Short Timers
OK, we admit it. We have been slacking off lately. Hiding out. Perfecting avoidance.
Truth is, we are suffering from short-timer syndrome. Our flight home leaves Malawi in 10 weeks and counting.
“Who is going to replace you?”
This is our most FAQ (frequently asked question). Our unflinchingly confident reply is: “The Malawian staff.” It is both humbling and comforting to know that the Mzuzu Crisis Nursery is prepared to do quite well without us, thank you very much.
Who are these faithful Malawian professionals?
Augustine Harawa has been the Administrative Assistant and financial secretary almost since the founding of the Nursery in 2006. He has a Advanced Certificate in Business Management from Mzuzu University. More importantly, his honesty and integrity are above reproach. In fact he keeps us honest when we submit a voucher for reimbursement. His motto is: “No receipt, no reimbursement.” Augustine married lovely Tawonga on December 26, 2009 and their daughter Olivia Sandra arrived on November 28, 2010. He is a true gentle-man who speaks softly and carries a big smile. We sometimes refer to him as St. Augustine.
Joyce Nyasulu became our Nurse in February, 2010. Joyce came to us with many years of experience working for other NGOs (non-governmental organizations). She obtained a BSc degree in nursing from Howard University in Washington, D.C. as well as numerous diplomas and certifications in Malawi, including nurse-midwife. Her husband, Johanne teaches in the Physics Department at Mzuzu University and they have 4 grown children. We hope that she will be willing to function as Nurser/Director for the Nursery.
The plan is to create a local “oversight committee” so that Joyce and Augustine will have a supportive structure right here in Mzuzu. This group will likely consist of 3 Malawians and 2 Ex-pats. Part of the plan is to create a separate Mzuzu Crisis Nursery account in the States to facilitate direct donations. All this should become more clear in the months ahead. We'll keep you posted.
In the meantime, we try to stay focused. Above all we try to enjoy and give thanks for this privilege of living and working in Africa on behalf of God's most vulnerable little ones.
Truth is, we are suffering from short-timer syndrome. Our flight home leaves Malawi in 10 weeks and counting.
“Who is going to replace you?”
This is our most FAQ (frequently asked question). Our unflinchingly confident reply is: “The Malawian staff.” It is both humbling and comforting to know that the Mzuzu Crisis Nursery is prepared to do quite well without us, thank you very much.
Who are these faithful Malawian professionals?
Joyce Nyasulu became our Nurse in February, 2010. Joyce came to us with many years of experience working for other NGOs (non-governmental organizations). She obtained a BSc degree in nursing from Howard University in Washington, D.C. as well as numerous diplomas and certifications in Malawi, including nurse-midwife. Her husband, Johanne teaches in the Physics Department at Mzuzu University and they have 4 grown children. We hope that she will be willing to function as Nurser/Director for the Nursery. The plan is to create a local “oversight committee” so that Joyce and Augustine will have a supportive structure right here in Mzuzu. This group will likely consist of 3 Malawians and 2 Ex-pats. Part of the plan is to create a separate Mzuzu Crisis Nursery account in the States to facilitate direct donations. All this should become more clear in the months ahead. We'll keep you posted.
In the meantime, we try to stay focused. Above all we try to enjoy and give thanks for this privilege of living and working in Africa on behalf of God's most vulnerable little ones.
posted by Paul and Darlene Heller at 1:20 PM
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