September 11, 2007

So much has happened this week. First of all, my container finally arrived
– granted many of my belongings were pilfered along the way, including my
favorite painting from Jamaica, my desk chair, random kitchen appliances and
other boxes that simply never made it to Malawi. Plus, my dinnerware was
packed poorly, so most of my plates, ceramic dishes and serving trays were
broken. And to add insult to injury, I was charged for a 40 ft. container
when in fact, all of my belongings could have fit in a 20 ft. container.
However, I am focusing on all the items that DID arrive. Plus, most of the
items can be replaced – but it did hamper my initial excitement.

But speaking of excitement…..ANDY JUST GOT HIS PASSPORT!!! He literally
just phoned with the news! Meanwhile, I am sitting in a hotel room by
myself in Mzuzu – bouncing up and down – wanting to share my elation with
anyone who will listen! Oddly enough, Andy initially phoned to tell me that
the Venezuelan Consulate would have his passport ready in two hours! But
right as he called, I was asked to say a few words to the entire Taiwan
Medical Mission. Poor Andy, after four months of me bitching and moaning
about his passport, he finally calls to tell me the good news and I
practically hung up on him. Sorry Andy! He later confessed that that was
very anticlimactic.

Ironically enough, today is September 11th, a reminder of that tragic day
six years ago – when my dear friend, Berry, was killed, and a turning point
in my life. Yet, today marks another turning point – this one filled with
joy. I can look back on this date and not think about the sadness, but
think about the hope and the endless possibilities of my future with Andy.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, I was offered an amazing
opportunity to work as a photographer for Concern Universal on an HIV/AIDS
project. I will be traveling to small villages throughout Malawi over the
next two weekends, photographing people living with HIV/AIDS in order to
tell their life stories. Each story has a different theme (i.e., reducing
the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and families, including support
groups, stigma, antiretroviral therapy, etc.). My friend, Janie, will be
writing their stories while I will be in charge of composing the images for
Concern Universal’s publication.

And finally, I’m starting to feel more and more a part of the community in
Lilongwe. I’m making some great friends and building up a strong support
system…which is needed in this part of the world. The photo above is Alisha,
Stacia and I at the Ethiopian Millennium Festivities.

So today is September 12, and seeing that I haven’t had access to the
Internet for a few days I thought I’d continue with my blog entry.

I went with the Taiwan Medical Mission to Nkhata Bay’s HIV Clinic in order
to get a first hand glimpse of the new Electronic Data System in the field.
I was so impressed! It’s definitely times like these when I am so proud to
be working here in Malawi. Once the COP is submitted, this project will
consume a lot of my time….something I’m looking forward to.

Please continue to keep in touch! I’d love to hear from all of you.

Much love,
Amy