The school year is coming to an end. Thank God no students at the school dies from malaria.
I am making plans to go back to the states for Thanksgiving to see my family and friends and to raise awareness and monies for the children's clinic. My plans are to return in December to continue to work in Malawi.
I will get a chance to cancel my absentee ballot request vote live in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina for a new president. It is my prayer that God will choose the right man for the job because it will take a miracle to get the economy and all the issues facing Americans turned around. It is projected for sure that record numbers of people will vote for what may be the most historical election of all times in America - Barack Obama - Democrat and John McCain - Republican.
Pray for America. Pray for our new president. God's will will be done!
God bless America!
rswinton777@yahoo.com
www.rosettaswinton.weebly.com
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
www.caringcdc.com – donations are tax deductible
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
Saturday, November 29, 2008
First Holiday at Lake Malawi - September 2008
Holiday!!!
My first holiday to relax at Lake Malawi at the Cape Maclear Lodge. The scene was breath taking from my room, restaurant and anywhere in between. Lake Malawi is about a 5 hour drive from where I live in Chileka. It is a fresh water lake and the fish of choice is Chombe a very moist and delicious treat!
I had the opportunity to go fishing, but was not able to catch anything. I later learned that night fishing would have been the way to go. While I did not catchany fish, the local fishermen who had fished all nisght stayed on the beach to sell their fresh catch with the locals and tourist. I was able to secure a cooler, the fishermen cleaned the fish packed them on ice and I was able to bring some back with me to share with local families.
Once there I visited the village of Mangochi where many children did not attend school. The local primary school had recently increased it's enrollment because the school received funding and is now able to provide 1 meal. It has served as a means to get the children in school to get their education. Most wore no shoes, their clothes were torn and unclean. They had joy just like any other children playing with friends and laughing and so many had the huge protruding belly. Their incredibly beautiful eyes piercing yours as they hoped for something to eat.
The guide Africk who took me around was able to interpret to me what they were saying as I engaged them in conversation. One child yelled out that he needed 2 exercise books for school. With that the whole group gathered around about 20 in number yelling how they too needed 2 exercise books. We were able to negotiate that they should go home because it was getting dark and we would meet on the next afternoon. I was able to locate 25 notebooks at a local market and when I gave the first little girl an exercise book she let a scream that echoed across the whole of Lake Malawi of joy and she danced and danced and took off running home to show her family her exercise book. You would have thought that I had given here a million dollars. That went on until all of the children had received an exercise book a total of 25. We had to flee the scene at that point because I didn't have anymore books and other children in the village were beginning to hear the sound of laughter and wanted to know what was happening.
When I visited the primary school the head teacher expressed his great need for supplies and financial support to run the school. He asked that I not forget about him.
Very near the village area was clinic that met the medical needs of the people.
I visited a crocodile conservatory, museum, Malawi national park and did a little sight seeing om my 5 day holiday. Mangoes were everywhere and plentiful!! I love mangoes. It was the season for mango. I learned that mangoes are from the family of poison ivy. After eating some one evening I woke up with a swollen face & eyes, with rash and itching. The natives explained that that was a typical response if you eat a mango that was not quite ripe. I have always loved mangoes and that was very disappointing for me.
The mosquitoes were out in numbers but antimalarial and insect repellent and mosquito net were my arsenal against them.
My holiday was wonderful. On the way as we took 5 hour drive back, I was thinking about the school, the children that I saw that were starving there and knowing that I could not be in every village at the same time. I made a commitment to help the head teacher at the school with some supplies and finances when possible.
I plan to keep my promise.
rswinton777@yahoo.com
www.rosettaswinton.weebly.com
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
www.caringcdc.com – donations are tax deductible
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
My first holiday to relax at Lake Malawi at the Cape Maclear Lodge. The scene was breath taking from my room, restaurant and anywhere in between. Lake Malawi is about a 5 hour drive from where I live in Chileka. It is a fresh water lake and the fish of choice is Chombe a very moist and delicious treat!
I had the opportunity to go fishing, but was not able to catch anything. I later learned that night fishing would have been the way to go. While I did not catchany fish, the local fishermen who had fished all nisght stayed on the beach to sell their fresh catch with the locals and tourist. I was able to secure a cooler, the fishermen cleaned the fish packed them on ice and I was able to bring some back with me to share with local families.
Once there I visited the village of Mangochi where many children did not attend school. The local primary school had recently increased it's enrollment because the school received funding and is now able to provide 1 meal. It has served as a means to get the children in school to get their education. Most wore no shoes, their clothes were torn and unclean. They had joy just like any other children playing with friends and laughing and so many had the huge protruding belly. Their incredibly beautiful eyes piercing yours as they hoped for something to eat.
The guide Africk who took me around was able to interpret to me what they were saying as I engaged them in conversation. One child yelled out that he needed 2 exercise books for school. With that the whole group gathered around about 20 in number yelling how they too needed 2 exercise books. We were able to negotiate that they should go home because it was getting dark and we would meet on the next afternoon. I was able to locate 25 notebooks at a local market and when I gave the first little girl an exercise book she let a scream that echoed across the whole of Lake Malawi of joy and she danced and danced and took off running home to show her family her exercise book. You would have thought that I had given here a million dollars. That went on until all of the children had received an exercise book a total of 25. We had to flee the scene at that point because I didn't have anymore books and other children in the village were beginning to hear the sound of laughter and wanted to know what was happening.
When I visited the primary school the head teacher expressed his great need for supplies and financial support to run the school. He asked that I not forget about him.
Very near the village area was clinic that met the medical needs of the people.
I visited a crocodile conservatory, museum, Malawi national park and did a little sight seeing om my 5 day holiday. Mangoes were everywhere and plentiful!! I love mangoes. It was the season for mango. I learned that mangoes are from the family of poison ivy. After eating some one evening I woke up with a swollen face & eyes, with rash and itching. The natives explained that that was a typical response if you eat a mango that was not quite ripe. I have always loved mangoes and that was very disappointing for me.
The mosquitoes were out in numbers but antimalarial and insect repellent and mosquito net were my arsenal against them.
My holiday was wonderful. On the way as we took 5 hour drive back, I was thinking about the school, the children that I saw that were starving there and knowing that I could not be in every village at the same time. I made a commitment to help the head teacher at the school with some supplies and finances when possible.
I plan to keep my promise.
rswinton777@yahoo.com
www.rosettaswinton.weebly.com
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
www.caringcdc.com – donations are tax deductible
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
Winter In Malawi - August 2008
My first winter in Malawi has been good for the most part. We moved from extreme heat to feeling just cool at night and then it was suddenly cold. It is not cold like the winters I have known on Long Island New York, but it did require a good coat and hat.
In season, out of season while many wore shoes and had a winter coat, the average Malawian struggled through the cold without shoes, coat, hat or gloves.
Many men go to the forest to cut down trees to make charcoal to sell to be able to feed their families. The charcoal is used mostly for cooking. Deforestation has been an issue.
Many still have to walk miles just to get water. Their struggle is long and it is hard, but they are determined to keep going with all that is within them to take care of their families and themselves.
God bless the Malawian people. I know that there is a special place in heaven for the Malawian people. They are warm , loving, tenacious and blessed of the Lord.
rswinton777@yahoo.com
www.rosettaswinton.weebly.com
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
www.caringcdc.com – donations are tax deductible
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
In season, out of season while many wore shoes and had a winter coat, the average Malawian struggled through the cold without shoes, coat, hat or gloves.
Many men go to the forest to cut down trees to make charcoal to sell to be able to feed their families. The charcoal is used mostly for cooking. Deforestation has been an issue.
Many still have to walk miles just to get water. Their struggle is long and it is hard, but they are determined to keep going with all that is within them to take care of their families and themselves.
God bless the Malawian people. I know that there is a special place in heaven for the Malawian people. They are warm , loving, tenacious and blessed of the Lord.
rswinton777@yahoo.com
www.rosettaswinton.weebly.com
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
www.caringcdc.com – donations are tax deductible
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
Walking Into The Future - July 2008
WALKING INTO THE FUTURE - Walking man….
Walking, walking, walking happens all day and night. Everywhere you go, everywhere you look , you see people walking. Children walk great distances to get to school in many areas. Much walking is done from early in the morning to get water to bath, cook etc before breakfast by the women.
Many greet me with the Malawian greeting especially in the village with “Muli bwanji”, which is “ How Are You?” When I respond, “ Ndili bwino” , which is “ I am well” , they usually know right away that I am not a Malawian, since my reply is not fluent yet. They usually laugh and then I laugh. Some will say to me , “ You look like a Malawian, but you talk American”. This is my open invitation to share and learn from the natives and share with them. Now they are eager to help learn their language, Chichewa. Many of the people understand basic English, and speak it, but many are not fluent. The people are very warm, friendly and helpful. It truly feels like being home in South Carolina in that respect. They are very giving and loving while they endure so much. In spite of that they are able to smile and share gladly what they have with you, even if they only have a little.
Transportation is a major problem for the Malawians and most do not have a car or bike to get from place to place.
Walking is a way of life of most of the native Malawians. Many of the people walk for miles every day just to get water to bathe, cook and drink and they have with no shoes. Their feet are so hard and calloused, but they press on in the heat, rain and cold to provide for themselves and their family. Many walk to the forest to cut trees to make coals. So many of the people have a garden there they grow crops to sell on the roadside or in their village in order to support their families.
rswinton777@yahoo.com
www.rosettaswinton.weebly.com
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
www.caringcdc.com – donations are tax deductible
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
Walking, walking, walking happens all day and night. Everywhere you go, everywhere you look , you see people walking. Children walk great distances to get to school in many areas. Much walking is done from early in the morning to get water to bath, cook etc before breakfast by the women.
Many greet me with the Malawian greeting especially in the village with “Muli bwanji”, which is “ How Are You?” When I respond, “ Ndili bwino” , which is “ I am well” , they usually know right away that I am not a Malawian, since my reply is not fluent yet. They usually laugh and then I laugh. Some will say to me , “ You look like a Malawian, but you talk American”. This is my open invitation to share and learn from the natives and share with them. Now they are eager to help learn their language, Chichewa. Many of the people understand basic English, and speak it, but many are not fluent. The people are very warm, friendly and helpful. It truly feels like being home in South Carolina in that respect. They are very giving and loving while they endure so much. In spite of that they are able to smile and share gladly what they have with you, even if they only have a little.
Transportation is a major problem for the Malawians and most do not have a car or bike to get from place to place.
Walking is a way of life of most of the native Malawians. Many of the people walk for miles every day just to get water to bathe, cook and drink and they have with no shoes. Their feet are so hard and calloused, but they press on in the heat, rain and cold to provide for themselves and their family. Many walk to the forest to cut trees to make coals. So many of the people have a garden there they grow crops to sell on the roadside or in their village in order to support their families.
rswinton777@yahoo.com
www.rosettaswinton.weebly.com
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
www.caringcdc.com – donations are tax deductible
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
An African American Woman's View Point - June 2008
An African-American Woman’s View Point
When I arrived in Malawi I felt like I had flown over 7,000 miles all the way from South Carolina to arrive again in South Carolina. The native South Carolinians and the Malawi people are like one. They are genuine and loving people just like I have always known it as a child born in South Carolina in the Phillip's Community.
I can identify with no electricity, running water, no indoor toilet, going to the woods to cut wood to use for cooking, heating and bathing. I can also identify with being poor. There were so many times when my Mom, alone with 11 children and no food, would bless the empty table that we sat at for dinner, and before dark dinner would show up. It was truly my mother’s faith that helped her to raise 11 children, 4 of them with Sickle Cell Anemia.
She will always be my hero for her tenacity and great faith and determination.
I see my Mom here everyday in the eyes of the women and even the men as they work so hard to survive.
What I knew as poverty was great wealth compared to the poverty of the 21st century Malawians of 2008 vs my 1950’s & 60’s experience.
I have seen so many people from so many countries who have given of their time and even all of their worldly possessions to come and help the Malawian people here, but I see only a handful of African Americans in Malawi. I would like to encourage more African Americans to come and be here for more than 2 weeks to 1 month to stay and help encourage and empower the people.
The Malawian women are for the most part laid back and unmotivated. Since the Women’s group has been meeting they want to purchase a mini bus to do ministry in the village and to have transportation in general.
They have embarked upon their first fund raiser which include a native treat called “samosa” this is a pastry filled with a very tasty beef mixture and cupcakes. They will need to sell lots of samosas to raise about 1 million kwatcha to buy a used minibus in good condition. Right now 1 US dollar is about K148 kwatchas.
So much is needed here.The month of May started the winter season and it will last until September,many have no winter clothes, shoes, coats, blankets, hats or gloves. Many die because of malaria caused by mosquitoes. Rainy season starts November and will last through May and the mosquitoes will be multiplying. The clinic can save many lives.
The people have faith that God will provide for them. Many are encouraged that
God has not forgotten then.
On the front page of the daily newspaper the Malawi president said, “God Is On My Side”. He stated this to express that God will help him do the work of caring for the Malawian people.
Will you join your faith and prayers with that of the Malawian people and help them in their day to day life with your support.
There is so much that you can do. Ask God to show you what He wants to do to help and then obey that without wavering or doubting.
Thank you for being a partner my partner on a mission.
Matthew 9:35-38 "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Keep me in your prayers. Prayer, fasting, travailing and weeping for the Malawian people is how I make it from day to day. God has been so good. He has been so faithful and true.
Rosetta
Rosetta Swinton, RN, FCN
TO DONATE ONLINE by check or credit card:
Rose Of Sharon Project - Malawi Africa (funds donated here is used for room
& board and transportation) http://rosettaswinton.weebly.com - donate
online with secured Paypal
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
http://caringcdc.com - (donate online with secured Paypal - Tax deductible )
( Funds donated here build clinic, provide medicine and needs for Malawians)
Channel 5 News Link for A Glimpse Of Africa Interview:
http://www.live5news.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3180266&at1=News&h1=A glimpse of
Africa
To mail donations
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
Africa:
PO Box 3185
Blantyre, Malawi
+265 5 215 452
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
Where Caring Is Nurtured
When I arrived in Malawi I felt like I had flown over 7,000 miles all the way from South Carolina to arrive again in South Carolina. The native South Carolinians and the Malawi people are like one. They are genuine and loving people just like I have always known it as a child born in South Carolina in the Phillip's Community.
I can identify with no electricity, running water, no indoor toilet, going to the woods to cut wood to use for cooking, heating and bathing. I can also identify with being poor. There were so many times when my Mom, alone with 11 children and no food, would bless the empty table that we sat at for dinner, and before dark dinner would show up. It was truly my mother’s faith that helped her to raise 11 children, 4 of them with Sickle Cell Anemia.
She will always be my hero for her tenacity and great faith and determination.
I see my Mom here everyday in the eyes of the women and even the men as they work so hard to survive.
What I knew as poverty was great wealth compared to the poverty of the 21st century Malawians of 2008 vs my 1950’s & 60’s experience.
I have seen so many people from so many countries who have given of their time and even all of their worldly possessions to come and help the Malawian people here, but I see only a handful of African Americans in Malawi. I would like to encourage more African Americans to come and be here for more than 2 weeks to 1 month to stay and help encourage and empower the people.
The Malawian women are for the most part laid back and unmotivated. Since the Women’s group has been meeting they want to purchase a mini bus to do ministry in the village and to have transportation in general.
They have embarked upon their first fund raiser which include a native treat called “samosa” this is a pastry filled with a very tasty beef mixture and cupcakes. They will need to sell lots of samosas to raise about 1 million kwatcha to buy a used minibus in good condition. Right now 1 US dollar is about K148 kwatchas.
So much is needed here.The month of May started the winter season and it will last until September,many have no winter clothes, shoes, coats, blankets, hats or gloves. Many die because of malaria caused by mosquitoes. Rainy season starts November and will last through May and the mosquitoes will be multiplying. The clinic can save many lives.
The people have faith that God will provide for them. Many are encouraged that
God has not forgotten then.
On the front page of the daily newspaper the Malawi president said, “God Is On My Side”. He stated this to express that God will help him do the work of caring for the Malawian people.
Will you join your faith and prayers with that of the Malawian people and help them in their day to day life with your support.
There is so much that you can do. Ask God to show you what He wants to do to help and then obey that without wavering or doubting.
Thank you for being a partner my partner on a mission.
Matthew 9:35-38 "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Keep me in your prayers. Prayer, fasting, travailing and weeping for the Malawian people is how I make it from day to day. God has been so good. He has been so faithful and true.
Rosetta
Rosetta Swinton, RN, FCN
TO DONATE ONLINE by check or credit card:
Rose Of Sharon Project - Malawi Africa (funds donated here is used for room
& board and transportation) http://rosettaswinton.weebly.com - donate
online with secured Paypal
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
http://caringcdc.com - (donate online with secured Paypal - Tax deductible )
( Funds donated here build clinic, provide medicine and needs for Malawians)
Channel 5 News Link for A Glimpse Of Africa Interview:
http://www.live5news.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3180266&at1=News&h1=A glimpse of
Africa
To mail donations
PO Box 669
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
(843) 856-5060
Africa:
PO Box 3185
Blantyre, Malawi
+265 5 215 452
Caring Community Development Coalition, Inc
Where Caring Is Nurtured
Children's Clinic & Medical Supplies - May 2008
Children’s Clinic & Student Health
The students are so incredibly sweet, but students are students no matter where they are from. You have students that are really sick because of Malaria and other health problems and then there are students who want to be anywhere but in class, so they go see the nurse, sometimes in pairs. No different from students in the US.
Students are seen daily in a very small area about 5ft x 5ft designated as the nurse’s office in a building with storage and student supplies because they do not have a clinic yet. Students are sent to the hospital daily for various types of sicknesses. Malaria is one of the most common reasons why students are taken to the hospital. Acutely ill children are emergently taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.
The need for the clinic and medical supplies is great as the school is rapidly approaching its 1000 student target number. The school is continually growing. Currently the clinic has only one single bed and is great need of medical supplies and medicines.
The proposed Children’s Clinic, will have 12 beds will cost about $50,000 to build and equip. Your wonderful support so far has already made available $2,500 toward the building of the clinic. As you can see, we have a long way to go to get the balance of $ 47,500.
Currently only a little over 100 students are day schoolers and the rest are boarders who live in the dorms or hostels and are far away from their parents during their time in school. The day schoolers who commute to the campus daily. We are setting up a student medical record system and will also be training a team of 12 students in first aid over the next couple of months. Your support to get the clinic built is greatly needed. We ask for your prayers and financial support in this effort to ensure that children have access to care.
Thank you and God bless you.
Rosetta
The students are so incredibly sweet, but students are students no matter where they are from. You have students that are really sick because of Malaria and other health problems and then there are students who want to be anywhere but in class, so they go see the nurse, sometimes in pairs. No different from students in the US.
Students are seen daily in a very small area about 5ft x 5ft designated as the nurse’s office in a building with storage and student supplies because they do not have a clinic yet. Students are sent to the hospital daily for various types of sicknesses. Malaria is one of the most common reasons why students are taken to the hospital. Acutely ill children are emergently taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.
The need for the clinic and medical supplies is great as the school is rapidly approaching its 1000 student target number. The school is continually growing. Currently the clinic has only one single bed and is great need of medical supplies and medicines.
The proposed Children’s Clinic, will have 12 beds will cost about $50,000 to build and equip. Your wonderful support so far has already made available $2,500 toward the building of the clinic. As you can see, we have a long way to go to get the balance of $ 47,500.
Currently only a little over 100 students are day schoolers and the rest are boarders who live in the dorms or hostels and are far away from their parents during their time in school. The day schoolers who commute to the campus daily. We are setting up a student medical record system and will also be training a team of 12 students in first aid over the next couple of months. Your support to get the clinic built is greatly needed. We ask for your prayers and financial support in this effort to ensure that children have access to care.
Thank you and God bless you.
Rosetta
Reality Check - I Am Grateful April 2008
REALITY CHECK
“Incomprehensible Poverty”
Since my arrival at the academy, while the scenery at the academy is most incredibly beautiful, the people with the warm heart of Africa are truly living in a level of poverty that is incomprehensible. These are the people that the mission work is here to help. These are the people that God needs intercessors for. Their needs are so many to overwhelming capacities. There is poverty and then there is extremely below poverty. What we know as poverty in the US cannot compare!
I see people daily carrying baskets on their heads, selling produce along the road and in the villages to support their families. Many of the people grow crops to sell in hopes that someone will stop and buy from them. The mothers carry their babies strapped to their backs with a special cloth. Most people travel by foot and those that can afford it travel by minibus.
In the villages there is no running water and extremely limited electricity. The bathroom is literally a hole in the ground, or just an area constructed from grass to create privacy. Many live in mud huts with a grass roof and dirt floor and only some have floors that are cemented.
I have traveled to 2 other villages to date to preach and encourage the people. These areas are Zomba and Chikwaka. The villagers are so happy to have someone to come a preach and fellowship with them. While it is clear that many of the children are starving as their stomachs are swollen so huge, they gather under that grass constructed area for the church to give God glory and praise with such jubilation and no one has to beg them to worship and give praise. Many walk from far away to attend the worship service.
The children are just so excited and amazed to see a vehicle come through their area. Their eyes are so wide with curiosity. The travel to the villages are averaging about a 3-4 hour drive some roads paved, dirt roads and when the roads run out, we drive through the bushes to reach the village.
The village chief, overseer, pastors and families welcome me with open arms. I travel with Kalibu Ministry Pastor Christopher Navaya and Pastor Julius Matete who also serve at the Kalibu church in Sigelege,Chikwawa, Zomba and Chileka as well as Brother Joseph Taelo who is my interpreter along with Pastor Matete when I preach. After singing, dancing,and preaching the fellowship continues with a typical village meal of Nsima (a corn based product),an everyday staple of Malawian. Guests may be served guinea fowl or chicken a luxury food item not eaten everyday by native Malawians. This will be served with vegetable of tomatoes, pumpkin leaves and is eaten by hand while sitting on the floor. See Photos.
“Incomprehensible Poverty”
Since my arrival at the academy, while the scenery at the academy is most incredibly beautiful, the people with the warm heart of Africa are truly living in a level of poverty that is incomprehensible. These are the people that the mission work is here to help. These are the people that God needs intercessors for. Their needs are so many to overwhelming capacities. There is poverty and then there is extremely below poverty. What we know as poverty in the US cannot compare!
I see people daily carrying baskets on their heads, selling produce along the road and in the villages to support their families. Many of the people grow crops to sell in hopes that someone will stop and buy from them. The mothers carry their babies strapped to their backs with a special cloth. Most people travel by foot and those that can afford it travel by minibus.
In the villages there is no running water and extremely limited electricity. The bathroom is literally a hole in the ground, or just an area constructed from grass to create privacy. Many live in mud huts with a grass roof and dirt floor and only some have floors that are cemented.
I have traveled to 2 other villages to date to preach and encourage the people. These areas are Zomba and Chikwaka. The villagers are so happy to have someone to come a preach and fellowship with them. While it is clear that many of the children are starving as their stomachs are swollen so huge, they gather under that grass constructed area for the church to give God glory and praise with such jubilation and no one has to beg them to worship and give praise. Many walk from far away to attend the worship service.
The children are just so excited and amazed to see a vehicle come through their area. Their eyes are so wide with curiosity. The travel to the villages are averaging about a 3-4 hour drive some roads paved, dirt roads and when the roads run out, we drive through the bushes to reach the village.
The village chief, overseer, pastors and families welcome me with open arms. I travel with Kalibu Ministry Pastor Christopher Navaya and Pastor Julius Matete who also serve at the Kalibu church in Sigelege,Chikwawa, Zomba and Chileka as well as Brother Joseph Taelo who is my interpreter along with Pastor Matete when I preach. After singing, dancing,and preaching the fellowship continues with a typical village meal of Nsima (a corn based product),an everyday staple of Malawian. Guests may be served guinea fowl or chicken a luxury food item not eaten everyday by native Malawians. This will be served with vegetable of tomatoes, pumpkin leaves and is eaten by hand while sitting on the floor. See Photos.
My Feet Touched African Soil of Malawi - What A Welcome - March 13, 2008
I left Charleston South Carolina March 10, 2008 and arrived in Malawi March 13, 2008 after an overnight stay in Johannesburg.
Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart Of Africa”. This was truly the case as I was greeted after arriving at the Chileka International Airport by Pastor’s James Phiri & Frank VanDyck of Kalibu Academy.
Pastor James arrived at the airport bearing a sign that read, “Kalibu Academy welcomes Rosetta Swinton”, so as you can see, the Malawian’s warm heart was already at work through Elder James’ greeting at the airport.
I was driven to the Kalibu Academy location in Chileka where the scene was painted by God Himself with the beauty and splendor of the immaculate school grounds and the mountain as it’s backdrop, it was truly heavenly! Once inside the administration building, I was received by Pastor Michael Howard, the schools founder and Head Master. Pastor Michael wears his heart and love for the students, missions and intercession openly in his day to day fathering of the school.
Pastor Michael Howard drove me to the Mission House where I would stay, located in Sigelege, Blantyre which is about a 35 minute drive from the school. A good portion of the drive is on non paved roads with large rocks and deep crevices in the roads that are just dirt. So, no more complaints about pot holes for me. The Sigelege Mission house where I live is also where the other missionaries meet for breakfast and dinner everyday. Currently, there are missionaries here from USA(2), Finland, Lithuania, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Sweden. They each function in various capacities to work with the students and the villagers.
The weather is beautiful. The rainy season just ended and winter arrives in June. Facilities are not heated and the villagers will endure the cold once again.
I think I have landed in the Phillips Community of Mt. Pleasant South Carolina. It feels like I have gone back in time to when I was child in South Carolina.The people are warm and precious and the conditions are like those of my early childhood growing up in Mt. Pleasant SC.
Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart Of Africa”. This was truly the case as I was greeted after arriving at the Chileka International Airport by Pastor’s James Phiri & Frank VanDyck of Kalibu Academy.
Pastor James arrived at the airport bearing a sign that read, “Kalibu Academy welcomes Rosetta Swinton”, so as you can see, the Malawian’s warm heart was already at work through Elder James’ greeting at the airport.
I was driven to the Kalibu Academy location in Chileka where the scene was painted by God Himself with the beauty and splendor of the immaculate school grounds and the mountain as it’s backdrop, it was truly heavenly! Once inside the administration building, I was received by Pastor Michael Howard, the schools founder and Head Master. Pastor Michael wears his heart and love for the students, missions and intercession openly in his day to day fathering of the school.
Pastor Michael Howard drove me to the Mission House where I would stay, located in Sigelege, Blantyre which is about a 35 minute drive from the school. A good portion of the drive is on non paved roads with large rocks and deep crevices in the roads that are just dirt. So, no more complaints about pot holes for me. The Sigelege Mission house where I live is also where the other missionaries meet for breakfast and dinner everyday. Currently, there are missionaries here from USA(2), Finland, Lithuania, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Sweden. They each function in various capacities to work with the students and the villagers.
The weather is beautiful. The rainy season just ended and winter arrives in June. Facilities are not heated and the villagers will endure the cold once again.
I think I have landed in the Phillips Community of Mt. Pleasant South Carolina. It feels like I have gone back in time to when I was child in South Carolina.The people are warm and precious and the conditions are like those of my early childhood growing up in Mt. Pleasant SC.
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