We have arrived!

Muli bwanji!

That means "How are you?" in Chichewa, and as it said on the posters in the Blantyre Airport, "Say Muli bwanji! It is how you make friends around here." We have been trying to utilize this phrase as much as possible. As well as "zikomo," which means thank you, and "Eee" meaning yes.

We finally landed in Blantyre last night after a very long journey. We were greeted by Mrs. Kalinga and her nephew Chris Kadzamira, who worked at the airport. We were relieved that all four of our bags arrived, with all of the contents still inside! The drive from the Blantyre airport to the Kalinga farm, about an hour outside the city, was a beautiful and exciting drive. It was evening, so many people were walking and biking home on the sides of the road. Some women were carrying heavy loads on their heads, and children were playing games and chanting. Throughout our drive, we saw some more traditional village huts as well as some brick homes. Mrs. Kalinga explained to us that many people move to Blantyre from their villages in order to be able to work at the airport and other shops in the city. We also were excited to witness a beautiful Malawian sunset; the sun was the brightest red we'd ever seen!

The Kalinga farm is absolutely beautiful, and the garden has provided us with multiple photo opportunities. After enjoying the luxuries of Mrs. Kalinga's hospitality, such as a hot shower, we plan on heading to Zomba this afternoon. In Zomba, we will stay in Mrs. Kalinga's sister's home. It is a short drive from the village of Mtogolo. We plan on getting a taste of the village this evening; meeting some villagers and having a sort of orientation. Tomorrow morning we should be with the children at the preschool, and in the afternoon, we will be interacting with some of the older children, as well.

We may not have internet access until the weekend, so until then...

Pitani bwino!

Renee and Sarina