Unforgettable Moments in Malawi
In this, my final post, I wanted to share some pictures and stories. Just a few of the many experiences, some random, and some not so random that are part of the daily fabric of African society. As we often say when visiting here, "only in Malawi!" What's just taken for normal makes a western head spin. Really, to experience Africa, you need to be here (want to sign up for the March supporters trip anyone?) A picture or a story doesn't capture the moment, but here goes...
At one point I stopped to purchase a potted plant for a gift at a roadside stand, fully prepared to barter until the lady hesitantly asked 2000 kwachas for it! That's somewhere in the range of $1 Canadian. Even in Malawi that's ridiculously little. I gave her 5000 kwachas. Keep the change ma'am! As I prepared to lift the pot she grabbed it out of my hands, whipped it up on top of her head, and marched through traffic to dump it unceremoniously into the trunk of our vehicle. Her smile was worth another 5000. Thanks ma'am!
Bartering can be hard work. At the wood market there was a dude who was particularly sharp. I was trying to get a good price on some products to resell for Timotheos back in Canada but I'm afraid he got the better end of the deal. After vigorously shaking hands with me he indicated he was a Christian too. I said, "Really? I am very disappointed in you!" His stunned and pained expression said it all. "But, why sir?" "Well," I replied, "You call yourself a Christian and yet you steal from me!" His buddies roared their approval but one of them was quick to retort to me, "But shouldn't you render unto Caeasar what is Caesar's?" Well said. You guys have the last laugh.
The heavy Malawian rains can wreak havoc on the roads. Mud, water, rocks, and debris are everywhere and massive potholes develop all over the place. Some of the more entrepreneurial locals have devised a get rich quick scheme. They fill the holes with mud and gravel and then flag down drivers (you are slowly inching through the minefield at this point so it's easy) and ask money for their efforts. As "azungus" (white people) we are particularly attractive targets, because it's a given fact that we have lots of money). They'll literally follow your car for 50 meters, begging for money. Mostly it's believed that once the road is repaired and they can't really collect more they promptly dig it all out again and start over. You don't want to cut off your cashflow!
At a local restaurant in Blantyre, I joined a few of the Timotheos team and some Dutch board members for lunch. It was requested of me to ask for a blessing on the meal. As it is customary to do here, I did so out loud. As I concluded and we opened our eyes, our waiter was patiently waiting with our food. In all seriousness he said, "That was a powerful prayer sir!" I was a bit awkward and really didn't know how to respond (yes, that does happen to me on occasion). It caught me off guard. Do I laugh? Or remain serious? He continued, "That was a blessing to me too. Thank you." Evidently he WAS serious. Only in Malawi!
Ron Neels
