Hi everybody!

We are all great, a little tired.  We train all day, go to social events in the evening, and plan the next day's trainings at night.  We have internet, which has been rare around here.  On Thursday we went back for our second day at the Chikondi School.  This training had more of a focus on fun activities that can be done to help the children want to get stronger and work the muscles that don't get used like they should.  Two of the activities included using a parachute (not to jump off of the roof), and a game like hot potato.  It was so fun to watch the parents get just as excited about the games as the kids.  It was so cool to see all of the smiles. 

We had a couple of special visitors today.  A representative of the Malawi MP (Member of Parliament - we are guessing the MP is like a senator in the states) stopped by to see what we were doing and to report back to the MP.  Evidently the actual MP may be visiting us next week.  We also had a journalist from one of the four Malawi newspapers spend the day with us. We were were really surprised to be attracting this kind of attention.  

Just before we left, we were treated to an acrobatic show.  A group of 10 children started out showing some of their Karate moves then went in to building a variety of human pyramids.

Your prayers and financial support made this training the success that it was. We were able to leave balls, mats, braces, parachutes, blankets, and other equipment and supplies that will be able to be used by these children and other children who come to this center.  Before we left, it was announced that two parents will be helping other parents to continue using the skills that were taught over the last two days. They will work together, encourage each other, and help their children in whatever ways they can. It could never have happened without your help. Zikomo-Thank you!

To see a video clip of our time at Chikondi see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsDP8hrI2-o

On Friday, Jan presented a training on evaluating and managing shoulder problems.  This was held at the Cure International Hospital, the largest research physiotherapy hospital south of the sub-Saharan Africa.  There were about 15 PTs, 3 OTs, and about 20 rehab technicians (like a COTA or PTA) from all around Malawi in attendance.  It turned out to be a very good workshop.  Those who completed the class received a certificate that can be used towards their advancement.

We were visiting with several of them about salaries and they said that the pay for a physical therapist is around $300 a month. Compared to the average Malawian salary of $50 a month, it looks pretty good.  As for the cost of living, there are many things that are somewhat inexpensive, however, a trip to the local grocery store revealed that many of the grocery store items really aren't much, if any, cheaper than our prices in the US.

One of Maribeth's friends invited us over to her place for supper, by candlelight since the power was off, and no internet as a result. It was a great meal and very interesting to visit with the other invited guests, some good networking was done.  Malawi people have been so amazingly friendly, and the food has been great whether in homes, restaurants, or at our lodge where we are staying.

Today Kim, Melynda, and Cheri presented a stroke course training at CURE International Hospital.  We were very worried about the training content being pertinent and at the appropriate level for the therapists and rehab techs in attendance.  It went very well, KIm did great with adding in a lot of personal experience.  We met some great therapists, and went over to a fellow Californian's home for cupcakes and tea.  We were hoping to get internet but it wasn't working.  So we went out for great burgers, pizza, and ice cream.  Tomorrow we are looking forward to church and some relaxation. 

Jim has been able to keep his blog updated. You can see it by going to:

http://web.me.com/jhouse/Malawi/Blog/Blog.html

He has a computer and internet access so it tends to get updated more often.  

We miss all of our families, but it is amazing to see God working in so many ways.

Keep praying!

Cheri, Jim, and the Malawi team