Last day at Help2kids

Today has been my final full day at Help2kids in Malawi and I was able to spend it with heaps of kiddies starting at the nursery school. It definitely was an interesting morning with 30 plus kiddies between 3 to 6 years. We started off by singing some songs and then moved onto the focus of today which was counting. One of the long term volunteers brought sheets with each number in different forms such as the number spelt out in English and Chichewa, the numeral and an object to count which was different to the usual way of teaching the numbers. And therefore the kiddies were full of enthusiasm shouting out what was being pointed to after the teacher first went through it with them. It took quite a few attempts and a lot of repetition before they started catching on obviously but was a fun way of learning.

 During break time I had a group of various aged kids and we were playing with a ball and counting as it moved from person to person. It was heaps of fun although it had a few challenges too as the kids can be quite competitive and reached out for the ball when it was being thrown to the child next to them…and then you can imagine how the scenario turned out…So after trying to put them into a circle spaced apart we finally got it right, at least for a while. Some of the older kids were hanging around too; I have no idea why they weren’t in school but be that as it may…we all played together. I think that break time is the best time for volunteers to be interactive with the children as we can come up with our own ideas and games with them. So there is definitely a bit more freedom during that time and we can either play games with them or try teaching them what they have been learning in our own way…or merge both.

 In saying that, my favourite part of the day has been Kids Corner, which takes place every day after school at around 14:30. Kids Corner involves the kiddies between 3 and 13 years and includes arts and crafts, games and activities. It is during this time that we, the volunteers, can do whatever we like and get to know the kids. I have had the opportunity to be involved in Kids Corner for the last three days and it has been amazing. Yesterday we had sports day so we were playing cards, ten pin bowling and football in rotation and the kids had a blast. 

Today was arts and craft so we had a few objects to identify at first including the colour, which was kept in a bag. The kids had to remember all seven objects because the other volunteer would only reveal six at a time and surprisingly their memory was pretty sharp with all the details. We then moved onto drawing these seven objects and the kids did so well in remembering them in their drawing, even some with spelling.

It was such a fun day and as it came to an end with the kiddies I said my goodbyes. However the hardest was visiting the Anna family and saying goodbye to them. I first spent some time with them chatting and taking heaps of pictures. But the time came nevertheless and the hugs were big squeezes and a few words. It was really sad saying goodbye to them! I really will miss their beautiful faces, energy and playfulness. They are such a wonderful family and they are one of my greatest memories in this journey, amongst many others.

My last day has arrived with Help2kids…and it has come at a lightning pace. I cannot believe I have already spent four weeks in this incredible village overlooking Lake Malawi and all the memories and experience I have built. There are many things that I have learnt whilst being here but most of all that as long as you have love and support, life is a beautiful story…no matter how much or little you have it’s about the small beauties in life…appreciate what you have and not what you missing…take your time and enjoy the journey and not only focus on the destination…share your compassion and kindness with others and take time to notice them…

I have packed my bags with hesitation but it is sadly time for me to go back to “my world” where a new journey will begin. Malawi will always be a great part of my soul and it has been an unbelievable journey…I am eternally grateful!!!

Exciting Daily Runnings at Help2kids

This morning the energy and excitement was somewhat bursting out of a few of us because the school term began and the normal routine would once again be in place. Since I arrived in December the schools have been on holiday and therefore the routine hasn’t been as productive. So I was looking forward to seeing the daily runnings. Even more so because my days are unfortunately coming to an end and I only have three full days, including today, remaining in Lifuwu. So three of us started off with the outreach program this morning, to a village we had not yet visited. When we arrived and setup the scale the Mama’s came flowing in, which was a pleasant surprise as most of the community in this area are currently farming due to the rainy season. There were over 40 little dumplings between one month and up to five years.

After the Mama’s sang songs joyously, clapping their hands with big smiles they listened to a small speech on health issues and the methods to take as precaution, such as malaria which is more aggressive now with the heavy rains, from the Medical Assistant. Thereafter, us three girls had our pens ready for jotting down the weight of the kiddies, who were standing in a long queue with the Mama’s waiting to be weighed. In the distance we saw a huge group of children at their school sitting with their bright orange uniforms, and soon enough a few started making their way over to see what was happening under the gigantic tree. The Mama’s and kids was one of the largest groups in total I have yet seen on the outreach program.

It took us some time to get through all the children being weighed and jotting down the figures before the Medical Assistant moved over to the area where he gave vaccinations to the babies. However, I was happy to see a few more babies coming towards us on their Mama’s backs to be weighed because it meant that I could do the honours. And as this would be my last outreach day I was able to have a shot taken of weighing a baby the “African Way”.

One of the highlights for us today, in this little village, was the huge group of children that had come over from the school, of all ages. We started singing songs and dancing like crazy people, jumping around, hands in the air, turning around and carrying on. It was one of those moments that completely took us away and we embraced the incredible interaction with these children. It really was a lot of fun!!! I even managed to take a video of all these kiddies singing and doing a little dance for us. In saying that this outreach day was probably the best and heaps of fun and I am so blessed to leave it on a high note.

Next up on today’s program was the after-school activities and the new volunteer, who arrived over the weekend, and I were assigned to the younger children and nursery kids. So we put our thinking caps on (sorry I mean Google) and found a few activities. This was my first experience doing Arts and Crafts so I didn’t really know what to expect and was a touch nervous to be honest due to language barrier and the fact that not all of these kiddies knew us. BUT to my pleasant surprise it instilled new hope in me about teaching. Along the way we collected a few kiddies playing games and they followed us to the primary school, where the activities are held. We had about 15 children of ALL ages…from three years up to ten years. We started off with introductions and then moved on to our first activity, which was creating a chicken / hen from outlines of your hands and foot and then drawing a face.

After I explained the task and handed out the materials, the kiddies got stuck right in it and the other volunteer and I helped in outlining their feet and guiding them along the way. The smile that I saw from each child after telling them “well done” or “that looks great” was priceless and really sunk into my heart. This was totally worth all the stressing! We then moved into a circle and played with flash cards that had animals on it with music playing in the background; we were playing “pass the parcel” with the flashcard and when the music stopped the child had to guess the animal…and then came the sound effects. It was such a joyous moment, heaps of laughter and we all had so much fun together. The kids of all ages helped each other and learnt the English animal names and sounds. Eventually we even had young adults as our audience, sitting and watching us play the games.

That lead into us singing Old Mac Donald (had a farm) and used the flash cards to prompt them and then the hilarious sounds that came with it. Soon enough all the kiddies were singing and dancing various songs in Chichewa and English. IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!!!

Today was such an incredible success and super productive, and a day I loved from the word go. AND I believe that these are the normal daily runnings…including nursery / primary school in the mornings which is SO exciting. I have two more full days of this and cannot wait…I won’t think of leaving and all the beautiful faces I will miss right now, but embrace the next 48 hours with all I have!

Gifts of the Heart

A few years ago I read a book called The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, which was an excellent read and I learnt a few important elements of relationships. We all speak different love languages better known as “Words of Affirmation, Deeds of Action, Quality Time, Gifts and Affection”. My love languages, which make absolute sense to me, are primarily words of affirmation and quality time. However, I tend to speak the love language of gifts to others which I find a bit odd as I don’t necessarily need that language spoken to me.

I absolutely LOVE buying things, the endorphins seriously give me a kick and I feel completely on top of things and explode with joy and all the fuzzy stuff. But what I love more and what really does it for me is buying things / presents for others. I have noticed over the years, especially when I was younger, I would typically buy presents for my family when I went away and not really buy anything for myself. Strange, I know BUT I have definitely gotten over that, as my means have improved, and now buy for everyone including myself. But this is not the point of my story today. My story is about gifts of the heart…

After spending heaps of time with the Anna family, with my eyes blessed to see and hear, and learning that they pretty much only have one outfit EACH I decided that my gift would be clothes. We all went to Salima, the town about 30 minutes away at the beginning of the week, and I bought two outfits for each child. I was in my element choosing clothes for them and spent at least 30 to 40 minutes shopping around in ONE store for them. The joy that burst out my heart was exhilarating, not because of the action I did, but that it was within my means to help this family ever so slightly. I was so excited to give their outfits to them.

So I arranged to go over to the Anna family today at noon, hoping all her kiddies would be there. When I arrived, Marcy gave me a huge hug and walked me up to the house. I just prayed for my heart to be strong for the moment that awaited me. There were four of the younger kiddies and Anna at the house and we went inside to chat. After a while I looked at all their beautiful faces and tried to explain what I had brought and that my heart had been so touched by their family. I STRUGGLED getting the words out…There was simply so much emotion in the room; it was overwhelming. I explained in the best possible way what a privilege it has been to spend time with them and get to know each of them. I told Anna what amazing children she has raised and that she is an incredible mother…that I know that things are hard for them and hope that the small token would make it a touch easier for them…

It was not about me but purely a gift of the heart to this incredible family.

I handed out the outfits to each child and their faces lit up to say the least. They had such a stunning smile from ear to ear as they had a look at each piece of clothing. Anna thanked me with so much passion, that’s not even the right word but you know what I mean. It was SO genuine; she said that she is happy with her life and kept saying “May God bless you, thank you so much.” I was on the brink of tears…it was so overwhelming!!!

However, the kiddies and their excitement helped me pull myself together as they quickly undressed to try on their new clothes. We were all so happy and smiling and laughing. They were so grateful…

This is definitely a family I am going to miss and their big smiles. They truly are beautiful Malawian Souls. They have made this journey so memorable and have really opened up my eyes to the hardships and joys in their life. Believe me when I say this family doesn’t have much… Yet their smiles never seem to escape their face and I believe it all comes down to love. They are definitely RICH in LOVE.

In saying that…they have changed my perspective on a few things but most of all on the GREATER importance of the small things in life…

*Names have been changed

Reaching out to the outskirts

We have spent two mornings doing outreach this week and each occasion has made me realise just how magnificent yet vulnerable these villages are. In the western world it is just that much easier to get to a clinic or hospital to get the vital vaccinations for your bundle of joy. On the last two occasions we went into two different villages. The one village was about 20 minutes drive away from the clinic in Lifuwu…not too far away, but the other one was 34km away which took us an hour on the rough road which is REALLY FAR for these Mamas if they need to get to the clinic to see a doctor.

At these villages, we were approached with about 25 to 40 children from a few months old to under 5 years. As it holidays the medical assistants are slim so the assistant manager and I found ourselves weighing the kiddies and jotting down the figures ourselves.

It was absolute mahem only because you need to work so quickly. Once the scale was attached to the tree I had a long line of Mamas with their little ones on their backs being swung around and handed to me within seconds at a time. And just as quickly as I received the babies I had to quickly hook them onto the scale, hoping that wouldn’t squirm like worms so I could read the weight, and hand them back into their Mamas hands. There was this one toddler that screeched, in what I assumed was fear, and was not happy being hooked from inside a little hammock (closest idea I can come to). I could not for the life of me read the weight because the needle was jumping all over the show…epic fail so we had to wait for the toddler to calm down before second attempt. There were a few of those and as much as I tried to calm them down and hush hush them, it was quite the challenge.

That wasn’t even the worst/best of it…There were three “little bags” I was handed during the hour it took to weigh the kiddies. I couldn’t believe how light these babies were and it broke my heart. I remember weighing one little baby and it came to a whole 2.8 kg! I thought the baby had to have been born the day before or something because he was so TINY to say the least. There were about 3 babies between 2.8kg and 3.8kg and in those moments I felt so helpless. A baby is already so vulnerable in the early months and now underweight too…but what could any of us do? It was really sad to see to be honest and I can only hope and pray that those little people gain weight quickly and be blessed with incredibly strong health.

Once I was finished weighing I walked over to the vaccination area and you can only imagine how these little babies are crying in agony as the injection pokes their soft, gentle skin. It really is heart breaking and obviously necessary but you just want to take their pain away. Vaccinations are not fun AT ALL!!! After one of the little “bags” had his vaccination he was crying so much and when I looked at his Mama she gave me the gesture to take him which I did…and just hushed and rocked him to sleep. It was so beautiful just watching this little person calm down and fall into a peaceful sleep…I was in my element…I got a little baby to sleep!! I was so happy holding him that I was a bit reluctant to give him back…I just wanted a few more minutes to hold this wonderful gift of life.

In saying that it has been amazing to be involved in this system that is setup here and help where I can. It really is something else! I believe that the more medical awareness and need that is drawn on these outskirt rural areas and the priority placed on them health wise…it wont be long until there is more support and help given to them. These little people are the next generation and their health is crucial in every respect. This part of the voluntary program has been an eye opener of note and I recommend any medical expert, nurse or assistant to consider becoming a part of this …even if it is only for a week.

Every hand makes a contribution and that is something we need to always remember.

Merry Merry Happy Holidays

Up until September this year I was planning on going home to South Africa for two months. There was the main reason which was the wedding of my beautiful sister and of course for the festive season. There has only been a handful, not even a full hand, where I have not been home in December. It has always been a special time with the family where everyone is on vacation and we just embrace the time we have together and absorb a few sun rays. I have some of the most amazing memories during festive times and I find it’s because everyone is so happy and full of joy. The atmosphere is simply contagious and the kindness and compassion overflows…

However, after the seed was planted to do a voluntary program in Malawi and some encouragement from my elder sister I decided to do it over the festive season including the merry merry and new year. My sister’s wise words were that I would share it with amazing children and it would be an incredible experience.

When I woke up on 25 December, the atmosphere was slightly different to what I am obviously use to. However I decided to take what I had and make the most of it…and we all did for sure. In the morning we all slept in and collected out energy for our exciting plan, and that was to spend the afternoon with the family I have mentioned before; Anna’s family. We walked over to their home around noon only to be welcomed by the most joyous and happy faces. Her little dumplings ran over to the one volunteer with so much excitement to see us and grabbed his hands as he lead the way. We were not only welcomed to spend time with them, but invited into their home…which I found as such a privilege. We removed our shoes and walked to one of the rooms to play none other than the craze card game that all the kiddies over here love. I have never heard of it nor played it until I arrived here but let me tell you it is SLIGHTLY addictive. So the cards have animals and numbers on them and you have to match the card played or draw a card…sounds simple BUT there are a few other rules that took me a while to catch on to.

There were about seven of us playing to begin with and it kept rotating. It was such a pleasure to spend time with these loving, friendly and playful children. At one point the braiding of the other volunteer / assistant manager began and kept two of the kiddies busy for QUITE a while and they did such an amazing job…always asking me to look at her hair, with a bright smile, to see how far they had gotten. The feelings inside me were indescribable but in a nutshell I felt so blessed and my emotions were exploding with joy and fulfillment. My attention was soon distracted with another game of cards with one of the older sons and it was so much fun. I felt like a kid again and couldn’t help it. With all the joy, laughter, jokes and smiles flowing around, the atmosphere was filled with nothing less than absolute love.

After a few hours of playing with the kids we thought it was best to leave as we also did not want to intrude of their family time. So we gathered the whole family outside to hand over a small token to each one and their faces absolutely lit up. The one volunteer realised that they weren’t too sure what I had handed them so showed the one little girl how to open up the gift…and within minutes everybody had opened up a candy stick and little badge. Words cannot explain how happy and grateful they were to receive a gift…something so small but meant something so big to them. It was such a beautiful moment that I will never forget.

When we walked home I just reflected on the incredible opportunity I have had here and will still hold until I leave. I felt so much gratitude and overwhelming joy in my heart to have shared that special afternoon with the Anna family…

We all took some time out when we arrived home to relax before our festive evening began. I spent some time in both the morning and afternoon to message my family and friends. It was all so different to our usual happy holidays as the family this year was all in different cities or countries. There were definitely a few moments where I really missed them all and reflected on our previous memories together. But soon thereafter I reminded myself of where I was and of the once in a lifetime experience I had right in front of me…

 At around dusk we all started getting our dinner ready…yummy steak, vegetables and mash. We finally sat down and enjoyed our meal together; four strangers that had the same passion found in the same place and the same time. We enjoyed a wonderful evening of conversation and even found ourselves playing the addictive card game the children had taught us…and just had a laugh.

This is by far one of the most cherish-able festive seasons I will carry close to my heart…forever and always.

*Names have been changed.

Beautiful Malawian Souls

On Friday morning and this afternoon I have had the privilege of spending time with one specific family and their beautiful souls. This particular family includes eight children between 3 years and 23 years, of which I have met six and they are absolutely incredible. These children are all unique in their own way and are playful, friendly and an absolute pleasure to be around. The one daughter however has really taken my attention…

This beautiful young girl has the biggest smile, loves to chat to us and play cards with her younger brother and sister when we around her. Her name is Marcy and she is a tender age of 10. Marcy is so gentle and loving to her younger siblings and really helps out where needs be. Now I am sure most of you can relate to this role of looking after your siblings and stepping in as the eldest child with responsibilities, generally speaking. However, the reality is that most kids today just get on with their own thing, play with friends or with their latest gadgets (Forgive me if I am being extreme but it is to get my point across).

I have never heard of a child this young, or even younger, in my environment doing the washing or taking care of younger siblings while the parents are out at work. Here is another example: At home in Arusha, Tanzania I often see kids easily under 10 walking their siblings to school next to the manic roads full of cars, bikes, pedestrians, cows, goats…you name it. And it breaks my heart to see how young they are doing something so responsible. These kids in rural areas and living I poverty just have to grow up so much faster to help the family, which I totally understand and can appreciate. Yet, is it a bit sad because they miss out a bit of the care free childhood that most of us have experienced.

Now Marcy now is the THIRD YOUNGEST out of these 8 children and has an absolute heart of gold…she is simply always smiling, hand in hand with her younger sister of 3 and brother of 7. I love being around these dumplings and they truly make my day! The three of them actually did a little dance for me whilst Marcy was singing and it was just so pure. It lifted my soul to see such “happy go lucky” kids in quite challenging circumstances, yet it never holds them back and that I can truly appreciate.

My main point is that this girl who I think is a touch of a prodigy is 10 and in Standard 6 / Grade 8 (4 years her senior) AND…wait for it….TOP student of her year!!! If that isn’t inspiring, then you have got me because I am just blown away by her personality and achievements. When I learnt this, and after spending time with them I was so curious to meet the mold behind these children…which I was privileged to today.

I was honoured to meet their wonderful Mother today, who was lying cuddled with her children while she was on lunch break from farming. Just to quickly give some observations from here and East Africa, the women’s labour is pretty much equal in level of difficulty as the men’s (or so I have noticed) and they will be found doing hard labour including most agriculture work from digging to planting and harvesting. You should see their arms…toned like any woman’s dream and these ladies are fit! So anyway, here we arrive at their house to see two kiddies and their Mother cuddled up outside having a light nap (Marcy was bathing). They woke up as soon as we approached them with smiles from ear to ear welcoming us to sit down and chat. Her name is Anna and what a lovely woman she is; a woman who has brought up 8 remarkable children. I really have to take my hat off to her in ultimate respect especially due to the circumstances of not only them but everyone in this village, which have been a complete eye opener to me.

Things in this village are of course so different to what we know. The children look after each other (no matter what their age) whilst the parents are working. Most children don’t have toys, a SECOND change of clothes, flip flops, running water, electricity and the like. Yet, you never fail to see this community greet you with a smile and ask you, “how are you”…This makes me think back to my blog on “Embracing Life and Lives of Others,” as these people continuously show compassion, kindness and love for each other. And this we can really learn from…

These Malawian people really bring on a new meaning to being happy with the ULTIMATE SIMPLICITIES of life. I always hear the laughter of the kids here and them playing either at the lake or around the village. I mean sure don’t get me wrong they do ask us for flip flops and clothes or money to help them out but isn’t that such a small token in giving compared to how most of us live every day? They do have days where they not jumping around in ultimate joy and have something that is bothering them…they are only human with the same emotions and desires as us all. BUT that doesn’t stop them from LIVING and working hard.

After spending time with this amazing family and being in this small little village, I just have a whole new appreciation for what I have in my life. I am so grateful to the moon and back for the clothes I have, the bed I sleep in and home with furniture that I live in…because they unfortunately don’t have these items that are somewhat basic to us, but what would be a privilege to them. I only wish I could do so much more and give them wardrobes of clothes and flip flops just to make life that much easier for them.

The Malawians truly have beautiful souls and I am so grateful and proud to meet them and be a part of Lifuwu, even if it is just for 4 weeks. It has been life changing up to now and full of adventure. I really am getting a better perspective of the lives in rural areas and how they just make it work…and its truly a beautiful story.

*Names have been changed.