Saturday 30 July 2016

On the flight

The team have been dropped at Blantyre airport and are on their way home....

Thank you so much for reading the blog and all your amazing comments! We know the team can't wait to show you their own photos and share their experiences with you too.

It's been an absolute pleasure working with TGS again and we can't wait for the next team to come back to Malawi to work with Joshua Orphan and Community Care again!

Thanks
All at Team Inspire 

Friday 29 July 2016

Day 15: On the way to the airport



Day 14: Last day in Malawi

Blog post 14 - Marv and Tori
 
We woke up this morning in the safari park, after a peaceful night in tents with no hippo trampling. 

At 6.30 we embarked on a beautiful sunrise boat safari where we encountered numerous crocodiles, hippos and a variety of birds. 

This amazing experience was topped off by our first porridge free breakfast in 2 weeks which included BACON and sausages. We all enjoyed it very much. 

After packing away our tents we set off on another 5 hour coach journey back to Fishermans Rest which was filled with "singing" with the windows down, much to the delight of the many local markets we drove through. 

After arriving at Fishermans Rest we have all had a nice relaxing evening enjoying our last night together in Malawi. 

We are all looking forward to seeing you on Sunday morning (8.30 sharp please, we all want McDonalds) however we first have to overcome the long 24 hour journey back to England. 

As this will most likely be our last blog post of the trip we would like to take the opportunity to say what an amazing time we have had and we hope that you have enjoyed reading just a small glimpse of it and following our journey with us. 

PS. Happy Birthday to Rachel's mum Helen :)




Thursday 28 July 2016

Day 13: Safari!

Blog post 13 - Lou and Issy 
 
Hey everyone! 

We have just finished eating dinner after an afternoon and night safari - the chicken and sausages were most welcome! 

So far the list of seen animals includes:
Elephants
Hippos 
Mongeese
Impala
Antelope 
Kudus 
Crocodile 
Guinea foul
Monkeys 
Baboons
(And a beautiful, red sunset). 

We have an early start tomorrow morning as the boat safari starts at 6:30, but breakfast is at 8:30 and won't be porridge!

Today we spent five hours on the bus after leaving Manjenje and none of us will forget the gratitude in the children faces, and none of us will forget the sadness we felt as the children said 'see you tomorrow', when we knew we wouldn't.

The chief came to wave us off, and Stevie and Ian (the Joshua Field Officers) had tears in their eyes as we said our goodbyes. We would not have understood anything without their help as they were our translators.

Arriving at the safari park was strange as there are various electrical items AND PROPER SHOWERS AND TOILETS!!!!! 

We are just about to start dessert and the wifi is soon to go off.

See you all very soon, 
Lots of love, 
The Malawi team x




Wednesday 27 July 2016

Day 12: Last day in the village

Blog post 12 - Niamh and Niamh

We're finding it hard to believe this was our last day in the village. 

The day began with half the team having a go at getting stuck in the mud making bricks barefoot, and the rest of us heading to Mwandika to put the finishing touches on the playground and the interior of the feeding centre. 

Just before lunch we united to reflect on what we've achieved these past 10 days; we were all so proud and even got some tears out of Twinham! The kids were ecstatic and the teachers overwhelmingly grateful - we couldn't have foreseen the impact our help has had for both adults and children alike. 

After waving goodbye to our handiwork we all piled in with all the village for a huge meal cooked by the hero of the trip, Ida our cool. WE HAD CHICKEN! Our first bit of meat all trip went down a treat. 

The day was closed with an extravagant closing ceremony including singing, speeches, and of course dancing. Saying goodbye to all our friends was a lot harder and more emotional than we'd have ever thought, and tears weren't only issued by Mrs Twinham this time!

The day closed with several more card games and rounds of Bananagrams ending with a mass singalong sat watching the stars. 

Knowing we came here aiming to make a difference to the lives of the Manyenje villagers, it's unbelievable how much they have also impacted us. 

Manyenje, you will be missed. 

Tuonana zangas 

Team Malawi. 









Tuesday 26 July 2016

Day 11: Making bricks

Blog post 11: by Lauryn d & Robyn

After an interesting and hilarious night of sleep talking from Hannah, we began our usual morning routine. Half of us to Mwandika to finish painting, cement mixing, carrying rocks for the sandbanks and hoeing (we are always hoeing!). The other half stayed in manyenje to lime the toilet block, paint educational boards and sort out donations for Joshua - most of our suitcases would have halved in size.

After lunch, the groups switched sites. Those of us remaining in manyenje got the opportunity to make some bricks after a long, scenic walk along the river bank. Brick making involves standing barefoot in mid, getting covered in the mud and attempting to pack it into wooden moulds like a sandcastle (we knew those beach trips would come in useful somewhere!).

We also received another visit from Winnie (the Joshua founder) and her son David, who were not afraid to get stuck in.

Today has been particularly hot and sunny so we are ready to get a good nights sleep for our final day in manyenje!

P.s we are all really missing you back in the UK!






Monday 25 July 2016

Day 10: Nurses

Blog post 10 - Issy and Vicky

Another day of work although, luckily for us, not a full one. We had an interval between mandazis and lunch in which we were visited by a Malawian nurse and a volunteer nurse from England who run Joshua's mobile clinics. It was really fascinating to learn about the Malawian medical system and how the lack of resources is overcome by the use of simple techniques such as saline solutions and frequently changing dressings. This was a particularly interesting talk for the aspiring medics among us but still, heartbreaking to hear about the poor conditions for recovery. 

On the work front, we were once again split across the two project sites. In Manyenje, we continued to hone our brick laying (Louise's niche) and plastering skills as we finished constructing the new toilet block. In the meantime, the Mwandika crew had to do yet more hoeing, rapidly becoming the most dreaded activity. Although hard work, this is essential in order to build stone walls to support the sand banks under heavy rain. One of the more relaxing tasks of the day was to paint colourful numbers and letters onto the walls of the school building for educational purposes once the holidays are over. It's a really amazing feeling to see how much a simple splash of paint can be effective in bringing to life the children's education. 

We are looking forward to tomorrow being our last full day of work! Our brief holiday before returning home will be well deserved. 

Tuanana! Lots of love, 
Team Malawi

PS If any of you are doctors could you please ask for out of date wound dressings (especially burn dressings and Vaseline) to send to Malawian hospitals and clinics which are desperately in need of them. 

PPS if you haven't already take a look at Inspire Worldwide's Facebook page as there is a short video of the team dancing!








Sunday 24 July 2016

Day 9: The wisdom tree

Day 9 - Hannah & Rachel

The day started at 430am with a brisk moonlit trek up a mountain in search of the 'wisdom tree'. After giving up and settling to watch the sun rise from a field, one of the local youth group members spotted from the bottom that we hadn't quite made our destination and speedily caught us up to inform us we were a mere 10 meters away from the tree.

After finally finding the tree, we sat and appreciated the magnificent landscape acclaimed by the sounds of countless cockerels surrounding us from the hills.

Being a Sunday, the morning finished with a hour at church in an extremely incomplete brick building with the walls at half height and no roof (church is currently being rebuilt following a battering from the floods). The service consisted of energetic traditional music and dance along with speeches and a performance from our very own motet! Despite some questionable tuning, the performance must have had a great impact as a young boy from the village was even heard singing it by the village bore hole.

Throughout the afternoon we were treated to dance and drumming lessons, hair braiding and another 'Pop up' craft market (a bit of retail therapy never goes amiss with us girls).

The team have thoroughly enjoyed the community day, after learning more about themselves and community, although we could use more help with the dancing skills!

Looking forward to continuing our progress within the village projects tomorrow. See you all in a week!

Love team Malawi!

P.s Mrs Twinham has finally held a baby African style (on her back) - Mr Twinham be scared!

















Saturday 23 July 2016

Day 8: Netball

Blog 8: Martha & Emma

Despite lack of sleep (thanks to the leaders who thought it'd be hilarious to wave a McDonald's sign and torch around the room as we went to sleep) morale was high today.

This morning we finally finished the playground at Mwandika which the kids are already enjoying. The toilet blocks in manyenje are also on their way to being finished and look fantastic.

After another one of Ida's infamous lunches we haggled with some local traders who were selling homemade arts and crafts, most of us spending half the kwacha we arrived with. In true TGS style we could not resist challenging the local ladies to a netball match. However, in true Malawian style, the rules were a little different which resulted in an intense and interesting game - local women dominating but TGS putting up a good fight.

Today we came across our first 100% certain non-rabied dog - a gorgeous golden lab called Shula, which added even more excitement to the day.

We're now preparing for bed at 730 as we have the joy of a 430 wake up call...you'll find out why tomorrow.

Lots of love,

Team Malawi X

P.s we're writing this under the stars (cringe) and its sooo beaut!

P.p.s dear Tori's mum, we're sorry to let you know that tori is the only one without 1 tick on the poo chart








Friday 22 July 2016

Day 7: Home visits

Blog 7 - Beth and Lara

After a trip to the market, we are now on strict Nutella and squash rations. Despite the humid air, we have made great progress on the playground and now all the equipment is in the ground ready to be bombarded by the children of Mwandika and Manjenje. 

After another lunch of carbs and veg (nobodies complaining... Yet...) we were given the opportunity to visit people in their homes and find out more about how Malawians live. 

This was tough on some as we were finding out the personal stories of those children we had been playing alongside for the past week. However we can all agree that it was important to break down these barriers. 

Although it has been a tiring day for many, there were too many positives to list, for example the influence hospitals and charities like Joshua have on the villagers. 

We are all looking forward to days of rest now, however we are really starting to see the positive impact we are making. 

Lots of love,
Team Malawi X

PS a happy 18th birthday to Geo, but don't worry I (Lara) am not embarrassed  by your comments. Try harder next time.


Thursday 21 July 2016

Day 6: Bubbles

Blog post number 6: Claudia & Lauren hogan 

Today in camp Malawi the teams swapped working sites and we made loads of progress! In manyenje we have renovated the boys toilets and finished our part of building the next toilet block. In Mwandika we finished the swings, a balance beam, and stepping stones for the children to play on.

The bubbles that we bought went down a storm with the children and we are loving getting to know them all. However, learning all their names is a bit reminiscent of revision!

In the evening Mrs Twinham led a yoga session opposite the beautiful Malawian sunset. It greatly eased the tension caused by the lack of squash.

We are all well and having a great time.

Love,

Team Malawi 

P.s if any parents have been told not to comment by their children, this has been revoked!

P.p.s happy birthday to Pippa! From Louise and happy birthday to Ju for yesterday from Claudia.

P.p.p.s. To Mr. Pitts, mission motet in Malawi is complete, we sung 'up a yonder' in the welcoming ceremony!





The 'poo chart' as promised! 


Wednesday 20 July 2016

Day 5: Playground building

The comments from the blog are read to us at meal times. We all really look forward to this as it lifts our spirits. If you haven't commented - or if you have - please keep them coming! We like to hear what's going on back home. Any love island updates? 

Today we divided into two groups, one group went back to the playground and the other was building the toilet block by the school. At the playground we have really out hoed ourselves; the land is so flat on the playground and the structures for see-saws and swings are up. 

The toilets are coming along well too, most of the brick laying is done already. We are excited for some of the lighter tasks when the cement mixing, landscaping, and sand carrying is done. 

We are all starting to miss things back home; we have had tears over families, boyfriends, and even over McDonald's! 

Sending love and begging for more banterous comments,

Liv and Tabbi on behalf of Team Malawi. 

PS. Remember the banana Vicky ate?

She's allergic. (Only a mild reaction! - says Inspire Leader Josh) 





Tuesday 19 July 2016

Day 4: Mwandika

Blog post #4 by Maddy & Sanjana  

THE NUTELLA HAS RUN OUT. AFTER TWO DAYS. Apparently the sun has too. We've spent the day in cloud and rain, but this didn't dampen our spirits. We left for Mwandika at 745am and got to work promptly. The work was tough, but the kids were more than happy to help, which motivated us because all our effort is for them.

Seeing the primary school children longing for the leftovers was heartwrenching (as their school has finished for summer, they visit the kids feeding centre in hope of a meal) and a real eye opener for all of us. 

Nevertheless, the kids stayed happy and were especially enthusiastic about the gymnastics session led by Maddy.

After a successful day of work, it was satisfying to see the coming together of the children's playground.

Despite a quarter of us being unable to move our bowels, the production of the poo chart has lifted morale and we wish the constipated among us the best of luck for the coming days.

Lots of love,

Team Malawi xxx

P.s Vicky ate a banana


Monday 18 July 2016

Day 3: Project starts

Blog day 3 - Louise & tori

Mulibwanji

Today was the first day of sun and inconveniently the first day of work.

Firstly we walked to the feeding centre followed by lots of children and were greeted by the care givers. We had our first taste of mandazis which set us up for the full day of work ahead. We split into two groups, the first remaining at the feeding centre and the second returned to the village to start collecting sand for the cement. Team 1 starting work levelling the ground for the playground which was incredibly tough yet rewarding seeing the children already overjoyed just playing in the freshly turfed soil. Team 2 faces the challenge of moving sand 20 minutes up a hill to the new toilet block where it will be used to make cement. While we struggled on carrying half the bucket between 2, the Malawian women and children picked up full buckets, carrying them on their heads with ease. 

Lunch and dinner were both greatly received after the hard work and everyone heading to bed by 8pm!

Tuonana!









The Malawi team

Sunday 17 July 2016

Day 2: Arrival

Blog 2, Sunday. By Racch and Tabbi. 

We woke up at 6 and made the use of the toilet seat and running water for the last time before the village. After our first Malawian breakfast, we left for Manyenje. The journey was bittersweet; on the one hand we felt like celebrities as the kids chased the bus, but there was the underlying realisation of the conditions these people live in and how we can only make small changes. 

We finally arrived, after a jolty journey on the dirt track and up a hill we didn't think the coach could handle. We were met by a crowd of the happiest children we had ever seen and we could not wait to go and play with them. The bedroom (singular!) is much nicer than expected and the toilets are... Adequate. As soon as we'd sorted out sheets and nets we headed out to play with the children. We played the Hokey Cokey and duck duck goose, and were surprised by their English abilities. 

The best and strangest part of the day was the Welcome Ceremony. An over an hour long event full of twerking, drumming, and speeches. We sang but it was a bit of a tough crowd, ending with 'thank you girls, that was interesting'. Then we returned and went over our high and low points, met with the revelation Beth and Sanj have both managed to wee in their own faces. Robin also told us she forgot her towel and so after the shower had to just 'shake it off'. Not sure how that worked. 

Looking forward to starting on the project and meeting more people. 

Lots of love

Team Malawi
PS three of us have managed to face plant in front of the whole village, Enma, Rach, and Tabbi. 






Photos!





Saturday 16 July 2016

Day 1: Settling in

Blog post #1

Once upon a time 20 TGS students travelled to Malawi. After heavy traffic and a forgotten passport we arrived at Heathrow in time to catch our plane to Johannesburg. After hours of sleeping and watching movies we arrived in Blantyre at midday. We collected our 30ish bags (taking up the entire airport) and exchanged our money. As we walked to get our bus we were waved at by a group of school children before our departure to Fisherman's Rest.

Our coach journey was very eye opening to see the living conditions, some peoples' lack of shoes and the number of Carlsberg adverts. 

So far at Fisherman's rest we have discussed the trip to come, sang some songs with Niamh's guitar and tasted some Malawian food including nsima.

Lots of love to everyone back home!

P.s. We are living with impalas.

PPS wi- fi down so photo to come tomorrow! 

Day 1: Safe arrival

The team have all arrived safely and are on their way to Fisherman's Rest..

We will let you know once they are there and hopefully will get a picture for you all too! 

Thursday 14 July 2016

1 day to go!

The TGS team fly out to Malawi tomorrow! 

We'll be posting daily blogs on here so keep an eye out!