Anne goes to work in flap flaps *Cell phone number*

My first day at work *sigh* I would like you to imagine what your first day of work would be like if you were in
Malawi…okay, stop imagining.

 

My expectations (as seen by my packing list) was more gear towards dressing for the field. When I walked up the 3 flights of stairs up to the TLC Office, the hallways were carpeted, the walls were a faint pink, but it’s very much a professional office setting. Me walking in with flap flaps (flip flops) was the best I could do with a black skirt and a white collared short sleeved blouse. I’m not sure if I left the right impression with the people there with my fashion choices, but they were all very friendly, especially when I greeted them, “Muli Bwanji!” (How are you?)

 

Tomorrow, I’m leaving for Mwansambo by Nkhotakota (sp?) I’m living with a family: mom, dad, son (15), daughters (14, 10, 3) and will have my own little room a little off the house. I think I’ll appreciate the space but I’m looking forward to fully integrating with the family. My project is to work with the field extension staff, to help them monitor and evaluate the forestry and irrigation projects as well as work on surveying the Chia Watershed Lagoon. I’m updating this blog one final time before I leave as when I’m in Mwansambo, I’ll have no electricity and therefore, no internet access. I will, however, have running tap water and/or a borehole water source. I also have a cell phone here and will include the number at the end of this blog. My accommodations will cost from 3000-3500 kwacha (about $30-35/month) and includes food as well. I’ll be supplying some of the food (ie. Bringing in a live chicken tomorrow night for dinner…should be interesting)

 

You can reach me at : 011 265 9 283182 (I get free incoming calls! J)

 

Until next time, eat well and rest well.

 

Funny Story: “You fell into what?!?”

 

It’s pretty dark at night, there’s no street lamps and along the sides of the roads, there’s usually a ditch or an open sewer. We have all decided to go out for dinner with our “coaches” who are long term EWB overseas volunteers. One of the JF’s (short term OV’s) stepped out of the mini-bus and onto the side of the street. Being fairly dark outside with more people coming out of the mini-van, he decided to step aside to let the other people out.

THWACK!

 

He falls into the sewer.

 

Good thing it’s dry season…