Friday 12 February 2016

Thursday by Maddie K and Penny



Today we went to the school where we taught our classes simple biology, senses and the solar system. We ordered the planets in order of size and decorated the classroom alongside the handprints we made in yesterdays class. It was great to see that the children have become more confident working with us and it is going to be really difficult breaking the bond we have formed over the past week when we leave.

Madison K, Amber and Beca visited the children at the visually impaired school today across the road from St Marie. A little girl called Hilda taught us how she has learnt to write her name in braille, a boy called Joseph showed us how he uses the abacus to count and the team taught them fun, simple songs such as head, shoulders, knees and toes, which they caught on very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed.

Penny, Lamara, Iona, Sasha, Megan and Mollie got the opportunity to visit the local hospital in Nkhata bay. We got to visit the Paediatric, Maternity and Outpatients wards. Whilst handing out bundles of clothes and medical kit a lady had just given birth to her baby girl who was just minutes old when we saw her. The hospital had just been opened and was very modern, however, it is unlikely the hospital will continue to run due to financial barriers.

In the afternoon we had the pleasure of working with Butterfly youth club for the second time. We did arts and crafts, played games and sang and dance with the children. Many of the children made gifts for the team from the resources we had donated to them. This gesture was lovely as the children have so little but wanted to give back to us for our work.

It is going to be extremely hard and emotional to leave such an amazing and inspirational part of Africa in a couple of days but we are all excited to come home and miss everyone lots. See you soon!

Note from Helen: after today, we are travelling to Liwonde tomorrow - no internet, and then Sunday will be safari drive - no internet, and then to Lilongwe, when internet will resume. Blogs will resume ASAP

































39 comments:

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Love hearing all about your experiences and sounds like another great one was had today. I bet the hospital visit was an eye opener compared to ours but what a great oppurtunity to get to go and see. Im beginning to get used to seeing you without a face lol as you seem to have developed a fetish for stickers lol. Hope u enjoy the last few days especially the safari and its not too sad when you leave them lively children. Safe travelling to you all. Love mum xx

Unknown said...

Morning Penny , your blog and photos are amazing it's like we are with you through your trip. Enjoy your last few days make the most of the time you have. I know you were looking forward to the safari I'm sure it will be amazing .
Have a safe trip home .
Love you loads

Mumma and Reebs.xxxx

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Good morning livvy and Co. Make the most of your last few days. Please don't bring any extra luggage home like a small child..... the less luggage you all have the better. It's gonna be a squeeze on the mini buses..... have fun and take lots of pics on the safari. At least you a memory card in the camera this time.
Missing and live you loads.
Josh said hi but he's not missing you. Lol
See you all tuesday at heathrow bright and early xxxx

Unknown said...

Good morning livvy and Co. Make the most of your last few days. Please don't bring any extra luggage home like a small child..... the less luggage you all have the better. It's gonna be a squeeze on the mini buses..... have fun and take lots of pics on the safari. At least you a memory card in the camera this time.
Missing and live you loads.
Josh said hi but he's not missing you. Lol
See you all tuesday at heathrow bright and early xxxx

Unknown said...

Morning Ellie , missing you so much , it doesn't feel like a home without you here. We all love reading your stories and looking at your pictures. Everyone seems really happy and putting a smile on someone's face is priceless. I know you would have put your heart and soul into this so enjoy your last few days and take loads of photos on safari. The whole family have been following your adventure and look forward to you telling them all about it when you are home. Stay safe and look after each-other. Proud always and love you loads. Dad xxxx

Sara said...

Hi Abby, it feels like you've been gone ages but I know you haven't really , enjoy every moment of these last few days & take a moment to take it all in , it's such a wonderful adventure you've been on & one we can't wait to hear about ..... I hope you've remembered to take a few photos of the experience & don't forget a few of the safari too . Thankyou to all who have taken time to write the blog & take photos it really dose feel like we have been on this journey with you , it's been quite literally my high light of the day to see what you've all been getting up to & to have a glimpse of my Big Girl <3
Safe travelling. We love you loads love Mum , Dad , Amy & Alfie Xxxxx

Mum and Dad Beardmore said...

Dear Oli x The thought of leaving these children must be very heart breaking for you all. You all must be so incredibly honoured to be part of their lives for even such a short period of time. It is obvious that they have welcomed you with open arms and I hope you will treasure these memories forever. x We hope you all have an amazing time on your Safari...DO AS YOU ARE TOLD XXX and remember Spray, Net and Pop. xxxx Lots of love from all the family xxxx

Courtney said...

Hey Amber, awh it was so lovely to see that you went to a visually impaired school today! Right now we're in the caravan {six penny handley haha}. Nanan and Gramps are gonna show everyone the blogs later too! Look like youre having a great time, try and get into more of the photos were looking forward to seeing you in them!;) Love you lots and lots Nanan, Gramps and Courts.
PS: Nanan says "Keep safe, we're missing you lots and thinking of you, love you babe.' xxxxx

Michelle said...

Hi Jemma,

Once again it was lovely to read about what you all have been up to and look at the latest photos.

We are sure you will all have a great time on Safari and see lot of animals don't go stroking the lions!

When the time comes have a good journey home and look forward to hearing all your wonderful tales.

Hugs & kisses Nan,Grandad and Bailey XXX

Lisahopton said...

Boo Boo, yet more amazing pictures. The one where you are holding up the little one to hit the volleyball made me cry. I'm so very proud of what you are doing. This experience is one of those that you will talk about forever. Totally life changing for those children. I hope they have enjoyed meeting you all. I'm sure you and Ollie will have made an impact on them with your smiles and giggles. Love you more than blackcurrant ;-). Have an amazing time on safari! Behave...lol. Miss you loads and loads. Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi everyone

Have an amazing last few days you've all been amazing and by the looks of it done a fab job. Be proud.

Ellie the time is coming to an end probably too quickly for you but we are looking forward to having you home. Make the most of it, hope you have fun on the safari and like dad says take loads of pics.

Good luck with all that travelling again and don't forget your sickness tablets.

Love you lots and lots

Mum. Xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Sammy
Feeling emotional again! Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday. Enjoy your last few days. Have fun. Love Mum xx

mumma page said...

Hey Lamara, it's so lovely to read what u all have been up too, the pictures are amazing and everyone looks like their all having so much fun. So pleased you visited the hospital I know you was so looking forward to that experience.
I can't wait for you to be home so please enjoy the rest of your days and have a safe journey home try and sleep on the plane :) love you mum x

Michelle said...

Hi ya Jemma

Sounds like another day of of experiences for you all and I'm sure it will be difficult for you all saying goodbye to the children but just think about what a great week you have given to them.
Enjoy your last evening at butterfly space and your journey onwards. As there is no internet for you now for a couple of days have a fab time on your safari can't wait to hear all about it and see all the photos.
Steve and I are off to a village school and local Gambian home tomorrow so we have our bag full of goodies for them so will also be thinking of you when we are there.
Glad to see you eating with Bailey! Looks like pancake but I'm sure it was not.
Bethany is off on her travels today too but she will be a little colder than you! I messaged her and said have a great time.
Love you loads Mum and Steve xx

Darren Toms Coaching said...

Hi Sammy

Glad to hear you're having a good time. Loving the photos and the great work you're all doing

All ok here. A few small changes re moving house will let you know all about it next week. Enjoy your weekend there and take LOADS of photos.

See you soon

Love
Dad, Elena, Julia, Lewis and Nessa

Dan Potter said...

Hi Helen!
Thinking and praying for you whilst you're away each time I remember you. I hope you're enjoying being there and catching up with the projects, as well as seeing the growth in the team. I'm sure they're all having to get their head round a lot through each new experience... hi everyone, go easy on yourselves and think about the change you'll make back in the UK!
Have a great last couple of days (safari eh?!) and safe travels as you go on to Uganda and join the others guys there. Do tell John & Sophie I'm looking forward to seeing them again later in the year.
Love from Thornbury and the UK,
Dan

Nehpets said...

♣ ♣ ♣ JACQUELYN ♣ ♣ ♣ - Saw your Mama today and showed her the photos so far.
For whatever reason I could not access the messages on my laptop so she wasn't able to leave a message personally but she has asked me to send her love - hope you have a safe trip home and can't wait to hear all about it.

Your Nana and Grandad have also asked me to act as intermediary with their message Hi Jacquelyn thanks to your papa we have been able to read all the blogs from your trip, and seen all the photo's. You all seem to be having a jolly time as well as helping the children. Hope you have good journey home. We are looking forward to seeing you, and hearing all about your trip. Take care. Lots of love Nana and Grandad xxx

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us" - Flora Edwards

"In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can" - William Barclay

Have a good time in Liwonde and on the Safari Drive and I can't wait to hear and see all about it when the blog resumes (hopefully) in Lilongwe

Enjoy the rest of your time in Malawi and I hope you have as good a trip as two days on the road will allow returning back to the UK :)

Unknown said...

hey Lamara and Megan!!! I just wanted to say how proud of I am of you both, I love seeing all the pictures everyday, just seeing the difference you're making to the world is truly amazing!! you're both so strong and that just makes me the proudest bestfriend ever, keep looking after eachother and I can't wait til you're home so I can hear all about it and give you both the biggest hugs, I love you both millions xxxx

Unknown said...

Lewis we are glad you are having such a great time, everyone is so proud of you and everyone there. I hope you're going to enjoy the rest of your trip! The pictures are great. Miss you loads love you more xxxxxxx Lucy & John <3

mandy said...

Hi megan
It been lovely reading the blog each day and looking through the photo's. It's been the hi-light of my day. I just wish I was a fly on the wall.
All the children look so happy and having so much fun, which is going to make it really hard for you when it comes to leave. You and the rest of the team have made such a impact in their life's over the last week, they will never forget nor will you guys, you should all be very proud of yourselves. Enjoy your last few days as they will go so quick.
I'm glad all my bag packing, fun days and of course the car boots.Standing behind that table in the cold and the heat with hangovers and all sorts, arguing with people cos all they want to pay is 50p. It's all paid off as you have gain another amazing experience and memories that will last forever. (But if I see another carboot it will be to soon.)
I know you was looking forward to the safari as well, so enjoy it you deserve it.
Got to admit I'm a bit emotional today, missing you so much.
Can't wait to see you Tuesday and hear all about your experience and hopefully see some pics.
Take care love you lots mum xxx

mandy said...

Hi megan
It been lovely reading the blog each day and looking through the photo's. It's been the hi-light of my day. I just wish I was a fly on the wall.
All the children look so happy and having so much fun, which is going to make it really hard for you when it comes to leave. You and the rest of the team have made such a impact in their life's over the last week, they will never forget nor will you guys, you should all be very proud of yourselves. Enjoy your last few days as they will go so quick.
I'm glad all my bag packing, fun days and of course the car boots.Standing behind that table in the cold and the heat with hangovers and all sorts, arguing with people cos all they want to pay is 50p. It's all paid off as you have gain another amazing experience and memories that will last forever. (But if I see another carboot it will be to soon.)
I know you was looking forward to the safari as well, so enjoy it you deserve it.
Got to admit I'm a bit emotional today, missing you so much.
Can't wait to see you Tuesday and hear all about your experience and hopefully see some pics.
Take care love you lots mum xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Amber
We've been playing "where's Amber" all week and finally spotted u again today! (Well part of you)!
Hope saying goodbye to the children wasnt too emotional, cherish all the wonderful moments you've shared and remember the happiness you've all given to each other. We really can't wait to hear all about your adventure and see all of your pictures.
Take care and have a safe journey, will be thinking of you enjoying the safari - a wonderful way to end your amazing week.
See u soon babe, all our love your very proud Mum and Dad xxxxxxxxxxx

Nehpets said...

The hospital had just been opened and was very modern, however, it is unlikely the hospital will continue to run due to financial barriers

Very upsetting to hear - especially with all of your involvement with the community over this last week.

JUST AN IDEA AT THE MOMENT

What about ALL OF YOU starting a fundraiser back in the UK in an effort to try and save it :)

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do" - H. Jackson Brown Jr

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why" - Mark Twain

At least discuss it and if nothing else will make the long trip back home less arduous

Start off by thinking of ways to raise money which you have all had experience in - except now it's going to need a LOT on a regular basis.

Where there is a will . . . There is a way - Unknown

My two pennath for what it's worth

1. Sell sponsorship initially to B'mth businesses then go further afield
2. Get the Echo interested "Save a Hospital in Malawi"

ANY OTHER PARENTS GOT IDEAS FOR OUR CHILDREN TO DISCUSS ON THE WAY HOME ?

LETS ALL HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MALAWI

Unknown said...

Great idea back to front Stephen. What about asking local NHS Trusts to get involved in sponsoring the hospital? - could be good p.r. for them.
I'm in for anything I can do to help with any schemes you come up with.
Back to my little sunshine, DavidLem - really looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday phone me when you get back to UK so I know what time to pick you up. If you're not too knackered we can go for lunch/coffee and cake.
Your Dad came over today, he had a great time in Cornwall, says he really wound down but after a week back at work...................
Love you millions xxxxxxxx Mom xxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hey guys,
It looks like like your all having an amazing time and I'm loving the pictures! You should all be so proud of yourselves. Actually missing you so much Ellie but I know your having a great time so I'll see you when your back. and hey Mollie missing you and glad to hear that you haven't been eaten by any crocodiles or drowned in the river somewhere but yeah see you all when your back. Love Keely xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Chloe - great to see some amazing photos and to see the smiles on everyone's faces. Glad you have had another brilliant day. Safe travelling. Xxxx

Danielle Carey said...

CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU TUESDAY!!! Missing you like mad Megan!!!! xxxxxxx

Cerys Payne said...

PENNY LAMARA!! Sorry I haven't messages you, I have been SO busy with uni work, but oh my goodness I couldn't tell you how proud I am of my girlies! I honestly can not wait for you to come back and tell me all about it! Reading about what you have completed out in Malawi is incredible, and I hope you have the most amazing time these next couple of days! Lots of love and I shall see you two very soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
P.s It's Cerys by the way, not really sure how this works, so don't know if you would have known who it was lol

Cerys Payne said...

Bex's
Well done you on another successful trip! Oak is proud of you! Cerys is wishing she was there
From team Payne (Deri an Cerys)

All things Irish said...

MADDIE K....Great to read the blogs and see all the photos....I guess this experience will change you for ever. Enjoy uour last days. Will be hard to leave the lovely kids. You've all done a great job. Until the next time? //Des, Sweden xx

Unknown said...

Hi everybody.

Each and every day I have been looking at the blog and you all look like your having a lovely, wonderful time! Chloe, Sammy, Bailey, Olly, Jemma and Ellie the school was so quiet last week without you there. On Thursday and Friday we only had 10/12 people in which about 6 wee stage and screen. I miss you all and hope you all have had the same life changing experience I had!

Lots of love to you all,
Rob Batson

P.s Year 11 people remember we have mocks after half term lol. You need to revise when you get back ����
P.s.s Hope studio people have taken a lot of photos for the display board at school. I am making the title this week.
P.s.s.s See you all after half term

LOVE YOU ALL

Unknown said...

Hi everybody.

Each and every day I have been looking at the blog and you all look like your having a lovely, wonderful time! Chloe, Sammy, Bailey, Olly, Jemma and Ellie the school was so quiet last week without you there. On Thursday and Friday we only had 10/12 people in which about 6 wee stage and screen. I miss you all and hope you all have had the same life changing experience I had!

Lots of love to you all,
Rob Batson

P.s Year 11 people remember we have mocks after half term lol. You need to revise when you get back ����
P.s.s Hope studio people have taken a lot of photos for the display board at school. I am making the title this week.
P.s.s.s See you all after half term

LOVE YOU ALL

Unknown said...

Enjoy the safari today and hope uve taken loads of pics. Have a safe journey home and cant wait to see you tuesday morning xx love you loads mum xx

Unknown said...

Hi Amber
Hope you've all had an amazing time on safari! Time is starting to really drag here and we're missing you soooo much so although you'll be sad to leave the country as your adventure comes to an end, try and picture our faces, we are so looking forward to you coming home! It's less than 48 hours now until you'll be back so we'll be counting in hours now not days!
Enjoy the last of your time, take care babe and we'll see u soon.
Wishing you all a safe and hopefully sleep filled journey back home.
Lots and lots and lots of love Mum, Dad, Courtney and Roxie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

heidi nye said...

Hi Mollie, you all look like you have put lots of smiles on lots of faces,
Miss you as always, Rebecca says hi to you and Beca
Look forward to seeing you Tuesday
Love you mum dad and Rebecca xxxxxxx

heidi nye said...

Hi mollie hope you are having an amazing time . Was out with your mother last night and she was extemely drunk ...just for a change . We all miss you and will see you when you get home. Lots of love auntie sha xxxxxx

heidi nye said...

Hi mollie hope you are having an amazing time . Was out with your mother last night and she was extemely drunk ...just for a change . We all miss you and will see you when you get home. Lots of love auntie sha xxxxxx