Several hundred people attended the ground breaking ceremony for Asamala (God Cares) Orphanage in the village of Mizanje about 8 miles north of Blantyre, Malawi. The head chief, the headsman, a member of the Agriculture department and other important tribal leaders were also in attendance. The women greeted me with singing a song of welcome and traditional tribal dances.
We took a walk to see the irrigation farm where the widows have planted corn and greens. The government dug 2 wells for them. The donations I brought with me will be paying for a pump to help in irrigating the crops, more seeds and fertilizer, the rest of the lease payment and the creation of a logo for the orphanage.
Speeches were made, a cornerstone put in the ground and gifts of food (rice, salt, sugar, soap, snacks) were given to the poorest orphans. The giving of candy to the children almost caused a riot.
The next phase will include more seeds and fertilizer, buying animals (chickens, goats, pigs), 2 more pumps and shoes for the children. We also hope to start building a house for the widows and orphans.