Kim - last post

Goodbye Malawi

It was really difficult leaving the warm heart of Africa. I didn't imagine I would grow so attached in just 5 weeks. The friend's we've met along the way have made this one of the most memorable experience of my life. Also, extremely commendable, Tanya, Becca, Shohini and I have somehow managed to remain friends even after spending every waking second of 35 days together. Each of us have grown so much from this, and the thing is I'm sure we won't even realize the magnitude this trip has affected our lives until we get back to our daily routines. We arrived May 26/27th with nothing but scholarship money and a proposal, and although many things changed along the way, we left with a Malawian mother and a new home.

I don't know how we said goodbye to all these people who became a part of our lives. Even IC Eggs was touched that for our final breakfast we didn't disappoint and ordered eggs...chips...toast. I will miss Louis and Badal even though we spent the majority of our time makign fun of them. Before we left Peacock we also made sure to wish farewell to our other lifesaver, Suleman; best lodge owner and possible dealer on the black market. But regardless, he helped us immensely; especially with the 1500 kwacha meals :)

Becca left early this morning and then there were 3. Mems was at the "Laising" office and so we got to say goodbye to him. I'm going to miss his child-like smile and why he would turn his head towards Becca in complete confusion whilst driving 120km/hr on the highway. We told the other members of "laising" staff goodbye yesterday. Vicki surprized me the most. She almost began to tear up even though she's only interacted with us twice. Her passion is very admirable and she sent us off as embassadors of the children of Malawi. Dear Rosemary was all smiles as always while giving us her usual double hugs. Goodbye office!

The trip ended how is began...with Lois. Being the loyal mother she is, she told Tanya, Shohini and I to the airport for the last time. She stood ad watched us check in and even came back to help when we had problems with immigration. Leaving her beyond the guarded immigration area is the saddest thing I've had to do in a long time. Mrs. Lois Silo helped shape the first summer of the rest of our lives, without even knowing it. And this is why we've grown to love her, and love Malawi.

XOXO <3