May 14, 2004

Dear All,

Greetings and welcome to another day in the life of the Nagys of Malawi. We have just had our first session of home Sunday school which now involves three families, eight children, and two and a half languages (English, Dutch and Afrikaans). Our 8-year-old English/Afrikaans translator seemed a bit daunted by the story of doubting Thomas, but eventually everyone understood well enough for us to have a play using the story. Later everyone made scripture verse “scrolls” using the inside tubes from 16 rolls of toilet paper, some recycled communion liturgy papers, and dental floss to hold them all together. (When the man who makes string from local plants came to my door earlier this week I couldn’t imagine why I would need to buy more.) This illustrates the importance of preplanning your Sunday school activities: you wouldn’t believe how hard it is to tie bows in dental floss. Then again, it gives your scrolls that pleasant, minty essence.

The sermon at church, which preceeded Sunday school, once again dealt with the upcoming presidential election. As I wondered why this topic has been so persistently dealt with by pastors all over Malawi, I realized, not unlike the days of the American Revolution, that many of the best-educated and civic-minded people in Malawi today are pastors. Many others don’t have such opportunities, experiences, or commitment to justice. School has been canceled for election day, partly in view of possible civil unrest, but not to be undone, the election board has postponed elections to May 25—something about the 1.7 million extra ballots the current administration had printed up, and concerns over voting fraud.) It is both sobering and hopeful to be in a situation where the church has so much invested in an election, and I would again ask that you would pray with the Christians of Malawi for a safe and fair election and a just president for their country. Perhaps they will pray for us in November.

The hospital continues to be full to overflowing, especially the pediatrics ward, which is now out of IV catheters and several basic medicines. The M&M’s (malaria and meningitis) continue to wreak their havoc amongst the children here with many unnecessary deaths. The PC(USA)’s ministry of bednets to combat malaria will receive a significant boost, as the nets which previously had to be redipped in insecticide every six months can now be treated with an insecticide that will last indefinitely. So I have a mantra for making rounds on pediatrics: How is your child doing today, can he eat, is he still febrile, does he have a bed net, are you using it, has he had all his vaccinations? It is tragic to treat a child for a life-threatening illness like malaria only to have the child go home and suffer the same illness, sometimes within weeks, or perhaps acquire an illness like measles for lack of a vaccination that costs less than your morning coffee. The main obstacles are not financial, however. Vaccinations are free in Malawi and bednets cost about 40 cents because they are subsidized by groups such as PC(USA). It is still a matter of convincing people of their importance. Many people in Malawi believe that if you fall ill or suffer misfortune it is because someone has cast a spell on you or you haven’t properly honored your ancestors. I have started carrying pictures of Melia and Anna to the hospital and telling families “These two sleep under bednets, these two have had their vaccinations.” I’m not sure it will work, but I have observed that children have a huge impact just by their presence and sometimes can bypass obstacles limiting adults. Insignificant as I feel I am, our presence here seems to mean much more to people than anything I can say, holding and caring for their children, rejoicing when they are well and grieving with them when they suffer.

Thanks to all for praying for us and remembering us, we really feel your love and prayers on a daily basis. We got several letters and packages this week after getting nothing at all for a month—not sure what happened. We have learned to make tortilla chips, an ice cream equivalent, cottage cheese, and egg noodles, the latter made fabulous chicken noodle soup. I missed two days of work at the hospital last week because there was no one to drive the children to school, so we would still appreciate your prayers in the school transportation department.

Love to all, we miss you!

Barbara, Melia and Anna