July 22, 2008 - “Madam, one of your sons passed his exams.”
Yesterday the cooks came to pick up the maize for the week. While we waited for Mabvuto to return from work Kelita told me, “Madam, one of your sons passed his exams.” At first I thought she was asking me a question so I told her I have no sons. She said “No, at the Day Care one of the boys and six of the girls passed their exams.” I was pleased that they passed. I was honoured and flattered that the children were referred to as mine. Of course they are not mine but It is interesting for me to see how much the Malawians value my contribution to their children.
At the Day Care we met the children and found that they all did reasonably well except those two who didn’t pass. Their excuses were that they did not prepare well enough. It is nice to see students taking responsibility for their actions. If they don’t pass the next exams they will not be promoted.
We are leaving now to deliver food and see the children.
Hi Jennifer,
Wow, what an experience thus far. I feel for you when you talk about your concerns about using Mabvuto too much, the language issues and living conditions. All I know is that for the rest of your life, when you look back and reminisce about your time in Malawi with the orphans…you’ll never question yourself about how you did it, you’ll only be proud that you did.
I know I’m already proud of you.