The plane was over an hour late due to fog in Johannesburg but Charlie Raisner, Sue’s brother, AND his luggage arrived in Lilongwe Tuesday afternoon. The welcoming delegation included the two of us plus Smart Msinkhu, the chair of the Malawi United Methodist Council on Ministries, Steve Mbewe, the pastor of the Bethel Circuit, and Grant, our driver. After a few tasks at the airport we headed for the Area 10 Annie’s.
We allowed Charlie to get a nap before the “welcome dinner” on the veranda. Thirteen of us gathered around a table on the veranda. A delicious dinner featuring chambo was enjoyed by all. Chambo is a flat fish common in Lake Malawi and is considered somewhat of a delicacy. A tomato and lettuce salad, boiled new potatoes, green beans, carrots and a dinner roll rounded out the menu.
Everyone had a choice of Coke products (Coca Cola, Fanta Orange, Fanta Pineapple, or Sprite) and we finished with a big dish of ice cream – always a big hit with our Malawian friends. In some ways the main course of the dinner was the rich conversation around the table, sometimes in English but mostly in Chichewa.
The “cast of characters” included Pastor Smart Msinkhu, the Conference Council of Ministries chair, Pastor Steve Mbewe and his wife Rhoda, David Chitsonga and his wife Rose (who is also a pastor). The eldest daughter of David and Rose is the wife of Grant, our driver. They were both in attendance along with Vincent and Stella a young couple who have been married just over a year. Vincent is the Bethel Circuit Council on Ministries chair and has been an interpreter for us on occasion. (Remember: “Mama, we are almost to the village.”) He also regularly phones and text messages Sue.
Finally, there was Lester Mhone, our driver for the next part of our trip. Lester is a brother of Daniel, the Mission Area Superintendent. He works for the tea industry in Malawi so we hope to learn much more about that important part of the Malawian economy.
Charlie had the group fascinated by photos of his house, kids and grandchildren. But of most amazement and wonder were the photos of the snow and especially kids playing in the snow. Snow is something exotic they can only try to imagine! Charlie brought a bunch of soccer balls with him to distribute and we know they will be the highlight of any village visit. He also brought a stock of granola bars and snacks to help keep us going on the road.
Next stop is Mzuzu, about 6 hours north of Lilongwe, but it is all paved road, thank goodness. We will also venture several hours further north to the little mountaintop town of Livingstonia for an overnight. We have loved the Lilongwe area and are ready to see something new. We’ll keep you posted.
|
