13/06
We delivered an inspiring speech to the youth of Luwinga Secondary School to rapturous applause. Jamie spoke about his education, Ivy (a member of Ungweru youth) on issues facing Malawian girls, James on dedication, Cormac and Rosanne on community development, Brave on HIV/AIDS and Precious on positive thinking. It was daunting when we entered the school hall to face 300 jeering students but it went well in the end. Work started on Temwanani orphan day-centre, we got the first coat of white paint on and we've big plans. John dragged us out to the local backpackers bar in the evening. McNeil, one of the Ungweru computer teachers, and his girlfriend came along. We went home but John continued to Hotel Mzuzu, the local nightclub. It was an interesting experience to say the least! He wandered in at some ungodly hour after fitting 10 people in a taxi home!


14/06
Up early to continue painting Temwanani. It's hard work and most of the paint is on our clothes. Local kids gave us a helping hand. Malawi beat Egypt in football, all the locals were celebrating! A successful day over all and on top of everything the sun is back again.

15/06
We travelled into the Bush with John for his Sunday mass. It was a tiny village nearly two hours into the countryside on a dirt track. This was the real Malawi!! The locals were incredibly hospitable and kind. They were honoured that we had come to visit their village. A priest says mass in there just 2 or 3 times a year. They gave us traditional food and tea before and after the mass. The mass itself was full of life, singing and dancing. We have alot to learn from their attitude. Despite the poverty the endure they're warmth and happiness is infectious. A local principal told us that there was 4 teachers to 600 students in his school!! We had a full pick-up truck on the trip back to Mzuzu as some locals hitched a ride. We witnessed some amazing views of the Malawi countryside. On the way home John showed us a school building that was built for just 5000euro thanks to a donation from Louth County Council, 3 classrooms for such a small amount of money.