Celebrations All Around!

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October 7, 2007

The long wait is finally over! After five months of being separated, Andy has finally arrived! He’s been in Malawi less than 48 hours – and already he’s met everyone I work with and even went on a photo shoot with Mark and me at 7am this morning (Andy is currently fast asleep in the other room).

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Mark (my co-worker) is truly a professional photographer. He arranges photo shoots every Sunday and has allowed me to tag along these past two weeks! He’s much more technical – which has provided a wonderful opportunity for me to experiment with lighting. The following images are my favorites from the past two weekends, including witnessing a Baptism in the river.

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Aside from being elated by my reunion with Andy, I am also pleased to announce that the COP has been submitted – all 400 some odd pages! I’m astounded by the enormity of COP – it’s crazy to think that the entire office has been consumed by this one document for the past four months! And just as one reporting requirement ends, another begins (the Annual Progress Report is due next month). Regardless, my job is bound to get more interesting. In fact, I just returned from a week-long conference in Lusaka, Zambia on Electronic Data Systems for ART.

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Malawi was selected as a case study. As such, I prepared several presentations and facilitated working groups to discuss Malawi’s specific needs as we move forward with our formal evaluation of our pilot and as we begin to develop our national roll-out plan.
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I may even present at another upcoming conference in Nairobi! WHO asked if I’d be willing to showcase Malawi’s unique standards-based approach at their Global Health Data Standards Conference in Kenya. I am thrilled to play a role in this endeavor.

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My life is truly about to change. Now that I’m with Andy, we can begin to focus on the here and now. I can’t wait to settle into a routine, cooking meals together, traveling to the lake, and exploring various regions of Africa.
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And if anyone ever wants to visit, we have plenty of room.

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Much love to all,
Amy

4 comments to Celebrations All Around!

  • Karin

    Amy,
    Your photos are amazing and your words are inspiring. I am so glad that things are going so well for you. You always find the silver lining in any situation, a quality that is really admirable. Congrats on all of your work, having a life, your amazing photos and yes, will no doubt be stopping by for a visit in the near future. You always have a place in Hanoi as well. Am working on the big “D” slowly. Any words of advice on that? I remember the e-mails you used to write me living overseas and being proud of what I was doing and my sweets, right back at you.
    Much love,
    Karin

  • Merryland

    Everyone always eagerly awaits your updates; the most recent, being no exception!
    We are so glad Andy arrived safely and await reports of your joint adventures!
    Loved the recent photos…and Koshie, the dentist, loved the end one!
    We are thrilled for the many opportunities that will befall you…
    Love from here,
    Merryland & Koshieland

  • hallo amy,
    we are so pleased by the work you do, may the almighty bless you abundantly.During your visit to kenya we would like to participate in making it a success by providing you with transport, if thats okay kindly get back to me.
    best regards & God bless
    kiptoo.

  • Melissa

    Hi Amy!

    Good things do happen to good people!

    I am so happy to hear that Andy has finally arrived! It sounds like things are getting settled, and you are really enjoying living in Malawi!

    Keep the stories and pictures coming…

    Much love,

    Melissa

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