It seems as if we've just arrived and it's time for me (Steve) to leave the plateau. Mary will stay behind for a couple days, preparing for the Grand Opening of the craft shop on Friday. I have spent the last two days running about tying up loose ends as we compiled our list of scholarship recipients. The final count is in - your generosity has enabled us to support 120 students for anywhere from one to three terms and one student for all of his secondary schooling courtesy of Phil and Lynn Stromberg. The joy of being the recipient of your gifts can be seen in the accompanying photo of Form 3 (11th grade) student Medical Mbaso.

I'm torn between gratitude for the opportunity to have once more spent time in this beautiful place and the desire to stay longer. I guess that means I'll be back again. We would love having all of you who have supported us here with us - perhaps one day you'll be so inclined.

So it's back to packing my bags in preparation for the 10-hour bus ride back to Lilongwe followed by 18 hours of flight time. I arrive back in Minneapolis late Saturday; Mary will follow on Tuesday. Once more, we extend our gratitude to each and every one of you for the goodwill you've shown to strangers. Until we meet again, khaloni makola (stay well).

In the Warm Heart

Dear Supporters, Friends and Family,

We are one week into our journey and all has gone well. Yesterday, I traveled on foot, mini-bus, bicycle taxi,car taxi and matola (the back of a pickup) to reach local schools and confer with headmasters about student needs. Our experience here is compressed relative to last year, made all the more so by the fact that schools are closing down for the week after Easter. So time is of the essence.

I met many young people, most orphans, some with special needs, who were grateful for the offer of assistance with school fees. Today, I meet with the head of the PHC, the local social service agency, to get more candidates. Then over the weekend, we’ll make final decisions and award scholarships next week. This will entail a trip to the nearest National Bank in Karonga 70 km away near the Tanzanian border. Recall that Malawi had earthquake damage in the Karonga area last December, so we’re not sure what we’ll encounter there.

The craft shop has been closed awaiting new management. As I mentioned in our fundraising letter, the local unit of government has ruled that all proceeds there will go to orphan care so we’re eager to get things up and running in the near future there. A refrigerator has been purchased and Mary Ellen has arrived here with an armload of prototypes for craft projects that can be easily made by local people.

It has been an emotional time renewing friendships and recalling our total immersion in the community here last year. We’ve been welcomed by many and are reminded once again of the bonds that join us all around the world. Our time feels short here but we’re making the best of it. Happy Easter/springtime to all who read this.

Best,
Steve and Mary