my family.

Pearson

What a cat! This guy walks with style and power. He will likely be the next village chief (there are 7 in all of Malawi) so people treat him with great respect. He looks straight faced and serious but it's easy peasy to make him laugh and I can see in his face whenever he talks about his family, village or work that he is proud. When he speaks, he often hits a high note, especially when he's shocked by something we crazy Canadians do, saying "ah ah ah" as he shakes his head. He wears oversized clothes (as most Malawian men do) but if he lived in Canada, this guy would be wearing the finest suits.

He is the only English speaking person in my family so he's been monumental in my learning of Chichewa. I can tell he loves teaching and is eager to teach me any word I inquire about. He is often late and insists that he "escort" me to work (men like to "escort" me everywhere) so we walk to work most mornings together. He helps out a lot of people in the community and knows all of the goings on at any given moment. He knows where everyone is and when and has his hand in every community project. He is a super friendly fellow and has welcomed me with open arms into his family.

Monica

Oh Monica! Holy Malawian Strength! She is 23 years old, 9 months pregnant, about my height, strong as an ox and the second most patient person I have ever met (Grandma, you win that prize). I was worried I wouldn't be able to connect to her because she speaks Chichewa but I was wrong. Her and I get along famously and we can laugh like craaaaaazy together.

She is a very punctual lady so she makes sure we leave on time "Jungo! Jungo!"  Sometimes she makes Pearson bike me to work because he is running late. She can cook nsima without blinking an eye (it's hard work) and always invites me to help. I hated the food before tasting Monica's cooking, but she has turned me around. Man, I look forward to every meal. She rocks out the best vegetarian meals and it's her mission to make me fat.

I learn the most Chichewa when I'm with her because she makes sure I understand exactly what she's saying before moving on. I can repeat something 4 times before she says "inde!"-yes! When I'm doing something silly or totally wrong she says "Kay-teeeeee"- the kay being very high and the teee being very low. It always makes me laugh.

Annettie

Annettie is 15 years old but she's more mature than a regular Canadian adult. Her parents died so she is living with Monica and Pearson. I found out the other day that she used to have my bedroom but while I am living here, she is staying across the street. She is Monica's second hand and does the other half of the cooking, cleaning, washing, sweeping, water getting and child rearing. She is extremely quiet but she has a wicked smile that lights up her face. She laughs at me all the time and I purposely flash her goofy faces when she's deep in thought. We haven't really talked but I sweep and wash dishes with her every morning so we connect supremely. She also likes to wear my sweaters and it makes me supremely happy when she does.

She is getting married in September so I've taken to teasing her about it. She took a bath yesterday and I said "Asamba ndi Muzuzo". I meant to say "You bathe for Muzuzo" but I said "You bathe with Muzuzo" and all of the village ladies who were sitting with me lit up and laughed hysterically. Annettie blushed and laughed it off. She is a wicked gal to hang out with.

Edina

The 2.5 year old. I have never met a two year old who cries so much. I thought life was nothing but sour keys and song when you were two but apparently not. Not to this one. For all the crying she does, her dimples make up for it. When she's happy she can light up a room, even if it is only for 3 minutes.

She mocks me and says "no no no no no no" whenever she is doing something bad and then laughs like crazy. She's a total cutie pie. Her best friend, Lenesia, lives next door and they rock out together all the time, singing catchy Malawian childrens songs and dancing all over the yard. Lenesia is never upset so they balance each other out. 

more to come!

love kate