A Change in Personnel

It is with some sadness that the MVP volunteers learned that three of the Marianist brothers here in Karonga will be leaving us soon. Due to needs in other parts of the District of East Africa, Fr. Richard, Bro. Bill, and Bro. Mazunda will be leaving at different times over the next few months. However, we won’t be left alone. With these brothers leaving, there are new brothers being moved here. Two of the three brothers coming have actually already lived and worked here, so their adjustment should be relatively easy. And from what we understand, all of the brothers who are coming are quite young and quite energetic. Apparently, all this has been in the works for some time, but I find it interesting that this is starting to happen after the struggles that have met Chaminade. I think it is a very encouraging thing that the Marianists are filling the large gaps left by the three outgoing brothers with some younger brothers who may be more able to relate and connect with the boys at Chaminade. Though I am definitely sad to see Fr. Richard, Bro. Bill, and Bro. Mazunda go, I’m very excited to meet the new brothers.

In response to the departure of these brothers, who, combined, have given over forty years of service to Chaminade and MIRACLE, Chaminade put on a grand going away party last night. It was an extremely formal event; however, I suppose every Malawian event is extremely formal by American standards. The evening was set to begin at 5PM. It seems that I am really starting to get used to things here because I was not at all surprised by the fact that we didn’t even leave our house until a quarter after six, and only did so upon hearing that Fr. Richard and Br. Bill were heading over. After some time for socializing, the program started at 6:45 and proceeded with a serious of welcomes, speeches, beverage distributions, dinner, more speeches, gift giving, and finally, dancing! This was the first event I attended where there was dancing, and boy did I love it! Though the style of dancing here is very different than in the US, it is still incredibly enjoyable. In fact, it may be even more enjoyable here, because EVERYONE dances. The dancing here is much slower and smoother, which also makes sense considering the fact that it is pretty hot here most of the year; any extravagant dancing would earn you a sweaty body in no time. But even though the dancing is slower and smoother, by no means do the Malawians mess around. Many of them are pretty hard core dancers, and there is no lack of passion, excitement, or enjoyment. It was really cool to see all the other teachers there and to see them in this light. Perhaps the best part of the night was the fact that our two cooks Alick and Vicki were able to attend. Since they both attended MIRACLE, they both have know Fr. Richard and Bro. Bill for some time. It was absolutely wonderful to sit with Alick and Vicki at the same table, right next to each other, sharing a meal, engaging in conversation, and even doing a good bit of dancing with them. It was a blast, and the evening is definitely one of my highlights here so far.