Lilongwe

We had a long drive from the airport, but as we were in separate cars we couldn't comment to each other about what we saw! We passed the big tobacco factory and other industrial sites. Most of the buildings are single storey. After a quick shower and a snooze we walked along the road towards the shops. We were obviously of interest to passersby, I'm not sure if it was because we were visitors or walking with a pushchair. The only other pushchairs that we saw were in the hotel. Children tend to be carried strapped to their mothers. There are very few pavements, pedestrians walk along the side of the road and it's rough going with regular drainage ditches.

flying

Just 30 minutes into our 24 hour journey I remembered why I don't like flying. A bit of turbulence for a small plane (Manchester to Amsterdam) and I feel really ill. Amsterdam airport revived me, it is an amazing place with baby rooms and children's play area. We happily whiled away 5 hours before our big flight (Amsterdam to Nairobi). This plane was fine despite some really bad turbulence - more roller coaster than flight! The children were great on the plane, our youngest went to sleep the minute we took off - she has always insisted that we be driving at at least 40 mph before sleeping in the car so I shouldn't be surprised! Our eldest watched films until she fell asleep. the doctor slept most of the way and i enjoyed "Marley and Me" in between some naps. The last flight left Nairobi at 8.30 am (local time) and we all slept for the 2 hour flight.

Leaving Lilongwe we needed two taxis to fit all our luggage! The driver thought that he would get it all in but there really wasn't space and no roof rack.

about to go,

This is it. We are poised for take off, spending the night in an airport hotel. Although, by this time tomorrow we still not have left Amsterdam! Our flight leaves at 9 pm and following a 9 hour flight we arrive in Nairobi.

It feels like we are going on holiday, not leaving for 3 years! There is an awful lot of luggage, it filled the boot of an estate car so I have no idea how we are going to manage it and two children across various airports. I am sure that I should be feeling more excitement, or apprehensive but I am just looking forward to a few weeks of no packing or sorting!

missing you

Someone asked me this week what I would miss most, apart from family and friends. I think that it maybe coffee and cake. It's also the cultural activity of going out for coffee.

We had a wonderful meal with friends recently and the conversation was easy and there was lots of laughter because we all knew each other well. That intimacy takes a few years and I will miss that easy chat. And being the same, I can talk to mums at the park because we're the same I can chat to the bloke at the garage because I know what to say, but will that be different? How will the local people view us? I don't want to be seen as a rich westerner who is only going for a few years and can leave when the going gets tough, but that's what I am.

prayer

We are now counting down in days not weeks. At our last Sunday in church friends prayed for us, including a prayer for those we would meet and a reminder that God has gone before us. It reminded me of when as students we would pray for the new first years, before they arrived. I always liked the idea that maybe someone had prayed for me, before I matriculated too. In fact quite a lot of this move is like going to university, except that we will probably be the only new people and late nights will be due to children not parties!

hot

Like most wee people our two children did not enjoy the recent spell of hot weather. They struggled to sleep and toddlers just don't get that you need to slow down when it is hot! This is not very reassuring for moving to Africa. People keep telling me that the children will adapt but I do worry. However the good news is that it's really quite chilly in Blantyre at the moment - about 13 degrees! I am sure that the locals are not appreciating the cold spell but it will be good for us to not struggle with the heat as well as cultural change. It means that we will be able to play outside without worry of heat/sunburn.

We may have to do a bit of shopping before we go as we have sent all our warm clothes in the container, keeping only one jumper each.

friends and boxes

Life is a rather peculiar mix of spending as much time with friends, seeing friends for the last time and packing up the house. The decorators start this week so that the house will be looking its best ready for renting. If you know anyone who would like to rent a delightful 3 bed cottage next door to the village pub please let us know! We would all prefer to be with our friends but there is still an awful lot to do at the house.

a spoonful of sugar

Today is the day that we start our anti-malarial drugs. We all have to take one a week for the next three years. The children have to take 1/4 of a tablet, this is based on their weight so it may increase. Apparently the best way to get kids to take them is in a spoonful of jam, so just like Mary Poppins said "a spoonful of sugar ...".