Thoughts and Reflections

Life in Malawi is a challenge, but anything that needs to be accomplished can be done with patience and fortitude. A couple of things to remember is that the culture does not insist on accuracy, or that time schedules be maintained. There is no understanding of a schedule or the need for one, the benefits of anticipating an outcome or event, or planning for anything that could disrupt an event or action. I have come to realize that if one enters into a project, picture it as an "opportunity ladder", aim for that lowest rung, and you won't be disappointed. These thoughts also work for "if it isn't broken, don't fix it. As long as something still shows value in it serving its intended purpose, it will do just fine, thank you. If four bolts are securing certain items together, and all but one still remains, but it works, it's fine. When it finally no longer functions, then we will look into getting it repair, by whatever means, resources, and parts are available or accessible.

But maybe these norms are what keep the Malawi people happy. Their needs are few and, given seeds, a small garden, and a good growing season, they seem generally content with their lives. Employment options are few, especially with no advanced education; and even with a university degree, unemployment is staggeringly high. The Malawian people are genuinely happy and contented individuals. Walking down the street, it is common to hear them singing to themselves. And their voices are beautiful. The most beautiful voices can be heard in the local churches, cemeteries, or hospitals. It is common for the village women to gather at such locations and present their collective songs to each other en masse. Such harmony and orchestration, without the aid of any instrumental accompaniment.

The country, at least the city of Blantyre, is home to a fair number of Indian and Chinese immigrants who have been here for many years, having stayed after their parents had left or died. Their general occupation is that of shop owners, ranging from hardware and plastic items, to very inexpensive (cheap) imported goods that meet the available money, but not the life expectancy one would like. That said, I recently read an account that the transformation of life in Africa really happened with the introduction of the plastic container. Theretofore, water needed to be transported within heavy clay pots, which were normally carried atop the heads of the individuals. This made it difficult, awkward, and painful for young children to do so efficiently as their loads would have to be limited. With the advent of the plastic bucket, and any other such plastic containment vessel, more water can be carried and, being equipped with handles, transportation is much easier and efficient. The downside is that strewn plastic bags and wrappings are everywhere, littering the ground and rivers. Regarding the litter, it’s not just plastic, but there is an unconscious propensity to just discard anything no longer needed onto the street, or wherever they may happen to be at the time. I have a feeling that it creates jobs for those hired by the city assemblies to continually sweep the streets; but that effort doesn’t affect the rural areas or villages, or anywhere outside of the cities.

As we have begun our final year of service here in Africa with the Peace Corps, we have started to think about options beyond, what we might wish to do, and where. The latter will obviously be decided on what opportunities we find. We both desire to work for another couple of years, maybe even another international assignment, but preferably closer to the US, our family, and friends. As everything we own is in a good state of compression and storage, a move would be fairly easy, when the time comes. If you hear of anything that sounds exciting, keep us in mind.