I can’t place my finger on exactly when it happened, but sometime in the last week we kicked into full on prep mode. I was hoping to have 10 more days or so until the insanity hit, but ready or not, it’s planning time!
I’m pleased to report that we had a very productive week. Two of three rooms were repainted white (thanks Auntie Jenna), excess items found new homes at our yard sale and the moving surveyors came to plan our move.
I also did Skype interviews for household help this week and managed to hire a gardener/driver! This was quite an interesting process because not only is the internet slow as molasses in Malawi, but it was the first time using Skype for the interviewees, so they were quite shy. Or maybe it was just the prospect of interviewing that made them shy. Whatever it was, it was super awkward.
We’ve also completed 2 out of 3 rounds of vaccines. Nia was a champ. Mostly I think it’s because I told her she can’t come to Africa if she doesn’t get her shots. Oh, and she also wants the sticker and lollipop.  :)
I mentioned in a recent blog post how complicated the car situation is. We are still planning to import a right-hand drive vehicle from Japan and have it driven to us from Tanzania’s port. Nick is just starting the online shopping process right now and since it comes by boat, it likely won’t be there until mid-to-late fall. Since we need a car before then, we made the decision to purchase a second car from someone leaving post. This second car will be our ‘city’ car and the Japan one will be the more rugged vehicle for safariing and rough road trips. It’s so strange to make large purchases without seeing the item. Just one of the many situations in the foreign service where we make the best decision we can with imperfect information and hope for the best.
In other news: Nia has successfully been enrolled in preschool for her first year in Lilongwe! I submitted our grossly incomplete application (missing address, contact numbers, emergency contacts) and with our sponsor’s help we managed to get the deposit made as well. Check that off the list!
Next week’s focus is wrapping up my work with Lake Area Discovery Center. I’m really going to miss working for the family biz, but feel the desire to start something new in Malawi. I’m leaning toward full-time work in an organization. Maybe the Embassy, an International School or an NGO. We’ll see what catches my eye first.
That’s all for now folks. Thanks for following our adventures!
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