Two Worlds in One

Today, our group participated as "guests of honor" at a fundraiser for the Zomba police. Nine police officers have lost their lives in traffic accidents this year, leaving behind widows and orphans. The children are hungry. They have no clothes, and they have no fees for school. They are struggling. The fundraiser was organized to help these widows and orphans. Television cameras, newspapers, and many dignitaries were there to support the cause. The theme of the fundraiser was a most creative one. They did a mock traditional wedding. There was a bride and groom, and wedding attendants. In Malawi, the people throw money up in the air for the bride and groom. At this event, people tossed money in the air in order to dance to songs, which played the entire time. There were special dances at times, and speeches as well. At one point, one of the dancers selected me, from my chair, to come up and dance. I didn't see that coming, but went with it. That dance raised a lot of money for the orphans, and I'm sure gave the locals a good laugh as well! Our RU and VT students were, once again, amazing today! They taught the children there how to do the Hokie Pokey and they danced for literally over an hour (maybe two) until the official festivities began. This group is flexible, and they cease every opportunity to experience Malawian culture. It has been a joy to be with them. One part of the afternoon was heart wrenching. The girls and I were asked to give small bits of apples, bananas and bread to the children who were there. There clearly wasn't enough food for all of them -- there were SO many. I thought about how stressed Jesus' disciples must have felt with the loaves and fish, and I silently prayed for a miracle. When we started handing out the food, the children rushed toward us, pushing one another. All of their hands were up in the air, begging to receive some of the food. It tore our hearts apart to see such desperation. Children were crying because they didn't receive any. There just wasn't enough. It broke our hearts. The girls and I talked and debriefed at dinner this evening, and we discussed that the scene with the children and the food illustrated the harsh reality of the hardship and struggle people have here. We also discussed this evening that all at the same time, we were experiencing two worlds in one setting -- the needy and the wealthy of Malawi in one space -- and it was difficult to process. The wealthy were doing a good thing to raise awareness and support, and the folks in attendance were clearly dedicated to helping the widows and children of fallen officers. The Commissioner of the Police was very pleased that we took time out of our schedule to help with the event. We hope that our being there helped in some small way.