Part of the work here is to help get the PP office in Malawi running efficiently.

I get back to the office after a shopping trip, and there are about 7 other Malawians in the office. People associated with PP in some capacity, a girl who is home sick from school and a carpenter. I am typing up a project proposal and just look up now and then watching the discussion. I have no idea what they are saying as they are speaking in Chichewa.

After a while, Mara (the one who runs the office), looks at me and says…..Christine….we need to to go look at a bookshelf that they found - it was $340 . We need you to tell us whether or not to buy it. I was laughing in my head wondering what do I know about any bookshelf?! And what I am I supposed to say…yes…this bookshelf you picked out looks great??!

So we go, Mike, Frazier and I and I am shocked with how shotty these bookshelves are. After sitting in on the board meeting last week and realizing how tight money is, I was thinking "no way". This could put a kid through school for the year. I had them take me to many other stores, a random carpenter on the street…..

I ask Mike if he knows any friend or someone outside of the city we can commission to do this. After a while, he remembers a coffin maker who has skills. We drive out to an Area, and they think it is best if I talk to him. The quality would be better for a white person. We find the guy in a bar and I have to ask him to come out to do business. I tell him the measurements, the price we are willing to pay, measurements, and I go through all the wood selecting the quality we want. He said he will do it for $80!!!

All I kept thinking was how funny this all is. I never know what I am getting into and have had to become an "expert" on so many random things. I think that is what I like best about being in this role. I am learning so much about random things. Two days ago I was talking agricultural practices on how to have a better corn harvest and today I am in a coffin shop wheeling and dealing with the quality of wood. Just another day here…..