Work and Play: What I’ll be Doing and the Portal to America

Moni!

Work: I thought I would post a quick update before heading back to the village this afternoon and just explain some of my project ideas and what I’ll be working on so you all can know what it is I’m actually doing here besides watching movies and having dance parties!

Project Ideas:
1. Nets for Tests – I want to start a mosquito net exchange program where we’d give out a free net for every HIV test. I am currently working on writing a grant proposal for funding for this project and hope to have the ball rolling as soon a possible.
2. Moringa Tree – I want to start a Moringa tree nursery at my health center and have permission already from my supervisor to use whatever land I choose around the center. I am also working on a grant proposal for funding this project as well as visit a fellow volunteer to check out his current successful Moringa tree project. For information on this “miracle” tree visit: www.treesforlife.org
3. Youth Club – I want to start a youth club in my village, because the secondary school (high school equivalent) is 5 km away so many youth do not attend school, and there are many many teenage girls still in primary school (grades 1-8) and the teachers are not allowed to discuss condoms or sex education whatsoever. The kids in my area need a well-informed, safe, friendly and fun environment to learn about life skills, HIV/AIDS and sexual health. I am visiting a fellow volunteer who lives near me and is working with the Youth Center in his area, so that I can find out what resources are available through them, how to get started, and what activities we can do to keep youth interested.
4. Demonstrations – I am starting and will continue to do various health demonstrations at Under 5 Clinics on Tuesdays at my health center. Recently we will be doing water treatment and net hanging demos since it’s rainy season and water borne illnesses and mosquitoes are a huge issue.

That is about it for my ideas, but it’s a lot for now and I have lots of work to do. It feels good to have some direction finally and actually start working.

If any one is willing, some other funding options include opening a funding program through family and friends back home, but its important to know you have people states-side willing to donate before even trying to apply, so please let me know if you’d be interested at all in helping to fund any of my projects either in the near future or any time. I am not sure if I’ll ever choose to do this option, but in case I cannot get funding elsewhere I may look into it. Thanks!

 

Play: I have recently discovered a portal to America here in Malawi!

This weekend I took a trip down to Blantyre where there is a small movie theater to see the new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. I went with a couple friends who were willing to be dragged to such a silly event and we all had a magical American experience.

The theater, although small, had popcorn and candy for sale and nice theater seating and real good-sized wide movie screen, AND previews! I definitely had a moment, eating popcorn, sitting in air-conditioning in a real theater about to see the new Harry Potter that I really felt like I could have busted into tears, lol. It was surreal to say the least. And when we exited the theater and hopped on a minibus back to our lodge, reality of still being in Africa slapped us all awake. We are all in agreement, however, that we really were transported back to America for that 2 and a half hours.

Here are some pictures!

Out in the theater hall before the movie, I was pumped!

And if you thought being in Malawi would stop me from “dressing up” for a Harry Potter movie, you were SO wrong! This is my HP 7 shirt from when the book came out.

My friend Daniel, munching on popcorn. Check out the seats! It was legit.

Me and my friend Mary, also enjoying popcorn and getting excited for the movie to start!

Needless to say the entire experience was incredible and the movie was AMAZING. I can’t wait for part 2!! But I think I love Harry Potter too much and am biased. lol

It’s been a whole week filled with Harry Potter, since I also forced my neighbors through a 1 – 6 Harry Potter movie marathon prior to going to see the new one. It was fun and interesting to see how they responded and reacted to all the magic and stuff. George even asked me at one point, “Ashley? Is magic similar to physics?” Me, “Uh… Yes… kinda…” hahahaha. I love my neighbors.

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So now I’m finishing up a few things in the office before heading out to find a ride back to my village. Hopefully the next time I post I’ll have more progress to report regarding my projects.

I miss and love you all!

Tiwonana!