Long time no speak......

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It's been a while!! Computers and transport have both been failing me lately. We have 3 vehicles (a minibus and 2 landrovers) and we seem to be lucky if we have even one that is working. I'll be quick this time because last week I typed my entry but the network crashed just before I was able to publish it.

As always, all is well. I am here in Lilongwe for a day. A few of us came here to see my roommate Katherine off at the airport and also to buy some medical supplies for the hospital. We have so far bought 5 delivery kits for the maternity ward. All of the money that I have fundraised has now been allocated and I think it's been put to very good use. We have bought many supplies for the home based care kits and we have also trained up 20 new voluntary carers from different villages. Of course now that I am actually able to use a computer I have forgotten my memory card with these pictures on it so I will have to try to add them next time!

This past weekend we went down south to Zomba Plateau. We had a leaving party for Katherine on Friday night so you can imagine how we were all feeling at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning when we found ourselves sitting in the back of a matola (pick-up truck), in a thunderstorm, on the soaking wet floor, trying to hold a tarpaulin over our heads. We had several more equally interesting journeys before reaching Zomba town and then the Plateau itself. We went on a long hike and found it to be absolutely stunning (after waiting 3 hours for the fog to lift). We then started the long journey home and once again found ourselves in the back of a Toyota pick-up truck in a Thunderstorm. This time we had the Black Missionaries and lightening to add to the entertainment. I love Africa!

I have so much other news for you but if my recent internet access problems are anything to go by it looks like a lot of it is going to have to wait until I get home. Five weeks time I think. Would anyone mind if I sit on TOP of the car on the journey home from the airport?

Joanna x

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Photos

William's Falls
Zomba Plateau

Jake, Ian, James & Tracey
...on the back of one of the matolas..

Comments

[Katherine]

i miss you guys!!
man i can't believe im back in england! totally missing malawi already...read all your blog again and its totally brought the memeries back. although you havnt mentioned how hard it was to say goodbye to me.. : ) hehe! mum had successfully printed all your photos out and our now all over the house! missing you lots and will give you a ring soon : ) much love malawi crew Xxxx