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A blog entry from June 9, 2010

ABC GRADUATION & OTHER ASSORTED

Whew!!!  We have had a VERY busy 2 weeks.  We just returned from another wonderful trip to one of Pastor Tembo's prayer houses.  Connie came this time and when the women saw she was there they went and got buckets of homegrown peanuts, oranges, guavas, bananas, sweet potatoes and a pretty cloth.  They then danced and sang up to her and placed all of them at her feet. It is rather overwhelming the kindness we receive in the village. 

Yesterday, ABC graduated their 16th Class. The Masalimo (Advanced) Band, Chorale and Mingoli performed and did very well.  It was a banner year for guests.  We had the Malawi Deputy Minister of Education, a member of the President's cabinet (Religious Affairs), the former Minister of Justice and several others. 

It is common at events like these for the guest speakers - all of these spoke for 20 minutes or so - to use it as a bully pulpit, even at times critiquing their hosts.  This year was a bit different than former years in that it was all roses!  The Education Deputy began by noting that ABC's graduates are in nearly every sector of Malawian society and have made extraordinary contributions to the country.  His "bullying" came when he said he didn't want to return to speak unless we expanded our classes to over 100!  A rather back-handed compliment J  The cabinet member ended his speech noting he was going to the President to advise him that rather than sending a representative next year, he needs to come himself!

Thursday's Concert Finale for our ensembles was the very best we have ever had. The Choir made great strides this year in particular due largely to what their director (me) and they learned under Jessica Robson's one day of instruction last year.  Remember, Jessica is the one coming to direct the vocal part of our music program beginning this fall.  My "training" jazz ensemble ended up being one of the stars of the program.  It is made up of only freshmen and they were quite amazing in how far they have come.  There were probably over 300 people in and around the chapel...which only holds a little over 200. 

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