Monday, December 30, 2013

A New Years Wish

As I was reading the blog of my good friend who is also here in Malawi I was slightly inspired of his blog of 'New Years Resolutions' that I thought I should write a blog as well. Last year at this time I went to South Africa, but this year I have decided to stay in Malawi to see what the holidays are like from here. The holidays in Malawi bring so many blessings. Though it's odd to think about Christmas in a place where the rainy season and the hot season is coming to an end. As per my culture, Christmas is marked by the cold weather, snow and an explosion of Christmas decorations. Here it's a little bit more settle. Though this is a country where majority of people are Christian, there are resources lacking here to make it as colorful as it is in America. Also this is the time of year that for most Malawians, is the most important time of the year. Planting season is marked by the rains. The first rains come at the beginning of December, while 'warning showers' can be seen as early as the end of October. In my district of Mchinji we have had decent rains this year. However that is not the case for some Malawians who live in areas that have had predictions of major food insecurity by this month. So before I talk about my Christmas experience, I must put things in perspective for the Malawians that have a more down-key Christmas, as they are looking for food, money for seeds and fertilizer.
In Malawi, Christmas in the village setting has more of a focus on the birth of Christ. There is less commercial feel as commercialism is less reached in the village setting. I decided to see what that was like by staying in the village for Christmas. I have the privilege to have been invited to the sisters house on Christmas Day as well. I kept asking Malawians in my village what they were doing for Christmas. It mostly centered around going to church, spending time with loved ones and eating some type of meat. So I got up Christmas Day and still had butterflies in my stomach as I always do. I have this thing in my mind that everything has to be perfect. House must be spotless for guest to come by, cakes made for everyone and presents wrapped. I first went to church which was very lively and a festive celebration. Going to the Catholic church that is just outside my door as given me a new perspective to Catholicism. Before coming here, I had little interaction with the catholic church. But here I'm enjoying it. The music was festive with a mix of the keyboard and traditional drums. I then rushed home to give out some gifts and take cakes to different people. I was then went to the sisters house for lunch. It was a beautiful festive mood as I felt just like I could have been back home at a Christmas party. Christmas music was playing, all the sisters made food from their country, Philippine noodle dish, traditional stew from Nigeria and a fresh salad with artichokes from Spain. There were also so German volunteers who brought 'snow'. It was the type that you add water put in the freezer for some time and you have snow. For some it was first time to see snow. There was the polite touching of the snow and sniffing. Then one sisters picked up a ball and threw it! Next thing I knew was that I was in the middle of a snow ball fight in the middle of sub-Saharan Africa. So everything I wanted for Christmas I got and more. I just want to say I am so grateful for everyone who has sent love and wonderful Christmas wishes my way, it means a lot. I would also like to say that I am grateful for the Christmas presents sent by family and friends I am also so grateful. So here is my wish that I hope I can fulfill to the country that has given me so much and I feel that I have given so little in comparison. I will work harder.
 Lately I have having discussions about what can help 'develop Malawi'. I am by no means an expert, but I would say I know what I have seen on the ground. Part of my mission to come here as a Peace Corps Volunteer is to see what really happens on the ground. There is always this argument, which is more effective development work on a micro level or a macro level. I'm still not sure about that one as well, but I do know, before I can understand development work on a macro level, I have to see what is happening on the ground. This can be very challenging as you can imagine the amount of poverty and suffering that I see on a daily basis. But the question is, yes people are starving but 'what can I do?' It's the saying of teaching a man to fish....But if want to know what I really think, is that things aren't as sustainable as they could be. I'm just going to speak based on my experience as a development worker here in Malawi for the past 1.5 years. How do you develop a country? I think it's on a macro level and a micro level, they are both important. How do you do it on a macro level? You put policies in place to protect the most vulnerable classes, but most importantly the youth. As it has been said before, the youth will really determine the future of Malawi. And how do you do this on a micro level? You save as many children as you can. The poverty I don't speak of is a reality for girls who come to my door and tell me stories that you can't even imagine. It's easy to say it's better to teach this girl to fish then to give her fish, but it's not that simple. Child marriage is still a problem and seeing that over half the population is illiterate it is easy to see why it would be difficult to even begin developing a country like this when people are not educated and/or exposed. How can someone really understand the importance of water and sanitation if they don't know what bacteria is? How can someone start a business or make a budget if they can't read and write. I have met some of the most intelligent people in Malawi, who never went beyond the 5th grade. So what to do with this poverty? Invest in one child at a time. I pray with the new elections that the Malawian government will do more to support education. Because with my belief from what I have seen in the small amount of time is that if you want to make an investment in a better Malawi, a better Africa and a better world...educate those who have no voice, so that one day they can be productive members of society. I would also like to thank those who have made a small investment to support girls in their education. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!