It has already become a tradition that in the months of June-July we welcome friends , old and new, from Scotland. Most of them are students accompanied by some of their teachers. We have seen them grow in age and knowledge now that some of them are university students in their first second or third year. This shows the power of education and practical reaching out at an early age.
I am always so astonished to see these young people coming to Malawi with the only aim to give a helping hand, to share what God has given them with their friends here, to offer dignity, respect and love to prisoners. No tourist visits, on their programme, only schools, disabled children camp, visits to prisons. And they take all this very seriously!! They are fundraising the whole year to be able to help the most vulnerable people in Malawi.
And that very boys and girls love an elderly sister is also very surprising! They are so kind to me and joyfully helping in whatever they can to relieve the suffering of sick prisoners, young offenders, women and children.
On July 1st , the whole group from St. Margaret’s High came to our headquarters within St.Pius X Parish’s premises. We are so happy and honoured to welcome our visitors. And after lunch they ask me to sit and they come with their contributions for different projects. Sophie and Zoe handed over the money for a nursery school, Aoife, Rebecca, Rachel, Melissa, Victoria, Natalie had the money for the orphanage play park. They also gave a big contribution towards a lawyer’s course for one of our staff, Martin Banda. And then more help bail applications etc.
How could I forget the shopping in a wholesale shop with Lauren, Daniel, Carly and Rebecca? There they were, counting hundreds of thousands of kwacha and adding more items. It was indeed touching for me!!! With them we visited Mulanje prison to handout 250 blankets and special food items for prisoners whose health had deteriorated to the point that they could hardly stand and walk. About two hundred of severely emaciated young men, with just a few rags on their bodies, in spite of the cold season, and no blanket for the night.
On Sunday afternoon of July 3rd my car was fully packed with blankets, sugar, dry fish, soap and all the clothes the young people could get from their friends. It took time before we could literally squeeze in Daniel, Carly, Rebecca and Lauren. Our distribution went on very smoothly and the emaciated prisoners could hardly believe that they were holding a full packet of sugar of one kg. I usually give half. They were delighted to receive anew blanket from the hands of lovely girls. Some were literally falling on their knees to show their gratitude.
Also the visit to Zomba Maximum Security Prison was a very memorable time. The inmates on death row recognized them and were so happy to see these young people back to visit them. Our youth are really able to do great things!!!
I had mentioned my 50th anniversary of consecration to God in one of my e-mails long before June and when Lauren came to spend some days with us she had a lovely wrist watch and a beautiful card for me for my golden jubilee.
When you mention golden jubilee you come to think of elderly people, of a long past, but gold reminds us also of brightness, of preciousness, of mature wheat field ready to reap. Well I feel all this is true and present in my life. I am elderly by birth date, but I feel young and still have dreams and hopes for the future. God’s merciful love has accompanied me during these long fifty years and has made my life precious and has brightened my days. He has given me much more than I could even think of and I joyfully give thanks and praise to Him.