Finally, my final post...

Today (Sunday, 11/4/12) we experienced an African High Mass, a three hour outdoor celebration. The occasion was to thank God for their many blessings, to ask God to bring rain as the new planting season begins, and to ask God to bless the famine foods they will exist on until the harvest.

It was a beautiful day, warm with a light breeze. Chairs had been set up under temporary stalls with mat roofs to provide shade . The choir, dancers and drummers were ready. There was quite a large crowd gathered. We had front row seats, the alter was decorated, and a new fruit tree had been planted.

Even though we were sitting in the shade, I managed to get a pretty good sunburn (approprately, a farmer's tan) because the malaria prevention medication I am on increases sensitivity to the sun. I knew that, just forgot.

After the mass, there was a luncheon feast for the special guests that had traveled to Bowe for the event. There was rice, nshima, noodles, two types of chicken, beef, cabbage, and papaya. It was kind of like Thanksgiving but with Malawian food.

The rest of the afternoon and evening we piddled around and napped, started packing up and thinking about our goodbyes. We've all been reflecting on the journey this week has been.

Please enjoy the videos from the worship service and photos of the people in Malawi who are so generous with their time.

The entrance procession and hymn               http://youtu.be/ggQtPNgW8D0 

The prayer and blessing by Little E                http://youtu.be/xPaWqKWjdQU

The blessing with holy water                          http://youtu.be/-0rey94jUv4

African/Catholic culture                                  http://youtu.be/FhYBbSMD8g4

Big E receiving the bible for the readings       http://youtu.be/JNVNAPe3cOA

Mr. Mbamba.  He cooked many meals for us and did a wonderful job! 

Temayo. A young man who spends long days helping us by interpreting Chechewe to English and back. 

Dingiri - She works tirelessly cleaning, doing laundry and ironing for the priests.

Marie, my African daughter and Mrs. Gondwe.  Marie was orphaned at the age of nine and has been raised by Big E.   Mrs. Gondwe has helped and encouraged Marie to be strong and continue her education.  Mrs. Gondwe is now a beloved headmistress at a school in a nearby parish. 

Stefano (left) sits interpreting for me.  He is very active in the village in helping care for the poor and ill.