Malawi

WE"RE HERE! With 3 of 5 of our checked bags... oh well, we have plenty of supplies to begin our work today.

Father Emmanuel picked us up at the airport and drove us north on the M-1(the only paved road running north-south) to Bowe.  I am very happy to say my impression is that there is much more commerce this year.  I am seeing more produce stands, stores appear to be stocked, and the little fields are all plowed (by hand or ox) and ready to plant when the rains start later this month.

We even stopped for lunch at a restaurant in Kusungu.  The place is run by a Scottish ex-pat, and apparently a hot spot for Peace Corps members.

Photos are loading very slowly, so I will add more this evening when I have a bit more time.

I cannot believe the progress that has been made at the mission since I was here a year ago.  Volunteers from ORANT charities and students here in Malawi have constructed a clinic with a reception area, two exam rooms and a pharmacy.  One of our jobs this week will be to organize the pharmacy according to government regulations.

Big E says he used to officiate up to five funerals a week.  Since our medical work began here, he says he now sometimes goes an entire week without there being a funeral.

We are heading into Chekuwi, an outlying village today.  More later with photos.