TIA (This Is Africa)

If you have ever been to any third world countries in Africa, you have probably experienced the same thing. You have certain expectations and plans, but then everything totally changes and you end up doing something completely different. Before my first visit to Malawi in 2006, I went through several missionary training sessions and this phenomenon was discussed many times.

Chief of Frank Village

Of course, plans can change no matter where in the world you happen to be, but is just seems to be a way of life here in Malawi. I have heard others who have been to third world African countries use the phrase, "This is Africa," or "TIA" to relay the simple reality that God can have totally different plans for us than we have.

Today was one of those TIA days. Don and I left the house at 7:30 am in the RAV 4 and picked up Abusa Ganizani. (Abusa = Pastor). First we went to the see the Chief of Frank Village #1. (Yes, it is odd that there is a village called Frank, even more odd that there is more than one. I do not know the story behind why a Malawian village would be called Frank. I have never before heard of any villages with a one syllable name, much less a simple name that I might recognize.)

We wanted to make sure the chief was aware that we were taking one of the children of his village away for the day to have his medical follow-up visit after surgery. It is always a good idea to maintain strong communication with village chiefs.

About 10 minutes later, we arrived at the home of the young boy (none of us even know his name, Don has never met him). We spoke with the boys mother, who was made keenly aware that we would be arriving this morning for the trip to Blantyre Hospital. She said he was bathing nearby. We waited. Abusa Ganizani explained that this woman has a history of being unreliable. Abusa went to find the boy and he was not where his mom had said. We believe that she was just guessing and really had no idea where he was. We asked around and waited for about 30 minutes and finally left. The hospital visit will be rescheduled.

Abusa Ganizani and Don talking with the chief.

Later that day, Tracy Gill, the Greens neighbor in Hope Village, gave the mother of the boy a stern talk about responsibility. If the woman wanted to continue to receive support from Hope Village, she would have to be more reliable.

Next, we were planning to meet a college student named Omar. His Polytechnic College was selling some reduced price laptop computers and Hope Village happens to be in the market for two computers. We went to the agreed upon meeting place, and no Omar. We tried to text him, then call him. (There are very few landline phones in Malawi, but millions of mobile phones and wireless service is available almost everywhere, even in remote villages). We waited about 30 minutes and he never showed so the trip to Blantyre was cancelled.

View of local Market #1

View of local market #2

Don, Abusa Ganizani and I went to a local market area. Hopefully the photos below will help share what the market is like. We shopped for toddler socks, material for tchenzis (the wrap around cloth worn by the females), vegetables, cooking oil, bread, and some other supplies for a very old near blind woman who has no family, no income, and no material possessions other than the clothes on her back.

She is almost blind and being removed
 from the home in which she has been living.

After playing with the Hope Village Pre-School children for about an hour, we piled into the RAV 4 (seven of us) and headed down a dirt road toward another village. On the way, we pick up Stephen and his mother who carrying an infant. Stephen has one leg shorter than the other and he was recently given a brace that will allow him to walk much more easily.

Leanne and Abusa praying with 

Stephen with new brace.

We drove Stephen, his mother and the infant (now there are 10 of us in the RAV 4) into the village. When we stepped out of the car, dozens of children gathered around and within minutes, they burst into spontaneous singing. I hope this video works.

The girls leading in a song.

We gathered the children and adults together and they sat on the ground asMadison told them the Bible story of Joseph and his colorful coat. Abusa interpreted while Alexis and Annie acted out the story. After the story, Abusa asked questions to see what everyone learned. Then Madison, Alexis and Annie sang some songs with hand motions. It seemed obvious that this unexpected visit from the azungu (white strangers) was a big highlight for the people of this village.

After returning to the Hope Village compound, Don had a full afternoon of appointments at the clinic. The rest of us came back to the Greens, rested a bit and then began sorting clothes for the distribution next Monday and Tuesday.

Supercuts has competition in Chikwawa.