Construction has begun!

We have officially been gone for a whole week! It feels like time has been flying by with so much going on and so many different things happening. Over the past weekend we went material shopping! We found so many things needed for the maize mill and were even taken to the rooftop at our machinist's shop that overlooks the market.

We've been so fortunate with finding the things we need to make this project possible and could not have done so without the help of Ruth, our translator and Hampton, our driver. They're probably the most popular people in Malawi because they somehow know every other person we pass and always know exactly where to go!

Sunday we got to enjoy a hike with Daniel up Mount Mulanje to a pool at the base of a waterfall. We were planning on jumping in from a rock, but the guide jumped from a nearby cliff that looked way more appealing!

On the way home we found the best place to play tag and frolic through in all of Malawi. Jen insisted on the frolicking.

Monday was our second day in Kumponda visiting the community, but was the first day we began construction of the maize mill. Most of the day was measuring and cutting wood for the bike stand and assembling the base. Because the stand is symmetric we split the community members into two groups. We got the base completed, making great time with the two groups working simultaneously! 

The community is so eager to help and we could not be more grateful for their enthusiasm! Getting to know the members of the community has been such an amazing experience and we can't wait to continue to construct alongside them for the next two weeks.

Tomorrow, we will head back to Kumponda to continue construction of the bike stand and enjoy lunch with members of the community!

With love and lots of mosquito bites,
Jenn