Tuesday 9 February 2016

Monday in Malawi, by Reagan and Sasha

After 2 and a half days of tedious travelling, today we finally woke on our first day of teaching, bright and early in baking hot heat ready for breakfast at 7am! When first arriving at St. Maria Goretti primary school it was safe to say the whole team was feeling very overwhelmed by how happy the children were to see us.

 It was what felt like a long day in the heat but after the experience of teaching such an inspirational, well behaved group of children the team finally realised that all the travelling had paid off.

After the whole morning of teaching the children maths, English and science we realised that they knew a lot more than some of us expected! Despite this they were more than appreciative of ourselves and the resources we had brought to them and the sessions we were providing them with. The interaction between the team and the children was incredible and this makes us more excited for what the rest of the week is going to bring.

After lunch – Malawian style rice, beans and greens – we had a meeting with the class teachers to discuss what our plans were for the rest of the week, and see if they were happy with what we are thinking of teaching. Thankfully they are, although we have now done some tweaking to plans as a result of their feedback, and finding out this morning how clever the children are.

When returning to butterfly space, some of the team enjoyed a refreshing dip in Lake Malawi, whilst others relaxed on the deck, had showers and generally freshened up from feeling quite so hot and sticky.

Clean after showering, we all settled down for dinner, spaghetti bolognaise mmm.. followed by some of the team treating themselves with rocky road after. It’s approaching bedtime but before this we will be sat by the lake around the fire toasting marshmallows, drinking hot chocolate and having a debrief - what more could a team want before another eventful day of teaching tomorrow.

Reading the blog comments so far we’ve already had a few tears as the team are missing many people at home – but please don’t stop the comments, we love getting them.

Lots of love to you all and see you soon

Sash and Raeg xxxx

P.S – A massive happy 18th birthday to Tiana, we all hope you have the most amazing day and get spoilt rotten. Enjoy your day and we’ll all celebrate when we’re back. Oh and Bex also says happy birthday sending her love and to make sure you make it to sixth form on Wednesday morning xxxxxxx

P.P.S- Dear Mumma Raeg and Family.
Thank you so much for my comment, here safely and loving Malawi. I didn’t think you’d be able to work the blog so hearing from you was such a nice surprise that made me slightly emotional, please stay in touch as missing you all millions. Can’t wait to see you all when I’m home, it seems so long away. Hope everyone is well and send grandad and Brett my love, Love you so much!! Lots of love, Raeg xxxxxxxx

P.P.P.S –

Sally White, thank-you for my comments on the blog not 1 but 3!! this shows how much you really are missing me haha! Already had a few tears reading one of your comments but it’s absolutely beautiful here and having such a good time! Although I can’t wait to see you all when I’m back send everyone my love! Missing you all so much and I love you mum! Sasha xxxxxxxxxxx
















51 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi sasha so glad to hear u enjoyed your first day with the children they look lovely kids, very happy and obvi rather clever than u thought xx seems your struggling a bit with the food already but atleast try it you might surprise yourself x auntie sarah says to say hello and hope your having a good time and shes reading the blog everyday even thou she cant comment. I hope uve got enough clothes to last or that uve mastered how to handwash things lol. Sorry about the duplicate comments im only pressing send once but they seem to go on more but im not the only one xxx live and miss you loads live mum xxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Amber,
Once again a quick peek at your blog at work paid off!!
Its wonderful to see the pics - please make sure your taking and getting in plenty of them! Seeing the team in action makes us even more proud of the wonderful things you are achieving. Take care and enjoy every moment. All our love, kisses and hugs Mum & Dad xxxxxxxxxxxxx (I'll be back later must do some work now) lol xxxxx

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Sammy - missing you so much xx
Feeling emotional now reading the blog and seeing the photos! Great that you post the blog in time for my lunch break :)
Looks like you had a great first day. Well done to all. I am sure you all learnt something from today, as well as the children.
Keep up the good work. Hope the heat isn't too much. At least the wind has calmed here today.
Love you Sammy K. xx

Michelle said...

Hi ya Jems this is the 4th attempt at posting now! Yes we have also arrived into Africa albeit Gambia and 1000s of miles from you it's nice to know we are in the same continent! It's great to hear you arrived safely in butterfly space and it sounds idyllic, put your photography skills in action and get a shot for the hallway :)

I hope you are sleeping and eating lots brunch bars and strawbs will not last you! I hope you enjoyed your first day of teaching bet the children are loving having you all there. Take care make sure you put plenty of sunlotion on and drink lots, love you loads Mum and Steve xxx

Tinytriny said...

Hi Beca missing you so much but pleased your having fun . Love you lots

Unknown said...

Hi Madison, sorry this is my first post but have been on nights and working during the day too!
Have been missing you lots although not the swim runs, haha.
Lovely to see the photos ( get yourself in a few more, lol )and to hear how the teaching is going...are the children loving your blonde hair?
Hope the lessons go well and that you are managing to swim in the lake and are enjoying the heat ;)
Hope the food is good and that all of you are getting on well...
Love you loads,
Mum xxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Ellie

Your first day looks amazing.
Love reading the blogs and seeing the photos of you all.
Its very strange without you here. Your sisters are taking it in turns to sleep in your bed (they love you really ).
Keep working hard and making the most of because before you know it you will be home.

Hope you've had just as good day today.
Love you lots mum ,dad and lil (I'm sure Keely will pipe up soon ;-))

P.S your group photo hasn't made the echo yet but your dad did at the football. SHOCK !!!!!!

Love ya. Xxxxx

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Hi Amber, it honestly looks amazing in Malawi, I wish I could be there to be sharing the memories with you! I don't think you realise how amazing it is to be seeing my sister in Africa! I hope you're having a great time and not missing me too much;) like I said he other day it feels weird without you here but at the same time I can just watch my TV;) love you lots, can't wait to see you soon. P.S happy pancake day my boy;) just picture me with a Nutella and banana pancake later;)xxxxx

Nehpets said...

♠ ♠ ♠ JACQUELYN ♠ ♠ ♠ - Well as you can see I finally figured out how to change my google account blogger name - less confusion with your brother :)

Hope you haven't had to re think your physics lesson too much - Remember the K.I.S.S principle Keep It Super Simple

Today the weather has been a little better here in Bearwood -certainly good for February

Found another quote on a similar theme . . .

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So . . . explore, dream & discover” Mark Twain and your Father

Always thinking of you ♥ ♥ ♥

mumma page said...

Hey Lamara, we are reading the blog every day sounds like your all having an amazing experience and have done so much already!
We celebrated pancake day yesterday and Layton shouts out " lamaras not hear so I'm eating all her pancakes!"lol
Don't worry lam il make you some extra special ones for when u come home :)
Logan wants me to pass on that he misses you and hopes you are not missing him too much.;)
Dad says love ya chick!
Nala & Winston thought they would take advantage of you not being here and tried to eat your lami that was under your bed, not to worry I stopped them in time! Lol
Any way my girl love u to the moon and back X mum X

Unknown said...

Hi Amber you are actually amazing I don't know if I could do what you're doing, it's so nice to hear that you and your team are getting on so well xxx

So proud of my bestie <3

Sara said...

Hi Abby,
The Blog pictures of you all teaching the children look fabulous, just think a year ago you were dreaming of this & now your doing it ....
Enjoy every moment !!!!!
On a sadder note my Pancake Queen isn't here to over see the pancake making so they've had to settle for mine .... im sure they will all live lol
love you heaps Big Girl & keep up the good work , we couldn't be more prouder.
Well done everyone !!!!
Lots of love Mum , Dad , Amy & Alfie Xx

mumma page said...

Hi Lamara how are you doing? I miss you from Layton

Unknown said...

Hi hope your having an amazing time sash, im so proud of you and enjiy every minute as it will go so fast. Cant wait till your home as miss you so much love you lots love carly xxxx

Unknown said...
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Mum and Dad Beardmore said...

Oh my Gosh Oli Bear....We are sooooo soo proud of you...Seeing you there helping others. We are proud of you all. It looks an amazing place. I hope you know your maths well enough to 'up your game' for the lessons tomorrow xxx Keep practising your times tables tonight. xx lol xxx spray. Net and pop xxxx love you love you .xxxxx

Unknown said...

Hello everyone, thankyou for my birthday message it made my day. Hope your all having an amazing adventure and cant wait to see you all and celebrate my birthday when your all home. Reassure Bex that i will be in mice and early for assembly tomorrow( well maybe lol) and that her classroom is fairly clean and tidy too. Enjoy the rest of your stay and see you all soon much love to my girlies love tiana xxxxx

Lisahopton said...

Hi Boo, it looks like you are having a ball!! I hope you're teaching the kids good stuff! Lol. I bet you love it there. It sounds like an amazing place. We bumped into the Beardmores on Sunday. Tell Ollie that his baby bro is the cutest thing ever! He is so polite. We are all fine here. Harrison is busy setting up dotcom film. We miss you so much. I can't wait to see you and hear all about your amazing experience. Don't forget to "live in the moment " . Love you more than cupcakes and stuff ;-) lots of love, mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Sammy,
I miss you here in Bournemouth and saw the photos and think they look cool.I think i managed to spot you in one of them.
Now i really want to be there.
When you come home you can tell me all about it. What fun!!!
love you and miss you still Nomesxxx

Lisahopton said...

P.s, Phil says he is looking after your guitars ;-). You know how highly strung he is. He said don't fret its in good hands. There's no major damage, only minor. I think he wants to take it to the barre to see his mate Les Paul. He has an idea he wants to pitch ;-). Miss you Bailey, love Phil (the master of puns) x

Unknown said...

Aww looks like your all having an amazing time, Ellie bet your gutted your missing pancake day! Only joking so proud of you sis love you love Keely xx

Unknown said...

Well it looks like your first day was absolutely amazing. Wishing we were with you Chloe. Hope your next teaching day is just as amazing. Love you lots and very proud of you. Xxxx

Tina Baker said...

Hi Sasha glad to hear you're having a good time, I had dinner with you're mum, lasagne it was absolutely gorge. She's not a bad cook bless her lol. Gonna have pancakes too and I'm all excited. Love you lots babe xxxxxxx Tina

Unknown said...

Hey Fruit Loop!!

Love the photo's of you teaching the children.

Looks like you are having a fab time and a natural at teaching!! Maybe you have found your vocation!!

Mum has just had two jabs in both arms for hols, I had to go in and hold her hand!!!

Happy Shrove Tuesday!

Off to make lots of pancakes now! Will make you some when you are home!!

Looking forward to tomorrow's blog and lots more photo's.

Lots of love & kisses

Mum & Reebs
Xxxx

P.s.

I hope you haven't been teaching anyone the towel whipping now you are a master at it!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Lewis!!

I hope you're having an awesome time, we miss you and can't wait for you to get back :) we are so proud of you. Max is recovering at home but he's doing well. We are just eating pancakes for pancake day :D love you to the stars!! Lucy and John xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Lewis!!

I hope you're having an awesome time, we miss you and can't wait for you to get back :) we are so proud of you. Max is recovering at home but he's doing well. We are just eating pancakes for pancake day :D love you to the stars!! Lucy and John xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Lamara,
Looks and sounds like your having a great time, hope the flight wasn't too bad, we are all missing you and will have a huge roast waiting for you when u get back. Bobby has chickenpox he loves being off school playing Xbox (any excuse) Tommy says he misses u dundle and sends you a snotty kiss lol. enjoy and speak soon xxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Dear Jemma,
Hope you're having an amazing time!! The pictures look great, although I can't imagine you're enjoying the Malawian rice beans and greens ahaha! Missing you like mad, but it's only two days till I go to America yayyy! I'm so proud of you for going out there and helping so many people- love you loads and hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. I wonder if you've eaten all those sweets yet, especially the Giant strawbs! Love ya chummy
Bee xxx

Danielle Carey said...

Hiya Megan,

Glad to see your having an amazing time teaching. Love seeing you in a couple of the photos. I bet your not enjoying the food but don't worry your suitcase is packed with sweets and chocolates.

I've been seeing your red cherry bombing around recently.

Nan brought me a new storage unit today. Also mum brought me a new gel colour today, you'll love it!! Can't wait to show you.

Been home for dinner tonight and it's not the same without you here. Been a coupe of times were I wanted to text you for a chat but I can't.

Shane said 'hope your catching a tan, remember to stay safe. He's glad his hard work at the car boot paid off!!! Also dont forget my big present'

Missing you lots. Love you always.

Danielle and Shane xxxxxx

mandy said...

Hi megan.

Looks like your first day teaching went well. Nice to hear the children are challenging you. I bet you're enjoying the food that is provided. Mum is glad you haven't been eaten by any crocodiles from the lake. Update on doggy,he went to work with dad today and that was the last we have seen of him. We missed you in the kitchen tonight making our pancakes.
We are so proud of you and miss you loads xxxxxxx
P.s. A shout out to Miss Cummings from asia as I know you don't have many comments xxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Amber
We're thinking about you all the time, wondering what your doing. Right now I'm picturing you snuggled up fast asleep under your mozzie net and covered in repellent!!
Not sure what you'd think of the rice and beans but it looks like you've been lucky so far having spaghetti bolognese twice! Hopefully your treats are keeping you topped up!
Looking forward to tomorrow's update and more pics.
Love u, miss u, can't wait to see u. Mum & Dad xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx

Unknown said...

Hey Abby just been reading the blog it sounds amazing!!!!
The children look so happy to see you all. I love reading what your up to.
The weather here has got better and even the sun came out today..!!!
Not much to report from my end but looking forward to reading tomorrow's blog from you.
Lots of love
Auntie Helen, Uncle Tim, Baylin and Hayden xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Lewis :)
It looks like you're having a fantastic time. The school children all look so smart and happy and Butterfly Space looks beautiful. I might have been a tad emosh seeing the pictures of you. I miss our cuddles and sit down Saturdays to watch The Voice :D Max is feeling ok, his tummy is slightly sore but he has a week off school so he is one happy chappy! I hope you are eeking out the mini cheddars and didnt scoff them all on the plane :D Don't forget to take the pics for the A.I.B in the t-shirts and don't forget that we all love you sooooooooooooo much! Drink lots and stay awesome. Sherbet lemons, peace out, teabag. Mahoosive hugs and a squillion kisses, Mum, Dad, Max and Moo Moo xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
P.s Max says that he loves you very much and he can't wait for you to come home but he hopes you are having a great time in Malawi. xxxxxxx <3

Unknown said...

sash this looks like such an amazing experience and im so proud of you!hope your having an amazing time and making the most of it, lots of love meg b x

Unknown said...

Hey livvy, nice to see you in a picture and so glad you are all enjoying it there. More than you thought you would I'm sure. Miss you sooo much as always. So much I have to keep busy. Giggs and Fergie need loves to. Rach said you're not to come back too tanned..... can't wait to hear more. Love you more than you can imagine. Mum xxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hey livvy, nice to see you in a picture and so glad you are all enjoying it there. More than you thought you would I'm sure. Miss you sooo much as always. So much I have to keep busy. Giggs and Fergie need loves to. Rach said you're not to come back too tanned..... can't wait to hear more. Love you more than you can imagine. Mum xxxxxxxx

Fi said...

Hi Eveyone
I know you will all be having an amazing time!
Dan ....... I had flash backs of your Ethopia pics this week as I had my first ever nose bleed!!
We know you won't be missing us but the house is very quiet and very TIDY. Even J said he misses you!
Good news ... Granny is going really well and feeling much better and her and Grandad send their love
Take care and try and not get too emotional .... About coming home!!
Love you loads Mum (and Jay) xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Sammy!
We have read the blog and seen the photos. It looks like you're having a great time! What a great experience for you and them alike! The children must love having you all there!
We are all ok. All systems go with the move. We have boxes everywhere! Nessa is very worried that I might bubble wrap her!!
Can't wait to see you and hear all your stories. Wish I was there too. Enjoy every moment darling. We love you lots and lots xx big hugs from Lenlen, Dad, Julia, Lewis and Nessa xxxx

Unknown said...

Hey Fruit Loop!!

Love the photo's of you teaching the children.

Looks like you are having a fab time and a natural at teaching!! Maybe you have found your vocation!!

Mum has just had two jabs in both arms for hols, I had to go in and hold her hand!!!

Happy Shrove Tuesday!

Off to make lots of pancakes now! Will make you some when you are home!!

Looking forward to tomorrow's blog and lots more photo's.

Lots of love & kisses

Mum & Reebs
Xxxx

P.s.

I hope you haven't been teaching anyone the towel whipping now you are a master at it!!!

heidi nye said...

Hi Mollie and Becca, feel like I have 2 daughters away not just 1 because my house is so quiet
Everyone at home keep asking how your doing and send there love
Will sort the spa day out today if the woman answers her phone
Well keep up the good work everyone
Lots of love
Mum dad and Rebecca xxxxx

Unknown said...

Love you sonson xxx

Hollie xxxxx said...

Hello darlings! Currently sat in Bex's room with Tiana not feeling great! Certainly gave T a night to remember!!!! Eating crisps and chocolates! Looks like you're all having such a good time!! How's Mollie getting on camping!! And sasha eating all the different foods! Me and t are bruised and blistered out from all the dancing but going strong for assembly at 8.30 this morning! With zero sleep! Trying to revise... Not that successful!!! Everything's okay back at home, no gossip to report for my girls! But got our eyes out! Sash you know what we mean!!! Missing you all! See you soon! Being back the heat it's freezing at home!!! Okay T has just fallen asleep!!!! Bless!!! Lots of love Hollie xxxxxxxxxx P.S to Sasha- Ollie said remember the lion!!!! X

Unknown said...

Miss you sash. I have been keeping my needy eye on Carly so se behaves;) hope your enjoying yourself love you lots xxxxxx

Unknown said...

Been having a moment today miss you soo flipping much its unreal might squeeze the life outta you when i see you tuesday. Keep up the good work and have fun while doing it. Hopeing your cicking that camera lots, love you soo much love mum xxxxx p.s hows mollie coping with camping??

Auntie Lorraine said...

So so proud of you Reagan! You're all doing an amazing job out there. Love reading the blog and seeing what you've been up to. Stay safe and thoroughly enjoy every moment. Look forward to hearing more from you. Love you loads Reagan. Auntie Lorraine, Uncle Mark, Lauren and Freya �� xxx

Auntie Lorraine said...

So so proud of you Reagan! You're all doing an amazing job out there. Love reading the blog and seeing what you've been up to. Stay safe and thoroughly enjoy every moment. Look forward to hearing more from you. Love you loads Reagan. Auntie Lorraine, Uncle Mark, Lauren and Freya �� xxx

Zoe McCullough said...

Hi Ellie,
We've just been looking at the blog and it looks like you're having a great time and it's lovely to see the photos too.
I'm sure the children will benefit from all that you're teaching them and your memories of this trip will last forever.
Have fun and look after yourself.
Love you lots Auntie Zoe, Alex and Claudia xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Raegan, it all looks amazing were very jealous lol weather here is crap lol, glad your having an amazing time we all miss you to, but I must say my shopping bill was cheaper this week so now we're know who eats all the chocolate biscuits haha, love u lots xxxx love all of us xxxx

Unknown said...

Hello guys Hope you all are having a good time :) just a message for my sister iona... Iona me and mum are so proud of and we miss u so much.. I hope you don't get bitten...too much at least ha have a lovely time everyone from Jonathan xx