Graduation!

We ended the training on a super high note! Our closing service had lots of singing and dancing and was fun for everyone. They loved the aprons that the women from Washington had so lovingly prepared for them. Our one man, Browne, was pleased that extra fabric had been sent for him to have a shirt made to match. The bracelet kits sent from the California women's retreat were lovingly made and the product proudly worn. They all proudly wore the HealthEd Connect shirts that we had given them the night before. They especially loved the shirts because they're not use to the cool nights by the Lake and they helped keep them warm.

Jac gave a short talk telling them about his first visit to Malawi before the church was established. They now have 61 congregations! A good little history lesson for them. They had written and sang a little song about me and my first training session with them in Malawi. They were all excited to receive the all important signed certificate saying they "graduated" from the training.

Our first activity together at the beginning of the week was to hang a large cloth with a picture of a baobob tree. There's a traditional African story that when people have a problem or want to plan together they gather under the baobob tree for discussions. Each of us taped a small colorful ball to the tree to signify our week of discussion together. As we ended our service the women sang and danced in a line while each one went to the tree and took her circle off to take home with her. They are now planting the fruit from our discussions.