not readily forthcoming so its a matter of wait and see.
The rains are continuing to fall. The storms seem less severe but the rains are prolonged and heavy. The roads turn into rivers and the gardens are like ponds but its amazing how quickly it dries up again. So many people have asked me for my wellies.
A lot of produce has been washed away from the garden but the papaya are nearly ripe and I should have some more tomatoes soon. I've had a regular supply of eggs, my cholesterol is probably sky high, and the first of my chicks born last year are now laying. I have new neighbours who have 2 small kids. They were initially afraid of their azungu neighbour but now they are used to the whitey next door.
My diabetes project kicks off next week after a lot of planning. We were waiting for the students to return to involve them in the project but with the uncertainty regarding how long they will be here we have had to use other staff. It has involved going out into the bush to remote health centres to negotiate the project with the village chiefs. The project has been warmly welcomed and its really exciting getting it off the ground. Erin, out Peace Corps volunteer, has been an important asset in the project.
We had a St Patrick's Day party last night and most Fridays we have a dinner in Malosa. The other exciting development was the opening of a coffee and cake shop in Zomba. They sell the best cake in Malawi and it is becoming a regular meeting place for us. Lots of volunteers are going home in the next few weeks so there will be lots of sad goodbyes. We come to depend on each other a lot here when we don't have our family and friends from home. So we have an excuse to eat lots of chocolate cake.
Harry is doing well and has reacquainted herself with one of her kittens that belongs to our new neighbours. As usual she stands back and lets any cat that visits eat her food.
I have a busy few weeks ahead as the countdown continues.
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Hiya Carol,
I know! where does the time go?? It's been nuts at home and work pretty much since jan. Some big news items though....I've got a new job as the Child Protection trainer, staring full time on 30th March and looking forward to it though will miss the team as they are as much friends as they are colleagues but hey ho must keep moving! Other news, Callum qualified for the European Championships and is just back from these. They were in France and they did really well. Made it to the bronze medal play off but got pipped at the post. Needless to say they were gutted despite being 4th in Europe!! He's also qualified for the World Championships this year as well, the top 64 kids his age in the world get to go! We're so glad that they are in Belfast not Italy like last year as we continue to be skint. Just waiting to hear if the tax man will accept our payment plan so that we can keep the house, nothing new there then! Brianna still hating Uni but keeps going and is passign everything so that's something, must say I admire her for continuing to go when she hates it. Not much around on the job front for her so far. Niamh is growing up way too fast! I can't believe it when I look at her. She's looking forward to Guide camp under canvas now that she knows they have real toilets! Mike is ok, hanging on by the finger nails I think but enjoying his job. You will be home so soon I can't believe thats two years done and dusted. I bet JB is looking forward to having you home and the cats will be excited! It will be weird not having a laugh at the blog, you should publish it! Anyway must dash off as my pizza and my Uni assignment await me,oh can't wait (for the pizza at least!) Take care, stay safe, stay dry and look forward to seeing you soon!
Lesley & Co
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