Airports…you gotta love ‘em

There is something both magical and maddening about international air travel. On one hand, it is astonishing to think that we can traverse spaces that took our ancestors weeks and sometimes months to cross. On the other hand, it can be frustrating to deal with airports and security and all of the 21st century encumbrances. [...]

Saying Goodbye

I’m not very good at goodbyes. When it comes right down to it, I’m a pretty emotional guy. My students may think I’m a cold, heartless instructor when I don’t care about their excuses, but that’s another matter. Goodbyes are never easy when it involves people and places that you love. In just one short [...]

Safari day, part 2

Going on the safari: Sue has described our walking tour on our Safari and I don’t have much to add in that regard other than that the beautiful landscape was breathtaking. Seeing baboons, warthogs, impalas, waterbucks, and assorted birds simply blew me away. I REALLY wanted to see elephants and Paul, our able guide tried [...]

Before The Safari

Sue and I finished up our odds and ends shooting Thursday afternoon and packed for the Lewande National Park. George dropped us off at the Guest House and he went home to pack an overnight bag. We wanted to chill for a bit and work on the blog and pack for ourselves. I was excited [...]

Safari or Bust, part 1

To awaken in a tent in the jungle in Africa is a remarkable feeling. It is warm and rich with the closeness of the natural sub-Saharan world. By contrast, the last tent experience I had was on the polar ice cap, at the North Pole. This clearly is a bit different. Off in the distance [...]

Time for School: Thursday

Time for school! Thursday morning: After going to dinner with Justice and Irene, we were excited to again visit their home again Thursday morning. I really wanted to follow Joyce to school and see what that was like. It was another early wake up call for Sue and I. No roosters crowing on this day. [...]

Terrie Taylor: Super Doctor!

The one aspect of the documentary on children and malaria and the work of MSU and others in Malawi we still need is an in-depth interview with Dr. Terrie Taylor. We have observed her working in the ward all week, meeting and reviewing cases with colleagues, and mentoring students, but a thoughtful, sit-down discussion of [...]

Two Priests, a Jew, and a Buffet

Wednesday evening: After a few days away from Justice’s family, we were looking forward to another visit. Sue and I decided to take Justice and Irene out for dinner. When we arrived at the church compound, Samuel came running out looking for me (and my camera). I scooped him up and gave him a big [...]

Map of Blantyre, Malawi

Karl Gude mentioned he was looking at our location in Google Earth, so here’s a Google Map of Blantyre, Malawi with a couple of markers where we were.

The Peacock Flies Again

The wonderful news of the day came when Bob and I arrived on the children’s malaria ward. Chikondi is going home today! The little six-year old had been admitted only two days earlier, quite ill and actually unconscious from the disease. His rebound was occasion for rejoicing all round. To add to the delight, Chikondi [...]