DAY 3: Heading to Mtunthama

We woke in Lilongwe, had a leisurely breakfast and left our lovely little house for Mtunthama - where our sewing cooperative is located. We loved our hosts here, Phoebe and Davidson and will miss them. They made us feel so welcomed and pampered.

 After three stops we were able to find the voltage converters that we need for the electric sewing machines that I’d brought from home. These machines were donated by our generous MoonBee volunteers and will be put to good use here.

 Once we had the converters, we set off for Mtunthama. It takes about 3 and a half hours to drive there through beautiful farm land and small villages. The clouds that always blow me away here were putting on an amazing display today and the sun shone bright and strong. We stopped once to stretch our legs and watch the outdoor market going on across the street. A few vendors came to visit with us, but we didn’t have any need for cabbages or handmade brooms. It’s always fun to see the beautiful African fabrics tied around women’s waists creating a really colorful scene.

A typical road-side in Malawi.

Driving into Saint Andrews Hospital compound (where our tailors work in a sewing room donated by the hospital) it felt a little like coming home. We drove straight to Peter and Jackie’s house and were greeted by Jackie with big hugs and smiles. We found our lodging, (I’m pleased to be living with Alice and Andy again) our suitcases and more old friends. Charlotte is living across the compound from me, but she gets to stay with the Anglican priest Father Pedro. His house is warm and friendly and filled with children and guests. She’ll enjoy herself I’m sure. To get there you walk across a field holding the hands of as many children as can hang onto you at once. Charlotte is in love. She’s already worried about saying goodbye in two weeks.

 We are off to a meeting soon to talk about tomorrow’s schedule for visiting schools in the area.