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 )

   

Palm Sunday (March 24, 2013)

Today we celebrated and witnessed an incredible Palm Sunday Mass. We weren’t sure exactly what to expect but knew it would be an adventure. We arrived at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 7:15am but weren’t sure where to get our palms for the service. We were told there would be a processional with all of the congregation and to simply follow the path. We started walking, eager to find where this beginning point was. We walked with two nuns and enjoyed casual conversation (some in Chichewa – yeah, we’re learning the language!).  As we approached the edge of the parish property (which was across a primary & secondary school yard), we finally found the gathering spot. There was a huge pile of palm branches waiting for the congregation and a portable PA system was being set up. The choir was signing, people were gathering. Several of the parishioners made a point to come over and greet us. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming to our family – especially the parishioners of St. John the Baptist and its outstations.

Lily, Tonya & Josie participating in processional march

We were told Mass would begin at 7:30, however we also have learned that there is a lot of truth to the term “African time”.  Father Somanje along with 18 alter boys entered the area in which by this time, hundreds, probably well over a thousand Malawian’s had gathered. The palms were blessed (can you pick out Jacob in this picture?) and the Mass began. The processional for Mass included everyone walking along the main road, waiving their palms and signing. The walk lasted probably a half hour, but who knows as we don’t wear watches here! It was absolutely beautiful, an amazing site to see & event to participate in.

One of our friends, Elizabeth (who greeted us at the airport when we first arrived), found us and had us follow her to find a seat. Mass today was outdoors. We are so thankful for Elizabeth’s wisdom as she ensured we sat in the shade during the Mass! We sit together as a family during Mass as we did back in the United States, however Malawians do not sit with their spouses or their children. The men sit on the left, the women on the right and children in front on the floor/ground. The women with small children (3 & under) typically gather in the back or outside the church doors.

Another view of the processional march

So many amazing things take place during a Malawian Mass, I don’t even know where to begin! As Father Somanje entered the outdoor church, everyone was waving their palms, singing loudly. There is a group of young girls who dance during the processional and a few other times during the Mass. Lilyanna is very excited as she began practicing with them on Saturday and will eventually join them during the Mass! The Mass is typically at least 2 hours, but often times much longer. Part of the reason its so long is how many people attend. I bet there were well over 1000 people attending today’s service. Also, there is a lot of singing which is lead by a beautiful choir. Actually, St. John’s has 3 choirs and they are all amazing! The music is absolutely delightful to listen to, we’re actually beginning to learn a few of the songs and are able to sing along—in Chichewa! Did I mention the entire Mass is in Chichewa?

Father Samonje (Comboni Priest)

Another beautiful element to the Malawian Mass is the offertory. Not only are the gifts of bread, water, wine and collections brought forward but also several other items in which one of the small Christian Communities have put together. The offerings are typically food, drink and useful household items that support the Parish, particularly the Priests. It’s amazing to think this is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet the people are so giving. The gifts are offered with reverence and sincerity, children and adults all participate in the offertory – several of them (maybe 20+ if I had to guess)

Only a portion of participants in the offertory

One final thought on Malawian Masses in how they differ from the Masses we are accustomed to is the announcements. Wow, let me just say that we in the U.S. are so fortunate to have a bulletin! I would guess announcements take at least 30 minutes but probably a lot more. In addition to not having a paper bulletin, there is a lot happening in this particular parish. We are humbled by the passion and expression of faith we have witnessed at Masses here in Malawi. We look forward to becoming closer to the people of the parish and sharing and deepening our faith with them.

After celebrating Palm Sunday (4+ hours at church), we headed home for lunch. Shortly after noon, we were greeted with a surprise visit from Fr. Dario who was accompanied by two sisters who are currently on retreat. They went to one of the outstations where Fr. Dario said Mass. We love that the visitors to our home now mainly consist of the Comboni Priests! Fr. Dario came to offer us some of the vegetables, drinks and sugar cane in which he received during the offertory at the Outstation. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the thoughtfulness the Comboni’s have demonstrated since our arrival. Today we received potatoes; onions, pumpkin, soda, sugar cane and a handful of other items which will certainly help us feed our family this next week! The Comboni’s have taken good care of us and continue to check on us often, making sure we are comfortable. We are truly blessed to be part of this community.

The week ahead will consist of our language classes as well as participating in the various Masses of Holy Week and daily Mass. Please continue to support our family by keeping us in your prayers! We’d love to hear from you, feel free to send an email from time to time – kleven4@gmail.com

You are in our thoughts and prayers daily!

Your sister in Christ,

Tonya

(Jacob, Lilyanna & Josephine)

Only a glimpse of how many were gathered for Mass! There were people in front of us as well as in front of the church which can't be seen in this image. Amazing how many gather for Mass, its beautiful!

By Popular Demand

Serious Jet Lag

Chapel at the Poor Claire's

Our Little Princess

Playtime

Malawi Countryside

Local Housing

A Calm Easy Street Compared to the City

Lake Malawi

After a Great Day with the McSorleys at the Lake (Jacob is driving for the first time on the other side of the road) 

Kleven Girls Ready for the Market

Fr. Dario with the Munchkin Missionaries

Surprise Pizza Dinner with Fr. Dario and the McSorleys

First Tooth Lost in Africa

Papa and the Girls in the Front of Our House

Our Neighborhood

Some of the Neighbor Boys

Some of the Kids at Mass

God's Blessings to all who have helped get us this far