Wednesday noonish in Blantyre

Today I've been working on the information that came out of yesterday's standards setting meeting. Moses is really going to look good when he goes to Ottawa to make his report.

Also, I'm starting to confirm and reconfirm arrangements for leaving Blantyre early in the morning for the coach for Lilongwe (four hour ride). Fortunately, the coach will drop me at the hotel at which I'm staying overnight. Then, I fly out of Lilongwe for Nairobi on Sunday. I'll be staying there on Monday with NO PLANNED activities, but I'm staying in at least a 4 star hotel, so I'm sure there will be lots to do within the immediate distance. On Tuesday, I'll be starting the safari, and it's then that I hope to see some wild animals (from a distance). As I'll be moving around from place to place, I'm not sure about email connection, so if you don't hear from me for the 8 day safari, don't assume I've been eaten by a lion! Plus, remember that I have a special fondness for cats and they know that!

I'm glad to hear that both LJ and SK have people in their classes, etc. who have skin darker than their's. That one of the beautiful things about the US, the melting pot has the potential for making interesting looking people! So far here, I've seen only black or white....no multicultural people. But, perhaps it just the places I've been.

I was asking Cosmas yesterday what percentage of people are living in poverty. He figures about 1 person out of 5. I'll have to check that, but I think it's higher. There definitely is an emerging middle class with new cars, nice clothes (the teachers, for instance). At breakfast in the morning, youngish professional people come in...nicely pressed shirts, suits, etc. It was noted in yesterday's workshop, that out of 18 participants, only 3 were female (plus me, made 4). Gender equity is taught in schools, and I guess it will take a long time before females have access to occpations.

I really don't having any exciting observation to make, except that I'm aware of my need since I've been to watch closely where I'm stepping....one foot in front of the other. The holes, rocks, missing steps, etc., could really cause a bad injury. The Canadian journalist told me she sprained her ankle badly in Tanzania. So, even though my arms are getting flabbier because I'm not in the water at the wellness center, my legs are getting lots of walking exercise. And, I have to say, I've proven to myself that I can STILL take this on! It's rather affirming to Mother, the White Saint!

Hey, any more questions?