Last day in Manyenje and by Jove the feels! A couple of
the gang, (really just 3, Kitty, Edapp and Lizzie) were told sunrise was at
5.30, so therefore we promptly set our alarms for 4.45AM. The deceit was
crushing. A lovely breakfast was prepared, by Rachel and Jess. At this point -
2 hours later might we add - the sun decided to rise, and we all got to bask in
the sunrise, not just the three who took the effort to wake up before the crack
of dawn - not bitter at all.
Even our new friend the goat, got to experience
the sun's glorious rays before it was slaughtered. It was a very emotional
event, but the few who witnessed it appreciated the significance of it and
fully grasped the concept of this aspect of the Malawian culture. It was then
taken away to be prepared for a grand feast, that we would have for lunch, fit
for a chief (because the chief was actually there).
Before lunch we split into
2 groups. Half started packing, which was strange as it dawned on us that we
are leaving Manyenje very soon. The other half ploughed onwards to complete the
wall by the tyre playground and finished painting the number and letter boards
for the classroom. We swapped between these jobs until lunch where we dressed
to the nines in our suave sarongs and Inspire t-shirts.
We then marched into the feeding centre where were met by esteemed colleagues of the community. It was a truly special moment and we felt honoured. Then it was time to prepare ourselves, emotionally and physically, for the...closing ceremony. We were joined by chiefs of neighbouring villages, 300+ village folk and the National Malawian News crew. We were presented with a platter of delicious dances, songs and speeches galore along with our contribution of our song Mayenje Dreaming *copyright*. The crowd went wild when we pretended to pray. They lapped it up. We also performed a 5 star performance of "A Typical Working Day in Manyenje" (Catchy we know), which was a mixed group of TGS gals and the Manyenje Youth Group. There was also a debut performance by the new hit band KAMP. (Kitty, Alexander, Mairi and Pao two local boys...watch out parents). It was heartbreaking to then say our final "Topita". For the slackers who haven't done their research that means "Goodbye".
We then marched into the feeding centre where were met by esteemed colleagues of the community. It was a truly special moment and we felt honoured. Then it was time to prepare ourselves, emotionally and physically, for the...closing ceremony. We were joined by chiefs of neighbouring villages, 300+ village folk and the National Malawian News crew. We were presented with a platter of delicious dances, songs and speeches galore along with our contribution of our song Mayenje Dreaming *copyright*. The crowd went wild when we pretended to pray. They lapped it up. We also performed a 5 star performance of "A Typical Working Day in Manyenje" (Catchy we know), which was a mixed group of TGS gals and the Manyenje Youth Group. There was also a debut performance by the new hit band KAMP. (Kitty, Alexander, Mairi and Pao two local boys...watch out parents). It was heartbreaking to then say our final "Topita". For the slackers who haven't done their research that means "Goodbye".
We then headed
back to the compound with the children beating on the straw walls chanting with
their hoarse voices, "Tionana". Young, our Rastartist (Rasta + Artist
= Rastartist) presented us with our hand crafted, one of a kind t-shirts x 20,
which we lovingly shared with our leaders, Gemma and George, Stevie and Dorcas.
Our eyes welled up when Young had to leave, with his sack on his shoulder, a
tear in his eye and a goatee on his face to meet with his fellow Rastas in the
fields. Proper tears ploppin. We then had a nutritious meal of rice cake, bread
slice (note the singular form), hot chocolate and butter. In that order.
We are now caught up
in real time and now writing in future time as we attempt an all nighter
seizing every opp. When in Africa. We've decided that we prefer Manyanje
instead of England and we are disappointed that we have to return
"home". Stevie tells us that we are now full Malawians speaking in
our native Chichewa tongue. Get practicing guys.
Peace and glove, keep it real
xoxo Gossip Girl
Just kidding it's Kitty and Erin.
