Shortcut

... we learned that the word shortcut does not mean the same in Africa as it does in America.  When I think of a shortcut I think of a shorter way to get somewhere.  However, we learned that in Africa it means a route that passes by something one person wants to show another or a route that passes by the most people - and it is generally longer than the original route.  The shortcut we took as we left Isaac Village took us on a very narrow, over grown path, down a steep ravine, across a river and up hill the whole rest of the way.  It was a very long and hot walk back to the road.  But seeing Mtinga's face as he showed us the village gardens and explained how they grow their cabbage and rotate the plants to produce as much as possible made it all worth while.  He was also excited to show us the village 'lumber mill' - the place where wood is cut by hand.  It was remarkable to see the trees and the smoothness of the wood and to know it was all done by hand.  On the shortcut we also passed through another village and spent time greeting many people.  Another interesting thing about our walk back to the road was that many of the village children walked with us.  Because Rob had spent time playing soccer with them they wanted to honor him.  They walked with us (most barefoot) all the way to the river - then the pull of going swimming won out.

the Jar

This young man followed us around the whole village and every time I had the camera out he held up his jar.  I am not sure what is in it but I know it is very special to him. So as we were heading out of the village I took a picture of him with his jar - and he was thrilled!  Then someone said there was a short cut to get back to the road - and we were thrilled!  Until....

Soccer

As we were walking around the village we attracted a very large following of children.  At the far end of the village we reached a field.  And once on the field the children got together and sang songs for us.  Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a ball appeared.  Now, by ball, I mean a bunch of plastic bags tied up into a ball shape.  It started to get kicked around and when it went Rob's way, well, what could he do but join in??  And join in he did!  When he did, the children's eyes lit up - no, not just their eyes but their wholes faces.  More children came running and laughing.  It seemed as if play could continue all day.  But, alas, we still had a long walk ahead of us....

Bricks

On the tour Mtinga showed us the village's brick making area - and we actually got to see bricks being made.  Mud is gathered, molded and set in the sun to dry.  Then the dry bricks are stacked and dry cornstalks, leaves and branches are stuck in the stacks and lit on fire.  The fire needs to be constantly fed for several days - and then the bricks are ready to use.

Village Tour

After the meal we were privileged to have Mtinga give us a tour of Isaac Village.  We met a village elder, lots of children and learned about village life.  We saw the animal pens and learned that a few days before we arrived the village lost its pigs to hyenas.  The village church is a sight we will never forget.  (see the picture above)  While churches in America are worried about being bigger and more updated, churches in rural Malawi are thankful to have a roof overhead.  Ok, sorry about that - back to the tour...Mtinga was also pleased to show us the one "toy" in the village - a teeter totter that he made.  He showed us the tree where he cut the branches from.  The teeter totter is made of a Y branch stuck in the ground with a long, straight branch balanced across the crook - and the children loved it!  What a great gift Mtinga gave the village.

Refreshed

     We were so blessed to have been able to spend time with Mtinga and Esimy.  They opened their home to us and shared what they had with us.  Mtinga told us all about life in Malawi and showed us his homework from a Bible school correspondence course he and his wife are doing with Action.  Esimy treated us to an incredible meal - and she wouldn't let us stop eating!  :)  The above photos show their home (the front door is closed all the way) and they were so excited because they were having windows made.  They are also privileged to have an 'indoor kitchen' - a place to heat the coals inside.  But still, the amount of time and work she put into serving us was immense - and she was smiling the whole time!  She really made us feel special.   
     After the walk, the conversation and the filling meal (and listening to the children whispering and giggling outside) we were eager to have Mtinga and Esimy show us more of their village....

Isaac Village

When we arrived in Isaac Village we were so happy - not just because we could stop walking for a bit but because we were welcomed into the home of Mtinga and his wife Esimy with open arms.  The love they showed us was simply amazing.  And while we were inside their home, some of the children from the village stood outside, surrounding the home and they whispered and giggled until we came out.

Still Walking

On the way to Isaac Village we passed through Julius Village, passed a grinding mill with lots of women waiting and we could see numerous villages in the distance.   We stopped and talked with a pastor from a neighboring village, watched people working in a field and were so glad we wore comfortable walking shoes.  Most of the children we saw didn't have any shoes - and just the idea made my feet hurt.

Leaving Mozambique

After meeting up with Mtinga in Mozambique, we crossed back into Malawi, crossed the road where the bus dropped us off and began walking with him to his home in Isaac Village.  And we walked.  And we walked.  And we walked.  And, you get the picture.  It was not what I would call a little walk.  But we walked on a fairly level, wide dirt path, it was a beautiful day and we had a few hours of great fellowship as we walked.  Anyone we passed on the path stopped and greeted us and the children along the way waved and smiled.  I was, however, on the lookout for snakes because just the day before Mtinga saw a black mamba on the path.  For those of you who do not know, the black mamba is a very large and very poisonous snake.  Thankfully, no snakes were spotted when we were walking.  Just in case your curiosity is getting the best of you I won't hold you in suspense any longer.  The walk to Isaac Village is about 13 miles.  But don't forget, once you walk in, you have to walk out... another 13 miles or so. 

Mozambique

  Here are a few photos we took in Mozambique.  The gentleman in the top photo took time to talk with Rob.  The man lives in Mozambique and speaks Portuguese, Chichewa and a little English.  That is the road the gule parade took through the village, too. 
  These were the only children we saw not following the gules and chanting.  They 'performed' for us and had so much fun as we took several photos. They are standing on an elevated porch in front of a copy shop - where Mtinga works.
  I did not whip out my camera and take photos of the gules.  Although now I wish I would have, at the time it just seemed well....