We are Back

First, my apologies to those following our trip and awaiting a description of all that we experienced. Since our return we have been quite busy organizing our lives: getting settled into new homes, back to work, and readjusting to the fast paced American lifestyle we "missed" for so long. Personally, before publicly writing, I needed a bit of time to gather my thoughts and contemplate the last 2 months. Let me say, the experience has been enlightening.

Briefly, let me provide a few bullet points that will characterize the experience and which will allow for further elaboration in the coming days and weeks. Photos will come shortly, and video will take a few months to process (10 hours of tape to go through and edit into proper documentary format).

• Malawi has great potential. While at times the difficulties seem to outweigh the possibilities, there is much I see by way of investment opportunities in Malawi. The situation is risky because of political uncertainties, but the present climate is conducive towards investment for those willing to bear the risks. Tourism, one of the greatest industries in Malawi, is still an area that has bearly taken off. The vast resources that can be pulled from the lake from tourism, to trade, to a source of energy, to a means towards preventing drought and famine have yet to be tapped.
• Inequality in Malawi is a large problem that is compounded by ethnic diversity. The majority of blacks in Malawi are poor and landless, while a small minority of different ethnic minorities and/or foreign influences from Asia are rich and own huge amounts of property. These are ingredients towards future ethnic and/or class strife.
• Aids affects virtually every family in Malawi. Everyone knows or has a family member who has been afflicted by this disease. While it remains a public problem, individuals shy away from discussing it openly and prefer denial over admittance. In addition, cultural barriers prevent the facts from being presented.
• Soccer is a huge part of life in Malawi. It is a key aspect towards developing the youth mindset into looking forward with hope rather than despair. We experienced this firsthand while donating balls to the local soccer club SM Galaxy, who in return for the donations, performed community service. This process, if repeated and supported by either government, corporate, or NGO assistance can help develop communities at the local level.
• Soccer can act as a medium for discipline. The past dictator Kamuzu Banda implemented the Young Pioneers to instill discipline, honor, and loyalty into the youth of Malawi during his time in office. Unfortuanately the political environment in 1992, did not allow for the foundation of the Young Pioneers to continue. As Banda was removed from office, so too were the majority of his building blocks that helped sustain discpline and strength in the youth. Soccer has proven though to be just as effective as the Young Pioneers in developing the youth of Malawi. Support towards soccer acts as an incentive for the youth to be involved in their community. If soccer programs are nourished, the youth will be as well.
• Western Filters. I found myself continually judging Malawians with a western perspective. Comparing them to my culture and assuming they were unhappy with their present conditions. This is contrary to what one gathers from speaking with them. Many explained that they are very happy with their lives but admit things could be better with more support or aid.
• Family is important when available. In America we are very independent and from that comes a spirit of initiative. In Malawi, families are relied upon for support and aid when few have the ability to be completely independent due to barriers such as disease, poverty, and lack of economic opportunities. This leads to dependency and a lack of initiative for many. Speaking with women who run a community orphanage, I was taken back to realize they could not tell me a single positive story about one of the orphans. Hoping to hear how the women saw the orphans grow into positive community leaders or supporters, I was told these orphans go nowhere after their primary education due to lack of funds. From the womb, these children have been cursed to bear life's burdens without parents, and then without the means to educate themselves.

These are but a few of the observations which I have. More will be added in the coming days.