Strangers into Friends: A first vist to Malawi for the Dunblane-Likhubula Partnership

On Sunday 12th June after Morning Worship, we set off, surrounded with encouragement and prayers. We travelled with many questions and some uncertainty. We need not have worried.

On arrival at Likhubula we were greeted with tremendous warmth and openness: “You are most, most welcome”, ”be at home”, and “be free”! The entire Steering Committee of the Likhubula Dunblane Partnership had assembled outside the Rev Navaya’s Manse; praise was given for our safe arrival. We were offered water from a jug to wash off the dust of the journey, then a meal was shared.

I felt very welcome in Likhubula, safe, and surrounded by friends who graciously allowed us to share their lives for a time.

Each morning we walked from our little chalet down to Nansato Primary School on a dusty and stony path. We never walked alone – children making their way to school would join us, always seeking out Jonathan. Adults and smaller children waved from the dwellings we passed, exchanging greetings. The same would happen on our half hour walk back up at lunchtime, then again when we returned to Likhubula CCAP for afternoon meetings. For the way home, with darkness threatening to fall suddenly at 5.30p.m., members of the Steering Committee would insist on escorting us up hill, even though it meant they had to return to their homes in full darkness!

These many walks will always stay in my memory as very precious times of sharing a journey : talking in English and trying to learn a little bit of Chichewa, or in companionable silence - often we had to share the dust thrown up by the Coca Cola lorry and some 4 x 4 vehicles thundering past!

Both in the Church and the school, there was an overwhelming sense of welcome and acceptance. I felt fully involved in the life of Nansato Primary School, observing, teaching and marking pupils’ work. Afternoon meetings in Likhubula CCAP might start with a handful of people, but usually ended with the entire building filled! Children came and went, babies were breast fed, while dance and song intermingled with prayers and serious discussions.

I feel very grateful and privileged to have been sent on this meaningful journey by Dunblane Cathedral. As I said in my farewell address at Nansato School: We arrived as strangers and were leaving as friends.

Brigitte Beck-Woerner