This will be my last post from Malawi and in many ways, it is quite worthless.
When I began this adventure, and subsequently this blog, I sent the address to friends and family members back home as a way to follow along with the sights, sounds, and experiences of my time in Malawi. What I didn't do, for a number of reasons, is share the blog's address with anyone here in-country. It was a conscious decision, to be sure, and one I do not regret, as it has given me the freedom to comment on everything that is occurring without fear of upsetting anyone, leaving anyone out, etc.
After my return to the states, I plan on still posting a few features here on Nthano - other stories, pictures, reactions to gifts, but I thought a fitting end to my time here would be to acknowledge the amount of people that have helped make this journey a success. I call the post worthless due to the fact that the people I am about to thank won't actually see this, but for my own sake, I need to showcase the people that have made this entire trip possible.
Julius - A driver, friend, confidante, and tour guide rolled into one. As invaluable as anyone I have ever known.
Misheck - The lone friendly face I counted on coming back to this country, Misheck did not disappoint. His assistance with Domasi College alone made the project feasible.
Francis - My big boss in Blantyre and the head of the Save the Children Basic Education team. From initial planning meetings to a final dinner at his residence, Francis was a great host and a great boss.
Chris - My big boss in Lilongwe. Much like Francis, our meetings were bookended by fantastic dinners and tied together with support and encouragement throughout.
Emmanual - One of the first people I met from Save the Children, and one of the few men who loves beer and sports more than I do.
Lawson - My good friend and driver from Mangochi whom I bonded with over bottles of Orange Fanta.
Nelson - Another driver, who was ready at a moment's notice to take me where I needed to go.
McPhearson - Save the Children media relations specialist and hopeful collaborator on future ad campaigns (with the use of my photos from the field).
Amy Jo - The big boss back in the US, Amy Jo was on constant 'emergency' call should anything go wrong/additional plans needed.
Godfrey - The youngest of the SC Basic Education staff. Quiet, but a steady, calming influence on me.
Pheobe - My first driver and co-witness to the great bike train that seemingly spread for miles.
Blessings - Yet another driver. Our time spent together was short, but as reliable as they come.
Jenipher - SC secretary and overall 'chaos' handler. From changing my ticket to having me take over the reception desk one day (that was nerve-racking) she always made me laugh and greeted me with a smile.
Samson - SC transportation coordinator. Has the unenviable job of managing an entire organization's worth of vehicles during a fuel shortage crisis. Amazing resolve and ingenuity.
Matthew and Ajeeba - SC Country Directors. I only met them in the last few days, but their support and encouragement of the project was exactly the gold stamp of approval I needed after a long two months.
Jeanette, McDonald, Hollyce, Esther C., Mercy, Greyson, Cosmas, Isabella, Marvellous, Chanthengo, Joseph, Esther M., Steven, Judith, & Talson - My team of research assistants/data collectors in the field assembled from Domasi College of Education. There is no project without them. Period.
Makay & The Madame - The most gracious hotel proprietors in the world (Blantyre edition).
Alexander - The most gracious hotel proprietor in the world (Zomba edition).
Innocent - The most memorable hotel employee in Lilongwe (and not for all the right reasons).
Dace - My West Texas friend with whom I shared the least pleasant alcohol ever invented, Chibuku (or as the locals call it 'Shake, Shake') and introduced me to the horrors of his 'Larium' dreams.
Marco Sadik - The gravel-voiced lead singer of my now favorite Malawian band.
Smart J - The sweet-voiced lead singer of my now 2nd favorite Malawian 'band'.
Florence & Arthur - One of the strangest couples I've ever met.
Dalitso & The Mistress - A painter with a silver tongue who couldn't be trusted with a three-dollar bill. Also, one of the strangest couples I've ever met.
Jonas - A scholar from Denmark with whom I shared beers and academic gobbledygook with.
Angelika - A scholar from Germany with whom I shared beers and academic gobbledygook with.
Catherine - A scholar from Holland with whom I shared beers and academic gobbledygook with.
Lora - A scholar from England (via Canada) with whom I shared beers and academic gobbledygook with.
Toshiakira - A scholar from Japan with whom I shared beers and academic gobbledygook with.
Stephen - An area sales manager for a steel corporation in Belgium with whom I shared beers and a long plane delay with.
The Lizard - A lizard from Malawi with whom I shared my bed with.
And to all those I either haven't mentioned or have no name for (looking at you Burly airport guy and Lilongwe bathroom repairman) I thank you for all the moments that made this trip exceed any expectations I could have had. I know none of you will see this, but hopefully my gratitude was able to come through over the past two months and I assure you none of you will be forgotten.
Here's to a safe return stateside and much-needed family time.
Cheers.
