We drove from Lilongwe to Blantyre today and the countryside was especially lush after heavy rains. Malawi is full of life, people everywhere–walking, riding or pushing bikes loaded with firewood for cooking, selling mangos along the side of the road, tending goats, farming. Nearly 90% of the population practices subsistence farming so the landscape includes a patchwork of small corn fields. Regardless of slope or soil conditions, the people make it work. Corn flour is used to make a staple dish called nsima, which I had my first helping of for dinner–grits, basically.

Yesterday we gave our first workshop in Malawi to a group of about 20 musicians. We were told that people would be reserved, but found them to be extremely open and enthusiastic. We played and talked a bit about what we’re doing and then they sang and played one of their songs. Their music was beautiful and the expression on their faces as they performed was pure joy. Even when we played I would look up and see these huge, unreserved smiles and begin smiling myself.

Resources are scarce here. We brought some guitar and bass strings and drum sticks, etc., but I wish we could have brought more. Much thanks to all the musicians back in Chi and Detroit who contributed.

This is getting long so I won’t go into detail about last night’s concert at the Ambassador’s residence, but it was a blast and I’m psyched to be playing with these fantastic musicians for the next month!

Peace and joy,
Michael

ps. pictures coming when we get to faster internet…