We finished off our last SACCO visit today in Rumpi, we are now referred to as "Madame Hide" and "Mr. Garth" over here, hahahaha. We worked hard to give them our best suggestions ....they were very appreciative and especially liked the Canadian pins that we handed out before we left! I was really proud with the info we were able to come up with in such a short period of time.
This SACCO, Phindu Community has faced some real hardships in the last few years......the majority of their members are farmers with tobacco crops...years ago they were very profitable but now with the price and demand for tobacco way down it has drastically affected them. But the board is so committed to this community and this SACCO....so much so they that have elected to give up all of their director's pay except for out of pocket expenses until they are more profitable, now that's what I call passion and commitment!
As we were driving back to Muzuzu...it kind of hit me.....that was the last credit union I will be working with here in Africa.....I most likely will never return to this beautiful country and experience these amazing people....I started to get a little teary about it......
I have so loved my time here, and in Ghana last year, it is so humbling and fulfilling all at the same time....
I sent my boys a text back home to let them know I was finished my "official" work over here, and I received the following back from my 11 year old son.....he said "I love u and know u probably helped lots of people with this so u should be proud of yourself"
Oh boy! Then the tears came.....
I am just so grateful to so many people who have made this life long dream of mine a reality....and thanks to all of you for coming along for the ride!
More travel tomorrow as it's back to Lillongwe to reunite with the rest of our Malawi CCA team.
Madame Hide in Muzuzu :)
Your son is right you should be so proud of what you have done. Having seen first hand what you are capable of, you are the role model CCA should be looking for when recruiting. Hope you found the one 'ting' to leave behind in Malawi.
ReplyDeleteWow! Where has the time gone? The Hood has been following your blog religiously and have had a few tears (Jason & Elenore) and laughs! Needless to say we are very proud of you and look forward to the stories when you get home.
ReplyDeleteAt our meeting this morning we read our Chinese Horoscopes and guess what..... You're a MONKEY!!! Who knew! ;-)
Miss you and look forward to hearing about the rest of your adventures!
Elenore, Lois, Jason, Karl & Tess (The Hood)
I'm so in trouble when you come back to tell your stories .. i'm already teary eyed :) You are a inspiration Heidi with your awesome attitude going into this and for looking at everything with such open eyes. I look forward to each and every post because your so great at getting to the heart of things. We're all proud of you and never say never. I see you going back there again.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Heidi - sounds like you have had a great impact over there and your son is right - you should be proud of what you have done.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
ReplyDeleteOkay so I think you should dabble in writing on the side as all your posts have been so wonderful and I feel like I'm right beside you, tears and all. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with all of us. And what an amazing lesson you are sharing with your kids - follow your dreams, have an adventure, make an impact and gather memories and friendships that you will have for a lifetime.