So, on thursday, July 8th 2010, my children (Aminata/5 and Jabulani 9) and I got on a 15 hours South African Airway flight (with 5 suitcases and 1 army sized duffel bag) to Johaneesburg. We had a quick layover in the airport as our flight was delayed an hour - we rushed but managed to get onto our 2 hour 4o minute flight to Lilongwe, Malawi. Jabu and Ami were troopers and managed to stay awke for most of the NYC-Jozi leg but were knocked out on the Malawi flight. We managed to get through customs very very slowly and could see Agogo (grandma - Catherine) Chipembere on the other side of the glass! It was wonderful to see her! So, we were in Malawi at last! The relatives, Peter Rashid, was there to meet us with other helpers and 2 cars and we made it to Mai's house for the night! The kids adjusted to a house with no running water and no hot water and selective electricity but the cold was a bit startling so we snuggled under blankets until the morning. Phew, jet lag is not fun! Saturday morning came and the children were up and hungry and Jabu managed to find some kids to play soccer with him so Aminata had to build blocks by herself with agogo! The University driver coming from Zomba had car troubles so the relatives took the kids and I into town to do banking and buy food supplies (luckily we did as we are far in the mountains in Zomba without a car). After a long 4 hour ride to Zomba we all arrived in our new house for 6 weeks (with Agogo and her house keeper, mamaBafana - so now you can see why the car was so packed!) - there were many people to help us settle in - and everything had been painted and brought new for us including a stove and fridge and the hot shower was a dream! Now, the 5 am roosters - well they do not work and my kids have been giving them hell now everytime they see them around! Sunday was another day of adventure as the kids and i took the dirt road, led by the neighbor's children to the University so that I could time my walk and make myself familiar with the area - plus, I wanted the kids to know how to find me just in case! Sunday night was the best because Jabu was bluesy about missing the world cup (no tv in the house and no internet access) but a note was sent to the neighbor who welcomed us to watch the match in their home! Excellent people indeed. Monday, I was at the University, settling into my office and meeting the Chair and the Dean and preparing for my class that starts on monday - I teach 2x a week for 2 hours a pop. not bad!
Today, I met with the President of the college and so now I am looking out of my window as I type enjoying the mountain view on this gorgeous campus!
Its a blessing the be here! more updates to come!
