Dear one and all,

Warm greetings from Madagascar. It’s hard to believe that six weeks have past since I left sunny Ireland, yes, I say Ireland, to explain that Northern Ireland is a different country is a losing battle! It’s great to be here and a privilege to see God at work. They say, “home is where your heart is” and as I get to know the Malagasy people more and more I realise that my heart is right here.

JOUNREY

My journey between Belfast and Antananarivo was an unforgettable experience for all the wrong reasons but without fail God supplied my every need. I arrived safely minus a bag or two but that was a minor detail! I was met at the airport by a Dutch lady named Gerla who brought me back to her home. As we drove through the crowed and bumpy streets I was overwhelmed, my only thought being “Lord this place is a dump” and I quickly learned that it quite literally was, perhaps explaining why there are so many rats about! I spent my first weekend with Gerla who made me feel at home, especially on the evening she concocted a wonderful beef stew. I was highly amused that before I could sort out my paper work I first had to register my signature followed by giving my fingerprints, I felt like I was a most wanted criminal! I was quickly acquainted with the local market, post office and “taxi brousse” stations…all the essentials for life in Madagascar!

Rice fields near where I live

MOVING HOUSE

…freedom At the start of September I moved into the volunteer house where two other girls were already living, Cheryl an American (29) and Gina a Korean (34). American, Korean and Irish makes for an interesting mix, especially in the kitchen! We all get along extremely well and enjoy one another’s company in the very dark evenings. The area we live is relatively safe although we have been strongly advised and will be soon getting a guard because we are quite isolated. The township I live in is called Ambohinambo. There has been a little unrest in the area recently so we along with the locals have been advised to carry a whistle at all times so we can raise the alarm if we sense danger. As I’m sure many of you heard we had a light rodent problem which thankfully nolonger exists! The ants still reign in our kitchen and the screams at seeing cockroaches are never far away but this is Africa and I can be thankful that I have a house to share God’s creatures with!

Me, Ok Sun and Cheryl

Marlene, Me and Gina 

ON THE STREET

Life on the street is very different from what I’m used to. Travelling by “taxi brousse” is an experience in itself. During the busy times it can by quite a squeeze and last weekend in the brousse I was travelling in I counted forty four of us…there were only twenty two seats in the busse altogether-a sight to behold and a safety hazard! I have resorted to using my umbrella as a sun shade as I walk in the afternoons because it can be extremely hot. It’s quite normal to see the Malagasy women, who can afford an umbrella, do so but I still feel a bit odd! Travelling by taxi is also interesting as it usually involves a detour in the opposite direction to the petrol station. I walk to and from work most days and get some interesting comments, my favourite so far being “You are beautiful” but the most common one being “I love you”. As a sign of affection the young men like to hiss at females which is taking a little bit of getting used to but when I give a sharp reply in Malagasy it takes them by surprise and gives their friends a good laugh!

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