The Real Africa

Today I arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi, my home for the next eight months.  It is arid, warm, beautiful, covered in red dust, and has trees without leaves but with many beautiful purple, red, and vibrant pink flowers covering the bare branches.  The Malawian people are so friendly and the driving is much like home though on the wrong side (I was a bit worried it would be similar to Ethiopian driving which was an experience in defying death).  I had a city tour with the other volunteers this afternoon after my flight arrived, and have now ridden a mini-bus twice (personal space is a long-lost dream).  I am so excited to finally have made it 

An image of the continent on which I have the great privilege to live.  I found this poem online and searched until I found the author.  These beautiful words were written by Trishula Patel.