Business Training Class

Part of the Annie’s Closet project includes launching sewing classes and providing material to the students and graduates so that they may start some entrepreneurial ventures that helps our core mission of providing clothing for people in need. The first Annie’s Closet sewing class started a few weeks ago in Hope Village. The class is taught by the chief of the village who spent many years working as a tailor in Zimbabwe.

In conjunction with the skill training, the students are also taught basic business principles in a set of classes compiled by Don Green. Keeping in alignment with the agricultural courses called “Farming God’s Way” we have been promoting in Malawi for years, Don is calling the business course, “Doing Business God’s Way”.

On Tuesday, the day before we left Malawi, it was my honor to teach the business class. With the aid of an interpreter, I proceeded to share the story, from Acts Chapter 16, of Lydia, the seller of purple cloth. I shared about how believing something or knowing something is not enough. We must take action on our knowledge and beliefs.

I also shared some tips on how to make better connections and how to network. I was not sure how this message would be received, but it turned out to be a big success. This was definitely one of the big highlights for me.

Don introduces me, while Godwins translates.

The lesson started with the story of Lydia from Acts Chapter 16.

What does it mean to network? Here is some core training on networking.

Here is what you look like when you DON'T smile.

This was one of the most attentive audiences I have ever had.

Children of Malawi

FYI - Photos are not uploading with this post. I don't know why. I will make a new entry with photos.

In my travels, one thing I have learned is that children pretty much want the same thing - your attention. They want to be held. They want to be heard. They want to play. And they want to to know that someone cares about them.

In Malawi, especially in the remote villages, most children are raised by someone other than their parents. Sometimes, they are raised by grandparents, but most of the time, they spend the majority of the day under the supervision of an older sibling, usually a sister. It is not uncommon to see an infant strapped to the back little girl as young as six years old.

If you are walking with empty hands, it typically does not take long for a toddler to appear beside you, grab your hand and match your stride. If you sit, a child will often materialize in your lap, and will stay until you stand. Don’t be surprised if you attract several children that choose to follow you around, each one hoping for warn smile or gentle touch.

Madi and Effie

Annie and Tawina

A camera, better yet a video camera with a view screen that can face the subject, is an instant party. These kids (and adults) LOVE to have their picture taken. It is a joy to see them laugh and point when they look at their image saved on the camera screen.

Teaching some of the boys to make music by thumping their cheeks.

On two different occasions, we hosted several of the older children and teenagers. Last Friday Annie, Alexis and Madison invited six teen girls to the Green’s home for “girl’s night.” They painted fingernails, did make-up, ate candy and acted silly - pretty much some of the same things they would have done at a party in California.

Then on Monday night, 13 of the village boys and girls came over for movie night, complete with popcorn and sodas. We watched “Despicable Me,” projected upon a wall in the living room. We all had a super time..

Movie Night!

On two different occasions, we hosted several of the older children and teenagers. Last Friday Annie, Alexis and Madison invited six teen girls to the Green’s home for “girl’s night.” They painted fingernails, did make-up, ate candy and acted silly - pretty much some of the same things they would have done at a party in California.

Then on Monday night, 13 of the village boys and girls came over for movie night, complete with popcorn and sodas. We watched “Despicable Me,” projected upon a wall in the living room. We all had a super time..

Majete Game Park

After church on Sunday, we drove about an hour to an enormous game park called Majete. We spent the night there, relaxed and explored God's creation. 

Here are some of the photos from Sunday evening and Monday morning:

On the way to Majete, Don and Leanne had both run out of phone minutes, so we stopped and bought more.

This was what we saw when we first arrived at our tents.

This is a view of my tent. It is a permanent tent with a solid foundation, running water and electricity.
It would be quite pleasant to stay here for a several days and nights.
Good for a spiritual retreat or just to catch up on some reading.

This family of zebras came to the watering hole shortly after the elephant left.

We saw many warthogs. Apparently, they are much more loved since the
release of the animated production of The Lion King.

This baboon slowly crossed the road in front of us, then sat and watched us drive by. 

Male Waterbuck

Young female impala

Kapichira Falls 

Annie's Closet Girls

On the way home, we stopped at Dyratu Market. No matter how far out in the bush you go, you can see the amazing branding of Coca-Cola, the most recognized brand in the world.

Leanne buys fresh vegetables for dinner. I must say that the Green's hospitality
was way above and beyond what was necessary.

The Blind Leading The Blind

At 5:30 Saturday morning, Waters Fanuell left his home on foot. His first destination, the home of his best friend, Blessings Gamma. His Saturday morning stroll takes him down a two-mile unpaved road, to the main road to Chikwawa. Another six miles south along the two-lane highway, he arrives, meets with Blessings and the two men continue south for another five and a half miles to Hope Village. The come seeking help.

Both men, articulate, smart and in their 30’s, had been in secondary school (similar to high school and junior college combined) until last December. A combination of lack of funds and dealing with heavy flooding, caused them to have to leave school. Both men are married with two young children.

They need to finish school in order to get a job that will allow them to support their families. Upon graduation (only 13% of students graduate), Blessings chances of becoming a teacher are very high and Waters should have very little problem becoming a social worker - he wants to help people. These men have a much higher chance than average of getting into these professions because there are special programs in Malawi that help blind people get jobs.

Blessings Gamma - blinded at age three from measles.

Blessings and Waters - blind students in need.

Yes, both Waters and Blessings are blind. Waters, blind since birth, can see some shadows and vague outlines of shapes. Blessings, completely blind, lost his sight at age three due to measles. Blessings is married to a blind woman, who also completely lost her sight as a child, due to disease.

Blessings and his family in front of his home.

We met this little girl, obviously malnourished, while visiting Blessings. She lives in this house with her mother and baby brother,  about 30 meters from Blessings home. On Tuesday, we are returning with special food for her.

A normal site in the villages of Malawi. There is a large tear in his pants and rarely does a young boy have underwear.

Leanne interviews the men to learn some of their specific needs. They need sponsors to pay for their schooling.
Two years left - total cost, about $1,200 for each man. Contact me if you would like to help sponsor.

Waters gave an impressive demonstration of writing brail. Very fast!
The paper is very expensive so they asked  me to help them get special laptop computers.
They mentioned that they are aware that the American Institute for the Blind might be able to help. If we can find people willing to donate specifically for laptop computers ...

These businesses were fairly popular until mobile phones took over in the last decade. Virtually all service is pre-paid. Both Don and Leanne ran out of time yesterday.  

Abusa Godwins carries a bag of rice we donated to Waters family.

Inside Waters home, Leanne greets his daughter.

I think Waters daghter is not accustomed to seeing azungu.
She cried several times as we attempted to interact with her.

Waters and his family. They live 13 kilometers from Hope Village. This is outside of the "catchment" so any help this family receives must come from an organisation or individuals other than Hope Village. Annie's Closet will deliver clothes to the children of Blessings and Waters.

More interviewing. We wanted to learn how Waters wife is able to keep food on the children's bellies by gardening while Waters is in school. If there is drought or famine, this becomes much more difficult.

Annie's Closet in Hope Village

On Thursday, while Don and I were in Blantyre and visiting the 2nd bridge site, Annie, Madison and Alexis gave new clothes to 45 children at Hope Village.

Below are a few of the "after" pictures from the next day:

Annie and Anala

Patricia in a new dress and flip-flops.

The little boy, Ronex, is praying while Charles, the day care supervisor translates.

Don and Leanne share a moment during the talent show.

After the talent show on Friday, Annie's Closet distributed it's first balnkets. Even though the cold season is ending, it  can still get chilly at night. The kids seemed even more excited about the blanket than they were about the new clothes.

Annie Green hands our blankets to some of the children that attend day care at Hope Village.

Super happy (and warm) children!!

Malawi's Got Talent

Yesterday, while I was in Blantyre with Don, the girls did a clothes distribution here in Hope Village. You may notice the new clean clothes on many of the children.

We held a talent show in Hope Village today. I am pretty sure the videos will not do justice to the live performances. These clips are all short. If you can only watch one, make it the first or last one.

Three Boys Dancing:

Two Boys Singing:

Girl Group Singing:

Annie, Alexis and Madison:

Four Girls Dancing:

Final Act of the Day:

More Blessed to Give Than to Receive

Don is surprised at how great Rotary is! Also, Sylivia and Hester attend as guests.

After the Blantyre Rotary luncheon, Don and I met Hester at the JOCC office and rode in his 4x4 truck to the same village we visited yesterday afternoon. This time, there was no big fanfare, but we did see David Paul on his way out as we were on our way in. David is an articulate, handsome man and one of the main Limbe Rotarians responsible for the bridge we visited yesterday. I was thrilled when he mentioned that he had looked at TheMalawiBlog.com.

Banner exchange with the President of the Blantyre Rotary Club.

Scene on the side of the road to the bridge site.

This was a temporary building at the construction site.

Walking between bridge sites.

Another photo while walking between bridge sites.

Free enterprise at work, between bridge sites.

We walked past the first bridge site and about another 3/4 mile to the site that a footbridge is needed. Even though neither site looks very treacherous, when the rainy season comes, this river can rise 15-20 feet.

On the walk back, a little boy attached himself to Don. After walking hand-in-hand for about 20 minutes, as we neared our vehicle, the boy reached into his pocket, pulled out a 10 kwacha coin and gave it to Don. Of course, Don tried to refuse the gift, but the boy insisted. We learned through translation that the boy wanted Don to buy himself a treat. 

Site where foot bridge is proposed. The area where Don and the others
are standing  is completely submerged during rainy season.

On a building in the village.

Don's new friend.

Many interesting things about this photo. Notice the little bags of cooking oil.
Most villagers cannot afford more than one days worth at a time.

Beautiful Malawian #1

Beautiful Malawian # 2

This boy gave Don a gift of 10 kwacha and broke Don's heart at the same time.

Don graciously accepted, then as we departed, multiplied the boys gift in return 100 fold. Reminded me of Matthew 13:23 or maybe Ecclesiastes 11:1. Anyway, it was pretty great. I hope you enjoy the photos from today.

Hester drove us to the bridge site today.

Saw this business while sitting at a gas station. Love it.