Singing, Dancing and Playing

 Let me tell you, learning a new language is fun but difficult! Its funny how the Spanish I learned in HS and college but haven't used since, seems to come super easy to me now!  I mix in Spanish words by accident at least twice every day! We are learning a lot, though I have been feeling like I can't wait to fluently speak Chichewa! Conversation in Chichewa is impossible for us at this point, though we are capable of basic communication. Last week, we flew a kite and drew a large group of children spectators. I was so filled up after this adventure. Our girls were super happy with the adventure, the other children were full of smiles and to my surprise and excitement, I was able to communicate with the children! It got me thinking about how wonderful it would be to work more closely with the children of St John's parish and outstations.

Saturday came and we went to the church for Lily's dancing girls practice. In case I haven't explained it well in previous posts, a group of girls participate and add beauty to the liturgy through dancing. They sing with the choir as they dance, and have such an amazing presence they bring to the Mass. Lilyanna was told about young girls dancing as part of most African Masses by a few Comboni Missionary Priests while we were in IL for our formation training. She grew excited and curious early on about the dancing and planned to join as soon as she was able.

On this particular day, Lily was a bit apprehensive at first to participate as she missed the prior weeks practice because she had a fever. But once Elizabeth, the dancing girls teacher, approached her and invited her to participate, she had a blast! I have posted a video on UTube to give you a flavor of the practice (video of Lily practicing with the dancing girls). While Lily was practicing, I picked up some litter in the area, took some pictures and attempted to have small conversations (mainly greetings) in Chichewa to those passing by. It hit me that it was going to be quite some time before I would be able to really hold a conversation in Chichewa!

This week there is a group of 31 couples attending a retreat, they will all be married in the church on Saturday! I believe most of these couples live in the villages where the outstations are located, but I'm not positive. Many of the couples have children, so this week there are tons of extra small children around! I don't know the details but it sounds like its common, especially in the villages to simply have a child together and begin living together. Which explains why there will be 31 weddings this weekend, yet there are already several children who belong to the retreat candidates. The couples go through a process with the catechist leader, Fr John Paul, Brother Patrick and a handful of others before being accepted to participate in the marriage preparation which leads to marriage in the church. Its been pretty neat to hear the songs they have sung together (we live on the church property, so we get to see and hear a lot of what is happening). I'm not sure if we'll attend the weddings, we're told is an extremely lengthy process and we have another commitment on Saturday. Either way, I'm proud of these couples for their efforts, they have been staying at the church, in various meeting halls, sleeping on straw mats since Monday. They all seem very happy and thankful to be here!

We had an hour before dinner would be ready the other evening and decided to take a walk. There was a soccer game taking place in the field next to the church, kids playing and adults conversing as it was late in the afternoon. Did I mention the weather is absolutely beautiful here? Since we arrived, its been quite decent. (We'll come back the weather later) Josie started noticed the small children would copy her, so she began dancing, then marching and twirling. She loved every minute of it and as she continued, the crowd of children continued to grow! We began singing "Head, shoulders, knees and toes", one of Josie's current favorites. Again, despite the small children not knowing English, they began to follow along! We had a blast! Shortly after we started, a woman approached me and asked if I would teach her. I was a little caught off guard as Its one thing to perform for the kiddos, but I tend to get a bit shy about being goofy for the adults! She explained (in English) that she wanted me to come to her village and teach the preschool aged children songs. I told her it would be a while before I could speak Chichewa well enough to teach. She quickly corrected me and said, "no, in English! Like the ABC's and simple kids songs." We continued in small conversation, singing and dancing with the kids and then had to return home for dinner.

The comment she made got me thinking about if I would even know enough kids songs to be able to

offer anything? So I began jotting down the names of songs I know that have actions (the kids LOVE action songs). Before I knew it, I had 30 preschool-aged Christian songs, most with actions! The girls and I sing all the time. No, I don't consider myself to be a great singer but I absolutely love music, both listening and singing along! (Oh how I miss Kathy S and the St. Ann's Angels, I mean choir!) I have no idea at this point if my ministry will involve singing with the village children in English, but I sure can tell you this small conversation got me super excited!

Please continue to pray for us, especially as we begin to try to find our place, where we can be of service to the Malawian's of St John the Baptist parish and its four outstations. We're taught and reminded to be patient, that if we listen and learn, the areas where we can best serve will eventually be revealed to us. This isn't the easiest thing for Jacob and I as we are used to jumping in wherever help is needed. I admit, I never would have imagined there could possibly be a need for the young children to learn basic English. I was told they are taught English in school, so having exposure is very helpful for them. Again, something I never knew and never imagined could be a way I may be able to possibly offer my time and talents. I won't get ahead of myself, instead I ask you to pray for Jacob and I as we continue to learn the culture and language. Pray for us to listen, hear, observe and not assume. I believe God will lead us, after all, he has to this point!

Peace and Love,
Tonya, Jacob, Lily & Josie

Garden and More

We have been in Malawi for just over 6 weeks. Our family has been adjusting quite well, granted we all wish we knew how to communicate better than we currently can in Chichewa. It sure is awesome hearing both Lily and Josie picking up words and phrases! The girls wanted to bust out the pool that our friends the McSorleys left us before returning home to the US. Here are a few pics of some much needed water play. 

 

One big difference between Lilongwe and Stoughton, WI is the litter. The litter is bothersome. There are little plastic bags everywhere as well as other trash. Malawi is such a beautiful country, though close up the litter all around is disturbing. In order to try to pitch in and perhaps set a bit of an example, we have begun carrying a bag with us when we walk the parish property. Everyone in our family pitches in and picks up the litter. The first time we did this, we had several stares and even a few came up to ask us what we were doing. We simply explained Malawi is beautiful but the litter is not. We also offered that the litter is not good for the people’s health and offers more breeding grounds for mosquitoes. (some mosquitoes carry Malaria in Malawi, its important to steer clear of those pesky little buggers!) The second time we picked up litter, we had four of the teenage boys come of over and pick up a few pieces and throw it into our bag. They were very proud of their efforts! Granted, they didn’t help us clear the entire church parking lot, but they did pick up a few things each. We felt this was a huge accomplishment! The third time we picked up litter, the young man who asked us what we were doing the first time we were out came up to me and told me that he now sees what we meant. He also told me that it already looks so much better. I doubt our efforts will eliminate people littering in Malawi or even on the Parish property, but at least our efforts will make the area in which we spend most of our time look much nicer!

Driving Lesson – it was my turn to get behind the steering wheel of the car the Comboni’s are letting us use. I have been a bit timid on this as driving here is quite different than Stoughton, WI! The driver sits on the right and drive in the left lane. Our car is a manual transmission (stick-shift), which means we use our left hand rather than our right to shift! I’m thankful all the pedals are in the same place as the pedals in the US! Aside from these differences, one other huge difference is there are thousands of people walking – everywhere! And the roads are narrow, not many have lines and most are in desperate need of repair! There are very few road signs, I guess one is just supposed to know what the speed limit is! And, our speedometer is in metric. All measurements are in metric here, thank goodness Lilyanna has a math unit dealing specifically with metric measurements! This will definitely be a FAMILY math unit!

This past weekend we decided it was time to get the family garden going. There is a small area right behind the house that is perfect for the kitchen garden. The ground had not been tilled or touched for a very long time so the dirt was packed so hard it was like busting up concrete with every swing of the hoe. A couple hours into it and our wonderful friend Sister Anastasia came over to give a hand and give some Malawian advice on the planting process. Soon she recruited the help of the perish handyman and another willing soul to get load after load of what they call “manure” to add to our soil. It’s really compost made up of burnt wood, broken down leaves and the like and of course some garbage mixed in for good measure. She and the rest of the sisters have been a true blessing along with the perish community to lend a hand when we need it. After hours of hard labor the garden was prepped and ready for planting.  On Sunday we planted a large variety of seeds, which we brought from the states.  Before we know it we will reap the benefits of our labors. On Sunday we also attended mass at the cathedral here in Lilongwe. They offer a mass in English each Sunday at 8 am. It was a real spiritual refill for us. Although all the masses we have attended in Chichewa have been great, it was awesome to hear a gospel and homily in English. In the evening we had the sisters over to show them how to make homemade pizza and shared in some great conversation.

This week we will attend Chichewa classes and continue to get to know our neighbors and community a little better. We continue to pray for strength, health and the guidance towards what our ministries will be here in Malawi. God Bless.

See Lilyanna's Adventure page for an update from the girls! Over on the right you will see a link. (we are learning how Blogger works, sorry our layout is less than desirable! We'll figure it out eventually!) 

Holy Week 2013

Wow, what a week! We attended the Crisim Mass at the Cathedral in Lilongwe on Tuesday. Unfortunately there were no pictures allowed during the Mass. The Mass began at 8:30 am and concluded at 11:30am. This was the shortest of all the services we attended during Holy week! Jacob was invited to participate in the offertory, which included him dancing along with the other Malawian’s as he carried a crate of soda while swaying to the beat. Also included in the offertory were two live chickens. The girls got a kick out of the chickens when we saw them outside in a basket ready to be presented. Jacob felt very blessed to be included in such a special time of the Malawian Mass. The girls headed outside before the Mass concluded, it was a bit too long for us to keep Josie content. After Mass the Priests and Bishop processed to the hall across the parking lot. We were pleasantly surprised when the Bishop stopped as he passed us girls to wave at us!

Holy Thursday Mass was also incredible! The church was packed, the choir was vibrant and the electricity came back on right before the Mass began! Following tradition, 12 men had their feet washed and it reminded me of the humbleness of Christ. Following the Mass, the Eucharist was placed in an area, which was decorated beautifully for Eucharistic adoration. We were told this adoration continued up until 5:30 am the following day.

Good Friday began with a 6 mile Way of the Cross walk from the outskirts of Lilongwe back to Msamba, St. John the Baptist Parish. Jacob hitched a ride to the starting point in the back of a pickup truck along with about 20 other men, women and children. He had one foot in the bed and one on the bumper, praying for his safety as they traveled down the road. Thankfully ¾ of the way there he was invited into the cab of the truck! The girls stayed home because Josie was not feeling well. This was a good decision as when Jacob returned (5 hours later) very tired, sore and sun burnt! Yes, he did have on sunscreen but the sun was blazing on Friday! Jacob was invited to carry the cross for a portion of the walk, which was a humbling experience and great honor to be able to participate in this manner. Thousands of Catholics participated, including men, women and children. They sang, prayed and reflected on the sacrifice Christ made for us.

After a one hour break Tonya attended the Good Friday service. This service lasted over three hours; the outdoor seating area was absolutely packed. Most of the congregation were people who also participated in the 6 mile walk earlier in the day, making their Good Friday observation last from 8am – 5:30pm.  The devotion of this catholic community is very inspiring.

For the Easter Vigil Mas we were privileged to have the Bishop preside as the main celebrant along with our Comboni Provncial Fr. Dario, Fr. Somanji, and Brother Patrick. The fire was lit outside in front of the church as thousands gathered around.  We arrived shortly before the vigil began and quickly there was a gathering of children and adults around us. The novelty of the mazungus hasn’t quite worn off yet. As the mass began I (Jacob) was reminded of the awesome feelings I had just one year ago at our home perish before I was to be baptized and confirmed. The procession into the church was not as silent as we are used to and the space inside the church is at a premium so there was a bit of a dash to get in. As we entered and found and open spot, a very kind member of the perish directed us to the front where there were seats saved for us. These extremely kind gestures have been very common for us over the past month and are not something we take for granted.

Unfortunately, soon after the service started, Josie was having none of the packed church at her normal bedtime. So the girls left for the night and I stayed for mass. It was a beautiful celebration. The Holy Spirit was certainly present as we sang, prayed, and danced for the next five hours, yes five hours! It was moving to witness 55 men and women being baptized and confirmed. It was reminiscent for me seeing the joy, fear and excitement on their faces. At a few points throughout the mass there was a group of people dressed in their traditional tribal garb and dancing customary dances. It was a wonderful display of our faith and inculturation. You'll get a sense of the energy and spirit by the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilyAwQq0S4I

There were two offerings made by the congregation, one to the church as is customary and another to the bishop. The offering to the bishop included a live goat, which unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of but did laugh out load as the goat gave out a big bellar as it was being escorted out the back of the church.  I left at almost midnight feeling blessed and thankful to our God for all he has done for all of us.

Easter Sunday was celebrated outside on a gorgeous African morning. The seating area and as far as you could see was filled with people.  The celebration of the rise of our Lord and savior was magnificent and to top it all off, in the middle of it apparently it is their practice here to bless marriages during the Easter mass.  Seven couples were married right there in front of us, pretty awesome to witness.  And of course because this is the holiest of all days, there was another goat presented at the offering.

The activities of this Holy Week left us physically exhausted but spiritually filled to the brim. We are thankful to be here in Malawi and look forward to the weeks, months and years to come. This weekend we will visit another of the outstations and get a to experience a bit more of the village life. Hopefully it doesn’t rain the night before we go like the last time we went to and outstation. Oh yeah, we didn’t write about that. Here is a pic for you. Let’s just say I earned my keep that day.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter Season.

Jacob, Tonya, Josephina, and Lilian (the girls new names in Malawi J )