Monire mose, today was our first full day and we all loved every second of it! We woke up very early to the school boys singing songs which we found really cool. Our first activity was getting a tour of St Patricks school in which we were welcomed by the boys singing a song to weocome us to the school. We then met all the boys, got a buddy, many new friends, and our buddy showed us the school while telling us all about it. The school is so different to St Benedicts but it was super interesting to see how different their curricular is to ours back in Scotland. Our second adventure was visiting the primary school RU2. This was 100% the highlight of the day as we were so welcomed by all the children and they ran up to us like we were celebrities shouting “Masungu!” which means “White people!” They then all swarmed us, asking for high fives and hugs which we all loved and had so much fun laughing with them. This made us super excited for when we return on Friday. After this we visited St Magdalena’s which is a much smaller school for children with disabilities. This was a very wholesome activity as we were able to bond and talk to even more people. They sang us one of their songs and we were able to give them some sweets and balloons.

The travel days were long as we had to get three planes and a very long eight hour car journey to get to St Patrick’s. The travel consisted of going from Glasgow to London then to Ethiopia and then to Lilongwe and then a car journey to the school. On the way to Rumphi the scenes were amazing and the amazing sunset made it so beautiful. We see how the people in Africa live and saw many goats and chickens on the roads. We stopped at Kasungu for a quick drink and break and got back on to the roads as it was getting late and the sun had set. We were all snuggled up in the back of the cars trying to get some sleep. As we came closer to arriving everyone became so excited as it was now worth the travel and the stoppages.

When we arrived at st Patrick’s we had such a warm welcome with everyone being so kind and helping us with our cases and introducing us to the area. We were served a lovely meal and were sitting having a good chat. At that point it was around 11:30 pm and we were all so tired from travelling as it was so far. The hospitality has been so good and our bedroom has been well prepared before our arrival.

We all tried a cherry plum soda and it was very yummy. It was nothing like we have in Scotland so I liked it as it as a bit different. We found out great facts from Father Edmond and at some point of the drive we were on the border between Malawi and Zambia as they lay on different sides on the road. Also during the car ride I saw many people walking and cycling on the edge of the road and we also saw people selling mice which i would turn down if offered.

We then came across a huge lorry on its side as it was in a car crash and we had to dodge it as we went by. The food being served so us is very nice with some of the traditional Malawian meals and then also some Scottish staples like chips and sausages but there is also rice porridge and nsima. We have been served dinner and breakfast where they have prepared so much to ensure we have plenty of choice.

The travel days were rough but as we done it all together it brought us closer for the week ahead. We are so happy to be having this opportunity and we are so grateful for the service provided for us.

By

Fallon McElhinney

All the final preparations are underway to get ready for our epic adventure which begins on 8th June.

Good luck to Ben, Chantelle, Emily, Erin, Fallon, Kieran, Lilian, Marley & Olive! Also to the staff Miss McFadden, Ms MacNeil & Fr Andrew.

Please check in each day of the trip to learn about our adventures.