Merry Christmas!!!

(My dear friends, Kate and Cassandra)

I must admit, it doesn’t look or feel like Christmas here in Lilongwe…there are no Christmas lights or decorations adorning the exteriors of shopping centers, no Santa Clauses roaming the streets, and no nativity scenes accenting church lawns. Homes are hidden behind large, gated walls – so even if they were decorated, only its occupants could appreciate its festiveness. And this dreary weather – full on rainy season – can dampen even the brightest days. That said it’s no wonder the Christmas spirit is lacking. I suppose when you are living in one of the poorest countries in the world, Christmas takes on a different meaning. It’s times like these that I am even more hypersensitive to people’s plights.

(Our house – note how green everything has become)

As I drive home from work every day, my heart goes out to all the Malawians trying to eke out a living i.e., the street vendors who stand on the corner of every intersection (often for endless hours in the rain) holding up a bunch of bananas, or several ears of corn, or even the occasional pineapple in the hopes that someone will pull over and pay them the equivalent of $0.75. And to the women who sit all day desperately trying to sell their meager pile of tomatoes, neatly displayed in small pyramids at a make-shift market outside of the grocery store’s parking lot. Day in and day out, they are always there….ten hours a day…hoping to earn the few Kwacha that their goods will earn. I often feel guilty about our juxtaposition – especially as I drive by in my 4-wheel drive vehicle, winding my way down the road to my gated compound, knowing that there will be food on the table, a roof over my head, and a loving family awaiting my return. I truly feel so fortunate, and count each day as a blessing.

(Our housekeeper – Elzabeth and her son, Dixon)

This holiday season, Andy and I focused on helping those closest to us… we provided money to our housekeeper, Elizabeth, who bought seeds to plant for her extended family. And we’re lending money to our gardener, Lloyd, who needs to buy cement to build a home for him and his family. It feels great to give something that will have so many returns…providing food and shelter for families in need.

(Flowers in our garden)

Now, don’t think we’re being totally altruistic. We’re getting ready to splurge for ourselves, too! We’re leaving the day after Christmas for a two-week stay in Zanzibar!

(A monitor lizard found in our backyard)

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

I’m adding a few more photos:

(Togo – a girl living in Area 18 in Lilongwe – taken on December 23rd on yet another photography outing with Mark)

(Ellen – another girl in the ‘village’)

Much love to all,
Amy