Today the team started the day with a meeting at VIP’s (Villages in Partnership) main office. We met the VIP team including a representative for the Country Director, Mr. Mwalabu. We practiced greeting each team member in Chichewa with “Moni. Muli bwanji?” (Hello. How are you), “Ndili bwino, kaya inu?” (I’m fine, and you?), and “Zikomo” (Thank you). 

Next the team headed into the field for the first time after making a quick stop in town to pick up refreshments. We went to Liti Village and met with the Chief and many members of the community. At the meeting the Chief welcomed us to the community, and we told the community about our plans for the next two weeks. In Liti the community suggested a new location for the well, as a well had been drilled near the original location. We look forward to looking at the new location tomorrow to determine if it will be a good location for a well. 

After stopping in Zomba for lunch the team had a second community meeting with Nkagula Village. This meeting was very similar to the meeting in Liti. At both meetings the communities were very excited to hear that we will be drilling in the coming week. The women danced and many kids came to say hi to us. 

We are all looking forward to the next few days!

Tiwonana,

Logan