Happy Bread Makers

Some of the ladies were on a one day bread making course organised by TEVETA. The were supplied with various baking tins to allow them to continue making bread and raise some funds for the Womens' Development Centre and the Catholic Womens' Organisation in the Parish. We were very impressed.

Heating up the clay oven

The first day the ladies made the clay oven and collected the necessary firewood.  The next day they set about heating up the oven by burning the firewood and branches in the oven for a few hours to get the clay bricks hot. Once heated the hot ash was removed.

Kneading the dough

Tins ready for the oven

Placing the tins in the oven

The ladies prepared the dough, put it inside plastic bags and left it out in the sun. It was kneaded and prooved.  Next the dough was carefully put in the baking tins and placed carefully inside the oven which was then sealed off by placing iron sheeting on top.  The burning hot ash was then placed on top of the iron sheeting to keep the oven hot.  The bread was baked in the oven for around 20 mins.

Spreading the hot ash onto the iron sheeting

We were amazed when the oven lid as removed to reveal beautifully baked loaves; they smelled delicious and tasted good.

Delicious loaves ready for sale

Weddings

We have been invited to several weddings here in Mzuzu.  It is strange for us to attend the wedding service at 8.00a.m. The sun is shining at this time and it is much cooler for us which is good.  We have been to weddings at St. Peter's Cathedral, one of the outstations and at the CCAP.  We find it very interesting and entertaining to watch the bridesmaids and best men dance down the aisle, leading the bride and groom who dance behind.  It is clear to us the rehearsals that take place focus very much on the dance routines; you cannot help but feel a sense of joy.

Bridesmaids in red and yellow dancing with best men to lead the bride and groom to the altar.

After the wedding service in the Church everyone goes home and then attends the reception later in the day, usually about 1.00p.m. At the reception the newly married couple are led into the hall by the "sample couple" they have chosen to emulate...dancing along the red carpet.  The bridesmaids and best men dance their routines.   The hall is decorated with the chosen colours of the bridal party.  Throughout the afternoon there are many dances where groups of people are invited to come and dance.  When you dance you throw money at the couple to provide them with a good start to their married life or to help pay for their wedding. The newly married couple dance throughout.  Later the pieces of the wedding cake are auctioned off.  Guests are given a gift of thanks for their support; a bottle of coke or Fanta and a bun.

Paul and Dorothy entering their reception in St. Peter's Hall

Gifts for the Bride & Groom

Baby Martin

Baby Martin is growing well.  At his recent visit to the hospital clinic, he weighed 9.5kg. His grandmother still carries him around on her back but very soon we can see he will be walking.  At the moment he is holding onto our furniture and wobbling a bit. Today Martin is wearing brand new boots, sent from his aunt in South Africa.

Support for Others

We have met a few times with the members of the St Vincent De Paul Society within the Parish.  They visit the sick, elderly and needy in the area and give support where they can.  The members relayed their concern for some vulnerable people particularly during the forecasted famine period, December to March. Fortunately, due to donations from people in Scotland the SVP will be able to assist 17 identified people; maize, beans, salt and washing soap will be issued monthly during the lean months.  It is difficult for us to imagine what it will be like during these lean months; to us “famine” is a word we have read in books or footage and photos viewed in the media.  To us famine is something in the distance, however, it is very real to people here.  I wonder how the children will cope, particularly during the Christmas holidays.  During school time children are used to eating a cup of porridge provided by Mary’s Meals but as one parent said, she will not be able to provide food midday; her family will get one small meal daily. It makes you reflect how much we eat and perhaps waste at home and how comfortable our lives are in UK.  I am aware many people struggle in U.K., but not like this.

SVP are dependent on donations from well wishers. Once again, with donations from people in Scotland, SVP now have a little fund for assisting individuals in an emergency and recently solar lights were purchased for some students to allow them to study in the evenings.

3 students and 2 SVP members with new solar lights

SVP member with provisions for the lean months

Music

We enjoy living in the city of Mzuzu and one of the benefits recently has been access to some music concerts. It has been wonderful to listen to live music in the open air. Everyone here enjoys singing and dancing.  Although there is a very good atmosphere at the events, initially it can be unsettling when you see the soldiers patrolling around with their rifles over their shoulders. Lucius Banda and the Black Missionaries, Malawi's top musicians, gave wonderful performances.

Fitzgerald Simfukwe & the Never Ending Meditators

Lucius Banda

Black Missionaries