Our last committee meeting

We had arranged to hold our last committee meeting at 2pm at Nancy’s restaurant. Before that we were due to meet with Mvano but no one showed up.  The rest of  our committee was definitely in Malawi time as the meeting only started at 3:15 pm!!!  As the members arrived we had the laptop (that the Dunblane Committee are gifting to aid in communication) up and running with a slide show of not only our current visit but also previous trips.  It was a real hit.  Our committee stood around oohing and aahing and having a good laugh.  We even had some videos of some of the choirs singing which we played during dinner.

The meeting itself was great. A lot of it was a confirmation if decisions that had been made with various groups during the week.  There was further discussion about the Tailor Project  (mmmm) but also a real affirmation about how well the visit had gone and the impact that the Partnership was having in both communities. 

During the meeting, one of the bands from the church arrived. Formerly known as Brothers in Christ they have renamed themselves the Likhubula CCAP Band as they had a young woman join. As the sun set, they played one of their CDs and sang and danced along.  It was so much fun!

Nancy had made a lovely meal. We had pizza as a starter and some of the committee had never tried it.  It was then lovely chicken and rice for dinner with some veggies.  Jenni and I are always amazed at how much food can go on a Malawian’s plate, it’s piled right up high.  Nancy announced  that there was some extra and without even finishing what was one their plate, some went up for more.  I think there was a plan to take some home (small plastic bags were produced out of pockets) but Nancy  was quite honest in saying that the food had been made for them. 

Nancy also made a gorgeous cake that she decorated herself.  I loved that she started out writing Dunblane but didn’t have enough space so the ne came on the next line! 

We also  exchanged some gifts of pens and Scotland stickers. We were given lovely handbags made of wood and some beautiful cloth.  Mvano also gave us some homemade bags that they had sewn themselves (future tailor project?)

There was a real sense of  community and fellowship at our meeting and indeed all week.  It was a lovely way to finish up our time at Likhubula.  Car leaves tomorrow at 10 am for Balaka and Chifundo Artisans’ Network.