The Speech

My sisters and brothers,
In the past few weeks we have noticed that Malawian women clearly have super human powers. The evidence being that they have night vision, hands-of-steel able to pick up scalding hot pots, the ability to make dishes shine with dirt, ash and a splash of water. They are able to carry an entire tree’s worth of lumber on their head. They have homing devices to know where all my friends are at any given moment. They are able to cook a delicious four-course meal over one fire, when in the states we can barely cook a meal over four burners. And at the end of the day they still have the energy to laugh and love.
As for Malawian men, I have never seen such resilient farmers. Whether they are planting the seeds of the crops that will feed their families and the nation, or whether they are the teachers fertilizing and watering the minds of their students, or whether they are the preachers and doctors tending to the souls and bodies of the people, or whether they are the chiefs and government harvesting and planning on how next season can be even greater, the men of Malawi are thriving on hope, vision and ingenuity to consistently evolve the republic of Malawi into a safe and strong country.
The three goals of Peace Corps are:
1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.
The people of Malawi have taught us the meaning of peace. You have ignited us for the work and adventures ahead of us. We will carry you with us as constant reminders of peace, for the next two years in the Warm Heart of Africa and for the rest of our lives wherever our paths may lead.
You have kept us safe, our bellies full, you have taught us so much, you have kept us clean and most of all you have touched our hearts. With all the languages in Malawi and all the languages in the world we could never express how much we appreciate you.
In the states, our families were limited to our households, but now that we have been to Malawi we know that you are all our brothers and sisters, and here we are family.
On behalf of my fellow Peace Corps trainees, the Peace Corps staff, the United States and peace seekers around the world we thank you.
Zikomo Kwambili. Ndagha ndagha.