Seeing our good friends at Chisomo!

Today was a great day. Jane rode her first minibus which is always an adventure. We got to Chisomo group early and were able to just catch up with the members before starting the meeting.  They look great with their knitting machine, so far 3 members have learned and will start teaching the others. We bought a bunch of swatches and items that they could make. While we were there 2 school girls stop by to look at some items that were made. 

Chisomo group has been making amazing things on the machines including these school jumpers: 

I love everything that they have made I'm requesting 2 custom sweaters for myself!  The members love the items I brought as sample items and I can't wait to see them produced.

Jane was great by interviewing different group members and the impact we've had on their lives. I think she loved hearing the stories. 

I'm happy to report that Olive, a 18 month old of 2 group members, is still HIV negative. Everyone is doing well and they are increasing in numbers of people joining the group. While it is sad that more people are contracting HIV they seem to really enjoy being part of a group and having people they can talk to about their status. 

I love working with them because it is so invigorating! There is still so much to be done!

Day of Preparation

Today was a nice relaxing day. Jane and I ventured out for grocery supplies and knitting needles. It was really nice to get out and see the different changes in the city since my last visit and show Jane some awesome sights. We walked towards the large Mosque where you can hear the calls to prayer. We also saw the vegetable market and the river. I think right now Jane is still in awe of everything because it is so new and different. It is wonderful to see everything through fresh eyes again. 

I have also started looking for Malawi Soccer jerseys for a couple friends back home and it is suprisingly difficult. Many people with soccer jerseys had them for other countries, I was hoping there would be more Malawian pride. 

Tomorrow we are meeting with one of our first groups, the Chisomo group. We will have a bunch of pictures of them with the knitting machine and so of the products they made with it. I'm looking forward to hearing about them selling the items and speaking more with students about HIV/AIDS.

I'm also working on knitting a bunch o new swatches from inspirations I saw at Stitches South about a week ago. 

So far the trip has been great!!