Frances went down for the count this morning so I took an early leave from my work. She was complaining about a stomach ache and was running a slight fever.. So, she is currently chilling on the couch watching cartoons.. It has really been enjoyable being at the same school as the kids.. Makes it very convenient.
One of the great things about being home from work so much this past week+, is that I've been able to see the family that takes care of our home and how the interact, work together... I'm not sure how to describe it, but i think the best word is quiet.. Rabina and Cam go about their work all day, while their son William (photo below) plays.. He goes into the yard, tows around an old laundry basket with a string, plays with a few toys we've given him and seems to help his dad "water the yard". Rabina ties him to her back as she irons the clothes, and he seems to fall asleep every time.. She sings to him quietly as she goes about her work.. William is absolutely adorable and every time we pull into the driveway he yells.. "Azungu, Azungu!!" which in Chichewa means "White person, white person!" there aren't many of us here, and it's heard quite often as we go about our day. At noon or so, Rabina will boil water, pick some vegetables from the garden and prepare lunch for the three of them. they sit outside in the yard on a grass mat and eat together.. Rabina today made spinach with peppers.. Once she is finished for the day, she catches a mini bus back to their village (which is about a 10-15 minute drive).. She saves everything and uses everything... She reuses sandwich bags... cleans them, turns them inside out and clips them to the window drapes to dry.. I always feel bad throwing items away...
Yesterday we stocked up on some fresh vegetables at one of my favorite shops in Lilongwe. It is attached to a gas station near our school, and I usually stop in once a week.. They don't have alot of variety, but what they have is local and delicious.... And most importantly .. very cheap. I bought fresh strawberries, cucumbers, broccoli , tomatoes, banana fritter snacks for the kids , bananas and green peppers.. cost me 5$.. Malawi is one place that eating fresh vegetables and fruits will not cost an arm and a leg..the photos below are of the shop.. one of them has a smoked fish displayed.. This was a huge portion for about 2$.. I wanted to try it, but will probably wait until another day..
It's Friday here and we have no real plans for the weekend. We opted not to go out of town this weekend, but may try a short drive outside the city to take in some village life.. other than that, we'll head to the pool and lounge around.
Lastly, I mentioned all the noise that can wake you up in the morning here.. About 4 this morning, but local mosque started its morning prayers... the link below is the prayer heard from our bed.. I don't how the quality is, but it was very loud this morning... Hope all is well at home.. have a great weekend everyone!!!
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| William on our side porch |
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| smoked fish |
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| Local fruit and vegetable shop |
