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MALAWI May 2023
  • Vicki Bourckel

MALAWI May 2023

Vicki travelling alone this time to visit her friend Roberta who has worked in Malawi for over ten years Läs mer
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  • Resans start
    9 maj 2023
    Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Sunset from the plane
    This wall art at the Lilongwe airport was made of textured/carved squares of wood. Reminded me of a

    Day 1

    11 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    After 30+ hours of travel, I arrived in Malawi on Thursday afternoon. I flew from Greensboro to Newark, NJ, and spent the night in the freezing terminal before a very early flight to Dulles/Washington DC. Had a couple of hours, then boarded the plane that would be a 13 hr flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is so long, crowded, and hard to sleep. I watched a movie, read an entire book, dozed off and on, got up to walk the aisle and keep the circulation going in my legs, and finally arrived in Ethiopia. Two more hours in the airport before boarding my last flight, 3 hours, to Lilongwe, capitol of Malawi.
    Malawi is a small, landlocked country in southeast Africa, with a population of about 20 million people. It is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. I made two trips to Malawi in 2009 and 2010, on church missions trips and have longed to return. Finally I am here again!
    My friend Roberta picked me up at the airport and we drove to her home. After all that travel and lack of sleep, I was not feeling too great but was determined to stay awake until 7 pm as a way to get used to the new time zone. ( Malawi is 6 hours ahead of the US east coast.)
    We sat and caught up on her lovely front porch, and I made it to 7:30. I fell asleep as soon as I laid down and slept for 12 hrs straight!    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    1Fake "Singer" sewing machine base
    Chitenje marketChitenje marketAll the chitenje fabricWe are not sure what is meant by crablice?Hard to tell in this pic but the road is being widened, as are many roads we were on. Progress.KFC has arrived in MalawiHandwashing station outside a lovely restaurant where we had lunchStreet scene

    Day 2

    12 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    After sleeping for 12 hours, I expected to feel better, but still ached all over, had a headache and felt dehydrated. But a shower, breakfast and a glass of water and some Tylenol helped a great deal, and so we headed out on a shopping expedition. We went across town to a very congested shopping area that is impossible to describe. But you can get anything- hardware, plumbing, electronics, plastic warehouse, clothing made for you, and on and on. Our goal was two treadle sewing machines, fabric, thread, scissors, with a plan to give them to a group of women at the refugee camp and teach them how to use them so they can begin to earn a living. We were able to get all that we needed, and a few things that Roberta needed. Then we went to the chitenje market, where all the wonderful African fabrics are sold. A chitenje is a 2 meter piece of fabric that most women wear as a wrap skirt. They are also used to spread out on the ground to sit on or to wrap around a baby to wear on their back. The colors are beautiful, the patterns so varied and the choices are many. On my previous trip, I came home with a LOT of fabric and still haven't used it all. But the colors seemed brighter, the patterns prettier, and I DID need a couple of chitenjes to wear in the refugee camp, so got three pieces only, this time. I may get more before I leave here, but it was SO fun to look.
    I didn't talk about driving here, they drive on the opposite side from the US, I had forgotten that. It is jarring and scary as a passenger. To make it worse, there are pedestrians, bicycles, motorbikes, and lots of cars all sharing the road. You have to be a very aggressive driver here.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Sign seen in a thrift store at the market

    Day 3 in Malawi

    13 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 61 °F

    After breakfast and coffee, we went to the local weekly farmers/craft market, much like ones in the States. Roberta knew many friends there, and believe it or not, I knew a couple of them from my previous visits! I saw some great crafts and will be bringing home some souvenirs. They seem to be better quality and creativity than I remembered. There was a lovely outdoor cafe, so we had another cup of coffee, and we enjoyed the market activity and beautiful weather(sunny and 80 every day) before heading back to Roberta's house. I sorted through some sewing supplies that Roberta had stored, so we knew what else we might need. We will be delivering the sewing machines on Monday, setting them up and beginning to teach women how to use them.
    We went to a dinner party in the evening with a group of Roberta's closest friends here. They are all expats, and the hostess is leaving Africa in two weeks after being here for over 60 years. So she was hosting an intimate farewell party and they were all so nice, and so funny! Included me like I was one of them. There will apparently be a much bigger party next weekend.
    I am feeling really good, expected more jet lag. But getting two solid nights of sleep did wonders, and I am not feeling any effects of travel.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär

    Day 4 in Malawi- Mothers Day

    14 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 64 °F

    We went to Roberta's church, Capitol City Baptist Church, where she has attended for most of her time here. It was a good service, and the pastor's message really spoke to me. We made a quick stop at a very crowded grocery store and then went across town to pick up an old friend, Obed, who was our driver for all the teams we brought here. He is a hardworking man and has become a good friend to Roberta. She is going with Oved and his wife to his middle daughter's graduation from secondary(high school). His older daughter is just finishing her first year of college, and his youngest is finishing grade 8.
    Obed's birthday was Thursday. I brought him a small gift and we had a nice lunch at Mama Mia's, an Italian restaurant.
    Quiet afternoon and evening.
    Mother's day in Malawi is in October.
    If you have any questions please ask in the comments, or want to see pictures of anything. Tomorrow we go to the Dzeleka refugee camp and the work begins. Delivering the sewing machines and some other things I brought.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Narrow dirt roads
    Boys making bricks for buildingThe man in green shirt was just finishing assembling the machinesThanking us for the machinesWomen sewing on the machines they already had2

    Day 5 in Malawi

    15 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    This morning we went to Dzaleka Refugee Camp, about 40km north of Lilongwe. There are "52,678 persons of concern (PoCs) as of 2021. The majority live in the Dzaleka refugee camp located in the Dowa district, some 41 kilometres away from the capital Lilongwe.  

    Dzaleka is a protracted camp with a monthly average of 300 new arrivals (62% are from the DRC, 19% Burundi and 7% Rwanda and 2% other nationalities). 45% of the PoCs are women, and 48% are children. The camp was initially established to host between 10,000 to 12,000 PoCs but now hosts over 52,000 individuals.

    Of the total PoC population, 21,530 have refugee status, 30,910 are asylum seekers, with 238 others of concern, making the refugee situation a protracted one." Info from United Nations High Commission on Refugees
    The camp is noisy crowded and home to over 50000. It is really a small city. There are schools, health clinics, churches, very small gardens, restaurants( someone with a hotplate in their doorway cooking for passersby). Streets are narrow and deeply rutted, filled with people on foot, bicycles, and scooters. A very few cars brave the very rough terrain, including Roberta's. It is an amazing feat to see her navigate places I wouldn't dream of attempting.
    We first took the sewing machines to Roberta's friend Grace. Grace has gone through an extensive training course to facilitate trauma healing. After two months of counseling in small groups to process their own trauma, participants are then trained to be Facilitators to teach those who complete the counseling how to counsel and then teach others what they have learned. She currently has about 20 groups of men and women at different stages of the training process. Part of that healing comes by finding a purpose and something to do to keep busy. She has training programs for sewing/tailoring and for cooking so that they can earn a basic income. They have four sewing machines and we brought two more. They were very excited about this gift and how many more would be able to learn this skill. These are actual Singer treadle machines, much better than the ones I used on previous trips. Roberta is helping Grace to write a grant proposal to obtain funding for her organization and they spent time discussing the information needed. While having that discussion, less than an hour, one of the girls made a dress for me! I did not get the picture yet of me wearing it, just you wait! Edited: photo added! What do you think?
    Then we went to YWAM Dzaleka where Roberta works with their team. I got to hear the amazing story of how God provided funding for the buildings and a couple to lead the team there, who are regugees themselves. We had lunch and then a women's Bible study led by Roberta. At least a dozen women were there, and translation was from English to Swahili to Chichewa. Usually there are more, but there was a funeral and it is harvest time so many were not able to come.
    I was so busy looking I did not take a lot of pictures but we will be at the camp several more times so will get more for future posts    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Tuesday market at refugee camp
    Used clothes- the ultimate thrift store!Chitenje fabricEntrance to Dzaleka, tents in background are holding areas where refugee stay until they are processAnother view of entranceChapati makerStreet sceneStreet scene, people walking in middle of the roadOne of the Bibles I brought, given to a YWAM team member. He was SO excited!

    Day 6 in Malawi

    16 maj 2023, Malawi

    We left Roberta's house at 6:40 am to get to the YWAM base for team devotions at 7:30. 🥱🥱🥱 We had a good discussion about loving and praying for your enemies. Then there was a short team meeting to welcome several new members to the YWAM team, all refugees, most from DRC(Dem. Republic of Congo). We gave one of the Bibles I brought to a team member and he was thrilled!
    A short excursion to the Tuesday market just outside the camp, a huge open-air market where you can get most anything. I looked at more chitenje fabric, and only bought one piece, less than $2 for a 2 meter piece! Stopped on the way back to YWAM base to pick up fresh chapatis(like flour tortillas) for a friend of Roberta's, then back for lunch and a video phone call to some friends in the US. Then out to visit disabled who are housebound to encourage them, provide some company and pray with them. We went to three homes, two housed family groups who have been approved to leave the camp. One group of 12 was going to Canada, the other going to US was about 6 or 7. Sadly, the UN. officials who process the paperwork for the second family to leave were asking them to pay an exorbitant fee(over $3000)- which is illegal and despicable. They were asking if we could help them. Roberta made it clear that it was wrong for them to ask, and will discuss the problem with the team leader at YWAM. It was later than Roberta's usual leaving time of 4pm, so we got stuck in rush hour, which is complicated by the fact that there are no traffic signals here, everyone just goes when they see a sliver of an opening. It took an hour and a half to get home and we are tired. Driving here is a scary adventure, between bad potholes like you've never seen, bicyclists, motorbikes, and cars passing each other-playing chicken- constantly. You need nerves of steel on the roads here and Roberta's got them.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    The only traffic light I have seen here

    Day 7 in Malawi

    17 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    This morning was for errands. We had to meet a person to pay for the safari we are going on next week🤩! Then we picked up friends of Roberta's who had loaned her their second car while hers was in the shop and went to get her car. It wasn't ready so her friends dropped us off at the immigration office so Roberta could get an extension on her visa. Car still wasn't ready so we walked to a coffee shop to wait until someone from the shop came to pick us up and take us there. And that was our morning. Back at Roberta's, she fixed a late lunch while I started on a sewing project for her. She asked if I could make new covers for her porch sofa and chairs. We got new thicker cushions and fabric last Fridsy when we got the sewing machines. I cut the corners off one end of 5 cushions to match the rounded ones that were on the furniture. Then I started ripping out the zippers from the current cushion covers so I can use them on the ones I make. It was a nice afternoon. We had our late lunch, then went to Roberta's Bible study. Ten ladies from several different countries-Korea, South Africa, Canada, Malawi, US, and UK-met - to discuss their study on Elijah. It was a great group and a great discussion. We got home around 7, had a light supper, and I ripped out one more zipper before bed.
    The only picture I took today was of the only traffic light I have seen here, in front of the Convention Center and hotel. There are so many intersections that really need stoplights. Malawi, actually Lilongwe, has grown so much in 13 years. Large office buildings, much more traffic, nice restaurants, grocery stores with many choices. The population has actually grown by more than 5 million since I was here last.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Tailors at workFabric string belt on new machineView of courtyard with all six machinesSewing, cutting table/pressing area on leftRoberta in her new dress with her tailorCharging a battery with solar powerNarrow bumpy roadNarrow roadsDriving in Dzaleka!

    Day 8 in Malawi

    18 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    This morning we returned to Dzaleka to visit Grace and see how the new machines were working out. There were six machines, all humming away. One of their older machines was not working, and I looked to see what the problem was. Couldn't figure it out but will discuss it Saturday with a machine parts guy to see if they know how it might be fixed. We have to return to the shopping area, Area 2, where we went last Friday to get the machines. I was assured that good, strong belts were included with the machines, but when they were assembled, no belts were found in the packaging. So the man we bought them from is giving us four belts as compensation. But it means another trip to Area 2, which is daunting.
    The good news, as we knew it would be, was that those using the new machines had made temporary belts by making a string out of a strip of fabric(pics below), which worked well. But it is temporary, only lasts a couple of weeks at best. The strong leather ones can last more than two years. Then they asked me to help some beginners get started, so we started with just getting the feel of the treadle. It takes some precise to get the feel of it. Then they get a piece of lined notebook paper and have to practice running the paper through the machine, without thread. The needle punches holes in the paper and they have to keep the row of holes in the line on the paper. I had 2 men and 2 women getting their first sewing lesson. They have a couple of teachers there who will continue to teach them tailoring. Today while I was sewing, one of the ladies made a dress for Roberta. It fit her beautifully.
    We stopped on the way to the YWAM base at a restaurant in the camp for a lunch of rice and beans and greens. It was tasty and was less than $2. The restaurant was just an 8x10 room with a few tables and benches.
    At the YWAM base, Roberta got on a video call to Baltimore to introduce some of her friends to the YWAM director and his wife. Then Roberta had a hard conversation with Trason about the lady we visited yesterday who is paralyzed and has been approved for leaving the camp for the US. It is difficult to describe the complexities of the issue and all the challenges faced by these refugees- human trafficking is rampant, people think nothing of stealing from their neighbors, sanitation and running water is minimal, most have to carry water from a central well for cooking, bathing, drinking. Many have no way to earn an income and are always hungry. Small children wander alone everywhere, I guess they know where they are going. It is impossible to imagine the horror that brought them there, and the despair of being there.
    We privileged ones get to drive away to a nice home and plenty to eat and flush toilets. Lilongwe even has a Mexican restaurant, where we stopped for margaritas and chips and guacamole on the way home.
    After a light supper, I got back to the cushions, I got the first one cut out and will start sewing tomorrow afternoon. I also spent time prepping for Sunday's project.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Mom's legs and Esther
    Off roading!Narrow passageHome that Roberta helped pay to get built for Esther and family

    Day 9 in Malawi

    19 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    This morning we stopped for groceries, then drove across town and picked up Angela, a friend Roberta met when she was teaching a women's Bible study in the prison. Angela had committed a white collar crime and spent 3 years incarcerated. Now she cooks for large groups of needy people. Every 2-3months, Angela and Roberta visit Esther, a 31 yr. Old woman and her mother in a village called Mkukula. Esther has been bedbound since birth, her legs are severely deformed and contracted. I believe she has cerebral palsy. Her speech is only intelligible to her mother. Esther is dependent for all her care, and mom is her caregiver. Esther was very excited to see her friends, they have been coming for about 2 yrs, bringing grocery staples and company . We found mom today was quite ill, could barely walk, pain all over and severe pounding headaches. She has a skin condition called vitiligo, where her dark skin is turning light all over her body and she said it was very painful. So Roberta offered to take her and her son to a nearby private hospital where Roberta knows 2 girls who work there as doctors. The son found a Caregiver for Esther and then we all went to Blessing hospital, about a 20 min drive. We were there for maybe an hour and a half while mom was examined and lab work was done. She was found to be hypertensive, but lab work was all normal. All they gave her for pain was aspirin and also blood pressure medication. And referred her to Kamuzu Central Hospital Skin clinic, as they had no idea what was going on with her skin. That is the country's main hospital, located 45 min away in Lilongwe. Roberta paid the hospital bill, and gave mom money for transport to and from the hospital. Then it was back to the village to take them home. The ride to their house was another adventure in how narrow a space can Roberta drive through? And some off roading. Then we drove back to Lilongwe to take Angela home and got home around 3:30. We never got lunch, so were hungry and ate leftovers.
    Did some sewing and got the first cushion cover done. Pretty sure I won't get ten done. Also worked more on Sunday's sewing project.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Area 2 street scene. It is ALWAYS like this!
    Roberta and ValSunsetVal and the amazing cake that looked like a suitcaseStarting to get dark and lights coming on

    Day 10 in Malawi

    20 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 64 °F

    I am halfway through my time here! It is going too quickly. This morning we drove back to Area 2 shopping district to get the belts for the sewing machines, thread and zippers for the cushions and a few more supplies for tomorrow's project. We were back by noon, and I spent a few hours getting the final preparations for tomorrow. I have no idea how this will go, but it is what was requested of me. We will see. Then we went to a big party for Roberta's friend Val, who I mentioned on Day 3. The theme was "Out of Africa," and it was a potluck picnic out in a field. There were lights, firepit containers, and so much food. Val was making the rounds and speaking with all her friends, 40-50 or so. And that was about half of who was invited. She has many friends who all care about her a great deal. She came to Africa over 60 years ago to work in telecommunications. It was such a nice time. We watched the sunset, looked at the stars, ate so much good food and then had to drive home in the dark. It is so much worse than during the day. There are no streetlights, there are still people on bicycles, walking, on motorbikes all the while still having to dodge the many, many big potholes in the road- and traffic was still heavy at 7pm on Saturday night. It is nerve-wracking and exhausting for Roberta and for her passenger!
    We made it home and were in bed early so we can go to her regular church service at 7:30am🫨🫨😴🥱    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    I asked the girls to hold up their finished project
    3Love this singing so much

    Day 11 in Malawi

    21 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 64 °F

    We got up EARLY for church, this is the first of three services at Capital City Baptist, and the one Roberta usually attends. After church we went back home and packed up everything we needed for this afternoon. We went to a beautiful place owned by friends of Roberta's called The Four Seasons. It has beautiful gardens, with water features, and a lush tropical feel. There are a few different restaurants, coffee shop, ice cream shop, fancy gift shop and a beautiful nursery garden center. We went for an early lunch and walked around the grounds. It took so long for our lunch to be served that we didn't have much time to eat so took most of it with us. I will have it for supper. Then we headed out to Dzaleka Refugee Camp and the YWAM base for a fun project with a group of teenage girls. Katie will guess what it is, I am sure. When I was here 14 years ago I discovered/realized that women and girls dont have access to sanitary pads for their periods. They use old rags, and when they wash them, they have to hang them to dry where no one will see them. Often, the girls don't go to school during their period because they have leaking onto their clothes, nowhere to change rags or wash their hands. So the leader of the girls group asked about having the girls sew by hand a period pad that has a waterproof/leak proof layer and a way to hold an absorbent cloth that can be changed. We also gave each girl a pad already made and a pair of underwear. So I did not have high hopes for this project because I just didn't know what to expect. I didn't know if the girls knew how to sew or even thread a needle. I decided to save time by cutting all the pieces out and pinning them together with a needle. It would have taken all day if I had them cut it all out first. As it was, we were there for over 2 hours. The girls did a great job. It appeared that most of them knew how to stitch at least a little and were able to complete the project. They were pretty shy at first and didn't talk much. I asked them to sing for me as a way to say thank you and will attach a video of them singing for me. I had 30 kits and 37 girls. But the last seven came an hour late, so they didn't get to sew. Then when I asked them to join me for a photo, they went crazy and all jumped in front of me, so the pics aren't great. Roberta took most of the pics, and she is already asleep, so I will add hers tomorrow. It was a very special and rewarding time for me, but boy, we were wiped out when we were done. I am thankful that traffic was much lighter on Sunday. We had an adventure in driving as we left the camp. Just before getting on the main road as you leave the camp, there is a very narrow space between two buildings that you have to drive through and then turn right away. As we approached that turn, we were met by a small herd of cattle, maybe 12-15 of them, and had to stop and let them pass. We never know what's going to be on the road!Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Seen in the campThese women are strong!Interesting nameFiona and her new Bible

    Day 12 in Malawi

    22 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 70 °F

    After doing a few errands, we headed to Dzaleka. Just before we got there, we stopped to tour a ministry called There Is Hope. I will make a separate post about it as i took lots of pictures. We delivered the belts for the sewing machines, then headed to the YWAM base. On the roads at various spots, there are policemen, seemingly randomly stopping cars and pulling them over. Today, Roberta was stopped, and they asked where she was going and where she was coming from. When she said Dzaleka, they said, " Oh, that is very good of you. You are driving very good. We are proud of you" and waved us on.
    I was able to give out another Bible to Fiona, a young woman on the YWAM staff. She was so excited as she showed me her paperback Bible that was galling apart. This afternoon was Womens Bible study, and I was asked to lead the study. We were supposed to start at 2 pm, but didn't arrive until almost 2:30. Its called Malawi time, Africa time, Guatemala time....it basically means they show up whenever. By 3pm, we had 8 ladies, including us. We drove from the base deep into the camp. Again I cannot say enough how narrow, rutted, slanting, and crowded the roads in the camp are. Not really designed for auto traffic. Back to Bible study. I chose to talk about John 4, the woman at the well. There were many things to draw out of the passage that these women could relate to, and there was good discussion. Then we headed home. I took out another zipper from the old cushions and marked and cut fabric for cushion number 2.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Woodworking/carpentry
    ElectricTailoringWeldingBricklayingPlumbingKibebe workshopMore woodworkingDining/event hallBible school

    Day 12 part 2- There Is Hope Malawi

    22 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 68 °F

    On a previous trip to Malawi, I briefly met Innocent Magambe, who was starting a ministry in Dzalek Refugee camp, where he had lived for several years. He had been a refugee from Burundi and the Congo for most of his life from a small child. Innocent had a vision for a vocational training center, where both refugees and Malawians in the nearby communities could get training in a skill that they could use to earn a living and regain dignity and hope. Sixteen years later, they have a beautiful campus and training in seven skilled occupations, as well as a Bible school and a dining hall, that also gets rented out for events. There is a hostel that houses 64 girls, so they can live safely on campus for the 6 month training.
    The trainings include sewing/tailoring, woodworking/carpentry, welding, bricklayer, plumbing, welding, and electrician, with a focus on solar power. They also have academic classes in courses like how to run a business, communication, interpersonal skills, and English. The trainings include apprenticeships and actual work in the refugee camp with skilled workmen. Tailoring is the most popular class. They had more than 25 machines going in there. The plumbing class was outside working on plumbing in flush toilets for a restroom on campus. About 50% of the plumbing class is girls, and the plumbing instructor was also female💪! The tailoring class is also about half girls and half boys. Welding had one girl and 17 guys. There was also an artisan craft shop that makes some really cute, quality items. Check out kibebe.com.
    The other big program at There Is Hope is a secondary(high school) and university scholarship program. We didn't get much info on that. It was a very impressive campus, and it is amazing to see one man's vision come to pass with great success. Further info and brief video can be found at thereishopemalawi.org    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    That is a freezer on the back of a motor bike or scooter!
    Roadwork everywhere. Chinese machineryLook at this girl's car-a juice box and bottle capsFunny names hereGarden at YWAM basePig barn at YWAM, they have 5 pigsEveryone helps to shuck the maize2In my happy place!

    Day 13 in Malawi

    23 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 64 °F

    We took the morning to do laundry and pack for our adventure tomorrow through Friday. We are going on a 2 night safari in South Luangwa Park! Four game drives! Don't expect much internet there. It is 4 1/2 hr drive from Lilongwe. I will still write up each day, and if there is no service, I will upload those days when we get back.
    We went out to Dzaleka to
    have another conversation with the family who had asked for money to pay off "someone" who would help expedite their exit from the camp. This time the son was present, and he speaks English and was able to explain that no one had asked them for money, but his mother was worried and wanted to be prepared in case someone did ask. I am trying to find out more about the refugees' plight, what the process is to get out and be resettled. I have so many questions and not many seem to fully understand the process. There are many rumors spread also. We returned home, had Supper and I almost finished a second cushion cover, but quit so I can get to bed early. We meet the driver at 6:30 am😴🥱    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Our chalet
    Other half of chalet11Dinner table with lodge in background1Our bedroom. Yes we sleep under mosquito nets

    Day 14 Malawi to Zambia

    24 maj 2023, Zambia ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    We were up early and met our driver at 6:30am. I am so glad Roberta did not have to make this drive. We drove about 3 hours to the border where the big, brand new customs buildings were. It took us only 15 min to get through, but the paperwork for the car and drive took 1 hour and 45 min. Zambia's roads are WORSE than Malawi's! It took an extra 30-45 minutes to slow down and avoid all the potholes. We arrived at the gate to South Luangwa National Park at 1pm, and waited for the Lidge car to pick us up, as the lodge is on the other side of the park and across the Luangwa River. They arrived in a big safari vehicle, and we drove all the way across the park, about 45 min. In the first 20 min. in the park, we saw hippos, elephants, zebras, impalas, and giraffes, and that wasn't even the safari yet! We came to the river where a small motorboat was waiting to take us across. It is a very short ride, but there are a lot of hippos in the river, so they were very watchful as we rode across to the Msandile Lodge. It is all very open to the outside- The Lodge building has a couple of seating areas, a dining table, a coffee station, and a bar. Dining tables are scattered out in front of the building, and lunch was waiting for us. After we ate, they took us to our chalet, which is open to the outdoors on 2 sides, looking out to the river, and concrete walls for the other 2 sides. They put up screened panels at night on the 2 open sided. So we a short time to get settled in and unpack, then it was time for a snack of coffee and cake, before setting out on our first game drive at 4. There are 6 other guests here, so it took 2 boat trips to get us all to the other side and back into the park to our vehicle. And we were off! Right away there was a pair of giraffes, then lots of impala and water bucks and a zebra right at the roadside posing for us. We saw a male lion napping, with at least a dozen safari vehicles driving up to him for pictures, then he woke up, and he posed too. The other drivers told our driver where they had just seen a leopard, and the sun was going down fast, so off we went. Found the leopard snoozing on a branch, surrounded by a few other safari vehicles. So on my very first safari, I saw a lion and a leopard! Amazing! We stopped for a drink and drank, then had almost an hours drive back to the river, then the boat to the lodge. Supper was waiting, we ate and then had to be escorted to our chalet by a guard with a flashlight, checking for animals, as the area where the lodge is, is a crossing area for hippos, elephants and something else. Do you can't wander around alone after dark. We went right to bed ate a long day.Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Boat ride across Luangwa River to the park
    1Better pic of Lilac-breasted roller birdSpotted hyenaWhole field of baboonsSleeping lionesssSO many hipposOur safari vehicle1Warthogs

    Day 15 - in Zambia

    25 maj 2023, Zambia ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    We had a 5am wake-up shout outside our chalet, with coffee and a muffin at 5:30am. Then across the river for our second game drive at 6 am. In a matter of minutes, we saw a herd of impala, and nearby a Hyena strolled casually through the same field. Then elephants, giraffes, and zebras, with many close-up encounters. A highlight today was a lioness, sunning on a sandy riverbed. The other highlight was several sightings of the lilac-breastfed roller bird-SO pretty.
    We had breakfast at 10am after we got back and had time to relax until lunch at 2pm. I sat in the open chalet and read for awhile. No reliable internet so I can't do much with my phone. So I am writing my posts and will upload them all when we are back in Lilongwe.
    Our evening drive was good, we saw 2 male lions napping. Drove around some more, and at dusk we went back to see if they had wakened, and there they were, looking at all the safari vehicles surrounding them. They both stood up, and sauntered away to start their nightly prowl. Then we drove to see 3 female lions and three cubs. As the safari vehicles pass on the one lane rutted roads, the drivers tell each other where the "good" animals are. There are usually 6-10 different safari trucks on any given drive.
    All the animals in this park are native to the park, and no animals have been brought in. This is their home. There are no fences to keep them in, but a river borders one whole side.
    One more game drive, then the long drive back to Lilongwe. Then only three more days in Malawi ☹️    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Safari selfie!
    Impala fighting1Lilac-breasted roller on top of a termite nestPied kingfisherSaddle bill stork1Our tour guide said these messy nests looked like Trump's hair1Gray hooded kingfisher

    Day 16 Zambia to Malawi

    26 maj 2023, Zambia ⋅ 🌙 70 °F

    Our last game drive, at 6 am. We saw quite a few bird species, most I had never heard of. Phone cameras just don't take very good bird pictures so I won't post too many. Saw sleeping lions and also 2 sleeping elephants, lying down. Looked a couple of big rocks!
    Had breakfast at 10:30 am after packing up, and had our last boat ride and trip across the park to meet our driver to take us back to Lilongwe. It was an amazing trip and i am grareful to have experienced all that time observing the beauty and creativity of God's creation. It was also a relaxing and refreshing time that I am very grateful for.
    No real issues crossing the border and got back to Roberta's house at 6:30pm, a 6 1/2hr drive after bouncing around in the safari truck for 3 hours in the morning. We had four game drives, totaling 14 hours of safari time. It was a lot of very active sitting- my fitbit counted over 12 thousand steps on Thursday!
    Three more days in Malawi-the weekend and one more day in Dzaleka.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär

    Day 17 in Malawi

    27 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    Continuing the theme of R&R, we went to a monthly farmer and craft market this morning. I picked up some nice souvenirs, including a carved wooden giraffe and a basket woven by women at Dzaleka refugee camp. Roberta saw a lot of her friends. Then we did a quick grocery run, lunch at Urban Cafe, the lovely outdoor restaurant that Roberta took me to when I had just arrived. Next was manicures and pedicures, I treated Roberta as a thank you for her wonderful hospitality. Spas in Malawi are new in recent years. It was a really nice treat. I finished a second cushion cover and half way done with the third. Early church in am.Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Before
    After

    Day 18 in Malawi

    28 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 61 °F

    Not much to report today. We went to church for 7:30 am (!) service with another good message from Zechariah. Had breakfast back at Roberta's after church. Then I started sewing because I had cushions to finish. Got them done and they look pretty nice, I think. A friend of Roberta's came by to visit for awhile, and after supper we started watching a movie on Netflix, but we're too tired to finish it since we got up so early, so will have to finish it tomorrow night. That's it for today.Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär
    Trasor and Falone Moket-leaders of YWAM Dzaleka
    Dorcas. Baby is not hersVillage homes

    Last day in Malawi

    29 maj 2023, Malawi ⋅ 🌙 61 °F

    Today is my last full day in Malawi. We did a couple of errands in the morning, including stopping at Ethiopian Airlines office to confirm some changes they made on my ticket. Stopped for lunch, then headed to Dzaleka one last time. I spent some time talking with a young lady who is on the YWAM team. She is from Democratic Republic of Congo and was kidnapped when age was 18 by militants, but somehow managed to escape. She hitchhiked and was picked up by a couple of truck drivers, and while she didn't say it, inferred that there was some "payment" for the ride. When they got to a border, the drivers went to show passports, etc, and left her there waiting for them to return, but they never did. She had nothing, no ID, passport, money. Didn't know where she was. There were others stranded there in similar situation, so Malawi police were called and made arrangements for them all to be transported to Dzaleka Refugee Camp. She has been there ever since- 6 YEARS. Has applied for resettlement and now just waits for her request to be approved. Once they are approved, they then wait for an assignment to a new country. She loves the ministry at YWAM and has been there for 4 years, working with women, widows, disabled, and young girls- teens(her favorite). But her dream is to be a doctor. And she would love to get married and have children. So much unknown, but she has hope and joy. Won't you remember to pray for Dorcas when you think of her story? There are over 50,000 people at Dzaleka and EVERY ONE OF THEM HAS A HORROR STORY that brought them to the camp. It is sobering to think about the trauma, the despair, the poverty, the frustration of these people.
    Next, we went into the village just outside the camp and next to the YWAM base. Over 20 women showed up for Bible study, led by Roberta today. But first, they sang. Their joyful worship makes me so happy. I said my goodbyes to my new friends, and we headed back to Lilongwe. Roberta wanted to go out to celebrate my last night. There are only one or two restaurants on her side of town that stay open for supper. So we were back at La Cantina mexican restaurant. The food is so good!
    It has been an amazing and wonderful almost 3 weeks here and I hate to see it end. Thanks for coming along for the ride. Now 2 days and 4 flights to get home Wed evening.    Läs mer

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  • Vicki BourckelMALAWI May 2023Resenär

    Travelling home

    31 maj 2023, Förenta staterna ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Well, I made it home! Four flights and 36 hours later. It is kind of surreal to walk back into first world after spending time in the third world. And back to driving on the right side of the world. This trip was different than a short-term term mission trip in many ways. I wasn’t traveling in a group everywhere. Ministry was much more personal. I learned a little about refugees and their life. I got to see an incredible woman who loves the people of Malawi and takes time to get to know them. Our friendship deepened as we prayed together and I followed in her footsteps. I still love Malawi and her people and hope I can go back, without waiting 13 years to do so. Thank you for following on this trip with me. I'd love to discuss it further with any of you if you want to.Läs mer

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    Resans slut
    31 maj 2023
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